The best restaurants in Palm Springs

What is it? A coastal Italian restaurant that’s anything but boring, Bar Issi is located inside The Thompson hotel with full glam decor that instantly gives you an air of cool. 

Why we love it: Sure, there may be other places in town that serve house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and raw bar items, but there’s nowhere else that has the same trendy scene. It’s not just all looks, though—Bar Issi has great food and cocktails from chilled seafood like the hamachi carpaccio and oysters, to caviar service, appetizers like squash blossoms and crispy octopus, pasta dishes including shrimp linguine and cacio e pepe, shareable pizzas (ask about the daily special), meaty entrees and plant-based side dishes. Weekend brunch has many of the same favorites, in addition to egg dishes, sandwiches, and salads. While they have a good wine list, the cocktails are especially notable here—opt for a shareable punch bowl if your party is planning to stay awhile for the live DJ. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to make a reservation and plan to wait for a bit inside their comfy lounge next to the bar. You can always grab a drink to sip on in the meantime. 

Address: 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–10pm

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What is it? A Michelin-recognized restaurant and bar with over-the-top martinis and contemporary California cuisine in a stylish setting replete with modern art. 

Why we love it: While scoring a reservation here might be the toughest task you tackle all month, it’ll all be worth it when a perfectly crafted martini hits your lips. They’ll make it exactly to your preferences (dry, shaken, dirty, etc.), including your choice of garnish. Favorite dishes on the food menu range from a deviled egg appetizer and red Thai curry mussels to oysters on the half shell, steak frites, and a bone-in pork chop. The local lemon tart is a chef’s kiss to regional delicacies—made with citrus, dates, and pistachios from Coachella Valley. Because Bar Cecil is such a hot reservation year-round, many hopeful diners arrive before the restaurant actually opens to throw their name on the list for a coveted seat at the bar. 

Time Out tip: If you enjoy the finer things in life, be sure to order The Fifty Dollar Martini that’s finished off with a caviar-topped deviled egg for—you guessed it—a cool $50. 

Address: 1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Unit H104, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm

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What is it? The best spot for Japanese food and sushi rolls in Palm Springs, when the craving for fresh fish hits. 

Why we love it: Good sushi in the desert? Yes, it’s actually possible. Inside the small dining room at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, diners can enjoy creative maki rolls like the Venue with spicy tuna, cucumber, and gobo topped with salmon, spicy aioli, teriyaki, and tobiko; or the Experiment with snow crab, mango, avocado, and cucumber topped with tuna, cilantro, jalapeno, and yuzu aioli—their two most popular rolls. Due to the restaurant’s small size, reservations here are critical, and you’ll likely still end up waiting since word has gotten out on Sandfish being the top choice (and one of the very few places) for sushi in town. If you want to get straight to the fish, there’s also nigiri, sashimi, crudo, and even caviar available. Sample some of their other dishes like spicy tuna tostadas, short rib bao buns, and tempura zucchini blossoms for a diverse spread, and be sure to peep their impressive whiskey collection with bottles from around the world. 

Time Out tip: Prices are on the high side here already, but if it’s in your budget, we recommend the 13-course omakase chef’s tasting menu, where you’ll get a one-of-a-kind meal with premium ingredients. But if budget is a factor, check out their newly launched weekday happy hour, weekend lunch service, and Taco Tuesday specials. 

Address: 1556 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4:30-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–2:30pm, 4:30-11pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 4:30-10pm

What is it? Rooftop dining atop the Kimpton Rowan Hotel provides sweeping views of the surrounding San Jacinto mountains. 

Why we love it: Stepping off the elevator on this hotel’s seventh floor gives the impression that things really are better at the top. Grab a seat on the patio (if it’s not too hot) to watch the sun set over the mountains, or enjoy the comfort of air conditioning inside the dining room to admire the same view through picture windows. Elegant, modern American cuisine is served with touches from the surrounding region, like local oranges, avocados, dates, and tomatoes infused into sauces throughout the menu. You’ll find a mix of small plates, entrees, and grilled meat, including lamb chops, coq au vin (chicken), and steaks. Choose 4 Saints for a sultry date-night ambiance, with shareable small plates like short-rib ravioli, corn agnolotti, and grilled Spanish octopus that’ll give you plenty to talk about. 

Time Out tip: Opt for the chef’s tasting menu to enjoy a three-course meal that ends in their incredible pear sticky toffee pudding made with molasses cake, which is not available off the regular menu. 

Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm

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What is it? A James Beard Award-winning restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes in a historic venue with stark, industrial design elements. 

Why we love it: Housed in a building that was once home to the desert’s first movie theater in the 1930s, Workshop focuses on wood-fire cooking techniques and flavors. Inside, concrete is the main material du jour, with a large communal table at the center. Outdoors, a large courtyard offers mountain views alongside heat lamps and water misters. The wood-grilled, bone-in pork chop is a menu favorite, served with cheese grits, snap peas, and a cranberry sauce, but the diver scallops are a close second. Be sure to order a handful of small dishes like the roasted heirloom carrots or ricotta gnocchi. Much of the menu incorporates herbs from the restaurant’s own local garden.

Time Out tip: If you’re dining with a large, hungry group, consider the 32 oz. dry-aged tomahawk angus prime steak that’s grilled over wood, served with roasted veggies, an onion relish, peppers and jus. We’re big fans of their in-house dry aging and fermentation programs.

Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5-10pm; Sun 10am-2pm, 5-10pm

What is it? A throwback to the tennis and racquet clubs that flourished in the region during the 1950s and 60s, The Pink Cabana serves as a popular Instagram background.

Why we love it: Sands Hotel & Spa is home to The Pink Cabana, an Indian Wells hot spot with pink decor for a chic and girly vibe. Groups of women congregate here for girls’ night out, bachelorette parties, and Galentine’s Day celebrations, feasting on Mediterranean fare with bold Moroccan flavors. Start with the shareable mezze platter before moving on to the harissa chicken or Iberian pork tenderloin. The all-day restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, where the brioche French toast is as popular as the green chile chicken tacos. Mediterranean wines and refreshing cocktails provide a nice break from the desert heat. A handful of tables are available on the patio if the weather allows. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to snap a photo in front of the restaurant’s signature pink exterior walls, alongside the complementary green cactus, for a quintessential desert pic. 

Address: 44-985 Province Way, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8-10am, 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-8:30pm (9 pm on Fridays); Sat, Sun 8am-2:30pm, 5:30-9pm (8:30pm on Sundays)

What is it? Old Hollywood glamour sets the scene at this timeless American restaurant inside Ingleside Estate, where Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor used to dine.

Why we love it: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Melvyn’s used to be the type of place where dress jackets and neckties were required for dining. These days they have loosened up on the dress code, but it’s still one of Palm Springs’ swankier spots for classic steakhouse cuisine. Diners come here for the steak Diane that’s prepared tableside, plus savory chicken pot pie and flaky beef wellington, though we’re partial to the heaping seafood towers filled with oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster, and fish. Their martini menu (some shaken tableside) and caviar service will have you feeling fancy in no time. Nostalgic favorites like bananas Foster and cherries jubilee complete the meal on a sweet note, though we recommend sticking around to enjoy the live music, which is played nightly from 6-10pm. 

Time Out tip: While Melvyn’s offers all-day food service at the pool and bar, we suggest going at dinnertime to get the full experience while sitting in their storied dining room. After all, you’ll want to admire the photos of Old Hollywood stars that line the walls here. 

Address: 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? Alfresco dining featuring Italian specialties beneath a flowering tree with romantic string lights.

Why we love it: This cozy date night spot is the perfect place to spend a night under the stars amid twinkle lights. A central fire pit makes for an especially charming ambiance at this Italian eatery serving pasta, pizzas, and creative cocktails. Birba is a family-friendly restaurant best known for its spicy pork meatballs (a must-try!) and offering many dietary options like cauliflower crust, zucchini noodles, and other gluten-free alternatives. If you’re feeling unsure of what to order, the Birba pizza is a solid choice with toppings like prosciutto, honey, chili oil, and mozzarella. The non-alcoholic cocktails are definitely worth checking out if you’re on the wagon. And if you happen to find yourself out in Cabazon doing some discount shopping, be sure to visit Birba’s newest location at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. 

Time Out tip: Ask about their current Piece of the Pie, a rotating specialty pizza that’s sold to raise funds for select local nonprofits. 

Address: 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Thu–Mon 6-10pm

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What is it? An Asian fusion restaurant that skews Vietnamese, with a sizable summer roll menu and many vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Why we love it: Expect pho noodle soups, cold vermicelli noodle salads, wok-fried rice dishes, flavorful curries, and other house specialties at 533 Viet Fusion. The casual eatery puts a modern spin on Asian favorites like pad Thai, green papaya salad, ramen, and Vietnamese-style fried chicken. You can’t go wrong with the fresh spring rolls here (made to order), though the Maine lobster claw roll is a fan favorite, stuffed with juicy lobster claw salad, watercress, greens, pea shoots, dates, and buckwheat noodles, and served with a housemade cilantro-honey dipping sauce. We suggest finishing off the meal with coconut flan or a creamy Thai iced tea. While it’s nice to eat in their relaxed dining room, we also like noshing on their noodles and rolls at home with a takeout order. 

Time Out tip: Visit during happy hour from 5-6pm when select appetizers, spring rolls, wine and cocktails are discounted—some drinks priced at just $5.33. 

Address: 1775 E Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 625, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Opening hours: Daily 5-9pm

What is it? A Palm Springs brunch institution known for its rotating bacon flight and fluffy, housemade cinnamon rolls that consistently sell out. 

Why we love it: Yes, there’s always a line and yes, it’s always a scene at Cheeky’s. The restaurant has its own chickens to ensure they churn out the perfect eggs, plus homemade pastries and fresh-squeezed juices made daily. Eggs Benedict are prepared with cheddar scones and bacon, French toast is made with sourdough and vanilla custard, and huevos rancheros are served with creamy Peruvian beans. Bacon is a must-try here; the flight comes with five strips of pork in flavors that change weekly but have included miso, thyme, barbecue, jalapeno, and ranch. Boozy bubbles and bloody Marys are available, though the fresh-squeezed orange juice and Equator coffee make for an equally great meal pairing. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are not accepted here, so plan to go early and throw your name on the waitlist. Breakfast is served all day, but lunch (sandwiches, salads, burgers) is served from 11:30am to 2pm.

Address: 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Daily 8am-2pm 

What is it? Island-inspired cuisine in a relaxed indoor-outdoor space within Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. 

Why we love it: Kick back and relax in the courtyard at Grapefruit Basil, surrounded by olive and citrus trees and dotted with fire pits. Being on “island time” may steer you toward their many seafood offerings, including halibut tacos, cioppino stew, crab and shrimp salad, bluefin tuna poke, and lobster chowder. At dinner, larger entrees like angus short rib, lobster capellini, and a brined chicken reign supreme, while the brunch crowd gravitates toward the crab cake Benedict, huevos rancheros tostada, and brioche bananas Foster French toast. This Indian Wells destination restaurant serves daily brunch and dinner, and is the first of its kind developed exclusively for the resort. Happy hour is held daily from 3-5pm with select cocktails, wine, beer, and bar food on discount. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip their signature namesake cocktail made with Grey Goose vodka, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, and fresh basil. A non-alcoholic version is available upon request. We also enjoy sipping on their frozen cocktails like the icy Hawaiian mai tai. 

Address: 45000 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Opening hours: Daily 7am-9pm

What is it? Thoughtfully prepared meat, seafood and pasta dishes in an elegant setting nestled in the Santa Rosa Mountains overlooking Coachella Valley. 

Why we love it: You’ll be putting on the ritz with a drive out to Rancho Mirage for dinner at State Fare Bar & Kitchen inside The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. The menu changes according to season, highlighting California ingredients and local wineries and distilleries. Previous entrees have showcased halibut, scallops, roasted chicken, and a rack of lamb, alongside various cuts of steak. Their seafood linguine, which is loaded with mussels, shrimp, and clams, is a popular favorite, as well as a warm lobster roll that’s served during lunch. The Ritz’s serene property is filled with cozy nooks containing fire pits, furniture for comfy lounging, and infinite scenic views (+ photo ops!), so we recommend sitting and staying awhile after your meal. 

Time Out tip: For additional food options, ask to see the bar menu that’s available throughout the dining room, which may include items like sushi rolls and flatbreads. 

Address: 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-10pm; Fri, Sat 7am-11pm

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What is it? A classy steakhouse that has wined and dined some of Hollywood’s most notable legends, including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope. 

Why we love it: More than eight decades in and this swanky spot is still at the top of Palm Springs’ food chain. With the exception of a few contemporary upgrades to this 1945 original, Mr. Lyons feels like the classic steakhouses of a bygone era—with all the Hollywood glamour. Here you’ll find old favorites like beef wellington, prime rib, steak frites, wedge salad, French onion soup, and a carrot cake that has graced the menu since 1979. Similarly, their cocktail list has tried-and-true formulas that impress in the French 75, old fashioned, and espresso martini. This local institution has several private dining areas for large groups, and partners with well-known wineries to host monthly wine dinners. 

Time Out tip: Head to the lounge for happy hour from 5-7pm daily for specials on drinks and a few bar snacks (the full menu is also available), but note you can’t make reservations in the bar area. 

Address: 233 E. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5-10pm

What is it? A vibrant, open-air eatery known for all-day breakfast at the Parker Palm Springs hotel. 

Why we love it: Stepping foot on the Parker's sprawling, design-forward property feels like a treat in itself. With eye-catching, Instagrammable decor and inviting communal spaces, the hotel is a hub of activity for hotel guests and day visitors alike. Norma’s is their go-to spot for breakfast, which is served until 3pm, so you can get your fix of huevos rancheros (highly recommended), a variety of eggs Benedict, crispy Belgian waffles, or crunchy brioche French toast—even if you sleep until noon. For health-conscious eaters, there’s also an egg white omelet or frittata, granola and fruit bowl, and vegan banana pancakes. A limited number of tables are located inside, but the main action is outdoors on the patio of this mid-century modern gem. 

Time Out tip: While the restaurant is open in the evenings with a small dinner menu (including a decadent lobster mac & cheese dish) plus daily specials, Norma’s is usually the buzziest during morning hours. 

Address: 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Opening hours: Daily 7am-10pm

What is it? Hearty comfort food with modern twists in a lively scene within Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District. 

Why we love it: The sidewalk patio is always a bustling scene at Trio, where diners can people-watch the passersby browsing surrounding boutiques. Kick the meal off with their house-made white cheddar biscuits or bacon-wrapped local dates before moving on to a pasta dish like spaghetti & meatball that’s made in-house, followed by either steak frites or a braised short rib that is drizzled with tasty sauces. We’re partial to the chocolate sticky toffee cake, but their sweet potato cheesecake is a decidedly unique dessert. Note that the menu changes frequently according to what’s in season and available from local purveyors. Happy hour is served from 4-6pm daily and all night on Tuesdays in the bar and patio. 

Time Out tip: Diners flock here on Sundays in particular for the prime rib special that’s served with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, horseradish and jus—but count on it selling out quickly. 

Address: 707 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Opening hours: Thu–Tue 4-9pm