ICONIC

Palm Springs is well-known for its outdoor fun and beauty, but the culinary goodness that is available in the area is unbeatable, too. From black-tie martini bars to casual eateries, there are plenty of options for locals and tourists to visit. We often get asked where to grab a drink or a bite after taking one of our architectural tours; we can say we’ve been to each of these restaurants recently and each delivers tasty food, refreshing drinks and excerllent service, so you can consider these our personal recommendations. The following list includes the top 10 restaurants to try in the Palm Springs area, in no particular order.

Top 10 Palm Springs Restaurants

1. Eight4Nine

Not only is the food at Eight4Nine excellent, the decor is unforgettable. You’ll find authentic mid-century modern architecture all throughout with a unique backlit onyx wall that “pops” under the subtle magenta lighting. The pinkish-purple-colored lights give the restaurant an olden day feeling and the self-named “modern American cuisine” menu features all of the classics plus more. Be sure to try some dessert such as the creme brûlée along with something from the drink menu, which is long and has many delicious items including a “mid-century” that consists of bourbon, honey syrup, and Benedictine.

2. El Jefe

Despite what Taco Tuesday celebrators say, tacos are just as tasty every other day of the week. A perfect spot to get some tacos or other Mexican food in the Palm Springs area is at El Jefe at the Saguaro Hotel. The owners of this lovely spot also own the renowned Ace Hotel Palm Springs, which is one of the most well-known buildings in the area for its true mid-century modern design. Don’t miss the El Jefe nachos, and definitely try one of their margaritas such as the Spicy Guava Margarita that contains jalapeño infused blanco tequila.

3. Workshop Kitchen + Bar

The Workshop Kitchen + Bar at 800 N Palm Canyon Drive is another local favorite for exquisite decor and delicious drinks. The menu includes “smalls,” “plates” and “after dinners” as well as a cocktail list and a wine list. A top pick for an appetizer is a wood-fired pizza made with Humboldt fog cheese and you can’t go wrong with choosing the short rib as your main course seeing is it made with a special root beer glaze that you won’t forget anytime soon. For dessert, the apple tarte tatin served with ice cream is an excellent after-dinner option, and while the cocktail and wine menus can be hard to choose from, a fan favorite is the Sazerac which features whiskey, absinthe, and lemon oils. If you’re looking for an upscale and pricey (but worth it) meal, Workshop Kitchen + Bar should definitely be on your bucket list.

4. Cheeky’s

Hands down one of the greatest options in Palm Springs for breakfast, brunch, and lunch is Cheeky’s. The deluxe chef, Phil, makes over 4 dozen house-made cinnamon rolls per day, and you’ll want to get there early because they usually sell out by closing time. Some of the best breakfast dishes at Cheeky’s include the breakfast quesadilla, which has a unique kick of scallions in it, and the bacon flight, which gives diners a sampling of 5 different types of bacon. Cheeky’s is perfect for lunch, too, because it offers amazing dishes such as a roasted yam sandwich and a classic fried chicken sandwich. The casual restaurant also offers alcoholic goodies, including a bloody mary with a “Cheeky’s” twist to it along with other cocktails, beers, mimosas, wines, and more.

Guide to the best Palm Springs restaurants

5. Pink Cabana

If you like to eat in pink-themed rooms (or just like good Mediterranean and Moroccan food), the Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel & Spa is worth a visit. The decor within the restaurant is inspired by the Palm Springs tennis clubs that were bustling with celebrities in the 1950’s and 1960’s and featured retro colors and designs. Award-winning chef Jason Niederkorn creates everything on the great menu, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Put the cliche avocado toast aside and try the toast with European butter and preserves for breakfast, and don’t miss out on the charcuterie board for lunch and dinner. Of course, the restaurant also has a bar, which offers an extensive list of beers, wines, zero proofs, cocktails, and more. You don’t have to be a guest at the Sands Hotel & Spa to eat here, so stop by and give it a try.

6. Spencer’s Restaurant

Even the locals thoroughly enjoy Spencer’s Restaurant on Baristo Road. If you like wine, this is a great place to be, as they offer many different kinds as well as various serving options for the entire group including glass, half bottle, and full bottle. The breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert menus also have a slew of options, so groups with picky eaters won’t have a problem stopping here for a meal. The restaurant also conveniently offers prix fixe menus throughout the day for those wanting a sampler of items instead and sometimes, guests even get to enjoy some elegant piano music with their meals.

7. 4 Saints

Perhaps one of the most popular places in town is the 4 Saints rooftop restaurant on the seventh floor of the Kimpton Rowan hotel. While the environment is not super formal and black tie, 4 Saints has a classy vibe that is great for date nights and upscale Happy Hours. The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, but don’t be fooled, the menu also has plenty of options from different areas around the world, too. As you might be imagining, thanks to the surrounding mountains, the view from the rooftop restaurant is incredible all day and into the evening.

8. Tommy Bahamas Palm Desert

Many of us have seen clothing by Tommy Bahama, but did you know there is a Tommy Bahama’s restaurant in Palm Desert? This casual joint has one of the best burgers in the area and some people even rave that the coconut shrimp is to die for. The balcony of the restaurant is another great option if you are looking for great views or a perfect Happy Hour experience from 3:00 to 6:00 PM daily. Tommy Bahama’s is also right by The Gardens on El Paseo shopping center, so you can also find some upscale gifts for yourself and others while you’re in the neighborhood.

9. Cuistot Restaurant in Palm Desert

French cuisine lovers must try the Cuistot Restaurant at 72595 El Paseo because the chefs certainly know how to do authentic French cooking the proper way. If the weather is right, sitting out on the patio by the fireplaces is highly recommended. The views of the Coachella Valley are hard to beat, and the attentive servers only increase the satisfaction of the dining experience here. Cuistot serves lunch and dinner plus offers a bar menu, Happy Hour, and a “Dessert and Cheese” menu. The sea bass and the mussels are huge hits, as are the fine wines inspired by France itself.

10. Norma’s

Last, but certainly not least, Norma’s is one of the greatest restaurants in the region. Located in the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, the open-terrace seating here gives the true, outdoorsy California vibe while offering great food from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM every single day. The menu has many offerings including egg dishes, pancakes, bagels, crab cakes, sandwiches, and more. While typical drinks like orange juice and coffee are available, Norma’s fresh smoothies and the mimosas are delightful, too. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day as well.

Palm Springs has many different options when looking for an eatery, and none of the ones above are a bad option. Most of them take reservations, so get online and save a table!