Last Updated on March 6, 2023
Looking for a place with a variety of cuisine? Look no further. Now is the time to head to Palm Springs to participate in our quickly expanding restaurant scene. I have many favorite Palm Springs restaurants I’m excited to share with you.
Renowned chefs are attracted to the area because they know visitors and local citizens have discriminating dining tastes.
There is nothing better than sitting down to a great meal after a day of golf, lounging around the pool, or out exploring attractions. Many of these restaurants have outdoor dining. Frankly, it is a special treat to sit outside under glorious star-filled skies while sipping cocktails and dining on food that is sure to cause you to rave to your friends.
This overview is a sampling of my favorite Palm Springs restaurants covering the different varieties of cuisine found within the city. Even locals cannot keep up with the new restaurants that are currently opening under new ownership or importing new chefs that are adeptly changing the course of some of our eateries.
Eight4Nine
This 9,000 square foot building was formerly the first Palm Springs Post Office. Today, Eight4Nine’s elegantly appointed decor showcases various shades of white and pink with minimalist furniture. There are lounge chairs, high-top tables, or regular tables, so your first decision is where you want to sit.
Of course, most opt for the outdoor patio for dining under the stars in Palm Springs is an experience we can have all year long.
Cocktails are superb. The drink menu is extensive, and Happy Hour is served all day long with a special menu. If you want comfort food or a twist on an old favorite, you will not be disappointed here. It is also the perfect place to have celebrations. There are numerous private areas to have meetings or reunions with friends or family.
he Reef
The tropical atmosphere invokes relaxation from the minute you walk into The Reef. Think of being on an island with tiki lights, grass huts, etc., and you will have the perfect image in your mind. It is located on the grounds of the Caliente Tropics Hotel.
If you have been craving an excellent mai tai, you will not be disappointed. No cute umbrellas, but a fresh mint garnish makes your drink more than festive.
The coconut shrimp is superb, though one cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. But, beware, the servings are plentiful, so come when you are hungry.
Fuzion Five
Looking for a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian place, look no farther than Fuzion Five. They use their home recipes and add a modern twist. There are a variety of menu items that can be adjusted for your dietary needs.
Vietnam and Laos flavors come together at this restaurant. As an added incentive to check it out, it was named the 2019 “Best Asian Food in Coachella Valley” by the local paper, the Desert Sun.
Trios
When you see a building with Palm Springs’s signature bright orange color, you will know you are at Trios. Everything about the building speaks of Modernism in our Uptown Design District. Its casual atmosphere with sophisticated American cuisine makes it a place you will want to return to again and again.
I was taken to this restaurant for happy hour when I arrived in Palm Springs. Now let us say I am a card-carrying member and have never been disappointed with my meals. If you are a macaroni aficionado, you certainly will want to try their five-cheese macaroni.
Birba
If you want to go to dinner for a casual date night, you might want to consider Birba. Seating is outside on a covered patio with Palo Verdes trees intermingle between the tables and benches. The lighting is terrific, and it is far enough off the busy road, so you are in your own world once you walk through the entrance.
The owner’s mom’s recipes are used to prepare the handmade pasta, and we do believe her touch is definitely in the sauce of the wood-fired pizzas. With customers in mind, the chef has developed a gluten-free cauliflower crust pizza that is in great demand. Also, be sure to have one of their craft cocktails.
Sandfish
If you have been timid about going to a sushi bar, here is the place to stretch out of your comfort zone, for Sandfish has ample choices for even the most discriminating tastes. The word is the sushi tostadas are delicious.
The Scandinavian décor beckons one to sit back, sip the Japanese whiskey cocktails slowly, and dine on their specialty Japanese seafood dishes. People are raving about the scallops and walnuts, and not to be turned down is their expresso crème Brulee for dessert.
Bongo Johnny’s
This dog-friendly restaurant is perched on the second floor and offers a birds-eye view of the heart of downtown. It is a busy place. It serves breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. It also serves bottomless champagne for $5 all day.
If you are looking for American cuisine, Bongo Johnny’s is the place for you. There are vegan and gluten-free choices on the menu. However, if you don’t see what you want, be sure to ask one of the friendly staff members, they are very accommodating.
Recently, the scramble of eggs with spinach and feta cheese had this writer making the statement, “Let us make this a regular breakfast stop.” If you are here on a Saturday night, you will want to make reservations for their Prime Rib Night.
El Mirasol
Craving Mexican food? Then you will want to head to El Mirasol.
This family-owned restaurant has been a staple in Palm Springs since 1985 when they opened El Mirasol Cocina Mexican in a tiny restaurant on South Palm Canyon Drive. That small kitchen has been expanded and now can accommodate many people inside and on their inviting patio.
If you are in the north end of Palm Springs, you will want to make reservations at their restaurant, with the same name, at the Los Arboles Hotel. Their guacamole is superb, homemade, and will leave you clamoring for more.
Still hungry? Their Chile Rellenos are served with their grandmother’s sauce recipe. Pair that with their Cadillac margarita, and you will know you have arrived in Palm Springs for what is sure to be a relaxing getaway.
Spencer’s
One can always plan on the food being superb, and the ambiance is hard to beat. The recently expanded patio has made the whole area an oasis sure to please your guests. The patio tables are scattered among trees with lighting at night, feeling like a fairyland. We love eating there in the wintertime for outdoor heaters keep the area at an enjoyable temperature.
Don’t be surprised to see movie stars eating here; its elegant fine dining attracts people worldwide.
Whether you want seafood, a fabulous steak, or a vegan meal, you will find it here and, more likely, will rave about it with others. If you don’t have time for dinner, make reservations for breakfast or lunch. I can assure you will find locals there meeting their friends and lingering over their cups of coffee.
There is never a hurry to usher you out.
The Farm
You’ll have to look for The Farm, it is tucked away. Make sure you ask if you cannot find it in our scenic, historic La Plaza. The place is beautiful. It has lush plants and flowers cascading over its white picket fence.
The Farm’s creative French recipes are made from farm-fresh produce. Numerous choices are sure to please any member of your group. In addition, people rave about craft drinks. This is the perfect place to move you out of your comfort zone and try a new beverage.
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