The 22 BEST Palm Springs Restaurants That Tourists Flock To
The 22 Best Palm Springs Restaurants That Tourists Flock To
Palm Springs has evolved into one of Southern California's premier dining destinations, offering an eclectic mix of culinary experiences that perfectly complement the desert city's mid-century modern charm and year-round sunshine.
From intimate fine dining establishments housed in historic estates to vibrant outdoor patios serving innovative cuisine, the restaurant scene in Palm Springs caters to every palate and occasion.
The city's unique position as a celebrity retreat and cultural hub has attracted world-class chefs who blend local desert ingredients with international flavors, creating a dining landscape that's both sophisticated and refreshingly unpretentious.
Trendy Palm Springs Restaurants to Check Out
Whether you're staying at The Oasis Resort in Palm Springs—a fantastic base for your desert getaway—or another accommodation, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the city's incredible restaurant scene. The Oasis’ convenient location places you within easy reach of Palm Springs' most popular restaurants and bars, making it simple to walk or take a short ride to your chosen dining destination.
Whether you're celebrating a special anniversary, enjoying a casual family meal, or looking for the perfect date night spot, Palm Springs restaurants deliver memorable experiences against the backdrop of stunning San Jacinto Mountain views. Let’s get started!
1 | Copley's on Palm Canyon | Set in the former Cary Grant estate, Copley's on Palm Canyon exudes old Hollywood glamour with contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant features multiple dining areas including intimate indoor rooms and a stunning outdoor patio surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views.
Chef Mark Van Laanen creates elevated dishes using locally sourced ingredients from farms within a 100-mile radius, offering everything from fresh seafood to prime steaks with seasonal accompaniments.
Pro Tip: Request a table on the outdoor patio during sunset for the most romantic dining experience with mountain views
Dress Code: Smart casual to upscale casual; collared shirts recommended for men
Best Thing to Order: Seasonal fish preparations or the restaurant's famous rack of lamb
Perfect For: Special occasions, romantic dinners, celebrating anniversaries
WHERE: 621 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 327-9555
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2 | Birba | A favorite among locals, Birba combines a hip outdoor setting with a menu inspired by Italian street food. Located in the Uptown Design District, this modern Italian restaurant features a beautiful tree-filled patio with fire pits and a wood-fired oven producing exceptional pizzas.
Since 2011, they've specialized in homemade Milanese and Tuscan-style food, sourcing ingredients from small, local farms.
Pro Tip: Try the squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta - they're a signature appetizer that guests rave about
Dress Code: Casual to smart casual; perfect for desert chic attire
Best Thing to Order: The Birba pizza with prosciutto, honey, and chili oil, or the tagliatelle con fiori with squash blossoms and pancetta
Perfect For: Date nights, casual dinners with friends, outdoor dining
WHERE: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 327-5678
3 | Workshop Kitchen + Bar | One of the favorites right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this modern restaurant takes local cuisine to a new level. Workshop features a stylish indoor-outdoor design with a popular patio that's perfect for warm desert evenings.
The menu focuses on new American cuisine with seasonal cocktails and farm-to-table ingredients that showcase California's abundant produce.
Pro Tip: Book ahead for the outdoor patio, especially during warmer months for late-night dinner
Dress Code: Modern casual; desert-appropriate attire welcomed
Best Thing to Order: The seasonal fish dishes and craft cocktails that change with the menu
Perfect For: Groups, business dinners, trendy dining experiences
WHERE: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 459-3451
4 | Le Vallauris | Le Vallauris was opened by Paul Bruggemans in 1974 in a historic 1927 house known as the Roberson home in downtown Palm Springs. Set in a historic Spanish-style villa surrounded by lush gardens, Le Vallauris offers an elegant retreat from the bustling city streets.
The restaurant serves classic French cuisine with Mediterranean influences in intimate dining rooms and on a romantic outdoor terrace.
Pro Tip: Request the garden terrace for the most enchanting dining atmosphere
Dress Code: Upscale casual to semi-formal; jackets appreciated but not required
Best Thing to Order: Classic French preparations like coq au vin or bouillabaisse
Perfect For: Special celebrations, romantic dinners, French cuisine lovers
WHERE: 385 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 325-5059
5 | Spencer's Restaurant | Spencer's Restaurant offers an elegant setting with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, known for its impeccable service and sophisticated menu specializing in contemporary American cuisine.
The restaurant features both indoor dining and an outdoor patio that provides serene mountain backdrop views.
Pro Tip: Book a table during golden hour for the best mountain views
Dress Code: Upscale casual; resort elegant preferred
Best Thing to Order: The signature steaks and contemporary American dishes with mountain views
Perfect For: Special occasions, business dinners, scenic dining
WHERE: 701 W Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 327-3446
6 | 4 Saints | Located in the newly opened Kimpton Rowan on W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 4 Saints is an upscale restaurant with one of the best brunches around.
This modern American restaurant offers elevated dishes with stunning views of Palm Springs from its rooftop location, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors.
Pro Tip: Try the famous brunch menu - it's considered one of the best in the city
Dress Code: Upscale casual to smart casual
Best Thing to Order: Weekend brunch dishes and the restaurant’s creative American cuisine
Perfect For: Weekend brunch, special occasions, scenic city views
WHERE: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 392-2020
7 | The Restaurant at Palm Springs Surf Club | The Restaurant at Palm Springs Surf Club, which reopened its doors in February 2025, is a vibrant culinary destination where California's coastline meets the flavors of the desert.
Led by chef Michael Hung, it features a surf-inspired menu with dishes like sea bass in a banana leaf, a tuna melt on sourdough with caramelized shallots, and crispy wagyu "cigars" with yogurt sauce.
Pro Tip: Start your meal with a light and refreshing ceviche
Dress Code: Resort casual; beachy chic welcomed
Best Thing to Order: The sea bass in banana leaf or the elevated tuna melt
Perfect For: California coastal cuisine lovers, trendy dining, poolside dining
WHERE: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 205-3634
8 | Sherman's Deli & Bakery | Sherman's Deli & Bakery, a cultural touchstone, was established in 1963 by Sherman Harris who brought authentic New York deli flavors to the desert.
The deli remains a family-run business, with Harris's children and grandchildren involved, helping preserve the original values and quality. Known for generous portions and traditional recipes.
Pro Tip: Expect a wait, but it's worth it for that classic deli experience
Dress Code: Completely casual; come as you are
Best Thing to Order: Pastrami sandwich with thick slices of tender, juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, or the classic Reuben sandwich
Perfect For: Families, casual meals, hearty appetites, breakfast
WHERE: 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 325-1199
9 | King's Highway | King's Highway is a classic modern roadside diner serving locally sourced fare classics in a wonderful experience with a fun throwback space.
Located in the Ace Hotel, this restaurant offers both late brunch and dinner service with a menu that celebrates American diner classics with a contemporary twist.
Pro Tip: Visit for either late brunch or dinner - both menus are excellent
Dress Code: Casual; vintage-inspired attire fits the vibe
Best Thing to Order: The modern takes on classic American diner fare
Perfect For: Casual dining, retro atmosphere lovers, hotel guests
WHERE: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 866-6189
10 | Rooster and the Pig | Rooster and the Pig is a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant that is a hot spot a few blocks from downtown Palm Springs, offering a stylish, industrial-chic atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The menu features a wide range of food from rolls to some of the best Vietnamese soups around.
Pro Tip: There is almost always a line so be prepared to wait a bit but it's well worth it
Dress Code: Casual; trendy urban attire welcomed
Best Thing to Order: Vietnamese soup dishes and fresh spring rolls
Perfect For: Vietnamese cuisine lovers, casual dining, unique flavors
WHERE: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 832-6691
11 | Counter Reformation | Counter Reformation is hidden inside the Parker Hotel and operates as a speakeasy kind of bar that serves glasses of wine all at one set price and a wonderful tapas menu.
Bar seating and ledge-leaning are the rules of engagement—think Paris tabac or the zinc, buzzing with locals shoulder-to-shoulder.
Pro Tip: Ask your server about the restaurant’s famous foie gras macaroons
Dress Code: Trendy casual to smart casual; speakeasy chic
Best Thing to Order: Wine flights and tapas-style small plates
Perfect For: Wine lovers, intimate gatherings, unique dining experiences
WHERE: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 770-5000
12 | Farm | Health-conscious diners can enjoy the farm-to-table offerings at Farm, which emphasizes fresh, local produce and seasonal ingredients. This restaurant is committed to sustainable dining practices and showcases the best of California's agricultural bounty in creative, healthy dishes.
Pro Tip: Ask about seasonal specials that highlight the freshest local ingredients
Dress Code: Casual; health-conscious chic
Best Thing to Order: Seasonal vegetarian dishes and farm-fresh salads
Perfect For: Health-conscious diners, vegetarians, fresh ingredient lovers
WHERE: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 322-2724
13 | Trio Restaurant | Creative, high-energy owners Tony Marchese and Chef Mark Van Laanen launched Trio in the Uptown Design District, known for its relaxed atmosphere and contemporary American cuisine.
The restaurant features warm interior design with orange, browns, and beige palette with luminous sea shell, spherical lighting, and its signature rubber-wrapped chandelier.
Pro Tip: Enjoy excellent people watching from the sidewalk patio
Dress Code: Casual to smart casual
Best Thing to Order: Wisconsin-influenced dishes including fresh fish and organic salads
Perfect For: Local atmosphere, contemporary American cuisine, design district exploration
WHERE: 707 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 864-8746
14 | Tac/Quila | A favorite spot for great Mexican food and margaritas, Tac/Quila offers vibrant Mexican cuisine with contemporary twists. The restaurant creates a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional and modern Mexican dishes with an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
Pro Tip: Try the extensive margarita menu - they're known for exceptional tequila drinks
Dress Code: Casual; colorful Mexican-inspired attire welcomed
Best Thing to Order: Traditional tacos and the restaurant’s signature margaritas
Perfect For: Mexican food lovers, group dining, margarita enthusiasts
WHERE: 415 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 417-4471
15 | The Purple Room | The Purple Room, with its Rat Pack history, offers more than just meals—they serve a taste of the past. This historic venue combines dining with live entertainment, maintaining its connection to Palm Springs' glamorous entertainment heritage.
Pro Tip: Check the entertainment schedule for live music performances
Dress Code: Smart casual to upscale; vintage glam encouraged
Best Thing to Order: Classic American fare that pairs well with the restaurant’s entertainment
Perfect For: Entertainment lovers, history buffs, special occasions
WHERE: 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 322-4422
16 | Lost Property at The Skylark | New to the Palm Springs scene, Lost Property at The Skylark is a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar that swung open its doors this past summer, spearheaded by renowned Chef Brandon Kida and curator Rhino Williams.
This little oasis combines midcentury touches with beachy accents—think rattan chairs, marble tables, floor-to-ceiling windows and a blue bar with arched mirrors.
Pro Tip: The restaurant features an all-day menu perfect for any dining time
Dress Code: Coastal casual; mid-century modern chic
Best Thing to Order: Coastal-inspired dishes and craft cocktails
Perfect For: New dining experiences, coastal cuisine, trendy atmosphere
WHERE: 1466 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 538-1240
17 | High Moon at Royal Sun Palm Springs | Led by Chef Adrian Adame, this elevated dining concept delivers California cuisine with regional flair and desert ingredients. High Moon represents the newest wave of Palm Springs dining, focusing on locally-inspired flavors and innovative culinary techniques.
Pro Tip: Try dishes that showcase unique desert ingredients
Dress Code: Modern casual to upscale casual
Best Thing to Order: California cuisine with regional desert influences
Perfect For: Innovative dining, local ingredient showcases, contemporary cuisine
WHERE: 1700 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 794-7991
18 | El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana | El Mirasol delivers authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist, known for its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere with traditional dishes using fresh ingredients. It's the perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner with friends, and you can't go wrong with the tacos or enchiladas.
Pro Tip: Visit for lunch or dinner - both are excellent
Dress Code: Casual Mexican restaurant attire
Best Thing to Order: Traditional tacos and enchiladas made with fresh ingredients
Perfect For: Authentic Mexican cuisine, casual dining, group meals
WHERE: 140 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 323-0721
19 | La Casuelas | La Casuelas offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine with all the classics, but with a contemporary twist. From Las Casuelas' Mexican classics to The Purple Room's Rat Pack history, Palm Springs' historic restaurants offer more than just meals.
Pro Tip: Try the contemporary takes on traditional Mexican dishes
Dress Code: Casual to smart casual
Best Thing to Order: Modern Mexican classics with contemporary presentation
Perfect For: Mexican food enthusiasts, contemporary dining, traditional favorites
WHERE: 368 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 325-3213
20 | Norma's | Norma's is a stylish and comfortable patio eatery located at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs offering American breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Norma's features a brightly colored open-air terrace where breakfast is served all day.
Pro Tip: The outdoor space is colorful and charming, and breakfast is served all day
Dress Code: Resort casual; colorful attire fits the atmosphere
Best Thing to Order: The irresistible flapjacks or the absolutely wonderful doughnuts
Perfect For: All-day breakfast, colorful atmosphere, hotel dining
WHERE: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264 | WHO: (760) 770-5000
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21 | Canopy Wine Lounge | Canopy Wine Lounge is a driving source for wine & community no matter where your palate takes you, featuring a partnership between longtime Palm Springs local Noah Mamet and the owner of 15 unique winery properties around the globe.
The decor is a modern take on the popular design of the 1950's, using clean lines, pops of color, and various textured fabrics and fixtures.
Pro Tip: Ask about the custom-built clay amphora in which the restaurant’s in-house winemaker ferments and ages Californian rosé
Dress Code: Modern casual; wine bar chic
Best Thing to Order: Quality-driven wines paired with small bites for sharing
Perfect For: Wine enthusiasts, intimate conversations, modern atmosphere
WHERE: 175 N Palm Canyon Dr Suite 150, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | WHO: (760) 656-0054
22 | Chez Pierre Bistro | A modern French Bistro serving fresh, French California cuisine with global flavors in a casual, social, and welcoming atmosphere.
Chef Pierre has extensive knowledge, passion and respect for the best ingredients from local farmers markets, and his cuisine is superb with daily specials that follow the seasons.
Pro Tip: In the winter you can find his famous cassoulet, in the spring, shad roe and soft shell crabs
Dress Code: Casual to smart casual French bistro style
Best Thing to Order: Seasonal daily specials and classic French preparations
Perfect For: French cuisine lovers, seasonal dining, casual elegance
WHERE: 74040 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | WHO: (760) 346-1818
Best Restaurants in Palm Springs With a View
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Peaks Restaurant - Located atop San Jacinto Peak, accessible by tram, offering mountain views from 8,500 feet elevation
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Spencer's Restaurant - Features spectacular mountain vistas of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains with indoor dining room and scenic patio options
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Arnold Palmer's Restaurant - Offers stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains from an extensive newly remodeled patio, awarded one of the top 100 outdoor dining restaurants in the country
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The Restaurant at Palm Springs Surf Club - Provides stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains with a waterside vibe from the iconic surf pool
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Escena Grill - Features majestic views of the towering San Jacinto Mountains from spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, ranked among OpenTable's Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants
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Copley's on Palm Canyon - Set in the former Cary Grant estate with stunning mountain views from the patio and historic ambiance
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Miro's Restaurant - Offers Mediterranean-Continental fine dining with mountain backdrop views from their popular patio seating
Downtown Palm Springs Restaurants
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Workshop Kitchen + Bar - Farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal menus in a renovated movie theater, featuring a trendy outdoor courtyard and community-style vibe
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Bar Cecil - The newest and hardest restaurant to get a reservation, already a must-visit downtown destination
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Birba - Italian fusion restaurant with wood-fired pizza and pasta, featuring a string-lit outdoor patio with olive trees and a magical open-air atmosphere
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4 Saints - Fine dining restaurant located in the Kimpton Rowan Hotel with stunning views and one of the best brunches in the area
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Copley's on Palm Canyon - Set in Cary Grant's 1940s guesthouse, this romantic restaurant serves elevated American dishes and was rated by the New York Times as a top desert restauran
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Sandfish - Opened by Engin Onural, one of the top 30 sushi chefs in the world, featuring fresh sushi paired with a curated Japanese whiskey list
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Eight4Nine - Gallery-like restaurant with pristine modern aesthetic, known for their Monte Cristo sandwich at brunch
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Melvyn's - Iconic old-school restaurant frequented by the Rat Pack and celebrities, best known for its atmosphere, live music, and people-watching rather than just the food
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Le Vallauris - Elegant French-Mediterranean gourmet restaurant with garden patio seating, offering premium fine dining experiences
Famous Palm Springs Restaurants
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Melvyn's Restaurant & Lounge - Located in the historic Ingleside Inn, opened in 1975 and became a celebrity hotspot for Hollywood royalty and the Rat Pack, featuring old-world charm, tableside service, and classic dishes like Steak Diane
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The Purple Room - Where Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin cavorted in the 1960s, this supper club offers classic cocktails, live entertainment seven nights a week, and has been voted among the top 100 restaurants in the country by OpenTable
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Sherman's Deli - Founded in 1953, this New York-style deli was a favorite of Elvis Presley and his Memphis Mafia, who regularly visited for hot pastrami sandwiches, and has walls covered with photos of celebrity guests
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Las Casuelas Original - Serving iconic Mexican food since 1958, it was the first Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs and remains the oldest restaurant in the city
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Le Vallauris - Established in 1974 in a 1927 historic home, this French-Mediterranean restaurant has hosted celebrities like Loretta Young, the Gabor sisters, and Jane Goodall, with a garden patio setting
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Copley's on Palm Canyon - Set in Cary Grant's 1940s guesthouse, this restaurant was rated by the New York Times as one of the top restaurants in the desert, known for its romantic patio and chic atmosphere
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The Purple Palm - Located at the Colony Palms Hotel, this Moroccan-style restaurant was once the stomping ground of stars like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart
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Spencer's Restaurant - Inspired by the Palm Springs tennis clubs that were bustling with celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s, featuring retro colors and designs
Recommended Michelin Star Restaurants in Palm Springs
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4 Saints - Located on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, serving modern American coastal cuisine with stunning San Jacinto Mountain views and dishes showcasing seafood, local produce, and prime meats
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Bar Cecil - Art-filled brasserie with upscale comfort food including oysters, steak tartare, roasted king crab legs, ribeye, and a signature burger with Comté cheese, plus a killer martini menu
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Cheeky's - Breakfast and lunch hotspot with a rotating weekly menu featuring inventive classics like carnitas hash and chilaquiles, famous for their bacon flight with five varieties
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Workshop Kitchen & Bar - Farm-to-table restaurant committed to local agriculture, set in a 1920s Spanish-style building with a modernist concrete interior that won a James Beard Award for design
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Tac/Quila - Elevated Mexican cuisine celebrating Jalisco's diverse regional dishes, featuring short rib enchiladas, lobster tacos, and creative aguachile presentations
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The Colony Club - Moroccan-style restaurant at the Colony Palms Hotel with Old Hollywood glamour, serving elevated comfort dishes and innovative creations like Pacific cod and scallop mousse
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Boozehounds Palm Springs - Dog-friendly restaurant with global flair including Korean fried cauliflower, duck confit nachos, and wagyu steak frites, plus a popular brunch menu
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Palm Springs Restaurant
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Consider the Season: Peak season (November-April) requires advance reservations and offers the best weather for outdoor dining. Summer dining often features misters and covered patios.
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Match the Occasion: For romantic dinners, choose restaurants with outdoor patios and mountain views like Copley's or Spencer's. For family meals, opt for casual spots like Sherman's Deli or King's Highway.
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Explore Different Areas: Downtown Palm Springs offers walkable dining, while the Uptown Design District features trendy spots like Birba and Trio. Hotel restaurants often provide resort-style dining experiences.
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Try Local Specialties: Many restaurants incorporate desert ingredients and California produce. Look for seasonal menus that showcase local farmers' market finds.
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Book Outdoor Seating: Palm Springs' weather makes outdoor dining a year-round pleasure. Request patio seating for the full desert dining experience with mountain views and starlit skies.
Your Perfect Palm Springs Dining Experience Awaits
Palm Springs' restaurant scene continues to evolve and impress, offering dining experiences that rival any major culinary destination. From the historic charm of establishments like Sherman's Deli and Le Vallauris to innovative newcomers like High Moon and Lost Property at The Skylark, the desert city provides endless opportunities to create memorable meals.
The diversity of cuisines, price points, and atmospheres means that whether you're planning a romantic dinner under the stars, a casual lunch with friends, or a special celebration, you'll find the perfect restaurant to match your mood and occasion.
The combination of stunning natural beauty, year-round outdoor dining weather, and talented chefs using both local and international ingredients creates a dining landscape that's uniquely Palm Springs.
For more restaurant guides and travel tips to exploring Palm Springs and other destinations across the U.S., visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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