Roadside diners, chic restaurants, and poolside bars, Palm Springs has it all. These 20 best Palm Springs restaurants are the ones you’ll want to bookmark for your trip. Palm Springs is one of those ultimate weekend destinations in southern California. The ideal temperatures during spring and fall make it a friendly getaway for friends and family. Having been now over half a dozen times, my go-to list of restaurants in the desert is always changing.
Palm Springs has an array of experiences on offer. One of my favorite things to do though is to book a room at one of the best hotels in Palm Springs and hang poolside. I’ll often spend a day just unwinding as that’s what the desert is for. Nearby, hiking in Indian Canyon and gondola rides get you out of the downtown up into the San Jacinto Mountains. You can even take a day trip to Joshua Tree from here.
Downtown Palm Springs is bustling with design shops (like the uptown design district) perfect for a stroll in the afternoon. It’s a great area to go and spend an hour or two before dinner to look around. If you’re looking for what to do on a visit, be sure to check out this Palm Springs weekend guide.
Until then, here are the 20 best restaurants in Palm Springs you can’t miss.
20 Best Restaurants in Palm Springs, California
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Springs Restaurants
Are restaurants available for dine-in?
Many restaurants are open for outdoor dining. It all depends on local guidelines, so I suggest visiting this local resource page for the most up-to-date guidelines as things change frequently.
What is the best restaurant in Palm Springs?
A tough one to answer, but consistently Workshop Kitchen is considered one of the best Palm Springs restaurants.
When is the best time to go to Palm Springs?
I personally have been in every season and have loved it for different reasons. The summer is incredibly hot however if you have a pool, you can cool off easily. Plus you’ll find that the room rates are very cheap. The best weather is mid-fall in my opinion.
What are the best hotels to stay at in Palm Springs?
Depending on your budget, you can spend anywhere from $150 to $800 a night on a hotel in Palm Springs. I recently shared a list of the best hotels in Palm Springs. Alternatively, you could consider booking one of these 10 coolest Airbnbs in Palm Springs.
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1. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
One of my favorites right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this modern restaurant takes local cuisine to a new level. The outdoor patio is perfect during the warmer months (be sure to book ahead) for a late-night dinner. The menu here is new American eats and has wonderful seasonal cocktails. (located off Palm Canyon Drive)
Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
2. Rooster and the Pig
Better believe the chicken is good here — it is in the name. This Vietnamese-inspired restaurant is a hot spot a few blocks from downtown Palm. There is almost always a line so be prepared to wait a bit but it’s well worth it. Right now, they are offering takeout food in Palm Springs. So I would suggest ordering ahead and getting your food to go if possible.
Address: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
3. 4 Saints
With the newly opened Kimpton Rowan on W. Tahquitz Canyon Way came their restaurants. With it, 4 Saints, an upscale restaurant with one of the best brunches around. The dishes here are amazing and priced accordingly, plus the view of Palm Springs is great here.
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
4. Birba
It’s a Palm Springs institution. This is my go-to for chich Italian food when you need a slice of pizza or a hearty bowl of pasta. But don’t let the heavy carb foods fool you, this place is as chic as all be. They have a wonderful outdoor patio with spacious seating available. Their craft cocktails are wonderfully paired with their ever-changing menu.
Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
5. King’s Highway
A classic for me every time I come to Palm Springs. This modern roadside diner serving locally sourced fare classics is a wonderful experience. Plus, the space of the restaurant is a fun throwback. Whether you visit for a late brunch or come in for dinner, their menu is wonderful. It’s located in the Ace Hotel, so if you’re staying there it is a convenient choice.
Address: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
6. Counter Reformation
You may have to ask where this one is located as it’s quite hidden inside the Parker Hotel. Step downstairs to this speakeasy kind of bar that serves glasses of wine all at one set price and a wonderful tapas menu. I love the foie gras macaroons. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to see in New York.
Address: 5230, 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
7. Azucar
One of the newer restaurants to open, is a Mexican-fare restaurant that has some modern takes on the cuisine. Their local farm-to-table food is really fresh and airs on the healthier side in a local Palm Springs hotel, La Serena Villas. You have to order their watermelon salad and cauliflower tacos!
Address: 339 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
8. Sandfish by Engin Onural
One new restaurant to open that is exciting is this sushi joint. Head Chef Engin Onural opened up this sushi bar with a few seats in a stunningly designed restaurant. Their whiskey options are also a hit. It’s an upscale experience for dining in Palm Springs. They also offer their diverse menu for takeaway, so you could enjoy your sushi at your hotel.
Address: 1556 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
9. The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge
Having stayed at Sparrows Lodge once, I was excited to hear they were opening up their restaurant to the public. Come here for a family-style dinner on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is casual and includes a starter and entree, and dessert with the Saturday supper meal. Reservations are a must. Oftentimes, the hotel keeps the restaurant open to guests only, so I suggest checking directly for availability.
Address: 1330 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Looking to add an epic tour to your time in Palm Springs? These are a few to consider:
10. T&T Innovation Kitchen
One of the best in the Coachella Valley, this is out at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The food is served with a prix fixe menu (a ton of small plates) and is constantly changing by the executive chef.
Address: 74-855 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
11. Del Rey at Villa Royale
Come here for Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired food located inside Villa Royale. You will find Spanish tapas and flavors on their global-inspired menu. Their whole concept is bringing people together to enjoy and share small plates.
Address: 1620 S Indian Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
12. Wilma & Frieda
This popular joint is best known for its breakfast. It’s almost always busy but definitely a win for the brunch lovers. The location in Mercado Plaza Fountain makes it a picturesque spot for lunch. Their menu is also available for takeaway, so you could consider ordering ahead.
Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
13. Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel & Spa
This Instagram dream of a restaurant in Palm Springs may attract people for its charming space, but its food is delicious. A Moroccan-influenced menu brings this place alive by Chef Jason Niederkorn.
Address: 44-985 Province Way, Indian Wells, CA 92210
14. Blackbook
A good casual option in the area, well known for their fried chicken sandwiches. They offer a curbside service as well so you can take their food to go. You may want to consider getting their popular Garlic Adobo Yuca Fries to go with the chicken sandwich. Or even try their Palm Springs Style Nachos. I hear they are a must.
Address: 315 E Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
15. El Jefe
A favorite tequila bar that has wonderful Mexican fare. The taco Tuesdays are definitely a win here. It’s located at the Saguaro Palm Springs, so again, if you’re at this hotel, you have to dine here once. Their Mexican street food menu also has great happy-hour deals and a Taco Tuesday special.
Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
16. Kreem
Though technically not a restaurant, it’s a must for its ice cream. If you need to cool off then look no further. The artisanal ice cream and coffee are the go-to. The ingredients are based on organic and natural flavors, plus they have vegan ice cream.
Address: 170 E Palm Canyon Dr #8822, Palm Springs, CA 92264
17. Elmer’s
So what if you sleep in? Elmer’s is a locally owned restaurant best known for its late breakfast and pet-friendly patio. This Northwest favorite has been around since 1960, making it an icon for the restaurant industry in Palm Springs. They are also open for lunch and dinner.
Address: 1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
18. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
For the veggie-lover’s, this kitchen is all you need. Come here for great vegetarian food only to go, and bring it back to your place. She has curbside pickup and no contact delivery available for Palm Springs.
Address: 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
19. Farm
A hidden bistro right in the La Plaza center where you can get some great French-inspired food. I’d come here for lunch and snag one of their sandwiches. It feels like you are transported to the south of France. On the weekends, they are offering a great 5 prix fixe menu, so be sure to check out that option as well.
Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
20. Revel Public House
For a more casual bite with a great brew list, this place is like a pub and a restaurant mixed together. I loved the burger here and the beer on tap.
Address: 140 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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