About
Like an oasis, La Copine sits alone in the desert alongside Old Woman Springs Road. Here, you'll discover culinary delights, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts in the High Desert.
But long before our dessert story took root, the seed of innovation took root in Philadelphia. Here, Nikki Hill operated a food cart selling her cuisine and serving as a private chef. In 2009, she met Claire Wadsworth at a function, and the couple moved to California to marry.
While house sitting in Pioneertown, the couple learned of an abandoned restaurant for sale in Yucca Valley. They purchased the property and spent years shaping and refining the space. Their sweat equity paid off when La Copine finally opened to guests in 2015.
The name "La Copine" means "the girlfriend" in French and pays tribute to the partnership at the heart of the restaurant.
Soon after opening, the restaurant gained a loyal following thanks to its menu, which blends fine-dining touches with an easygoing, welcoming feel.
Locals and travelers both appreciated the founders' focus on fresh ingredients and a warm, friendly setting.
Today, this oasis has evolved into a sought-after destination, with a reservation list that's a month out! But even if you can't get on the list while on vacation, rest assured, because walk-ups are welcome.
Vibe
As we've alluded to in our opener, La Copine sits isolated in the desert, but its refreshed white building and roadside pole sign are easy to spot. It's also the only place along the road with trees, adding to its oasis-like vibe.
Step inside and you'll find an inviting and thoughtfully designed space. Clean lines, light wood details, and its distinct mural fill the bright, open room. The kitchen sits at the heart of it all, where guests can dine and watch chefs prepare the made-to-order meals.
While there are plenty of tables and bar areas inside, most prefer dining outdoors. The picnic tables, umbrellas, heaters, and redwood fencing create a rustic utopia, perfect for relaxing after exploring the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum.
Its curb appeal will transform your California getaway, while the food will make for an extraordinary dining experience.
La Copine: Menu & Drinks
Before we unveil some standouts from the menu, we should mention that this restaurant has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, and Bon Appétit. Yeah, the food is THAT good!
With that accolade out of the way, let's explore the menu. Keep in mind that the cuisine is seasonal, so what we're listing may not be available. Rest assured that what is currently available is lip-smacking delicious!
When you need a brunch-like meal, try the NcMuffin! This creative twist on McDonald's classic features a toasted English muffin with breakfast sausage, a fried egg with sharp cheddar, arugula, date jam, and Calabrian chili hot sauce. The combo of the date jam's sweetness, the chili's heat, and the sausage's saltiness is heavenly.
For a light or vegetarian meal, try The Beatnik. This salad showcases marinated beets with shaved fennel, radishes, oranges, and sliced avocado. Add the tahini dressing fused with mint and sunflower seeds, and it's a refreshing meal on a hot day.
Meat lovers enjoy the Steak Lolita, showcasing Black Hawk Wagyu blade steak. It comes with ají-plantain crema, yuca frita, and avocado chimichurri, creating a cornucopia of flavors.
The drinks at La Copine are as fresh and unique as the food. The Flamingo Sunset is a bubbly and fruity cocktail featuring Brut champagne, hibiscus aperitif, and fresh orange juice. You'll also find mimosas, sangria, and a wide variety of non-alcoholic juices, teas, coffees, sodas, and spritzers.
With its one-of-a-kind location, renowned seasonal menu, and contemporary atmosphere, La Copine is an epicurean experience worth adding to any High Desert getaway.
Local Tips
- If you arrive without a reservation, you'll probably dine outdoors; dress accordingly.
- La Copine is only open Thursday through Sunday.
- Check out the La Copine cookbook that's for sale.
- The menu is seasonal, so some popular items may not always be available.
