Roadside diners, chic restaurants, and poolside bars, Palm Springs has it all. These 20 best restaurants in Palm Springs, California are the ones you’ll want to bookmark. 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 these hotels 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.
The 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
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)
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.
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.
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.
5. King’s Highway
A classic for me every time I come to Palm Springs. This modern diner serving locally sourced fare classics is a wonderful experience. Plus, the space of the restaurant is a fun throwback.
6. Counter Reformation
You may have to ask where this one is located as it’s quite hidden inside the Parker. 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.
7. Azucar
One of the newer restaurants to open, this is 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.
8. Sandfish by Engin Onural
Some new restaurants to open that are exciting is this sushi join. 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.
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. Reservations are a must.
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.
11. Del Rey at Villa Royale
Come here for Spanish and Meditteranean inspired food.
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.
13. Wexler’s Deli
Yes, a deli on the top 20 list for Palm Springs. And for good reason — the pastrami sandwiches.
14. Blackbook
A good casual option in the area, well known for their fried chicken sandwiches.
15. El Jefe
A favorite tequila bar that has wonderful Mexican fare. The taco Tuesdays are definitely a win here.
16. Kreem
Though technically not a restaurant, it’s a must for its ice cream. If you need to cool-off than look no further.
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.
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.
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.
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 a great Palm Springs restaurant.
