Palm Springs is one of the best escape destinations in California with all the midcentury architecture, stunning mountain vistas, retro vibes, and perfect weather around the year.
And thankfully, Palm Springs is also a culinary destination to be reckoned with.
This lovely place is home to numerous award-winning restaurants, whether you’re in search of a farm-to-table concept, a fancy dining experience, or a weird (but stunning) cocktail bar, Palm Springs has them all!
Here are our suggestions for the best Palm Springs Restaurants you gotta eat at, let’s dive right in!
1. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Waiting for a dining experience that can excite you and satisfy your taste buds? MICHELIN recommended Workshop Kitchen + Bar is definitely the spot! Workshop embraces the farm-to-table concept, serving modern American small plates in such a fancy way that you can never imagine! And their menu has a bit of everything, so if you’re going in a group, everyone will find something they love!
Must-try includes Duck Fried Rice, Miso Caramel Sweet Potato, and Dry-aged Flannery Beef Burger! The fried rice sounds basic, but you will be amazed by the aroma and the complex taste later, especially the perfectly seared duck breast! Spicy, savory, sweet, garlic-y, this is oh-so-good! And the burger tastes like heaven in every bite!
Don’t forget to save some room for dessert. Treat your taste buds with decadent mousse filled with roasted pistachio. Or the tempting, melt-in-your-mouth, richly caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin on a crisp, flaky pastry!
What to order: Duck Fried Rice, Miso Caramel Sweet Potato, Dry-aged Flannery Beef Burger, Pistachio Mousse, Apple Tarte Tatin
Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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2. Le Vallauris Restaurant
Located at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, in a historic ranch-style house, Le Vallauris Restaurant serves traditional French food by chef Jean-Paul Lair that you shouldn’t miss out on! If you’re in search of five-star dining and first-class service to impress your date partner, then this place is a hit!
People are going crazy about their 6-course Tasting Menu, which is constantly changing. In case you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to try the Blue Crab married perfectly with the creamy avocado, rich buttery sauce flavored with sweet mango and orange juice. Yummy!
The Grilled Marinated Stuffed Quail with Fig can probably seduce you with its flavorsome taste and herbal-ish aroma! And some creamy Chilean Seabass is perfectly cooked with blood orange and onion. The toasted hazelnuts gave it one more unexpected dimension in flavor.
What to order: 6-course Tasting Menu
Address: 385 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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3. French Miso Café
French Miso Cafe is a French cafe with wonderful Japanese influences that welcomes its guest to such romantic, modern settings and ambiance. The space and view itself are phenomenal but the food is even more satisfying! Expect to try some of the most stunning salmon, pasta, toast, and miso soup here!
People love coming here for brunch, and we bet you will too! If you do, settle down with some Vegan Toast or French Miso Toast. While the Vegan one comes with grilled olive sourdough bread topped with ricotta, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, and pomegranate molasses, which is light yet tasty as ever; the French Miso one is made with thick brioche bread, topped with vanilla cream and berries, which gives a lovely, light sweetness!
In case you’re here for dinner, get the Pork Ginger with thin slices of pork belly, marinated with soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and sautéed with shiitake mushrooms. Don’t be shy, get some rice to have along with it, truly is a bomb flavor!
What to order: Vegan Toast, Pork Ginger, Roasted Icelandic Cod, Braised Celeriac Soup, French Miso Toasts
Address: 19 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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4. The Tropicale Palm Springs
The Tropicale Palm Springs is going to have your heart with not only its splashy pink decor and an Old Havana supper club vibe but also the massive menu along with an impressive cocktail list. Their patio is pretty fun and busy at late night, if you’re a party lover, you’ll love to stay at their back patio!
If you’re here for dinner, settle down with their famous Skewer Skirt Steak, Spaghetti with Marinara & Italian Meatballs, and Pizza Margherita with Scarmoza Cheese! While the skirt steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender and delicious with wonderful caramelized bits, the Spaghetti is juicy and smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce that’s seasoned with fresh herbs!
Just here for the drinks and love to have some snacks? Get the Firecracker Shrimp, which is sweet, sticky, spicy, and crunchy. Each bite just explodes with texture and flavor! Or the Garlic-grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop is no less mouth-watering!
What to order: Firecracker Shrimp, Spaghetti with Marinara & Italian Meatballs, Skewer Skirt Steak, Garlic-Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop
Address: 330 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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5. Farm
Farm has long been the locals’ best-kept secret for many reasons. This tucked-away farm-to-table restaurant serves top-notch French dishes on a charming garden patio (that gets more romantic at night), along with delicious French-press coffee and house-made jams!
For brunch, sink your teeth into any sweet or savory crepes, omelets, brioche French toast, sandwiches, or salads. The highlight of the menu is their famous Caramelized Pineapple Brie, which is served with roasted pistachios, honey truffle, butter crostini, and micro-intensity greens. This is definitely a must-try!
For dinner, get yourself the classic Chicken Roulade, which is stuffed with fresh spinach and gruyere cheese, served with truffle mashed potatoes and creamy mushroom sauce. Or the rich, flavor-packed, tender Braised Lamb Ossobuco can do you good.
Don’t hesitate to have some cocktails along the way, especially the Key Lime Pie and Mamma Needs a Drink made with house-infused grape rum. Tasty!
What to order: Caramelized Pineapple Brie, Braised Lamb Ossobuco, Chicken Roulade, Key Lime Pie, Mamma Needs a Drink
Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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6. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Located in the courtyard of the former Cary Grant estate, Copley’s on Palm Canyon is the spot you can’t get enough of the romantic, open-air patio in the garden, and the sublime cuisine across the globe. And have we told you that their broad wine list is super impressive too?
In case you want to go for something safe and classic, get the Muscovy duck breast, seared Scottish salmon, lobster pot pie, and tandoori chicken breast. But if you need a wind of change, grab their Hawaiian Ahi Tacos, Honey Spiced Duck Breast, and Charred Beef Fillet!
The tacos are composed of cubed ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions, it’s an irresistible mixture of tart, sweet, and savory flavors. And the duck breast is so tender with such a garlic-y, herbal-ish taste profile.
What to order: Hawaiian Ahi Tacos, Poached Maine Lobster, Honey Spiced Duck Breast, Charred Beef Fillet
Address: 621 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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7. Sam’s Place
Sam’s Place is where you can satisfy your tummy all day long, from breakfast and brunch to dinner, in such comforting and relaxing surroundings! Here at Sam’s Place, you can find a bit of everything, from the famous cheeseburgers to Mediterranean classics. Dive right in and feast on your taste buds!
Don’t hesitate to go for their signature Sam’s Wings with boneless chicken tossed in your choice of buffalo or honey BBQ sauce. Saucy, sassy little pieces! Try the Sirloin Steak too, which is packed with beefy flavor and has a soft-chewy character without being tough. Topped with some garlic mashed potatoes and you’re all set!
Their burgers are too good to pass! Grab the Sweet & Spicy Turkey Burger if you still have room for some more. This burger is packed with a punch of jalapeno flavor and topped with sauce made of mayo and apricot jam, which is sure to make your taste buds happy!
What to order: Sam’s Wings, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Sweet & Spicy Turkey Burger, Sirloin Steak
Address: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr. Suite A6, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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8. El Mirasol at Los Arboles
Craving a traditional Mexican food fare? El Mirasol is here to help you out! This lovely, casual restaurant will not disappoint you with its wide menu of lunch and dinner, along with the comforting yet elegant indoor and outdoor seating.
Start with their Pechugas Marisol with chicken breast sauteed with toasted purple tomatillo with white onions, dry Cora, and Puya chiles sauce for a touch of heat. Tender, light yet tasty, perfect for lunch or dinner! For a meaty one, choose the Chicharron En Salsa with pork belly fried and roáted until crisp, then served with a combination of sauces!
People love coming for the Shrimp Enchiladas and Chicken Burrito too, so make sure you’ll try them before leaving! While the shrimp enchiladas are filled with sauteed shrimp and covered with tomatillo sauce, the burritos are big on flavor and stuffed full of seasoned chicken filling, Mexican rice, refried beans, corn, and lots of cheese!
What to order: Pechugas Marisol, Chicharron En Salsa, Shrimp Enchiladas, Chicken Burrito
Address: 266 E Vía Altamira, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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9. Otori Sushi
Otori Sushi has always been the locals’ favorite spot for top-notch fresh sushi in Palm Springs. In case you’re so familiar with burgers, pasta, and stuff, pay a visit to this cozy, little Asian restaurant for a wind of change! Here at Otori Sushi, you’ll be trying a variety of flavors and lots of creativity on such a beautiful patio with an amazing view!
Otori Sushi has a long list of different types of sashimi, along with nigiri, tempura, fusion, and fresh and baked rolls. Don’t miss their crowd-pleasers like Hawaiian Poke Roll, Gyoza Dumplings, Salmon Crunch Roll, Ultimate Albacore Sashimi, and Tempura Udon Soup. You won’t be disappointed!
The poke roll is loaded with all the island flavors you love like ahi tuna, sweet onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and a sweet roll to hold it all, while the salmon roll combines the tastes of sushi with the crunchiness of rolled-up salads and the mouth-watering flavor of smoked salmon!
What to order: Hawaiian Poke Roll, Gyoza Dumplings, Salmon Crunch Roll, Ultimate Albacore Sashimi, Tempura Udon Soup
Address: 68100 Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234
10. Elmer’s Restaurant
Opened its first door 30 years ago, Elmer’s Restaurant is still a gem to both locals and visitors for serving delicious Northwest flavors in their wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Pay a visit and let Elmer’s surprise you with its finest taste in a cozy, home-y ambiance!
You should never miss their best-seller, Looking For Sun Omelet with smoky chipotle bacon, Jack and Cheddar cheese, green onion, Northwest salsa, fresh avocado, and sour cream. You’ll be amazed by its simple yet tasty taste profile!
In case you’ve tried this before, now get the Crabacado Omelet which is loaded with Dungeness crab, smokehouse bacon, fresh avocado, Swiss cheese, tomato, and classic Hollandaise sauce. Feel like heaven in every bite!
The Chicken Bacon Broccoli Omelet is also a hidden gem, which comes with fluffy three-egg omelet with diced chicken, cheddar, and classic Hollandaise sauce. You can choose to have it with Northwest Hash Browns or fresh seasonal fruit and a freshly-baked buttermilk biscuit. Either of them is amazing!
What to order: Chicken Bacon Broccoli Omelet, Looking For Sun Omelet, Crabacado Omelet, Country Biscuit Breakfast
Address: 1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
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11. John Henry’s Cafe
Off the beaten path and tucked away behind the trees, John Henry’s Cafe is where you’ll be experiencing the most memorable farm-to-table dishes in a relaxing desert ambiance. This best-kept secret spot has been a hidden gem to the locals for over 30 years for a reason, come by and actually try it yourself!
People love coming here again for the Smoked Mozzarella & Red Peppers served warm with blanched onion. The smokiness of the mozzarella combined with the succulent, deep flavor of the red peppers makes this a fantastic flavor combination. Bet you’ll love that too!
Then go on with the Spaghetti Pomodoro which is super stunning with a delicious tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Or the Lobster Ravioli is no less mouth-watering with plump lobster-filled ravioli tossed in a creamy sauce. Yummy!
What to order: Smoked Mozzarella & Red Peppers, Spaghetti Pomodoro, Lobster Ravioli, Crisp Roast Duck
Address: 1785 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
12. John’s Restaurant
If you want to start your day right, then you should go to John’s Restaurant! This lovely, neon-sign spot on Palm Canyon has some of the best breakfasts in town! From pancakes and French toast to omelets and breakfast melts, this place has them all! Make sure you’re really hungry coming here because their portion is no joke!
Settle down with a Cinnamon roll French Toast Combo with 3 eggs any style, and don’t hesitate to pair it with some bacon or sausage! Or you can simply go for the Country Scramble, which comes with grilled potatoes, onions, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Basic but classic!
For a meaty one, grab The Heartstopper, a huge burger piled up with crisp bacon, sausage patties, a fried egg, American cheese, tomato, pickles, and housemade sauce. It’s cheesy and savory with a soft, crunchy texture that is phenomenal! You’ll soon find yourself coming for this!
What to order: Ham & Cheese Omelette, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Combo, Country Scramble, The Heartstopper, Cheese Quesadilla
Address: 900 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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Palm Springs culinary has everything for everyone, and we bet you’ve got yourself the ideal ones for your next travel to Palm Springs. Keep your journey going with our best Pasadena restaurants to dine in!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.