The Ultimate Foodie's Guide to Palm Springs
Some people consider Palm Springs a desert oasis for the affluent, while others only visit during California's Coachella Music Festival. Palm Springs is also a laid-back destination for anyone searching for a diversity of exciting cuisines and eateries. Since its heyday during the glamorous Hollywood era, Palm Springs has had a firm grasp on fine dining and unforgettable experiences. Rooftop restaurants offer spectacular views of the mountains and pristine desert landscapes, while alfresco-style patios and courtyards inspire diners to lose themselves in the cozy atmosphere. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients showcase the bountiful harvests of California's vineyards and farms, and talented chefs create fantastic menus inspired by Palm Springs' natural beauty.
From New American to Asian Fusion, classic Italian to innovative Mexican, and transcontinental to certified Kosher, there's a delectable option for everyone. Whether you're in town for a special event or vacationing in this desert oasis, chances are that the best thing you'll ever eat in Palm Springs is on this list.
01 Rooftop elegance in the desert
Located on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, 4 Saints is a chic eatery that serves its modern American cuisine with incredible mountain views and architectural details. Premium local ingredients, prime cuts of meat, and fresh seafood are the core of 4 Saints' globally inspired menu. Taste the best of California's agricultural bounties with small plates like the heirloom green tomato gazpacho, or indulge in larger portions like the beef short ribs with au jus. Finish the night with a gorgeous cocktail, like the peppercorn-infused Szechuan Hound.
02 Fusion of flavors: Sushi & whiskey
Everyone loves a good sushi fusion spot, and in Palm Springs, look no further than Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey. Embracing traditional Japanese techniques and flavors, Sandfish's menu shakes things up by taking inspiration from owner Engen Onural's travels to Scandanavia. His creative approach to sushi making pays homage to his world travels, such as the braised and grilled Spanish octopus with edamame hummus or the signature shredded duck bao buns. Not hungry? Grab a seat at the sleek whiskey bar and taste some seriously high-end Japanese whiskeys, like the Hibiki Suntory, one of the most renowned whiskies in the world.
03 Italian al fresco dining
Dining under the desert night sky is one of the most satisfying ways to experience Palm Springs. Whether you're planning a date night or hanging with the family, Birba is the perfect blend of chic outdoor dining and down-to-earth comfort. Enjoy homemade pasta dishes like spaghetti pomodoro or butternut squash lasagna. Creative pizzas like the Ronaldo — which comes with pear, gorgonzola cheese, and toasted walnuts — include seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Nonna's meatballs are a must-try year-round.
04 Mediterranean meets Moroccan
Head south on Highway 111 toward Sands Hotel and Spa, a Morocco-inspired designer boutique hotel. While you'll find some Instagram-worthy spaces inside, the Pink Cabana is the star of the show. As the hotel's on-site restaurant, the Pink Cabana pays homage to colorful midcentury tennis and racquetball clubs. The eatery boasts retro pink and green decor, checkered floors, and a stylish cocktail bar. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine with a Moroccan influence, so dishes like the harissa chicken come with saffron potatoes and olives. Other favorites include the Niman ranch Iberian pork chops and the Moroccan club sandwich with za'atar glazed bacon.
05 A French touch in Palm Springs
Foodies with a soft spot for farm-to-table cuisine should set their sights downtown and visit FARM. This country-chic eatery combines Provençal fare in an intimate setting that recalls the rural South of France. Enjoy roasted pear salad or a Parisienne omelet next to the fireplace and impressionist artworks. Or relax on the garden-like patio and pass the time with a French press coffee and a chocolate creme brulee. FARM's prix-fixe dinner features a rotating menu of fresh gourmet dishes, and dinner reservations are almost a given.
06 Authentic Mexican with a modern twist
Tac/Quila's Jalisco-style cuisine combines classic Mexican flavors with beautiful presentations in an authentically chic atmosphere. Backed by the same team that brought you FARM, Taq/Quila's use of fresh ingredients and authentic recipes transports diners to another world of flavor. Start off with classic bites like the taco chips, the aguachile oysters, or the vegan jackfruit enchiladas. Then, dive into a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and vegetables or the gourmet octopus ceviche. Whatever your appetite, don't leave without sampling their specialty tequilas and mezcals. Try the flight of 4 tasting size margaritas.
07 Award-winning design and dining
Workshop Kitchen + Bar isn't just a restaurant — it's a creative space for adventurous chefs to celebrate California's diversity of fresh produce, delicious seafood, and farm-fresh dairy and poultry. Herbs and blooms come from a garden behind the restaurant, where dishes like the lamb kefta and the dry-aged American Wagyu ribeye are prepared in a wood-fired oven. While the food is decadent, Workshop is better known for its award-winning design. The concrete brutalist design shouldn't feel so cozy, but soft lighting, intimate booths, and communal dining table lend the space a unique warmth.
08 The brunch institution
Palm Springs knows how to do brunch, but not all brunch spots are created equally. Take Cheeky's, a modest space with a modern vibe and creative flavor combinations. Classic dishes like eggs benedict and huevos rancheros use only fresh local ingredients and eggs laid by the restaurant's chickens. A weekly rotating menu also brings unique offerings, including the famous bacon flight in five delectable flavor combinations. Complement your meal with an agua fresca, a morning margarita, or a Cheeky's bloody mary, all made with in-house fresh-squeezed juices.
09 Vietnamese-American culinary delight
Nestled within a nondescript shopping center, Rooster and the Pig stands out for its warm ambience and the usual crowd of customers waiting for a table. This hidden gem features traditional Vietnamese fare with a Southern California influence. Enjoy a date night on the patio with a few small plates, like fresh shrimp rolls or sauteed mushrooms. Larger crowds can gather around a table in the cozy but chic dining room. Locals and tourists alike swear by the pork belly fried rice, but the menu rotates, so be look out for new favorites.
10 All-day breakfast oasis
What do you get when you combine decadence, style, and breakfast? Norma's, an all-day breakfast restaurant at the Parker Hotel. The brightly colored eatery serves up serious dishes that — according to Norma — your mom can't make, and she may have a point. Norma's doughnuts come with lemon custard and blueberry jam, while the bagel and lox come with a caviar topping. Savor a crispy Belgian waffle or the award-winning potato pancakes under the cozy wood panel ceiling, or munch on Normalita's huevos rancheros on the open-air terrace.
11 Modern American flavors
Some meals are meant to be a shared experience — when everyone bonds over conversation and good food. At Trio restaurant, modern California cuisine meets family-style get-togethers with a simple elegance. Start with some house-made biscuits and crab croquettes for the table. Then, indulge in the finest local and regional ingredients with vegetable-forward dishes like the summer gemelli with pistachio pesto or updated classics like the tomahawk pork chop with mustard jus. Head to the bar for happy hour, where you can snag incredible deals on beer, wine, martinis, and a selection of delectable bar bites.
12 A steakhouse with history
Established as Lyons English Grille in 1945, Mr. Lyons is a traditional steakhouse that celebrates its vintage glamour with a modern flair. Indulge in classic flavors like prime rib, pork chops, and beef wellington, or elevate your tastebuds with a Mizuna avocado salad or salmon wellington. Keep an eye out for the black velvet curtain, the sneaky unmarked side entrance to Seymour's. Established in 2016, this elegant cocktail bar serves an exquisitely balanced menu with fresh seasonal elements.
13 Cross-continental cuisine
SO.PA Restaurant at the L'Horizon Resort Hotel is Palm Springs' ultimate alfresco dining experience. Modern furniture with rustic elements, fire pits, and fountains create intimacy within the tree-covered courtyard. Here, you'll savor transcontinental flavors in the most decadent fusions. Try the roasted Brussels sprouts with candied kumquats, wagyu beef and lamb meatballs, or the vegan impossible meatloaf. You'll have to plan to make the most of your experience; the restaurant is by reservation only, and neither pets nor children are permitted.
14 Retro diner revamped
If you wanna know where the cool kids are, you'll probably find them at King's Highway, the Ace Hotel's stylish desert diner. The midcentury architecture and decor pay homage to the former Denny's, while the California Mexican cuisine lends the restaurant an eclectic charm. Dig in to comfort foods like the ricotta pancakes or grilled cheese sandwich. Or satisfy your craving for something creative with the short rib ragu or the plant based BBQ burger.
15 Deli delights in the desert
If fresh-baked rye bread, turkey pastrami, and potato latkes make your mouth water, get in line for some seriously good kosher eats at Sherman's Deli. The food at this nostalgic Palm Springs institution is worth the wait. Sherman's serves the finest kosher foods, specialty cakes, and baked goods outside New York City. Order the roast brisket of beef with creamy horseradish sauce, or stop by the bakery for a slice of chocolate cake or their famous banana tart.
16 Artisanal breads and sandwiches
Aspen Mills isn't just a bakery and cafe — it's a culinary haven for lovers of carbohydrates and baked goods. From sourdough to cinnamon swirl to the scrumptious cookies, muffins, and croissants, you've got plenty of reasons to pull up a chair and take in the charming atmosphere. Enjoy pastries in the cozy seating area and savor the aroma of freshly baked loaves. Or sit on the patio and enjoy a delicious sandwich prepared on warm, just-baked bread. Favorites include prime-cut roast beef, honey-glazed ham, and tuna salad.
17 Poolside California dining
This chic eatery located at the Colony Palms Hotel dishes up an elevated culinary experience overlooking the hotel's gorgeous pool. Here, American continental and classic European cuisines come together to create exciting combinations. Feast your eyes and tastebuds on selections like the carne asada benedict with chipotle hollandaise, or the crispy pork belly with apple compote. Wait for the sun to go down for Sunset Hour, when the restaurant offers great deals on beers, specialty cocktails, and sharable plates. From rotating seasonal menus to handcrafted cocktails made with the freshest organic ingredients, The Colony Club is worth a visit.
18 Casual American eats
Named one of Michelin's favorite Palm Springs restaurants, The Barn Kitchen is rustic American cuisine as interpreted by a refined palate. Small local farms lend their freshest ingredients to the uncomplicated cuisine, which aims to highlight the decadence of simple recipes prepared well. Try the roasted organic cauliflower steak, the half chicken in mole, or the Barn Burger with pepperjack cheese. Keep in mind that you'll need reservations if you're not staying at the hotel.
19 Casual gourmet to-go
Blackbook, a popular cocktail bar with a big heart, is known for classics like the Nashville hot chicken and their ridiculous burgers, but you'd be foolish not to try their incredible sides. Try the garlic adobo yuca fries, a delicious vegan alternative to the classic version, or share a half sheet of Palm Springs-style nachos with a friend. Blackbook has a wide range of delicious original cocktails, including a $47 Old Fashioned, so stop by and peruse the menu.
20 Mediterranean elegance with old-world charm
Whether you sidle up in one of the tufted vinyl booths, or lounge near the firepit on the cosy patio, you'll find understated elegance at Del Rey at Villa Royale. The menu takes its inspiration from Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines, serving tapas — or small plates — with bold flavors. Think sample sizes of classic flavors such as albondigas, grilled meats and vegetables, and tinned fish. Stop by during their Deep Dive happy hour, when you can score great deals on cocktails and select tapas.
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