Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities? 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!

Cielo

4.8

4.8 (3287)

$50 and over

Steak

Cabazon

About the restaurant

Cielo, is a Steak and Seafood Restaurant that celebrates a distinctly comfortable, Californian approach to fine dining. Each dish, inspired by traditional steak and seafood fare, showcases the fresh flavors of California’s farm produce and presents it with a playful sense of humor. Known for its warm, accommodating service, Cielo is a special dining experience with a casual touch. Cielo is nestled in California’s Cabazon Valley, 20 miles west of Palm Springs, and in between the spectacular San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountain ranges. Located on the 27th floor of the Morongo Resort and Casino, Cielo is set aglow with stunning chandeliers. Cielo is quite literally a jewel at the top of the Morongo Resort and Casino.

Top review

kathleen

Dined 1 day ago

We are a business in Beaumont California and are really enjoying taking clients for dinner. Best Restaurant ever unless you drive into Palm Springs. I wish you were open for lunch for business lunches. Thank you for the great food and service.

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Popular dish

Petite Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Prime New York Strip Steak

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Le Vallauris

4.7

4.7 (5326)

$50 and over

French

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains in Downtown Palm Springs next to The Desert Museum, Le Vallauris serves a selection of French-inspired dishes with a Californian twist in the restaurant and the tree-shaded courtyard. Le Vallauris is located inside one of the only remaining buildings from the Desert Inn – the historic hotel credited with establishing Palm Springs as a desert resort in the early 20th century. Formerly the home of George Roberson Jr, the building was redeveloped and opened as a restaurant in the 1970s
Open for dinner every evening at 5 pm and brunch on Sundays, enjoy live music performances and the daily changing menu featuring French-inspired seasonal dishes and favorites including Dover Sole, Maine Lobster Ravioli, and Veal Filet.

Dress code strongly recommended.

Top review

RonaldVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful place, especially the patio. Great service and food. Our favorite.

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Popular dish

Chocolate Truffle

Popular dish

MAINE LOBSTER RAVIOLIS

Popular dish

Maine Lobster Salad

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.

Del Rey at Villa Royale

4.7

4.7 (950)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Housed inside stucco walls, Villa Royale’s intimate bar and eatery, Del Rey, offers up an eight seat oak and marble bar, tufted vinyl booths and an outdoor covered terrace equipped with a fire-pit for long nights under the desert moonlight. Serving tapas-style fare inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean flavors and a Mediterranean-leaning wine program from Spanish varietals and local wines.
Minors are not allowed.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Loved it The staff was especially nice And food outstanding

The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

4.6

4.6 (1648)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Discover The Steakhouse, Palm Springs’ premier place to dine. Explore an *a la carte* menu featuring perfectly aged prime cuts and fresh seafood – all cooked to perfection. Enjoy the exquisite dining experience of The Steakhouse in the casually elegant indoor atmosphere or amidst incredible views on the Mediterranean inspired outdoor patio. The award-winning wine list will compliment your dining experience.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Great food, service and quality as always. Out 5th trip to the steakhouse.

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4.6

4.6 (7133)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Quinta

About the restaurant

At Lavender we combine the finest meats and seafood with the freshest organic ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. Dine indoors in a warm, cozy atmosphere or on our stunning tree-lined patio. Lavender Bistro also prides itself on providing superb live music nightly to set a warm and friendly atmosphere.

For every occasion, to change the ordinary into extraordinary, come join us at Lavender Bistro, "where memories are made!"

Closed for Summer Break from the last Sunday in May until the last Thursday in September.
Re-Opening 09/28/2023!

Top review

SuzieVIP

Dined on May 25, 2025

Delicious food, great service, loved our table on the patio and also music entertainment

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Dijon & Walnut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Tía Carmen-Indian Wells

4.6

4.6 (135)

$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

Lisa MarieVIP

Dined 7 days ago

✨ A Culinary Love Letter to Tia Carmen ✨ We had an absolutely phenomenal experience at Tia Carmen—everything from the service to the flavors was five-star and then some. Nestled inside the Grand Hyatt in Indian Wells, this spot feels like a hidden gem that’s already shining bright. Every single dish we ordered was mind-blowing—and I don’t say that lightly. From the perfectly crisp pan frito to the fresh and flavorful romaine salad, each bite was a masterclass in balance and creativity. The roasted purple yams were a surprising standout (seriously, I’d go back just for those), and the market fish a’ la plancha (we had the halibut) was delicate and divine—perfectly paired with a crisp glass of Sancerre. The Tia Carmen burger brought bold flavor, especially when enjoyed alongside the smoky Mesquite “Gunslinger” and Century of Passion cocktails—both delicious in their own right. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, dessert arrived: the flan Manchego cheese, beautifully complemented by a glass of Moscato, was the perfect finale. Special thanks to our server Rachel, who was warm, attentive, and made the experience seamless. Chef Miguel even stopped by our table to say hello and thank us for coming—a lovely and personal touch. He generously sent over a complimentary glass of wine to pair with our dessert, which was the cherry on top of an already unforgettable evening. Tia Carmen isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. And one we’ll be dreaming about until we return. 🍷✨

Cuistot

4.5

4.5 (2959)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Cuistot offers fine California/French cuisine and is located at the Southwest intersection of Highway 111 and El Paseo. Cuistot has consistently earned top ratings in the Zagat Survey and was named one of six restaurants in the United States to score a perfect 100 for food by the Conde Nast Traveler. Dine under the stars on our beautiful terrace overlooking a desert water oasis or in one of our elegant dining rooms.

Top review

Lorenzo

Dined 5 days ago

My wife and I were very satisfied with our meal. The flavors were exquisite. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was pleasant.

CHI CHI at the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs

4.4

4.4 (676)

$30 and under

Californian

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Chi Chi at Avalon Hotel is a restaurant centered in the tradition of California wellness and clean living set in the playful pool-centric setting of Palm Springs. Serving up fresh, chef-inspired fare, our menu reflects a vibrant, spirited take on delicious real ingredients and authentic West Coast cuisine.

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined on Mar 31, 2025

We had a very good meal. The salmon tacos were amazing. We enjoyed a nice visit with friends over a leisurely lunch while sitting in the shade of a cabana - how perfect. We must do this again - and more often.

Mr. Lyons

4.4

4.4 (1573)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Originally opened as Lyons English Grille in 1945, in 2014 the building was purchased from David Lyons and after a complete renovation we re-opened in 2015 as Mr. Lyons, a homage to Mr. David Lyons.

Mr. Lyons features steakhouse classics with a modern edge. Be transported to a bygone era when jazz standards, martinis and steak ruled the day while enjoying modern luxury and innovation. A classic steakhouse with a menu that puts local small farms first, delivered with impeccable tableside service. Editors pick for best steakhouse “Palm Springs Life 2021 and 2022.” Mr. Lyons features five unique experiences/spaces: The Salon, The Lounge, The Conservatory and Terrace, The Private Dining Room, The Private Dining Patio and Seymour’s.

Top review

lawrence

Dined 6 days ago

Cool atmosphere. Server not experienced or strong in voice.

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