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bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Reviews List
bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Experience bluEmber, the resort’s signature restaurant for an inventive spin on California New American cuisine. Enjoy the sophisticated dining room, or sit back and enjoy food and wine pairings on the award winning patio. Cozy up with a cocktail by the fire pit and admire the majestic mountains and lush fairways. Whatever you choose, bluEmber embodies the Rancho Las Palmas experience at every turn with an exquisite menu, variety of fine wines, and unmatched hospitality. Plus, enjoy live music select evenings every week. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
See more bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa details
72 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 72 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(28)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(48)
- special occasion(27)
- fit for foodies(22)
- romantic(21)
- good for groups(20)
- kid-friendly(13)
bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Reviews List
Review 1 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've always loved blu ember for its incredible ambiance. After many meals there we felt the food has (finally) improved to the level of the atmosphere and the prices. So if you'd given up on it because of mediocre food, give it another shot. The grilled artichoke was perfect. The wedge salad the best looking wedge ever. Our party enjoyed scallops, lamb loin, and ahi, all to rave reviews. One problem still is that of the 6 appetizers, 4 are shellfish, not to great for someone with a shellfish allergy. Our server was professional and attentive."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 2 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice place to go. Had a drink in the lounge first and then went there again after dinner. Food was great and extremely fresh tasting and creative in line with the new menu. Great live music coming outta of the lounge was very entertaining. Service was fantastic. We will definitely return with friends next time."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
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Review 3 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fantastic Food but,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic Food but, overpriced for what it was. The chairs were the most uncomfortable we have ever sat in. This would be great if your a guest of the resort and didn't want to go anywhere off property."
Dined on 4/25/2013
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Review 4 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had heard good things about
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had heard good things about the food, so we expected better. Although the quality was very good, the taste wasn't very interesting and seemed to be lacking in flavor. The ambiance is great outside with live music and fire pits all over and our server was great. We were there in April, so the weather was perfect. The only reason that I'm not recommending the restaurant is because the food does not live up to the prices they charge."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 5 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the Blue Ember is our favourite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the Blue Ember is our favourite place in the desert, particularly from Thursday to Sunday when we can also dance under the stars to fabulous music. It is a MUST when in the desert"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 6 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dinner is over priced for
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dinner is over priced for the quality of food you get. I had reserved three nights of dinner reservations at the BluEmber during our stay. But after the first night for dinner, my entree was lacking seasoning and salad greens were soggy, and some type of corn bread served with my entree was either soggy or hard. I told our waitress about this, and all she said was that she would let the Chef know. I cancelled our other two nights of reservations and had dinner at the River instead, which was far better value and excellent quality of food. I would not recommend the BluEmber at all."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view
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Review 7 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Terrific all around. Very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Terrific all around. Very accomodating."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 8 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding everything; food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Outstanding everything; food music, outdoor scenery, etc. Delicious mussels, grilled artichoke, cold carrot soup, and wonderful tuna.
Had our eleven year old granddaughter with us and we all loved the music and dancing. great evening."
Had our eleven year old granddaughter with us and we all loved the music and dancing. great evening."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not this time! A dud experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We normally love bluEmber but this was a very, very poor experience.
We choose the location because we were entertaining an old friend. We asked for shaded spot on the patio or a quiet spot inside. We sat inside and that was fine.
Initial flourish to look after our initial needs was great. But then all we could hear was staff setting tables or carts with rattling dishes which made it difficult for conversation. We got the sense we had arrived before they were ready for guests (it was noon). 'Our' wait staff tried very hard to overcome this distraction with extra attention.
Food was just good and we are used to a higher standard from bluEmber.
Sorry, but this was at best a C- experience from a normally A standard place."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2011
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Review 10 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
BluEmber was perfection..
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"BluEmber was perfection.. Exquisite wine list/ menu/service/MUSIC!!!
The only down side was too many pre schoolers/families w/ crying babies.
The only down side was too many pre schoolers/families w/ crying babies.
The ambience then was like a day care center vs an elegant dining experience.
Perhaps put all the families/ kids at the back of the outdoor dining, away from the music. Thank you!!!!!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We wanted to eat outside,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted to eat outside, but it was too noisy, as a band was playing. So, we went inside and had our own room with our own waiter who was very attentive. Carrot/ginger cold soup outstanding, as were the scallops. Tuna was highest of quality, but not seared on the outside enough. Flavor delicious. We had a wonderful time visiting with friends we don't often see."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 12 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went there for our anniversary.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went there for our anniversary. We were disappointed in the quality of our main course choices; sea scallops and a steak dish. For the cost of the entrees the quality should have been better.
My sea scallops did not have a fresh consistancy-I felt they were lacking in the quality I was expecting. My husbands steak was done as he requested but was tough."
My sea scallops did not have a fresh consistancy-I felt they were lacking in the quality I was expecting. My husbands steak was done as he requested but was tough."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 13 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been meaning to go
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been meaning to go to BluEmber, since I have been coming to the desert for several years. Online there were mixed reviews. But, I have to say everyone's meal was very good; and sitting outside was delightful. It's pretty pricey, however, so simply be prepared!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a wonderful lunch for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had a wonderful lunch for a special bday! Thanks for the great service and beautiful restaurant"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The atmosphere and ambience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The atmosphere and ambience are wonderful. Great outdoor patio with heaters and live music. Wonderful outdoor seating areas in the bar for cocktails. However, the food was expensive and poor quality and the service was extremely slow."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 16 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Our first time at bluEmber.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our first time at bluEmber. The outdoor setting is beautiful, but it was a bit chilly so we decided to sit inside. The indoor ambiance was not very inviting. The restaurant appears to be very large, and customers were all seated far away from each other, so it seemed pretty empty and possibly was part of the reason the service wasn't very good, because there appeared to be only one waitress to serve everyone inside. She had to go hunting for a wine bucket because they were apparently all being used for some function for a larger party in another part of the hotel. The food however, was excellent for three of us (Arctic char and white fish) although one of us ad the Chilean sea bass, which was dry. Good enough to try it again."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 17 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Atmosphere is great both inside
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Atmosphere is great both inside and outside. Plenty of heaters and firepits to keep you warm if you are eating outside.
The dinner menu has a decent amount of variety of seafood, beef, chicken, etc. I did anticipate a little better quality of food considering the prices for the entrees.
All in all we had a good experience and would go back again during future visits."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 18 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Dinner took over two hours
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dinner took over two hours to be completed. From appetizer to salad to entree to desert took from 6:00 until 8:00. While we are used to European dining timetables, clearly something was amiss."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 19 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another wonderful evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Another wonderful evening outdoors at BluEmber! We have enjoyed this spot for many years and, only once did they disappoint..
This dinner for 7 was a complete success for our out of town guests, lovely weather, just right live band in the background to set the stage for everyone's meal. We had a full range of characters ages 12 to 92, and they pleased all of us."
This dinner for 7 was a complete success for our out of town guests, lovely weather, just right live band in the background to set the stage for everyone's meal. We had a full range of characters ages 12 to 92, and they pleased all of us."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Real decline with this venue--Outsi
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Real decline with this venue--Outside dining area was DARK, and noisey with a MOVIE running adjacent to the patio---Service was VERY slow, and sporadic===Food was average to bad--Lamb @ $37.00,was lacking in any flavor [more like a poor lamb stew.]==Fish was dry, and Quinoa salad was flavorless.Bread was hard as rocks.--Hardly anyone in the restaurant, so maybe the word is out!!-----Save your $$,until the hotel can improve the dining experience."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2010
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Review 21 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love bluEmber for outdoor
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love bluEmber for outdoor dining! Live music is a nice touch and the food is fun and different. Well worth a stop, even if you aren't into resort dining."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 22 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
STAY AWAY (period)
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"STAY AWAY. You will be terribly disappointed.
Food & Service: Terrible
When selecting appetizers, the tone is set immediately.
Ask the waitress what type of oysters they serve, she will say "raw and on the half shell"... Their version of Filet is so dry and tastes like cardboard. The Rib eye is so bad, even the chef is forced to put a sauce on it.
The waitress (Kelly) stops by "Is everything ok?"
You open your mouth to answer and she DISAPPEARS.
Literally, she vanished. She only reappears when it’s time for the check."
You open your mouth to answer and she DISAPPEARS.
Literally, she vanished. She only reappears when it’s time for the check."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
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Review 23 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Second time having dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second time having dinner there, really great! Food was awesome! Also had lunch, great!!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The patio at the Blu Ember
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The patio at the Blu Ember is lovely. Lunch menu is okay. Server was personable, but not very efficient."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2000
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't waste your time and money...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"1st & last time here. Ambiance, food & service all lacking. Both on Opentable reservation AND called to tell of celebrating birthday-nothing-not even a candle on a napkin......For a $200 bill for 4 people-don't think it was remotely worth it."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Based on the average of (47) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic