Palm Springs, CA, is found in the Colorado Desert, but the restaurant scene is anything but dry. On my first trip to this vibrant town, the foodie in me delighted in every meal. From vegetarian to low cal to more decadent treats, I never had a bad bite. If you need any encouragement to ask the locals for recommendations, the proof is in this pudding. From their collective responses and my satisfied stomach, here are the best places to eat in Palm Springs.
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Lulu’s California Bistro
Smack dab in the middle of downtown Lulu’s is a laid-back bistro with endless options. The lengthy menu is nearly as eclectic as the restaurant’s décor. Guests can dive into something familiar or take a bite out of California cuisine.
Suffering from an overload of choices on a ravenous stomach, I ended up choosing a standard menu item – the Chicken Sandwich. While it tasted exactly how I’d expected, I have to admit I got food envy when I saw the plates my friends got.
One ordered the Prime Center-Cut Sirloin Salad with tomatoes, pine nuts, and bleu cheese crumbles, and wow. Not only was it massive, but the steak was cooked so perfectly to order my mouth still waters when I think of it. The other is a vegetarian and opted for the Portobello Mushroom Tower. Not only did it look like a piece of art, but it was also loaded with a variety of textures and flavor. Mashed potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, marinara, and cheese combined to make one hearty lasagna. I was kicking myself for missing out, though I guarantee this will be the first thing I order next time.
Throughout the menu at this downtown Palm Springs restaurant, items like Cantaloupe Gazpacho, Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash, Lobster Quesadilla, and Osso Bucco promise to tempt any palate.
El Mirasol at Los Arboles
I had the pleasure of staying at the boutique hotel Los Arboles during my time in Palm Springs. The family-run Spanish colonial hotel boasts many amenities, though the on-site restaurant may be reason enough alone to stay here. Even my Lyft driver excitedly proclaimed El Mirasol to be his favorite restaurant in town.
The warm scent of authentic family recipes passed down through generations envelope guests when they arrive. I recommend asking for a seat on the patio. Comfortable chairs, lush gardens, and a light breeze are heaven with a glass of sangria in your hands. And the food is so warm and inviting you’ll want to stay for a while.
The Crispy Mini Chorizo Tacos are full of buttery umami without being greasy. It’s a little harder to convince yourself the Queso Fundido is a healthy choice, but it’s something you don’t want to miss. Loaded with roasted poblano peppers, and addictive, it comes with tortillas and can easily be made into a meal.
If I had to recommend just one entrée, I’d say try the Shrimp in Pipián. The sauce is handmade from ground, roasted pumpkin seeds and dried chilis. It’s earthy with a bit of kick and a perfect pairing to the faintly salty shrimp. This dish is as authentic as they come and something you rarely see on menus. Don’t miss out!
Grand Central Palm Springs
There are so many things to love about this restaurant I’m not quite sure where to start. The owners, John and Rita, are a lovely couple who used to “meet under the clock” in NYC’s Grand Central station. They created a restaurant that serves as a love letter to their relationship, the romantic history of Hollywood in Palm Springs, and food that’s as good for your health as it is for your soul.
Determined not to make the same mistake I’d made at Lulu’s, when a vegetarian entrée caught my eye this time, I ordered it immediately. The Veggie Mushroom Club is a double-decker sandwich stuffed with oyster mushrooms (my fave for the slightly tangy taste and delicate texture), avocado, tomato, and mayo. It felt light and decadent all at the same time and kept me full for most of the day.
On the heavier side, the Grilled Cheese was made from a mix of cheddar and gruyere and topped with rosemary caramelized onions. This chef-y version of an American classic was everything you love about the original with the complex flavors you’d hope for in a remix.
Around our table, I eyed Palm Sugar Waffles (served with homemade cherry butter!), Lamb Bolognese, and a Goat Cheese Salad topped with enough salmon to feed two. When I go back, that’s likely to be my next choice.
And don’t miss out on the cocktails here. The Basic Bee Bubbly Cocktail is a dreamy combo of earthy gin, lavender, lemon, prosecco, and just a hint of honey. I was tempted to pull a book out of their tree and sip on those all day.
Peaks Restaurant (at the top of the Aerial Tramway)
Newly renovated and an elegant complement to its surroundings, Peaks Restaurant is located at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and lives up to the term elevated dining. The restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows dazzling guests with far-reaching views of Coachella valley below. And the interior wall is a dynamic mural that reflects the shifting sunlight throughout the day.
If you come for the view, you’ll stay for the food. Start with the Beef Carpaccio. It’s dressed delicately with shaved fennel, parmesan, mustard, and truffle oil. The flavor of the beef doesn’t get overpowered, and while the portion is large, it’s not so much you won’t enjoy your next course.
The Boursin Steak Sandwich should sell you just based on the name. If not, read on to find the other toppings include chimichurri and arugula. It’s a hearty and flavorful way to fuel up for any outdoor adventures you’re planning in the nearby park. The Pasta Parisian is another outstanding choice. Linguini, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and brie cheese are tossed in a white wine Pistou sauce that warms you up from the inside out. It’s a solid vegetarian meal, though can also be topped with a protein of your choice. Fair warning: the garlic is potent!
Cheeky’s
“Home of the Bacon Flight.” Need I go on? Cheeky’s is famous for its bacon sampler, but everything on the menu is tempting.
Homemade cinnamon rolls, Macha Waffle with Raspberries and Cream Cheese, Green Shakshuka, Maple Sage Sausage – everything on the menu reads like foodie heaven. If you have friends that like to share, this is the place to do it, and every portion is generous enough.
We went for Blondie’s Eggs Benedict. As soon as I saw it came on a house-made cheddar scone, I knew I had to have it. Silky egg yolk, peppery arugula, and salty thick-cut bacon served on a crumbly scone is a powerful combo. It also came with a giant portion of crispy thyme-parmesan hashbrowns that I devoured in seconds. They had run out of the bacon flight when we attempted to order it, though the Maple Sage Sausage was a flavorful second choice.
If you’re up for a cocktail, try Cheeky’s Spicy Bloody Mary. The mix is homemade, and every glass comes with pickled veggies. This brunch staple is only open 8am – 2pm Thursday-Monday, and reservations are recommended.
Rick’s Restaurant and Bakery
As well-known as Cheeky’s is for its inventive take on classic dishes, Rick’s is the old-fashioned diner loved by locals. If Chicken-Fried Steak and Eggs is more your speed, you’ll love the hearty staples on the menu here.
A mix of American and Cuban-inspired dishes are made with simple but hearty ingredients. For breakfast, try the Tamales & Eggs with a side of plantains. Authentic flavors and a generous portion will keep you satisfied all day.
At lunch, the Meat Loaf and Pastrami sandwiches are diner classics done right. All sandwiches are served on the bread of your choice and come with traditional or Cuban sides like Caribbean Rice and Beans.
Rick’s also serves homemade cinnamon rolls if you’re looking for a straightforward comparison to Cheeky’s.
PS Underground
More of an experience than a restaurant, you never quite know what you’re going to get at PS Underground. The good news is it doesn’t matter – the chefs have clearly mastered their craft.
PS Underground is a venue that produces themed, interactive shows that change frequently. A talented collective of musicians, actors, and comedians lead audiences through an adventure for the senses. The night we visited, the room transformed into a hipster’s basement taking guests back to the free-spirited cacophony of the Beatnik generation.
The menu at PS Underground changes with the theme to celebrate culinary innovations from the time and fully immerse the audience. We enjoyed creamy fondue with whole grain mustard, tangy antipasto salad, and a tender Chicken Divan loaded with crisp vegetables in a creamy mornay sauce. For dessert? Ambrosia Salad. Now ain’t that a kick.
Palm Springs Restaurants
We only had a few days to explore this lively city and taste as many restaurants as possible. Some were local finds, others happy accidents, but all were delicious. If you’re not sure what to expect in this desert oasis, let me assure you that, at the very least, you won’t go hungry!
