Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Wally's Desert Turtle

4.7

4.7 (3719)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Rancho Mirage

About the restaurant

"The Finest Dining in the Coachella Valley" Offering a refreshed and re-imagined take on Modern California Cuisine. And the local response has been "Amazing"!

An Official California Dining Destination, Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage proudly supports local Ranches, Farms and Fisheries committed to the smart-stewardship of the planet through sustainable, earth-friendly and ocean-friendly practices.

The finest local ingredients, impeccable service and exceptional surroundings always make for "A Great Night Out" at Wally's Desert Turtle.

Top review

LarryBvip

Dined on Jun 16, 2024

Wally’s is always great. Very busy evening. Had a wonderful meal great service with attention to detail. We love going to Wally’s.

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Popular dish

Honolulu Tuna Tartare

Popular dish

Cinnamon Carrot Cake

Experience

Christmas Eve at Wally's

Eight4Nine

4.8

4.8 (4958)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Join us for Lunch, Brunch or Dinner. Reservations recommended but not necessary. Lounge and bar open all day long for walk-ins. No reservations for lounge or bar. Open 7 days a week.

Top review

Lisavip

Dined 3 days ago

Over the top wonderful!! Loved the ambiance and the food was prepared perfectly!! Great service all around. Thank you so much!

Melvyn's at the Ingleside Estate

4.7

4.7 (4040)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

A timeless Palm Springs classic specializing in traditional American Fare with a modern twist. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, in the famous Ingleside Inn, Melvyns Restaurant also features a full bar, dancefloor and piano lounge on a first come first serve basis.

Top review

Traceyvip

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience at Melvyn’s. The food and drinks were fabulous - Steak Diane prepared tableside - and the ambiance is lovely. Pricey but a lovely evening in the former hangout of the Rat Pack.

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Copley's on Palm Canyon

4.8

4.8 (6329)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Please Note - Copley's is now open 7 days a week through June 2025.
Copley’s is an award-winning restaurant serving American cuisine infused with hints of tropical and European flavors. Located in part of the former Cary Grant estate in the heart of Palm Springs, guests experience an upscale and inviting dining experience either outside on the patio with stunning mountain views or by enjoying the friendly atmosphere indoors. Executive Chef Andrew Copley has an extensive 20-year culinary background at five-star restaurants and hotels across the world, and is well known for innovative dishes such as Asian Spiced Barramundi, Charred Berkshire Pork Chop and creative nightly specials. Come and see why we were voted Top 100 Patio Dining in America!

Top review

Emil

Dined 1 day ago

A very eclectic menu, served in a fantastic setting, by incredibly attentive and friendly staff; give it a try you wouldn't be disappointed!

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Popular dish

Asian Spiced Barramundi

Popular dish

Hawaiian Ahi Tacos

Morgan's in the Desert

4.7

4.7 (2933)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

La Quinta

About the restaurant

Morgan’s in the desert showcases contemporary American cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Coachella Valley. We source the region’s top products – and craft them with traditional cooking methods – to bring you deliciously simple and healthy dishes.

Top review

Ilene

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing as always… hard to find places that have good food and drinks, great service along with a nice ambience and then to top it off they have live entertainment… do yourself a favor and try to sit in the bar with Brian and Ivan or at a table with Marilyn or Sal

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Popular dish

8oz USDA Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Beef Carpaccio

Popular dish

16oz USDA New York Strip

June Hill's Table

4.7

4.7 (1181)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Quinta

About the restaurant

We are currently open and available for Indoor and Outdoor Seating as well as Takeout. Open to both Community Members and the public, June Hill’s Table recognizes June Hill McCarroll, one of Coachella Valley’s most renowned and important founding residents. June Hill’s Table serves a variety of seasonal dishes made from scratch using fresh and local ingredients. Live music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Simply put, the feature dining experience at The Polo Club is set to showcase good food, done well.

Top review

Maggie

Dined 4 days ago

Food took too long and we were on our lunch hour.

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POM - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

4.6

4.6 (958)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Indio

About the restaurant

POM is Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's answer to casino cafes. POM features breakfast, lunch and dinner in an atmosphere that's light, airy and modern.

Reviewers on Yelp.com give POM 4&1/2 stars out of 5 and for good reason. The food here is of top quality. Chef Freddy Rieger even gets herbs used for cooking and garnish from the garden just outside the restaurant's French doors. The food is inventive yet hearty and the service is friendly and attentive.

Patrons can also order cocktails here they won't find anywhere else around Palm Springs. How about a Date Martini or a hand-crafted White Sangria?

POM excites your senses and keeps you coming back for more.

Top review

Edward

Dined 3 days ago

We travel to Az several times a year and stop overnight here. We always love our dinner at POM. The service is excellent, the food great and the atmosphere very cordial. It is a bit noisy sometimes as the high ceilings make it that way but exceptional. If you’re thinking of a nice dinner and great food and service, try POM, you’ll be glad you did.

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4.7

4.7 (1502)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

With unparalleled views of picturesque mountains, 4 Saints provides a unique and modern space. Our menu is driven by bright, clean, soulful flavors that are influenced by the seasons. The beverage program provides a concise wine list, local brews, and masterful cocktails.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Food was amazing, service was great! They even gave us champagne to celebrate us getting married and a small Chocolate dessert!! The views were very pretty! It was great def would come back here. 10/10 recommend!!

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Experience

DAOU Wine Pairing Tasting Menu

Experience

WhistlePig Whiskey Dinner

Zin American Bistro

4.6

4.6 (2556)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

For the past 20 years, Zin has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. We offer crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner. We are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating we have a beautiful heated and cooled covered patio for outdoor dining.

Top review

Andrew

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

Excellent experience. We were served by Chip and he was attentive, kind, funny. The food was delicious I had the lamb and my wife had the braised short rib. He brought us a dessert for our anniversary. Would absolutely go again for the food and the service!

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Popular dish

Wild Mushroom Truffle Soup

Escena Lounge & Grill

4.5

4.5 (1693)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Escena Grill is freshly renovated and open for indoor and outdoor dining, with full bar service! Browse or call for updates, hours of operation, specials and menus! (The kitchen closes 30-60 mins prior to the posted closing time.) The best view and outdoor dining patio in Palm Springs. Escena Grill pairs delectable California cuisine with eye-popping design and a playful, retro vibe. Spacious indoor and dog friendly outdoor dining areas frame majestic views of the towering San Jacinto Mountains. Ranked among OpenTable's 2015 Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America, Escena Grill offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Events are welcome. Hours, menus and event schedules vary seasonally; please call or check our website for current information. Escena Lounge + Grill is located within the Escena Palm Springs community and is connected to the stunning Escena Golf Club. Dining & golf open to the public year-round. Enter from Vista Chino 200 yards east of Gene Autry Trail.

Top review

Jimvip

Dined 3 days ago

Very good food and service. The duck and chicken picatta were very tasty. Nice place with great views of the mountains.

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