Desert Bistro, Moab UT

I, like another reviewer, am going to be more critical here because of how expensive this restaurant is. I want to first say, the service here is top notch. Our waitress was attentive and spent a good amount of time with us. It felt very personal which I feels adds to the exclusive feeling of this restaurant. Service like this goes a long way. The food was good but not to the level that I would expect based on price. The bread that they bring you before the meal is phenomenal, and was the highlight of my meal - with us kind of sad. I ordered the special of Hapuka, which the waitress assured me was not bland. It turned out to be very bland, and the flavor all came from the garnishes. My husband and son both got the bison filet, which they both thought was decent, but again, not very flavorful, carried only by the sauces/garnishes. None of us would order those dishes again. Dessert was another highlight. Mango sorbet and the chocolate mousse were to die for and I would go back just for those. Husband got the apple rhubarb crisp, but he didn’t care for the walnuts in it. If we go back, we will probably stick to the main menu and steer clear of specials, which did not meet our expectations.

We dined at Desert Bistro for our anniversary dinner while in Moab. Our server, Dailey, was fantastic. She was attentive, sweet, and knowledgeable. We ordered the bacon wrapped dates for our appetizer. It was a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. We ate them faster than I can take a picture! Our main courses were classic dishes: beef tenderloin and the pork tenderloin. Both were tender and cooked perfectly. For dessert we orderer the pistachio crusted cheesecake, which was delicious. It had a good balance of citrus to off set the sweetness. I highly recommend Desert Bistro to anyone looking for down to earth fine dining in Moab.

Excellent, attentive service, beautiful place with relaxing music. The food was outstanding, but the chicken sausage appetizer ruined the perfection—the polenta was completely tasteless, and the sauce, which was overpowered by the taste of rosemary, couldn’t save it. The sausage itself was good, but lacking salt, but when you pay $22 and tell the server you’re sharing, you would think they would at least give you two pieces! We had to share one piece the size of a half dollar. The homemade bread which was a free starter was warm, soft, and delicious. Out of the trio of toppings, I loved the honey butter and tapenade but would replace the balsamic vinaigrette with something else. If you’re not going to use the real deal from Italy, just serve seasoned first-cold-pressed olive oil. There was something bitter about that dip. Was it even the highest quality olive oil? All was redeemed on our entrees, however. The Marsala and mushroom homemade pasta had so much umami, I wanted to lick the plate. The bison tenderloin was cooked to perfection, maybe too many capers in the sauce, and too much char on the baby asparagus, but with the mushrooms and roasted fingerling potatoes, it was tender and delectable. With these prices though, I’m not sure if I would go back. Other tables were ordering the bison empanada appetizer, so that was probably the way to go. I just couldn’t bring myself to get a $22 empenada when I can get the best ones in NYC for 3 bucks. With tax and tip and no dessert or drinks, it was $155. When you pay that price, there shouldn’t be any mistakes.

Dear Desert Bistro, thank you all for a great meal. The fact that they’re located in a desert with relatively smaller array of ingredients to work with than most restaurants, it’s even more impressive how creative and delicious each of their offerings were. Violet blue was one of the tastiest and whimsical cocktails I’ve had in a while and it really represented the rest of the meal. The bruschetta and the beet appetizers were fresh and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer’s day. But the star for me was the duck confit, which was absolutely the most balanced and perfect duck confit I’ve ever had: crispy, juicy and paired with a berry reduction sauce that cut the richness and a simple slaw. I loved every bite of it. We ended the meal with a delicious lemon curd cheesecake and a cappuccino. I never comment on the decor but it was kinda perfect for the area too. Think “desert home”. I really hope ppl continue to give this place business because 1 they deserve it 2 I would like to come back here several more times Cheers!

Absolutely loved every bit of this experience!! The food was divine, so fresh and delicious. Beyond our expectations!! And the service was so attentive and sweet. Perfect experience and a real treat to be able to eat there. 11/10 recommend!!Food: 5/5

Fine dining but casual is OK. Walk-ins and reservation for 1 person are acceptedbut usually after 9 pm I think. Had dates, wedge salad, bison, chocolate walnut tart. The sauce is usually quite rich, but everything was quite satisfactorydates were so amazing.Food: 5/5

Some of the best food across any cuisine/ethnicity I've ever had. The chef is top notch and creates novel flavor combinations. Atmosphere is quiet casual, the staff and service is very friendly and professional. Recommend making a reservation. There are vegetarian + pescatarian options, not much vegan. -Market fish special; barramundi with pistachio crust topped with strawberry salsa, asparagus, peach adobo Phenomenal. -Market fish special; seared tuna. -Melon gazpacho delightful. -Toasted cauliflower and Belgian endive salad. -Hand made agnolotti pasta filled with parmesan, asiago & truffles mushrooms phenomenal. -cheese cake with orange dressing the lightest most delightful ever.

This is an amazing restaurant. Recommend a reservation as it’s busy. Food was outstanding and the service was even better. Bailey was an exceptional server and really made the experience that much more special. He was so attentive, knowledgeable and very kind. We had the bacon wrapped dates, chipotle caesar salad, scallops, gorgonzola crusted beef tenderloin and the dry aged wagyu. Everything was amazing. Every detail in the dishes was thought through and had a purpose. It was an unreal meal. Highly highly recommend this place if you want a more “high end” meal in Moab with exceptional service.

First of all I would like to acknowledge our waitress, Kenzie. She was absolutely amazing and has the best customer service skills. If I could give her a 10 star review, I would. Every restaurant needs a Kenzie! The homemade bread and trio dipping sauces were delish. Cashew Chilean Sea Bass Market Fish was amazing! Grilled Wagyu New York Strip, was average but the sauce made up for it. Would definitely recommend this place.

Excellent dining experience from the cuisine to service and the old world wine list. A must when visiting Moab and appreciate great food, service and wine.Food: 5/5