A Parisian bistro-inspired restaurant that’s one of the toughest spots to get in, a sleek mid-century modern cocktail hotspot with fancy snacks like Wagyu carpaccio—these Palm Springs restaurants are among a group of openings in recent years that have made the local dining scene more exciting than ever.
Plus, autumn is when restaurants here are especially buzzing. Angelenos flock to the city in droves for the sunny weather, striking mountain setting, quirky mid-century vibes, and the thriving dining scene. With that in mind, these are the 10 Palm Springs restaurants you don’t want to miss.
Read on for the full Palm Springs restaurants guide, and make a booking on OpenTable.
For luxurious French food in a Parisian bistro-inspired space: Bar Cecil
Since it opened in 2021, Bar Cecil has been one of the toughest reservations to score in Palm Springs (you can book up to 30 days ahead), thanks in no small part to its Parisian bistro-inspired interior and gorgeous patio. The menu from star chef Gabe Woo is luxurious French: think steak tartare with truffle aioli, a caramelized onion tart with melty Comté, and ratatouille topped with vegan mozzarella. Pair it with one of their classic cocktails like the white negroni or the brandy alexander.
For ice-cold martinis in a stylish steakhouse: Mister Lyons
It’s all Rat Pack vibes and ice-cold martinis at this stylish steakhouse decked out with plush green banquettes and marble accents. Start with the Parker House rolls, a shrimp cocktail, and an iceberg wedge before diving into meaty mains like beef Wellington or prime New York strip. After dinner, make your way into the hidden speakeasy, Seymour’s, for a well-made signature cocktail like the whiskey-based Little Owl with orange bitters.
For stellar pizza and pasta outdoors under a lantern-lit sky: Birba
Wood-fired pizza and housemade pasta are the stars at this chic outdoor restaurant decked out with hanging lanterns. Reserve a big wooden table, so you and your crew can share black pepper tagliatelle with squash blossoms and pancetta before moving on to pizzas topped with everything from prosciutto to braised greens to fennel sausage. Cocktails like a signature negroni and a compact Italian wine list keep the party going.
For supper-club vibes with an eclectic menu: The Tropicale
The Tropicale has been a local favorite since 2007 for its 1960s-inspired supper club aesthetic, eclectic menu, and tiki-style patio outfitted with palm trees. Grab a spot at the 50-seat bar, and start with a tropical cocktail like a mango colada before diving into Shanghai-style baby back ribs and crispy onion rings with Dijon remoulade. Definitely save room for dessert—the diner-style banana split is not to be missed.
For top-notch cocktails in a mid-mod setting: Tailor Shop
Cocktails are front and center at this intimate mid-century modern-style spot. Slide into one of the curved chairs at the slick bar for some of the bartenders’ original cocktails like the Lace Made with tequila, Campari, and grapefruit. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try the Flight Around the World with a global selection of spirits including Japanese whiskey. No matter what you drink, get it with elevated small bites like Hokkaido scallop crudo and Wagyu carpaccio.
For modern Mexican food in a vibrant indoor-outdoor restaurant: Tac/Quila
For a spot that feels like a party inside and out, look no further than Tac/Quila. The modern Mexican restaurant has black-and-white tile with vibrant colors and ornate lanterns inside, while a large sidewalk patio is illuminated by string lights. There are plenty of margaritas, but don’t overlook the selection named for Mexican artists like a gin-based Frida Kahlo. With drinks sorted, build a shareable meal of chorizo-stuffed peppers, shrimp aguachile, and carne asada.
For American classics with a twist in an airy dining room: King’s Highway
The pool at the ACE Hotel is always popping. Same goes for the hotel’s airy restaurant King’s Highway. The big windows and stone walls are peak Palm Springs, and there’s a little something for everyone thanks to the all-day and dinner menus. Come for the breakfast burrito with bacon and tater tots during the day or the portobello hot pocket with onion rings at night. Particularly exciting are the restaurant’s nightly specials, which include bottomless fried chicken on Sunday.
For a dog-friendly restaurant with exceptional brunch: Boozehounds
Dogs aren’t just welcome, they’re encouraged at this sweeping restaurant and bar. Bring your pup for dinner on the atrium or patio, where tuna tataki and shrimp and grits share the menu with a tequila-spiked Southwest Shandy. There’s even a separate menu for dogs with things like a doggie TV dinner with beef meatloaf and gravy. This is also a go-to spot for night owls thanks to a fun late-night menu with the likes of kimchi fries.
For fine sushi paired with Japanese whisky: Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
At Sandfish, chef Engin Onural pairs the freshest sushi with a whiskey selection that stretches to more than 100 bottles. Expect classic nigiri, sashimi, and special rolls like the Experiment with snow crab and mango alongside Scotch and Japanese whiskies all served in a minimalist space with brown-leather banquettes. Make it a special evening by getting the greatest hits of the menu by going for the chef’s tasting.
For a chill afternoon in the garden with some bubbly: The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge
If lunch in the garden is on your Palm Springs to-do list, head to The Barn Kitchen inside charming boutique hotel Sparrows Lodge. Settle into a cozy wicker chair under the shaded pergola for garbanzo bean hummus with grilled pita before moving on to sandwiches and salads like a quinoa tabbouleh studded with Cara Cara oranges. Linger all afternoon with a bottle from the French and California wine list.
From a slick steakhouse that does some of the best martinis in town to dog-friendly brunches on a spacious patio, these must-visit Palm Springs restaurants have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to have lunch in the garden of a charming boutique hotel or post up at a vibrant modern Mexican restaurant, don’t miss out on these exceptional Palm Springs restaurants.
Reserve a table as soon as possible at one of these stellar Palm Springs restaurants on OpenTable.
For more amazing dining options in California, check out some of our guides to other cities in the state:
- 11 swanky restaurants in Los Angeles for your next celebration
- 13 top restaurants in San Francisco that scream special occasion
- Los Angeles’s 13 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants
Karen Palmer is a pizza- and pasta-obsessed food writer based in Los Angeles. She is the former editorial director of Tasting Table, and her work has appeared in Eater, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and many other publications. Follow her on Instagram at @karenlpalmer.
