That’s Amore

Love at first bite! We are hi-desert residents, but over the years, we've gotten less enthusiastic about trying new restaurants in our area because they often disappoint. As a result, it took us until today to try That's Amore for dinner. When we first walked in, we were pleased to see the old Yokozuna restaurant space completely and tastefully redecorated. We walked in just after 5 p.m. so it took a moment for the staff to notice us, but that was understandable - with the summer heat still hitting 100 degrees or so, the fans in the kitchen were going full blast. Our host and waiter was excellent, making us feel welcome and bringing us house baked rolls, hot and delicious, to get us started off. He explained the owner and chef, one of two brothers who run the restaurant, is from Genoa, Italy, and he knowledgeably discussed the menu for the evening (menus change, and the menu we were presented doesn't resemble the menu on the restaurant's website much). We started with a salad, which was a perfect blend of fresh, crisp greens, cheeses, tomato, and olives that took the requisite house salad to a new level. My wife ordered the eggplant parmigiana, and I decided to try the lasagna. I love a well prepared lasagna (not that Costco frozen stuff that people dish up at parties), and have eaten it at Italian restaurants from New York to Rome, New Jersey to Florence. As we waited for our entrees, other couples began to come into the restaurant. Our entrees arrived and were delicious. My lasagna was, quite literally, the best I've ever eaten - in Italy, on the East Coast - anywhere. I've had some that's come close and was quite good, but this was cheesy perfection. My wife was equally enthused about her eggplant parmigiana. I snuck a taste, and it was the real deal. The eggplant melted in your mouth, and the flavors were divine. Everything at That's Amore is house-made. Everything. The pasta (it shows), the rolls, and... the desserts. The menu simply said, "Chocolate cake." Oh no. It was so much more. Service can be a bit slow at times as I get the feeling that it's hard still for the brothers to know how much staff they'll need on the floor on any given night. But this is a great restaurant to not really worry about rushing. You're not at McDonald's. The dining room decor is pleasing, the music is nice, the wine is working its magic. It's worth your time. We have 18 years of dining out in the hi-desert around Joshua Tree. I would rate this as the best restaurant in Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. We'll be back. Repeatedly. It really is amore. Note: We have continued to dine at That's Amore and have found the quality and service to remain excellent.

First time tonight. I showed up just after the buzzer. And all the staff was more than happy to still take care of me. Very hospitable. I had the lasagna and house salad. Salad was picture perfect and that dressing is WOW. Lasagna was delizioso! 5 stars across the board

Classic Italian restaurant vibe with extraordinary food. The staff and owners are friendly, attentive and devoted to making sure you have a great experience. From the warm and delicious home made bread through the lasagna to the desert, everything was delicious. This was our first time and we ill most assuredly be making this a regular stop. A great place to go eat and relax. Great to have this level of place out here in the desert.

In my experience this place has potential. The service best 99% of restaurants 29 palms or the area for the matter. The food was good different but creative. Not boring recipes. The chef impressed me with the flavor of my dish. Anyone who wrote comments about other italian restaurants in the area being better not true I tired the competition no comparison. Being that this just opened in my opinion everything was on point. I love good food and in 29 palms and Yucca Valley this was great. Keep up the good work.

We stopped in right before closing. They could have turned us away but they were so welcoming and warm. The decor is beautiful and charming. The service was impeccable. The food was absolutely delicious. I had seafood pasta and it was abundant with mussels clams and shrimp. I wish I lived closer so I could come more often.