Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Palm Springs / Palm Desert? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

SO.PA at L'Horizon Resort and Spa

4.7

4.7 (768)

$50 and over

Californian

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

An ADULTS ONLY destination by Reservation. SO•PA has a NO PETS POLICY.

Decadent, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Join us for dinner in an intimate outdoor setting under the stars as Chef Igor Krichmar presents the seasonally enticing menu. Your elegant, yet relaxed evening includes world class cocktails and a sophisticated, yet approachable wine cellar curated by our in-house Certified Sommelier. You won't want to miss an aperitif or digestif at our exclusive fire pit and poolside bar. VALET is COMPLIMENTARY.

**2024 Winner of Diners Choice Award**
During cooler climate weather, SO•PA maintains its temperate and warm ambience with strategically placed heaters in addition to our intimate alfresco firepit.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined on May 3, 2025

Some of the best food in the desert. And beautiful outdoor dining area for warm (but not too hot) evenings. It’s very expensive but if that’s not a factor, I highly recommend it.

Mole Palm Desert

4.7

4.7 (418)

$30 and under

Mexican

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Crafted with Passion, Served with Excellence. Under the visionary culinary artistry of Chef Roberto Madrid, Mole redefines modern Mexican cuisine. Chef Madrid masterfully blends traditional recipes with contemporary techniques and exquisite presentation, creating a dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Mexico. Authentic Flavors, Modern Twist. At Mole, quality and creativity are paramount. Each dish is a testament to Chef Madrid's passion and expertise, crafted to deliver a unique and unforgettable taste journey. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and innovative cuisine make it a premier destination for discerning food lovers.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 6 days ago

Not your ordinary Mexican food restaurant, definitely on a whole other level! Hand crafted margaritas are delicious. Home made chips and tortillas …best I’ve ever had. Salsa is also very good…but if you like some real Heat, they will bring you some that is even hotter, especially the salsa verde. Try a bunch of the appetizers, you’ll be happy you did. Guacamole, street corn. ceviche .. etc. So many great choices for dinner…salmon enchiladas, a favorite of ours….Enjoy!

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Popular dish

Ceviche de Camaron

Experience

🌅 Sunset Dinner Dinner Special

Experience

Happy Hour

Italica

4.7

4.7 (352)

$31 to $50

Italian

Indio

About the restaurant

Parties of 7 or more should call 442-400-3479 or email info@italica.bar.

Italica is a unique, intimate hidden bar/restaurant with outstanding Italian cuisine. Our dishes are served tapas style and are meant to be combined and shared with others in your party. We have several dishes on and off our menu that are vegetarian and vegan friendly. Enter through the silver door on Miles Avenue to the right of Indio Taphouse.

Due to our limited capacity, reservations are required for dinner service. We welcome walk-ins at the bar, based on availability, and encourage late-night walk-ins to join us when possible.

To ensure that all our guests can savor our exquisite offerings, WE ALLOCATE A 90-MINUTE DINING TIME FOR PARTIES UP TO SIX PEOPLE.

Please note that Italica is an adults-only establishment. We kindly ask that our guests be above the age of 18 and are dressed appropriately.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional dining experience.

Top review

DamonVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Outstanding service, food and vibe! In Indio!?! Keep it up!

Alana • Bar + Tapas

4.7

4.7 (12)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Escape to Alana, a culinary oasis in Palm Springs, where vibrant flavors and handcrafted cocktails await. This intimate bar and tapas haven offers a unique experience with Spanish-inspired small plates and innovative mixology.

Step inside to a warm atmosphere with soft lighting and tasteful decor, ideal for casual gatherings or special occasions. Indulge in a variety of tapas made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From classic patatas bravas to exquisite seafood dishes, each bite is bursting with flavor. Share plates with friends or enjoy a solo culinary adventure.

Enhance your meal with Alana's extensive cocktail menu. With signature drinks and a curated wine list, there's something for every palate.

As the sun sets, enjoy the warm Palm Springs air on our vibrant outdoor patio, perfect for a romantic evening or a lively night out. Open from 6 PM until midnight, Alana invites you to savor every moment.

Top review

MICHELLEVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Chill vibe, great mezcal and tequila selection. Friendly staff.

Kitchen in the Desert

4.6

4.6 (919)

$31 to $50

Caribbean

Twentynine Palms

About the restaurant

Kitchen in the Desert is a Caribbean and New American restaurant located just outside the Twentynine Palms entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. We pride ourselves in making high quality food from scratch using fresh ingredients and providing a comfortable environment to enjoy it in. We have a full bar plus beer and wine and are open nightly from 5 to 10pm. *Please be advised that all reservations are for outdoor seating, so please dress accordingly.

Top review

MatthewVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Such a cool vibe, the food was great, and the service was fantastic. They were so friendly and efficient and welcoming. I could eat there everyday!

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Popular dish

JERK CHICKEN

Popular dish

CRISPY ONION SMASH BURGER

Wildest Restaurant + Bar

4.6

4.6 (1443)

$31 to $50

Californian

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Our philosophy is to attempt to source wild-caught fish, local pasture-raised poultry and grass-fed poultry, as well as plant-based meals that promise to be flavorful options to those who choose to eat meat-free. We offer allergen sensitive options for gluten-free, dairy-free, nut and seed free. Whenever possible we strive to offerproducts without hormones and steroids and the restaurant strives to be cruelty free and to supports local organic, biodynamic and sustainable farms. Provisions not made in house will be sourced from the coolest epicureans. Health conscious casual fine dine in a beautiful setting with live entertainment nightly. Indoor/outdoor dining. Palm Spring's Life best new restaurant and Wine Spectator award winner. GREAT FOOD, GREAT DRINKS, and a GREAT TIME!

Top review

KarlVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent experience party of six services incredible, all the staff is very well trained and very efficient, the chef is very creative and her food is absolutely fantastic, highly recommend something fresh in the desert !

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Popular dish

Ahi Tuna Tartar

Popular dish

Grass Fed Filet Mignon

Nobu Indian Wells

4.6

4.6 (595)

$50 and over

Japanese

Indian Wells

About the restaurant

Experience Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's world renowned cuisine in Indian Wells.
Overlooking Stadium 2 in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, guests can enjoy intimate ambiance. Indulge in Chef Nobu's famous signature dishes including Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Rock Shrimp Tempura and Black Cod Miso as well as traditional Japanese favorites and sushi.
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Sushi bar experience and bar seating is available first come first serve.

Top review

Dennis

Dined 2 days ago

Our waiter was Franky and he was excellent He provided great service and great descriptions of the food items The food was great A great experience

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Tía Carmen-Indian Wells

4.6

4.6 (136)

$31 to $50

Southwest

Indian Wells

About the restaurant

Located at Hyatt Indian Wells, acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa debuts his second location of Tía Carmen in Greater Palm Springs.

Paying homage to the beauty of the Southwest’s stories, land and farmers throughout the dining experience.

Top review

Natalie

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Best Resturant in Palm Springs! The food was phenomenal I could decide what was my favorite. You have to try everything from the small plates. Our waitress was amazing. You won’t regret coming.

Shorebird Palm Desert

4.5

4.5 (613)

$30 and under

Californian

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Made from scratch daily. Shorebird Restaurant is a coastal eatery that proudly presents a sophisticated, yet casual, spin on classic Americana flavors with influences from traditional seafood and steakhouses. Featuring a wood-fire grill and rotisserie, Shorebird's signature dishes include Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island's Salmon Mignon with a cauliflower purée, and Harris Ranch Prime Skirt Steak served with a red chimichurri sauce. For those looking for delicious, shareable plates, our Avocado Fries with a green goddess dressing, Twice Fried Chicken Wings with a chipotle gastrique, or items from our "Raw Bar," are a great way to start your meal.

Top review

PatriciaVIP

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

Amazing meal and great service! Overall, a perfect experience!

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Early Bird - The Best Dinner Deal in the Desert

Lola Rose Grand Mezze

4.5

4.5 (291)

$30 and under

American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Inspired by the flavor and flair of the Middle East, Lola Rose Grand Mezze is the lively, leisurely signature restaurant at Thompson Palm Springs. Sip and share from sunlight to moonlight with an array of savory spreads, charred meats, fresh seafood, greens and grains paired with a menu of playful cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Our limited late night menu is available in our lounge after 10pm daily! Our kitchen and bar is open until 12AM Sunday-Thursday and 1AM Friday-Saturday. No reservations required.

Top review

IvyVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

What a delight! The space is just beautiful inside, and fun/elegant outside as well. The food was fantastic - we loved everything we ordered! For starters, got the yellowtail and octopus - both just amazing. Then we got the tomato labneh and hummus, very tasty. The pita bread was so good! For mains, we got falafel, a beef kebab, and braised lamb neck. Every single item was delicious and plated beautifully. We will definitely return!

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