Where Desert Foodies Dine
Wondering where to see & be "scene" around Palm Springs? Here are our top 10 picks for chowing down and sipping up...
Whether you're aware of it or not, Palm Springs is a town of dichotomies. Historically speaking, it's perfectly preserved in it's mid-century-modern splendor, but socially speaking it's a town of constant change. From snow birds, to day trippers and it's proximity to LA causing an influx of transient celeb and week-end traffic, we desert dwellers seem always ready, willing and able to find what's new and what's next. Whether you want to pop back into a go-to favorite or try one of the many newbies on the scene, here are the 10 essential Palm Springs restaurants to hit during your next jaunt to the desert.
See you soon...
1. BAR CECIL
The crew behind boutique hotels Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House transformed this former sushi spot into a posh restaurant anchored by a wood and marble bar covered in bold wallpapers and poppy art. In the kitchen, executive chef Gabe Woo prepares contemporary bistro fare, putting his own spin on classics and incorporating seasonal ingredients from local farms. Think steak frites, roasted chicken with charred green beans, and grilled California artichokes with house-made aioli.
2. MR. LYONS
Condé Nast says... " This is the ultimate celebratory meal for a special occasion -- think anniversaries, birthdays, or the date that seals the deal. Mr. Lyon's is the old school steakhouse that you imagined the Rat Pack dining at, dimly lit with tufted green banquettes, monochrome tiles, and those white tablecloths that you've grown to miss at the more modern restaurants these days. There's a wonderful wine list to go with all the rich, locally sourced meats, and, naturally, a perfectly poured martini. The staff embodies that old school, white glove service that we're left longing for in the fast casual craze.
DEL REY at The Villa Royale
Brad A. Johnson says..."Del Rey is a sexy little speakeasy and tapas bar tucked inside the estate of Villa Royale in Palm Springs. Located in the heart of town, just off Palm Canyon Drive, the hotel dates to the 1940s but reopened anew in 2018 after a two-year redux that included the debut of Del Rey. Both the drinks and the tapas are very good."
COLONY CLUB at the Colony Palms
The crew behind boutique hotels Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House transformed this former sushi spot into a posh restaurant anchored by a wood and marble bar covered in bold wallpapers and poppy art. In the kitchen, executive chef Gabe Woo prepares contemporary bistro fare, putting his own spin on classics and incorporating seasonal ingredients from local farms. Think steak frites, roasted chicken with charred green beans, and grilled California artichokes with house-made aioli.
SO-PA at L'Horizon
Dramatic, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Join us for dinner in an intimate setting. Finished with fire pits and fountains, this intimate al-fresco courtyard is the deserts most distinctive restaurant. SOPA is Adults Only and Reservation Only. We have a No Pets Policy.
1050 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-323-1858
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MR PARKERS at Parker Palm Springs
Dark, discreet, and decadent. Over-the-top decor and under-the-tank mischief. A watering hole befitting dreamy aesthetes, wandering flaneurs, and swaggering dandies. The high-born agreeably mix with lowbrow, the bon vivants nurse the lugubrious and everyone is 'wilkommen'. A guy's guy sort of place with a menu to match -- epicurean, savory favorites with Chef's personal inspirations. A wine list not meant for the faint of heart, a bar that happily provides your martini in lieu of an entree and desserts that extend the pleasure principle.
BIRBA
GOOP says..." Located directly next door, this is Cheeky’s more substantial but equally delicious dinner-focused sibling. The atmosphere is just as relaxed, but the garden patio bar—complete with a rich cocktail offering (the gin martini is our go-to)—make it the ideal evening hangout. Come here for inventive interpretations of traditional Italian specialties like mushroom and ricotta lasagna, meatballs, eggplant and burrata, and of course, pizza. While the more topping-rich options are great, the no-frills Margherita is our favorite."
MELVYN'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Always in style, the unabashed swagger of Melvyn’s is more understated than when women arrived in stilettos and Halston dress back in the ’70s. But we still dress for elegance. Join us on the patio for classic cocktails and dinner, with our menu that takes a locally-inspired approach to classic dining.
WORKSHOP KITCHEN & BAR
Palm Springs Life says... "Tucked inside a 1920s-era Spanish Eclectic complex in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, one of my favorite restaurants hums like a well-oiled machine. Conceptualized around the idea of an atelier, or a workshop/studio space for designers and artists (in this case, chefs), Workshop Kitchen & Bar presents a symphonic seasonal menu of sustainable, SoCal-grown fare — including hearty vegetables and herbs cultivated in gardens behind the restaurant and at chef/owner Michael Beckman’s nearby home."
MALEZA
Maleza is rooted in Baja tradition with a bit of Palm Springs ease. This all-day eatery serves up family-style feasts expertly paired with rare mezcals and craft cocktails in an indoor/outdoor dining and gathering space.
In partnership with local Chef Ysaac Ramirez and Jorge Espindola and Cesar Pita of San Jose del Cabo-based Roots and Roads. Here, groups can gather over Drift wines, beers, and mezcal cocktails perfectly paired with seasonal coastal fare.
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Die-hard Mr Lyons fan here. Pro-tip, hang on the bar side for cocktail tables, happy hour nibbles and fantastic people watching / conversation starting without the cost of the steakhouse side of the restaurant. Seymour’s is so fun as well 🫶🏼
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