Hungry in Palm Springs? You’ve come to the right place. Beyond the iconic landmarks and stylish boutiques, Palm Springs offers a diverse and dynamic culinary landscape that rivals its vibrant cultural scene.
Whether you’re visiting festivals like Coachella or simply exploring the city, the food scene here promises a gastronomic adventure for every palate. Many Palm Springs restaurants welcome walk-in guests for breakfast and lunch, making it easy to enjoy quick bites between shopping along Palm Canyon Drive or refueling after a morning of outdoor exploring.
With so many options available, choosing where to dine can be overwhelming. That’s why this curated list highlights the very best Palm Springs has to offer, ensuring your next stay at one of our desert properties includes unforgettable dining experiences.
Pack your appetite and get ready to savor the ultimate desert dining journey.
1. Boozehounds – Pet-Friendly and Stylish
Photo Credit: Mercedess
- Address: 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$
- Website: boozehoundsps.com
- Recommended Dishes: Maguro Tataki Salad, Garlic Noodles
Boozehounds in Palm Springs offers a unique dining experience that caters to both humans and their canine companions. The expansive space features a pet-friendly open-air atrium, a cabana bar, and a patio.
The menu boasts delicious globally inspired dishes such as Korean marinated rice cakes and maguro tataki salad, alongside vegetarian and vegan options like garlic noodles and veganwurst. Even your furry friend can take a look at their specialized menu for dogs.
With a robust full-service bar, the cocktail program at Boozehounds stands out with its unique combinations of flavors, some even in slushy form. Boozehounds also sports a full coffee and espresso bar offering up top-notch cappuccinos and lattes.
Aside from Brunch, the daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM is when this place gets really lively with its great deals on craft beer and cocktail specials as well as small bites.
2. FARM – Classic Farm-to-Table Cuisine
- Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$
- Website: farmpalmsprings.com
- Recommended Dishes: Canard Omelette, Prime Filet Mignon
Tucked away in a lush courtyard of the historic La Plaza, FARM provides a tranquil European escape with its Provençal-inspired menu.
Open daily for brunch as well as dinner services Friday through Tuesday, FARM is one of the most popular breakfast spots in town. Highlights include the crispy duck confit omelette and crab cake Benedict.
For dinner, everybody raves about classic dishes like prime filet mignon with sides of gratin potatoes, cipollini onions, and a pinot noir reduction. The menu changes regularly since dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients, delivering a taste of world-class farm-to-table French cuisine in the desert.
Keep in mind that hours can change depending on the season you’re visiting. Reservations are always encouraged to ensure you’re not wasting precious vacation time waiting for a table.
3. Tac/Quila – Contemporary Mexican Dining
Photo Credit: Olga_Moroz
- Address: 415 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$
- Website: tacquila.com
- Recommended Dishes: Short Rib Enchilada, Lobster Tail Tacos
Tac/Quila offers a vibrant dining experience with its chic interior featuring bold red banquettes, eclectic artwork, and lush greenery, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of 1950s Mexico City.
Along with its sister restaurant, Clandestino, Tac/Quila was set up by the creators of FARM. It showcases dishes like Short Rib Enchiladas and Grilled Lobster Tail Tacos, each crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in true California spirit.
Complementing the food, as its name suggests, is an extensive selection of over 45 tequilas and 16 mezcals, along with inventive cocktails such as the Tepache Colado and seasonal margarita flights.
Conveniently located on Indian Canyon Drive in the cultural heart of downtown Palm Springs, Tac/Quila is the perfect place to stop in for a margarita or indulge in some delicious tacos and Mexican dishes. What trip to Palm Springs is complete without tacos?
4. Rooster and the Pig – Vietnamese Cuisine with a Californian Twist
- Address: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $-$$
- Website: roosterandthepig.com
- Recommended Dishes: Pork Belly Fried Rice
A true celebration of Southeast Asian flavors, Rooster and the Pig offers a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese dishes infused with California’s local ingredients. This restaurant is renowned for its vibrant flavors and creative presentations, making it a standout in Palm Springs’ dining scene.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including Vietnamese fresh rolls stuffed full of shrimp, pork and mint, and rice bowls like their famous pork belly fried rice, all tailored to incorporate fresh, seasonal produce.
Located in a strip mall on South Indian Canyon Drive, Rooster and the Pig is known for its inviting, lively atmosphere and affordable prices. This casual Asian restaurant welcomes walk-ins and does not take reservations, which often leads to wait times, especially on weekends, so arrive early.
5. Bar Cecil – A Nod to Old Hollywood Glamour
- Address: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr UNIT F, Palm Springs, CA 92264
- Price Point: $$-$$$
- Website: barcecil.com
- Recommended Dishes: Steak Frites, Smoked Bone-In Pork Chop
Swanky, decadent, and an ode to the past, Bar Cecil draws inspiration from the glamorous aesthetic of photographer Cecil Beaton, known for his extravagant imagery. Blending mid-century modern aesthetics with maximalist flair, the restaurant promotes a vibrant dining experience focused on the classics.
Highlights include the steak frites, which consist of golden French fries and a perfectly seared steak, and the succulent and addictive smoked bone-in pork chop. For a luxurious experience, try the $50 Martini, which is served with a caviar-topped deviled egg and sunchoke chips.
Due to its popularity, be sure to secure reservations ahead of time to avoid the crowds and long wait times. Note that Bar Cecil operates on a card-only basis to ensure a seamless service.
6. Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Industrial Elegance Meets Culinary Innovation
- Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$$
- Website: workshopkitchenbar.com
- Recommended Dishes: 18 oz. Ribeye for two, Diver Scallops
Workshop Kitchen + Bar stands out as a culinary destination that seamlessly blends award-winning design with a commitment to seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine.
Housed in the desert’s historic 1926 movie theater, the restaurant’s minimalist industrial aesthetic features high ceilings and concrete walls. The ambiance is both modern and inviting while honoring the historic significance of the building.
Helmed by Chef Michael Beckman, the menu showcases dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, such as diver scallops, nightly selections of wood-fired pizzas, and Snake River Farms ribeye for two if you’re really feeling ambitious.
Featured in the Michelin Guide for consecutive years in a row, Workshop Kitchen is a rare dining experience like no other. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.
7. Le Vallauris – Timeless French Luxury
Photo Credit: RFondren Photography
- Address: 385 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$$
- Website: sohohouse.com/en-us/restaurants/le-vallauris
- Recommended Dishes: Maine Lobster Ravioli
Le Vallauris delivers an enchanting and unforgettable dining experience that transports guests straight to a romantic French countryside retreat.
Set within a stunning historic 1920s Mediterranean/Spanish Revival building, the restaurant boasts a lush courtyard shaded by majestic ficus trees, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence and romance of the South of France.
Its menu, which changes daily and is handwritten on a chalkboard, showcases French, Mediterranean, and Californian cuisine. Expect indulgent dishes such as Maine lobster ravioli in tomato cream bisque, veal filet, and duck foie gras terrine.
Le Vallauris offers dinner service every evening and brunch on weekends, complemented by live music performances that enhance the overall dining experience.
8. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen – Fresh Vegan Fare
- Address: 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
- Price Point: $-$$
- Website: cheftanyaskitchen.com
- Recommended Dishes: OhMyGato Taco Salad, Chupacabra Chick’n Sandwich
For those looking for a healthier option, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen is a celebrated vegan eatery known for its inventive, plant-based cuisine and commitment to sustainability.
Founded by chef Tanya Petrovna, a pioneer in vegan dining, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring iconic dishes like the Chupacabra Chick’n sandwich, Tempeh Powerburgers, and the OhMyGatoTaco salad. Veggie-loving patrons can also enjoy a variety of fresh salads, daily specials, and indulgent desserts such as chocolate cake and key lime parfait.
The ambiance is cozy and casual, with natural light and earthy decor reflecting the establishment’s eco-conscious ethos. Perfect for a quick lunch that won’t leave you feeling heavy and sluggish.
9. 4 Saints – Modern Latin Cuisine
- Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $$$
- Website: 4saintspalmsprings.com
- Recommended Dishes: Elysian Lamb Chop, Coq au Vin
Perched atop the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, 4 Saints offers an elevated dining experience. With panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains, the restaurant provides a chic atmosphere where modernism meets rooftop dining.
4 Saints’ menu blends Southern and Latin influences, while highlighting local Californian ingredients. Delicious dishes such as roasted beets and herb-crusted lamb chops are complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list. This is a top choice for a special night out.
10. Paul Bar – Local’s Hidden Gem
- Address: 3700 E Vista Chino, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Point: $-$$
- Website: https://www.thepaulbarps.com/
- Recommended Dishes: Fish and Chips with Rosemary Fries
Probably Palm Springs’ best-kept secret, Paul Bar is one of those unique date night experiences you only find once in a vacation. You’re likely to see a line out the door an hour or so before Paul opens his doors.
Once you make it inside, Paul is sure to come by your table and light up your night with his entertaining presence. Any local will tell you and nobody will argue, Paul is the host with the most.
Sip on a paper plane or martini and snack on perfectly seasoned rosemary fries featured in their fish and chips. Every day of the week features a different dish on special, giving it a truly local and laid-back vibe.
Paul Bar offers no frills, great food, and legendary hospitality, making you want to make it your new favorite locale.
Happy Hour Hotspots
Palm Springs is famous for its vibrant happy hour scene, where locals and visitors alike gather to unwind and socialize as the sun sets over the desert.
At The Tropicale, the inviting retro atmosphere and lush outdoor terrace set the stage for sipping signature martinis and sampling fresh seafood dishes. Happy hour is daily between 4 PM and 7 PM.
If you want afternoon drinks, head to The Reef on East Palm Canyon Drive. This lively tiki bar serves discounted food and drinks from noon until 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
Special Events & Seasonal Dining
Palm Springs’ dynamic restaurant scene truly shines when it comes to special events and seasonal dining experiences. Be sure to keep in mind that summer in the desert tends to be the low season for La Quinta and Palm Springs, so places may cut down to seasonal hours to accommodate for the scorching summer heat.
Winter and spring tend to be the liveliest times to visit, when snowbirds escape frigid cold for holidays shopping in the sun and festival season gets into full swing. Many restaurants hold special events during these months. Be sure to book well in advance as you might have trouble finding an open table.
Planning a birthday, anniversary, or corporate gathering? Venues like Copley’s on Palm Canyon and the former Cary Grant estate provide stunning backdrops for private parties, with customizable menus and attentive service that make every guest feel special.
Taste All That Palm Springs Has to Offer
Palm Springs offers a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. While you may have come for the world-class golfing or simply to escape the winter, the city’s vibrant culinary scene should not be overlooked.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the rich gastronomic landscape of Palm Springs. Discover your new favorite dining spot the next time you stay with us in one of our Palm Springs rentals. Bon appétit!
