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Sol y Sombra's signature Paella - Sol Y Sombra, Cathedral City, CA

Sol Y Sombra

4.5
4.5
393 Reviews
$31 to $50
Traditional Spanish
Sol Y Sombra restaurant offers up a true taste of the desert! Located inside The NEW Paloma Resort's historic Adobe, our tapas-style menu that celebrates the Coachella Valley’s agricultural roots, lacing Spanish-inspired dishes with citrus, dates, chilies and other locally-grown ingredients. Paella fans can sample several versions of the signature Spanish dish, ranging from traditional to vegetarian.

Our team's mixologists can create custom drinks with the freshest ingredients and top-shelf spirits. Rounding out the beverage offerings is an excellent selection of Spanish and California wines -- plus, one of the desert's best tequila lists!

To make the most of your dining experience, come hungry and bring friends so you can try everything!

*a 20% auto gratuity will be added to parties of 5 guests or more.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 2 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Traditional Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates, Speakeasy
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 864-1177
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Daniel Felix
  • Neighborhood
    Cathedral City
  • Cross street
    Cree Road and Carrey Road
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Public Transportation Line #1
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 393 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

    Innovative

  • Palm Springs / Palm Desert

    Innovative

393 Reviews
  1. LaWeez

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed our experience. Our server couldn’t be nicer, which can be rare. We were pleasantly surprised with our meals. Would return.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Not impressed with the Paella, I’ve eaten paella many time and this had to be the worse. Tapas were ok, my guest’s food was cold.

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  3. SoniaB

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We went in to try the Paella but were disappointed. We had the Paella Tierra y Mar (Shrimp, Pork & Chicken Paella), described as: Bomba Rice, Saffron, Sweet Peppers, Peas, Tomatoes, Shallots, Garlic, Paprika, Lemon, Parsley, Chicken, Shrimp, Chorizo, Serrano Ham The paella was good portion size for two, however was very very scarce on ingredients, and the flavor so so... This is nothing like a real paella should be! The only visible ingredients were about 6 pieces of shrimp on top and had to hunt down for small chicken squares...did not see any other ingredients!!

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  4. EdinCC

    Palm Springs

    122 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    122 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious, everything we ordered was delicious. We ordered a variety ( 8) of appetizers which were all really tasty. Only problem is that they brought them all at one time and they cooled down quickly. They are better hot than cold. The ambiance is simple, clean and in the room with the fireplace it was lovely. The service was very good.

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  5. sharons

    New Mexico

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    The food and service was very good — the room is sparse and not very comfortable. Definitely need to enhance the decor.

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  6. FredE

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great every time we will simplify the experience when we have tried everything. The only negative “ the Sangria is too sweet for my taste”

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  7. PaulK

    Palm Springs

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful tapas! Unique for the desert- great space with an Ojai vibe! All was great just not the best service- we ordered a paella, but even had a long conversation about it with our server about which one to order, and large or small- Waited 40 minutes and it never arrived! We asked our server who said he didn’t put in the order because we didn’t order it. Wtf??? Oh well, we had enough to eat with the tapas- and were happy!

    1 person found this helpful

  8. TammyS

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had such a great dinner here. The food was excellent! Highly recommend!

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  9. Comet

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A hidden gem . It was a delightful change from our usual . Fun . Hip ….. neat experience

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  10. Oceanparkbabe

    Portland

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had to sit indoors because of a sudden thunderstorm but it was lovely with the fireplace keeping us cozy. Great dinner for 4 for my husband’s birthday. We shared a large paella which was tasty. The seafood in it was cooked to perfection.

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  11. TerriH

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We found this hidden gem on a Saturday evening. Our servers were all very prompt and attentive. The food arrived quickly and was all very good. The brussels sprouts were delicious but maybe a little too rich 😋

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  12. Judygecko

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food, casual and nice ambiance in a lovely setting. Service was attentive and server was very knowledge. The Paella was excellent with all the traditional flavors and lovely seafood. Two choices for salad and a number of Tapas and appetizers were on the menu.

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  13. MyAmberDog

    Palm Springs

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    A bit cold and drafty at our table, but the food was exquisite...Pricey, but I think worth it. Nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find the restaurant....

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  14. KimberleeC

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a hidden gem! Tapas selection is amazing (brussel sprouts w/chorizo, empanadas & so much more). Must try their paella too…scrape the pan to get every last tasty morsel.

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  15. bikemom

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our visit to Sol Y Sombrero was very uneven. When we finished ordering we asked our waiter for some bread for the table. Multiple people noticed he made a displeased face at our request. At least two members of management stopped by during our dinner and all other staff were pleasant and helpful. Salads were good but main dishes were disappointing. My Jidoori Airplane chicken was small, dry and flavorless. My husband found the Branzino equally disappointing.

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  16. KennT

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Straight up cocktails were diluted. Larger sharing plates please. Music in dining room was too loud - finally resolved after two (2) requests to turn it down. Food was delicious and servers friendly 👍🏻👍🏾👍🏽👍🏾👍🏼

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  17. Jill

    Los Angeles

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, drinks and staff. The paella is wonderful. I haven’t had anything there that I didn’t really enjoy. the wait staff is excellent.

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  18. paula

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a beautiful night on the patio, we had a nice bottle of Spanish wine, lots of great tapas. The service was outstanding, very friendly staff. This place is a great kept secret! Highly recommended you stop by.

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  19. MichaelS

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food! Several excellent vegetarian choices. NO "BACKGROUND MUSIC--YEAH" Service was prompt, provided good suggestions. Will definitely be going back soon.

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  20. Travelots

    New York Area

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This must be one of the best kept secrets in Palm Springs - A fresh take on Spanish classics. Paella is outstanding and as good as any we have had in extensive travels in Spain. As are the Serrano terrines, tapas and the cucumber salad ! - outstanding flavors and freshness and very good cocktails. Service is attentive without being annoying. Well worth repeat visits.

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  21. LindaH

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great dinner! Great service! We will be back!!!

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  22. Ffy1

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful night time patio experience. Food was tasty, quiet evening, room to move. Overall a lovely experience.

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  23. TinaC

    Palm Springs

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was good and our waiter was attentive but 2 of the dishes we ordered were unavailable. The waiter didn’t offer an explanation - probably too embarrassed- and in the course of the conversation, he informed us that 4 additional items were also unavailable. I don’t believe that they were “sold out.” It was early in the evening and there weren’t that many diners in the restaurant. I suspect that they didn’t have the ingredients. We all enjoyed the food we were able to order and liked the setting. I would have rated it higher overall if all the items on the menu were available.

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  24. StevenP

    Pittsburgh

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience - almost too much food for the price

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had four friends in town and i wanted to take them there as I love the food. It was a great choice as they have many vegan options for my vegan friend. I highly recommend it! Great service from Jordan. Thanks for everything!

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  26. NickL

    Palm Springs

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I introduced my friends to Sol Y Sombra for a birthday dinner. They and I were incredibly impressed with the Manager. He's the best.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Sadly the drink order took an incredible amount of time to arrive. The tapas were instant (incredibly so) very tasty, but the portions on a one of the items, four tiny balls did not match the price charged. The drinks did eventually arrive and the Manhattan was a mere splash in the glass, when questioned we were offered a “double?”, which we declined. The martini was also just barely half full when presented. For a celebration it was disappointing. I hope you listen to our constructive criticism and improve. To keep and grow clientele you need to serve a good drink at a reasonable price. Seriously the pour was embarrassing.

    Sol Y SombraResponded on October 8, 2023

    Thank you for leaving your review. I am disappointed that you did not enjoy your experience while you were celebrating four birthdays with us. For that, I apologize. Regarding our "embarrassing pours" for your Manhattans and Martinis, as your server explained to you, our martini glasse is larger than the standard martini glass. We use 12oz martini glasses compared to the standard 6-8oz martini glasses. That explains why you perceived your drinks to be a "mere splash in the glass". I can assure you that you were not underserved on pour size and you received the standard 3oz pour for your Martinis and 2oz pour for your Manhattans. Again, I am sorry our service did not meet your expectations, but I do hope you and your friends had a happy birthday nonetheless.

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  28. PSlocal2023

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Waiters were inexperienced and a bit intrusive one was new and smelled of smoke. The food is prepared beforehand and is almost tasteless. Only a few people in the dining room and it was hard to carry a conversation. I would not go back. It is off the beaten path and will only be louder during season.

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  29. SuziW

    Columbus

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tapas and Paella excellent. Service amazing. So very friendly. Venue was quaint. Very enjoyable evening. Highly recommend. The Paloma Resort is a nice setting too.

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  30. KurtS

    Palm Springs

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is probably our favorite hidden gem in the Coachella Valley. Very cool romantic vibe, and tasty food. 

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  31. TheTrust

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent, had a tapas, salad and tried three of their entres, very good service

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  32. Mark

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great tapas and atmosphere. We sat on the patio, and we felt like we were in Spain. The one problem is that they added a gratuity to our bill for our party of six without informing us. The itemized bill only listed the food, but the individual bills for the split check included the gratuity without any mention. We very nearly tipped twice. Borderline shady? Better training would be one thing, but clearly indicating the gratuity on the bills would be better. We will definitely be back for more great food, but keep an eye on the check.

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  33. PCinPSP

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb food and attentive, fantastic staff. Third time here and not the last. Really 10/10 !

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  34. RemingtonR

    Palm Springs

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Was hoping for better than the reviews I read….unfortunately… it wasn’t. The calamari was over cooked and rubbery. The garlic shrimp were ok. Not the large prawns I was hoping for. The mushroom croquettes weren’t anything special. The chicken croquettes were the only thing we enjoyed. The ambiance outside is nice on a cooler eve ring. Server was very sweet. Don’t think I’ll be going back anytime soon, unfortunately. We didn’t even risk trying the entrees. Pricey for what you’re getting. The sangrias were just ok.

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  35. Trish

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our sommelier was excellent at suggestions for both wine and food. The service was excellent. While the paella was very good, we enjoyed the nice selection of tapas even more. A great night out!

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Start to finish was outstanding! Exceptional Spanish wine list & sangria, the tapas were endless options to share and enjoy and OH MY THE PAELLA!!

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  37. JeannetteA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A very nice restaurant with great food. The service we received from Daniel wss outstanding. He went above and beyond expectations, thanks!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best tapas we have ever had! Our waiter, Daniel did a fantastic job of bringing out our orders in a few, perfectly timed waves. Sol y Sambra is situated in a historic building amid beautiful surroundings. A hidden gem that we are so happy we discovered!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time here. Exceeded my expectations. Great service. Wonderful tapas choices. Eclectic, fun decor. A bit noisier than I prefer but not a deal breaker. It’s tucked away from the busy highway so the resort ambience is very peaceful. Will return for the paella!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time. Very good food, ambiance and service. Looking forward to a return visit

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Sol Y Sombra is rated 4.5 stars by 393 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 2 times today
Google Map for Sol Y Sombra

67670 Carey Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234-6405

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cree Road and Carrey Road
  • Neighborhood
    Cathedral City
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Traditional Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates, Speakeasy
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Public Transportation Line #1
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Daniel Felix
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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