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

OpenTable

Updated May 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 (769)

$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.

Kitchen in the Desert

4.7

4.7 (891)

$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

Ann

Dined 4 days ago

Exquisite setting! We've lived in 29 Palms for a long time, and are so grateful to have Kitchen in the Desert for our special occasions.

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Crispy Onion Smash Burger

Mole Palm Desert

4.7

4.7 (405)

$30 and under

Mexican

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Located at The Shops on El Paseo, Molé brings authentic flavors of Mexico to the community of Palm Desert, CA. We are proud to offer creative dishes made from scratch daily, such as Guaca-crab “jaracho” with diced mango; Colorado lamb shank adobo with ancho chile molé and minted cream; and, of course, molé con pollo made from 32 ingredients. Molé Comida showcases the pinnacle of modern Mexican cuisine by combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques and presentation. With an unwavering focus on quality and creativity, every dish is a masterpiece that showcases Chef’s passion and skill. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere, exceptional service, and exquisite cuisine make it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, Molé Comida promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary journey.

Top review

Barbara VIP

Dined 3 days ago

This restaurant has great ambience. It’s a small space but very elegantly designed and laid out the atmosphere was casual but chic the food was fantastic. The guacamole tasting excellent never had anything like it very flavorful. The Carne Asada was cooked perfectly the lump crab on top of the guacamole very fresh. The roasted beet salad was amazing. Overall, this is a great choice.

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4.7

4.7 (315)

$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

AngelaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Solomon at the bar is fantastic! We had a great time with attentive service. The calamari, mushroom ravioli, and vodka penne pasta (I recommend adding 2 or 3 huge prawns to that) all perfection. We can't wait to come back and try more menu items!

Wildest Restaurant + Bar

4.6

4.6 (1433)

$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

ShawnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Paige was an excellent server She was kind, Knowledgeable and patient with all of our question’s!!

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Popular dish

Ahi Tuna Tartar

Nobu Indian Wells

4.6

4.6 (578)

$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

Sue

Dined 3 days ago

The food is amazing, the service was very nice and the over all experience was delightful.

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Popular dish

Black Cod with Miso

Tía Carmen-Indian Wells

4.6

4.6 (125)

$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

DonnaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The food and experience was amazing!! Yolanda and David were our servers and they were so attentive and friendly!!! Yolanda gave us amazing suggestions for our starter, salad and entree. The chicken croquette was delicious, the fluke came in a smoking bowl and had so many amazing flavors. The romaine salad was gorgeous with edible flowers and an amazing fried egg dressing. The halibut was delicious and the dessert flan was heavenly.. The restaurant is gorgeous and is worthy of a dining experience. Amazing experience

Lola Rose Grand Mezze

4.5

4.5 (262)

$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

Susan

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding all around. Our server was a great guide to the menu, and they paced the meal perfectly. The bar area is slightly noisier than the rest of the restaurant, but we didn’t have any issue talking at a regular-to-quiet volume. We can’t wait to return soon and try more of the menu!

The Restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club

4.4

4.4 (88)

$30 and under

American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

The Restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club features a Southern Californian coastal-inspired cuisine. Nestled within the luxurious Palm Springs Surf Club, it offers stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains, and a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s design mixes mid-modern architecture with tropical elements, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The central bar highlights hand-crafted cocktails with artisanal spirits. The Surf Club's iconic surf pool enhances the waterside vibe and provides a mesmerizing oceanic ambiance.

Top review

Sabrina

Dined 2 days ago

Highly recommend! We will be back! The food was amazing! The Bloody Mary’s and mimosas was amazing! The service was excellent! Best Mother’s Day ever! Thank you!

Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

4.1

4.1 (1015)

$31 to $50

Barbecue

Indio

About the restaurant

Welcome to Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

A sanctuary of refined indulgence, Babe’s blends rustic charm with country club elegance. Newly built from the ground up, Babe’s is more than a smokehouse—it’s an experience, steeped in the effortless beauty of the Coachella Valley.

Indulge in a bold re-imagined menu, where time-honored smoking techniques meet modern culinary mastery. From exquisitely smoked delicacies to tallow-fried creations, every dish is a tribute to bold, elevated flavors. Sip on a handcrafted martini at our seamless indoor-outdoor bar, or bask in the allure of our shaded, heated, and misted patio.

At Babe’s, dining is more than a meal—it’s an escape. We eagerly await the pleasure of your company.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious ribs and excellent for outdoor dining when the weather is nice!

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