Palm Springs and the Desert Resorts Restaurants

During the season, restaurants can be busy, as many locals and visitors dine out every night, and some for every meal. An influx of talented chefs has expanded the dining possibilities of a formerly staid scene. The meat-and-potatoes crowd still has plenty of options, but you'll also find fresh seafood superbly prepared and contemporary Californian, Asian, Indian, and vegetarian cuisine, and Mexican food abounds. Most restaurants have early-evening happy hours, with discounted drinks and small-plate menus. Restaurants that remain open in July and August frequently discount deeply; others close in July and August or offer limited service.

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  • 1. Bar Cecil

    $$$$

    Since this posh bistro sprung to colorful wallpapered life just beyond downtown in the spring of 2021, it has been the toughest ticket in town to score—and Michelin agrees that it's worth the hype. Hoping to be the culinary manifestation of British photographer, artist, and Renaissance man, Cecil Beaton, the meaty menu is rich, flavorful, and full of financial and caloric splurges (caviar-topped deviled eggs, Wagyu tomahawk steaks), as well as fundamentally familiar dishes (roast chicken, steak frites, Bibb-lettuce salad, lemon tarts), but chef Gabe Woo adds unexpected touches like seasonal chutney atop a smoked pork chop. There's also a wild visual feast to be consumed (even in the bathrooms!). The look is splashy yet chic, centered on a marble and wooden bar, an enviable art collection that includes Calder and Warhol, and a showpiece custom light fixture. Start the reservation hunt early, and, if unsuccessful, show up before the restaurant opens,and pray for a cancellation or that one of the bar's grommeted, electric-blue, stool-chair hybrids, reserved for walk-ins, is available.

    1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92264, USA
    442-332–3800

    Known For

    • Charming patio where you might spy celebrities
    • Perfect vegetable accompaniments
    • Complex and elegant cocktails, including a $50 martini

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essentials, Cash only; only serves parties of 6 or less
  • 2. Café La Jefa

    $

    Thanks to its misted patio, fast Internet connection, plethora of seating, and, most importantly, fine selection of caffeinated hot and cold drinks, this is a great work-from-café option on the main drag in uptown. The colorful, independently owned, Latina-influenced coffeehouse serves Sisters Coffee out of Oregon, local Townie bagels, Lotus Energy elixirs, fresh-daily pastries, and filling breakfast plates, including smoked salmon toast and chorizo con papas. There's also a vast assortment of chilled and canned beverages alongside healthy grab-and-go nibbles and prepackaged snacks by local makers for those in even more of a hurry.

    750 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-673--7456

    Known For

    • Chai chatas and chagaccinos
    • Wraparound patio with shaded section
    • Healthy grab-and-go nibbles and locally made snacks

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 3. Cheeky's

    $

    The flavored bacon flight, hangover-halting Bloody Marys, and the rest of the self-described "quirky comfort cuisine" have attracted legions to this casual breakfast and lunch joint for more than a decade, which results in epic waits on weekends (no reservations accepted for groups smaller than 10). Once seated, the well-oiled service machine is fast and furious—just pray the homemade cinnamon roll-croissant hybrids haven't sold out yet. For lunch, in addition to the morning all-star dishes, you can nosh on globally and seasonally influenced soups, sandwiches, and salads.

    622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-327–7595

    Known For

    • Pastries baked daily, juices pressed in-house
    • Eggs collected from Cheeky's own chickens which eat a special diet
    • Spacious outdoor patio

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 4. Chef Tanya's Kitchen

    $

    At her colorful flagship eatery and market, vegan chef Tanya Petrovna—who founded the first national plant-based chain, Native Foods, in the early '90s—pumps out filling, well-seasoned, and meat-free sandwiches and burgers, as well as salads, fries, and popular deli items. Dedicated to living cruelty-free, she prides herself on making all the "meat" (e.g., cultured tempeh, seitan, and tofu facon) in-house and also uses personal recipes to create the agua fresca, chai, and desserts—including what is easily the tastiest, least-grainy, vegan, soft-serve ice cream to have ever been swirled.

    72695 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, California, 92260, USA
    760-636--0863

    Known For

    • Communal tables and friendly devoted patrons
    • Hearty vegan comfort food
    • The zingy Chupacabra
  • 5. Farm Palm Springs

    $$$$

    At this charmer of a bistro in downtown’s historic La Plaza, you can cross the pond without a passport by tucking into Provençal-style staples like sweet or savory crepes, bouillabaisse, croque-monsieur sandwiches, and omelets—all made from scratch using true-to-the-name ingredients, plenty of dairy products, and amour. Savor breakfast and lunch daily as the sun warms your skin; the setting becomes even more magical after dark thanks to string lights, clinking wine glasses, a gurgling fountain, and a five-course prix-fixe dinner offering.

    6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-322–2724

    Known For

    • Seating in a fragrant, flower-filled courtyard
    • House-made jams, French press coffee, baked-Brie board
    • Boozy brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Wed. and Thurs.
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  • 6. Perfect Pint

    $

    A chef and a sommelier turned losing their jobs during the COVID shutdown into a pandemic silver lining by starting this French-style frozen-custard company out of an adorable chrome trailer. Not only do they collaborate with local coffee, toffee, honey, and date purveyors, but they also offer unique flavors like lemon-blackberry streusel, kaffir-lime piña colada, and peppermint cookies-n-cream—all served by the pint and half-pint out.

    73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, California, 92260, USA
    760-218–9458

    Known For

    • No artificial colors or emulsifiers
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Gluten-free options
  • 7. Tac/Quila

    $$

    Tac/Quila is what happens when two lawyers dare to dream out loud and switch gears mid-career—judging from the crowds at this always humming joint, they made the right decision. The setting features flower-laden "living" walls and a blend of mid-century modern and classic-Mexican design elements, but the menu is all Mexican, with Jalisco-style appetizers, tacos, ceviches, and meat dishes, as well as a surprising number vegetarian and vegan copycats. And, like any Mexican restaurant worth its margarita salt, this one has a bar that's well stocked with a variety of tequilas and mezcals. For similar bites and booze in a quieter, less-crowded space, head over to sister eatery Clandestino.

    415 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-417–4471

    Known For

    • Flavored margarita and craft-beer flights
    • Fun, sharable appetizers like aqua chile oysters and tempura avocado nuggets
    • Convenient location
  • 8. Tyler's Burgers

    $

    Since 1996, families, working stiffs, and couples have trusted Tyler's to supply simple lunch fare in a convenient downtown location, one that happens to be housed in a converted 1936 gas station. Expect mid-20th-century America's greatest hits: heaping burgers, hot dogs, tuna melts, stacks of fries, grilled cheeses, floats, and milk shakes.

    149 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-325–2990

    Known For

    • House-made cole slaw and potato salad
    • Feeding carnivores and vegetarians alike
    • Long weekend waits

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and July and Aug.
  • 9. Workshop Kitchen + Bar

    $$$$

    Chef Michael Beckman's Uptown Design District hot spot pairs high-quality California cuisine and classic and creative cocktails with sleek, utilitarian, concrete-and-leather design inside a repurposed historical theater and outside on a lively patio. Everything is delicious, but this team particularly excels at anything involving duck, from duck fried rice to duck breast with beet and blood orange jus.

    800 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-459–3451

    Known For

    • Most ingredients sourced from within a 100-mile radius
    • House-made ice cream and sorbet
    • Communal seating options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 10. 4 Saints

    $$$$

    Perched on the seventh-floor rooftop of The Rowan hotel, where stunning mountain and city views unfold from nearly every table, 4 Saints serves modern American farm-to-table dishes in a distinguished dining room crafted from leather, wood, and metal and on the outdoor patio. The menu features hearty, sophisticated steak, seafood, and pasta dishes made with global flair and fresh-daily produce.

    100 W. Tahquitz Cyn. Way, Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-392–2020

    Known For

    • Creative and classic cocktails
    • See-and-be-seen scene
    • Attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
  • 11. Arnold Palmer's

    $$$$

    From the photos, trophies, and other memorabilia to a menu filled with The King's favorite dishes like meatloaf and Latrobe banana splits, golf champ and restaurant namesake Arnold Palmer's essence infuses the spacious dining room and pub where families gather for new American cuisine and good times. It does brisk birthday and Sunday dinner business yet the service is always attentive.

    78164 Ave. 52, La Quinta, California, 92253, USA
    760-771–4653

    Known For

    • Chopped BLT salad, double-cut pork chops, baked mac and cheese
    • Top-notch wine list
    • Entertainment most nights

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Closed Sun. and late May–mid-Sept.
  • 12. Babe's Bar-B-Que and Brewery

    $$$

    Though the late founder Donald Callender made his name as a purveyor of pie with the Marie Callender's chain, he also built a solid smoked-meats-and-suds rep with this barbecue–microbrewery. Carnivores show up in droves for fall-off-the-bone racks of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket-topped salads, and chops that are marinated overnight—all of which pair well with the IPAs, ales, and lagers brewed on site. He also smartly carried over cornbread, tamales, and pie recipes from Callender's. 

    71800 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, California, 92270, USA
    760-346–8738

    Known For

    • Coachella Valley's oldest and most-acclaimed microbrewery
    • Pinup girl art and bronze pigs
    • Ribs smoked over hickory and pecan wood
  • 13. Boozehounds

    $$

    People love traveling with their pups, and at this inventive uptown bar–restaurant, Fido is welcome to join you at tables on the big enclosed patio, which is accessed via the doggy door, naturally! You can savor spirits, snacks, and more substantial plates—many with Asian/Filipino leanings, like blistered shishitos, garlic noodles with galbi (Korean short ribs), or chicken adobo—while your dog can chow-chow down on a gourmet selection from the canine menu. If you aren't accompanied by a furry friend or you want to chill in the air-conditioning, head inside to the cute, trendy, and mutt-free main dining room.

    2080 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-656--0067

    Known For

    • Freshly baked cookies and milk (or milk punch)
    • Happy hour daily in high season and Friday–Sunday in summer
    • Instagram-worthy design

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. in summer
  • 14. Carlee's Place

    $$

    Sooner or later most visitors to Borrego Springs wind up at Carlee's Place for a drink and a bite to eat, drawn by an extra-long menu with everything from burgers, salads, and sandwiches to seafood dishes and prime rib. It's an all-American place, where your server might call you "honey" while setting a huge steak in front of you, and fellow diners might play pool and dance to jukebox music.

    660 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, California, 92004, USA
    760-767–3262

    Known For

    • Down-home atmosphere
    • Martinis and classic cocktails
    • Everything made from scratch
  • 15. Carmelita's Mexican Grill and Cantina

    $

    A friendly, family-run eatery tucked into a back corner of what is called "The Mall," Carmelita's draws diners all day, whether it's for a hearty breakfast, a cooked-to-order enchilada or burrito, or just a brew or margarita at the bar. The menu lists typical combination plates (enchiladas, burritos, tamales, and tacos).

    575 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, California, 92004, USA
    760-767–5666

    Known For

    • Dog-friendly patio
    • House-made masa dough and salsas
    • Full bar with sports TVs

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 16. Catalan

    $$$$

    At this restaurant, known for its beautifully prepared Mediterranean cuisine, you can dine inside or under the stars in the atrium. The service here is attentive, and the menu roams Spain, Italy, California, and beyond.

    70026 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, California, 92270, USA
    760-770–9508

    Known For

    • House-made limoncello that stews for three months
    • Cheese and charcuterie boards
    • Tons of desert choices
  • 17. Ciro's Ristorante and Pizzeria

    $

    Since the 1960s, this Coachella Valley classic has served pizza, pasta, chicken parmigiana, and other entrées commonly ordered by mobsters in the movies. The booths are big; the lights are low; the soundtrack is soft rock; and the kitchen isn't stingy with cheese, salad dressing, or red sauce. There are a few surprises on the pie side, including one with ham and honey mustard and another feauring sesame teriyaki chicken with peanuts and carrots.

    81963 Hwy. 111, Indio, California, 92201, USA
    760-347–6503

    Known For

    • Wallet-friendly lunch combos
    • Old-school Italian dishes
    • House-made, hand-tossed pizza dough
  • 18. Copley's on Palm Canyon

    $$$

    Chef Andrew Manion Copley prepares decadent dishes with flavors and techniques he picked up at past posts in Europe, Australia, and Hawaii in a setting that's straight out of Hollywood—a hacienda once owned by Cary Grant. Dine in the clubby house or in the garden under the stars and with mountain views.

    621 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California, 92262, USA
    760-327–9555

    Known For

    • Romantic patio dining
    • Fresh seafood and meats bathed in rich sauces
    • Sweet and savory herb ice creams

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed July and Aug. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 19. Cork & Fork

    $

    Set on a corner lot of a crisp new strip mall, this woman-owned restaurant is a popular local hangout that focuses on matching wines and cocktails with its array of small and large plates meant to be shared. The globe-trotting menu changes with the seasons, but you might feast on tequila lime shrimp tacos, poke wonton nachos, veggie kale dumplings, Korean barbecue pork belly sliders, or Neapolitan-style pizzas.

    49890 Jefferson St., Indio, California, 92201, USA
    760-777–7555

    Known For

    • Separate vegan menu (and many gluten-free options)
    • Eclectic list of affordable wines by the glass and bottle
    • Casual fine dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 20. Coyote Steakhouse

    $$$

    This upscale restaurant at the Palms at Indian Head hotel caters to those who want a fancy dinner, particularly hunks of filet mignon or rack of lamb served at candlelit tables with white tablecloths overlooking the pool. Pet owners will appreciate the canine menu, whose treats include house-made peanut-butter dog cookies.

    2220 Hoberg Rd., Borrego Springs, California, 92004, USA
    760-767–7788

    Known For

    • Romantic candlelit dining room
    • Pork tenderloin and prime rib
    • Classic mid-century setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No breakfast or lunch., Reservations essential

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