Is Palm Springs on your list of places to go this summer? Are you reminiscing about the past days of Coachella? While this article might not be about one of the biggest parties in the country every year, it discusses places you can eat before or after you’re done partying.
Before you book your next adventure to this corner of California, review this list of top Palm Springs restaurants. Palm Springs isn’t just about the parties or the architecture. It features wonderful food, people and culture, all wrapped up together.
Don’t miss out on the best California cuisine by going to one of the same old destinations that everyone chooses, such as LA or San Francisco. See what Palm Springs has to offer. You won’t regret it!
Let’s get munching and take a look at the top options for the best restaurants in Palm Springs.
1. Jake’s
Address: 664 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
People from Palm Springs know that if there’s one place to go for dinner, Jake’s is the spot almost everyone recommends. Management at this perfect restaurant takes pride in making sure the food is top-notch and customers are comfortable and always having fun.
The charming courtyard is set under the desert sky, with the peaceful sounds from a central fountain. Of course, you can dine inside the establishment if it gets a bit chilly outside (although this isn’t likely, except at night).
The management at Jake’s wants customers to “always have a good time.” This is the best restaurant to go to if you want to feel like you’re at a dinner party with friends every time you visit. (The co-owners designed it that way!)
Sadly, Jake the West Highland Terrier (whom the restaurant is named after) passed away a few years ago. But keep your eye out for Jackson, Jake’s great-great-grandson, who runs around the restaurant from time to time if he isn’t napping in the upstairs office!
When you’re paying for the delicious meal at Jake’s, be sure to use your American Express Platinum card to rack up some points.
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2. Bill’s Pizza
Address: 119 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Bill’s Pizza definitely doesn’t disappoint. If you ever talk to anyone from Palm Springs, they’ll tell you if you’re looking for a pizza parlor, Bill’s is the only acceptable option.
The story goes that Bill was on a quest to create some of the best pizza in the world, which led him to search throughout Italy and all over the United States. He explored a wide range of pizza-making techniques, found what he liked best and opened Bill’s Pizza shortly after.
Together, the award-winning kitchen staff of Bill’s Pizza has over 70 years of collective experience in the culinary arts. You can’t find much better hands to make you a delicious world-class pizza!
Try one of the restaurant’s 22 varieties of pizza combinations, or choose the build-your-own option. The restaurant’s gas-fired brick ovens deliver a fast, high heat to your pizza to cook it evenly and efficiently. I’m getting hungry for pizza just from looking at all the pictures!
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3. LULU California Bistro
Address: 200 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Opened in 2011, LULU California Bistro has become one of Palm Springs’ hippest restaurants. With its expertly crafted menu, LULU’s is designated as one of the hot spots for chic eats in Coachella Valley.
The lively bar scene is juxtaposed with the peaceful setting of downtown Palm Springs. There are several menus throughout the day as well as award-winning catering services and a modern venue to host private parties and events. Plus, you can enjoy an all-day happy hour with several featured and signature cocktails.
LULU was named by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Dining Hot Spots in the United States and has been awarded multiple Diners Choice Awards. This is definitely the spot to be on a beautiful summer night in downtown Palm Springs.
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4. La Bonita’s
Address: 330 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
This no-frills Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs has everything you could possibly need from a small establishment serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
There’s no fancy “deconstructed taco” dish or $30 margarita. It’s just a simple place to get simple dishes made well. You get what you order, and it comes to you piping hot — no frills, no fuss, all flavor.
La Bonita’s has all the classic dishes, and I heard if you’re a local or special customer, there’s even a secret menu you can order from! I got to see a sneak peek of the secret menu, and something that jumped out at me was the Flaming Hot Cheetos taco shell. Anyone who knows me knows that Flaming Hot Cheetos are one of my weaknesses.
Of course, the make-your-own-taco menu and kids’ menu are always available, but the standard menu is extensive enough to leave your belly full, and you’ll be pleased with this dining choice in Palm Springs.
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5. Al Dente
Address: 491 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs, Al Dente cooks up some of the most delicious Italian food in the entire valley. The classic dishes include homemade pasta, risotto, traditional meat and fish dishes and decadent dessert options to satisfy that sweet tooth. I’ve heard they steam their mussels to perfection as well!
And of course, we can’t forget the wine. Al Dente’s list is well-curated and extensive.
This establishment is perfect for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, work meetings or friendly get-togethers. Al Dente is sure to help you make the most of your evening with friends and family.
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6. Pomme Frite
Address: 256 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Are you craving Belgian or French food while you’re enjoying your time in Palm Springs? Look no further than Pomme Frite, the ultimate Belgian and French restaurant in Palm Springs.
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the restaurant’s authentic European feel immerses you in the vibe and ambiance of Brussels.
Since opening, Pomme Frite has enjoyed rave reviews from self-proclaimed foodies to food experts. Its perfectly prepared, simple dishes are served with that extra love and care that’s evident in every bite.
Choose from a variety of menu options, which focus on Belgian dishes. Who could pass up steamed mussels and a Flemish-style beef stew simmered in Belgian beer?
Everyone who comes through the doors comments on how good it smells, with its unique aromas permeating the air.
This place is known for its mussels, so shellfish lovers should come with empty stomachs because they’ll surely be full after enjoying a meal at Pomme Frite!
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7. Thai Smile
Address: 100 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Thai Smile was opened in 1991 by a talented chef named Yim (which means “smile” in Thai). The current owners are Yim’s son, Mai, and his wife, Noi. This delightful eatery has been a staple destination for Thai food in Palm Springs for many years, and hopefully will remain so for many years to come!
The food is so good that Thai Smile was awarded the Thai Select Seal of Approval by none other than the Royal Thai Government Ministry of Commerce. As you can imagine, this is a prestigious award that isn’t bestowed at random!
Dedicated to serving the freshest and most authentic handcrafted Thai dishes, Thai Smile uses only fresh, young vegetables that are delivered daily. Premium cuts of meat and seafood are paired with authentic Thai spices and herbs that give each and every dish that true Thai taste.
Each dish is handcrafted and expertly prepared from scratch. Using high-flame woks, the chefs prepare each meal with care and attention to detail.
Depending on the number of diners, the management respectfully asks customers to wait 20-40 minutes, to receive their meal. Taking all the proper steps to prepare each dish with this amount of care takes time. A perfect dish can never be rushed!
If you’re looking for the top Thai restaurant in Palm Springs, search no more. This is it.
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8. Copely’s on Palm Canyon Drive
Address: 621 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
When the New York Times does a review of your restaurant, you know your establishment is kind of a big deal. The review had this to say about Copley’s: “The hottest place is Copley’s on Palm Canyon, a lively restaurant in a rustic-chic cottage that was once home to Cary Grant.”
Cary Grant, yo! The 1940s former guesthouse of Cary Grant, the famous English-American actor, has been converted into Copley’s on Palm Canyon Drive.
This establishment is a casual restaurant with a sophisticated feel. Sit in the indoor or outdoor seating areas to enjoy a beautiful night in Palm Springs.
Copley’s on Palm Canyon opened its doors in 2004. It quickly became one of the premier restaurants in Palm Springs and has been serving superior-quality food ever since.
The menu features staples of contemporary American cuisine filled with unique and exciting elements. This is why the restaurant has been rated time and time again by Zagat’s and the New York Times.
One of the best things about this restaurant is that it welcomes your well-behaved dog to join you on the outdoor patio. This is one of the few dog-friendly restaurants in Palm Springs. So bring your pooches to enjoy the sunshine on the patio while you savor your delicious meal at Copley’s on Palm Canyon.
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9. FARM
Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
After traveling to the South of France, Liz Ostoich fell in love with the region. She wanted to share her experiences with everyone and decided to open a restaurant that served food similar to dishes found in this beloved region of France. That restaurant is FARM.
The dishes created by the chefs at FARM are locally sourced, from the eggs and produce to the artisanal meats. FARM is considered a genuine farm-to-table restaurant in Palm Springs.
The owners and staff of FARM want every dish to deliver a unique and extraordinary, long-lasting sensory experience to your taste buds.
The garden patio and floral landscaping really shine in the desert sun during the summer months. The authentic menu delivers French cuisine that’s just not achievable at most establishments.
The restaurant is decorated in the traditional Provencal style, and the menu is carefully crafted to create perfect traditional French dishes. Coffee is served French-press style, and each tea is loose-leaf, meaning it takes longer to steep but tastes better.
Jams and sauces are made in-house with care taken to deliver just the right tastes, aromas and textures. The restaurant uses no freezers or microwaves, and each dish is hand-prepared by chefs who pay incredible attention to detail.
Sit in the peaceful setting of downtown Palm Springs, and soak up some sun while dining at one of the few farm-to-table restaurants in Palm Springs.
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10. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
Address: 1556 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Engin Onural’s newest establishment is on the rise in Palm Springs. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is an up-and-coming sushi bar that’s stocked with just about every whiskey you could possibly imagine.
With fresh and elevated dishes, Chef Engin is bringing new levels of taste to the sushi game.
Featuring patio seating and to-go orders, Sandfish is the popular choice among foodies in Palm Springs right now. The Scandinavian-designed interior pairs nicely with the food you’ll be eating (or should I say experiencing).
Start the night off right with handcrafted sushi and whiskey pairings. Choose from a number of appetizers, and follow them up with several delicious rolls and/or Nigiri Sushi. End the night with matcha cheesecake and French-press coffee.
If whiskey isn’t your thing, several wineries and vineyards are just around the corner. Viator offers a Palms to Vines Wine Tasting from Palm Springs that lets you sample up to 18 wines over the course of 7 hours.
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11. Cheeky’s
Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
According to its website, Cheeky’s has started an egg revolution in Palm Springs! The restaurant has been open for over a decade, and it’s gained quite the cult following both from Palm Springs locals and well-versed travelers.
Its home-style comfort food is now paired with the name Cheeky’s and is well-known throughout Palm Springs.
Only open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant’s innovative and fresh menu changes weekly.
The chef uses the freshest local ingredients, sourced from Palm Springs and surrounding areas. Menu options offer fresh takes on classic breakfast, brunch and lunch items, with all the good vibes the desert sun can provide. There is a lovely outdoor patio as well as indoor seating.
Pastries are a Palm Springs-famous menu item at Cheeky’s. Handcrafted and rolled by a man known as Phil, decadent cinnamon rolls are freshly made daily and are almost always sold out by the end of the day.
Let me just leave this right here … they have a bacon flight — strips of bacon featuring a variety of flavors, such as applewood-smoked and tangy jalapeno. What more could you ask for?
12. The Purple Palm at the Colony Palms Hotel
Address: 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
The Colony Palms Hotel was originally built as a saloon, speakeasy and gambling house in 1936 by reputed Purple Gang Mobster Al Wertheimer. It became a hotspot for legendary Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart, to name a few!
At the heart of this Palm Springs hotel lies the all-day poolside restaurant, the Purple Palm. This glamorous restaurant is everything your 1930s and 1940s dreams are made of, with stunning decor, gorgeous mountain views and a brunch menu that’s to die for.
13. King’s Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Address: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 United States
This ultra-cool twist on a traditional roadside diner is located inside the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it features Californian-Mexican cuisine, with delicious entrees that include a fried chicken sandwich, rack of lamb, the Twin Palms burger and the King’s Highway breakfast, which is available all day! You can also visit the hotel’s bar, The Amigo Room for some specialty cocktails and alcoholic slushies.
14. Bar Cecil
Address: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 United States
Contrary to its name, Bar Cecil isn’t just a bar — it’s also a stunning, artistic restaurant, full of chic finishes and signed photos of famous artists. It’s a tribute to British artist and photographer Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton and features many of his own iconic photographs throughout the restaurant.
Bar Cecil’s bistro menu incorporates classic European and American bistro food, including smoked bone-in pork chop, pan-seared halibut and ratatouille.
This 75-seat restaurant is truly something to see if you’re able to get a reservation. Guests rave about its effortless “sexy and chic” atmosphere and its perfect backdrop for a date night.
15. Counter Reformation
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264 United States
While technically a wine bar hidden inside the Parker Hotel, Counter Reformation is also home to some seriously excellent food.
Its dedicated menu has plenty of small-plate options that pair excellently with several of its 17 wines. This includes the charred black pepper beef carpaccio, the avocado, halloumi and rye tartine and sea urchin escabeche.
If you’re looking for some cool (not to mention historic) decor, you’ll be interested to find a wooden confessional flown in from Italy sitting inside this wine bar.
This restaurant/bar doesn’t accept reservations, and its bar only has 14 seats, so the sooner you can get there, the better.
16. Spencer’s Restaurant
Address: 701 W Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Looking for the perfect place to have a stylish and comfortable Sunday brunch? Look no further than Spencer’s Restaurant in the San Jacinto Mountains. Spencer’s is considered fine dining, serving upscale American cuisine at what are certainly upscale prices.
Not only did locals vote for Spencer’s as the favorite for Sunday brunch, but they also recognized it for the best outdoor dining, the best chef, the best wine list, the best caterer, the best power lunch and the most romantic. That’s a lot of bests!
With its expanded indoor dining room and hard-to-beat patio, Spencer’s is a stunning venue that’s appropriate for celebrating any occasion.
17. Boozehounds Palm Springs
Address: 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Boozehounds Palm Springs doesn’t have a dog as its mascot for nothing. In fact, its motto is, “Where dogs bring their humans,” which should tell you that they actually want your pup there — probably more than they want you.
In all seriousness, the entire restaurant is dog-friendly, which is fantastic for those who want to dine with their pooches in a completely pet-friendly environment.
Sitting at an altitude of over 7,000 feet, Boozehounds features a super-stylish open-air atrium, a cabana bar and a patio.
The menu is Southern California-inspired with an Asian influence, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that focus on what’s currently in season. You can find such delectable dishes as adobo chicken, miso Chilean fish and chips, and hai beef larb on the entree menu, and churro French toast and coconut lime pancakes on the brunch menu. Yum.
18. French Miso Cafe
Address: 19 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Have you ever had French and Japanese fusion? You now have your chance at French Miso Cafe! This delightful cafe was started by Tomoko Jones and Eric Bovy, who banded together to meld the cuisine of their cultures into something new and original.
The patio of French Miso Cafe features a stunning floral theme, and the entire menu allows you to enjoy Japanese and French cuisine at the same time. What could be better?
Enjoy eggs benedict, the bento, or grilled salmon salad for weekend brunch, or try a selection from the set dinner menu.
19. The Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa
Address: 44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells, CA 92210, United States
While not right in downtown Palm Springs, this Moroccan-influenced restaurant is only a 30-minute drive away, and trust us — it’s worth it!
Firstly, we need to talk about the design of this restaurant. Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the Pink Cabana is modeled after Palm Springs’ classic tennis and racquet clubs of the ’50s and ’60s. It screams retro while being simultaneously incredibly modern.
The Pink Cabana features Mediterranean cuisine but with a Moroccan influence. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, brunch.
Management carefully selects wines from Mediterranean climates that pair perfectly with the appetizers and entrees on the menu. These include local mushroom tagliatelle, Hawaiian day boat selection, and Niman ranch pork tenderloin.
20. Ruben and Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Address: 241 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
If you’re looking for a chill atmosphere with excellent food and even an open-view kitchen, then Ruben and Ozzy’s is the place for you.
The fish tacos are a must-have and have earned co-owners and brothers Ruben and Ozzy their fantastic reputation. Known for their friendly service and charisma, the two brothers specialize in all kinds of seafood dishes.
From clam chowder to crab enchiladas to oyster shooters, Ruben and Ozzy know seafood. Stop by for lunch or dinner any day of the week for a great meal, and see what everyone’s talking about!
21. Koffi
Address: 650 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
We couldn’t forget all you specialty coffee lovers out there!
This caffeine paradise actually has three locations: north, central and south. Preferred by locals over big, overpowering coffee chains (cough, Starbucks), Koffi has an excellent selection to choose from.
From iced coffee to a coffee freeze to a cold brew fusion, Koffi has you completely covered if you prefer a great selection of iced coffee in the summertime. Pair it with an oversized gourmet muffin or a yogurt parfait, and you’re ready to start your day!
22. Rooster And The Pig
Address: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 United States
Last but not certainly not least is the Vietnamese restaurant, Rooster and the Pig, a seriously popular spot for delicious Vietnamese food and craft cocktails. Its pork belly fried rice with spicy okra is one of its most popular dishes — so much so that customers often line up out the door to get it!
Tai Spendley established this restaurant in 2015, drawing from his many culinary influences. While prominently featuring his Asian heritage, he also incorporates French techniques and bi-coastal influences.
Interestingly, the dishes in this restaurant are purposefully portioned to encourage diners at the table to order a variety of items to share.
This dine-in-only restaurant features industrial-chic decor and a friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t accept reservations, but it’s worth the wait.
Not only is there an abundance of things to do and places to stay in Palm Springs, but the city has an unlimited amount of fantastic restaurants to choose from. What are you waiting for?
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