For some, dining out on vacation is merely about convenience, grabbing a quick bite before hitting the next Mid-Century marvel on their Palm Springs bucket list. However, those with more discerning palates will find the city’s vibrant food scene a big part of the travel experience, and rightly so! A mecca for foodies with options galore, knowing where to go can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of must-try Palm Springs restaurants to help navigate the culinary landscape like a local. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a gourmet experience, Palm Springs has something to satisfy every appetite!
With a strict no-reservation policy, arrive early to beat the crowds, then settle in for a delightful Palm Springs dining experience, and the perfect hangover remedy! While you can eat indoors, the covered patio at Cheeky’s is where the action’s at and the perfect place to sip a Bloody Mary. Always packed, this popular Palm Springs restaurant has earned a cult following for a rotating breakfast and lunch menu featuring locally sourced scratch-made dishes. Everything is fabulous, the house-made pastries are a delight, and the bacon flight, ranging from applewood to jalapeno, is a must-try!
Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, you’ll want to make a point to hit all three, and don’t forget happy hour! The inventive menu at 1501 Uptown is truly inspiring as is the cozy vibe in this bustling Palm Canyon Drive gastropub. Here, sourdough pretzels with beer cheese dip are served alongside sour cherry balsamic braised pork shoulder at the wrap-around bar where patrons can either catch a game on TV or enjoy the picturesque views. Whether sharing a charcuterie board with a classic martini or savoring a Cuban sandwich with a cucumber mint lemonade, any meal here will surely be an experience.
Swing by for a quick bite or linger longer at this swanky Palm Springs restaurant on the Rowan Hotel's seventh floor. Serving soulful dishes, creative cocktails, California wines, and incredible views of the San Jacinto mountains, this rooftop hotspot offers a Palm Springs dining experience unlike any other. Stop in for the perfect old-fashioned, stunning sunsets and elevated dishes like grass-fed beef short-rib and grilled Spanish octopus that will leave you swooning.
Renowned for Japanese cuisine as imagined by its award-winning sushi chef, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey features the freshest fish and the highest quality ingredients. The fun atmosphere, swanky ambiance, and excellent service raise the bar for dining in Palm Springs on so many levels. Impeccably-presented dishes are great for sharing and a fabulous way to celebrate any occasion. Start with the spicy tuna tostada, throw in a couple of signature rolls to share, and finish with the shredded duck bao buns for an evening to remember!
An excellent spot for people-watching, this popular Palm Springs restaurant offers the best pizza around! Whether enjoying a seasonal cocktail at the bar or hanging out in the lively courtyard, Birba is a great place to start the night before hitting the town. An eclectic menu features wholesome and locally sourced ingredients that are deeply satisfying, and you’ll find lots of options to tempt your taste buds. From homemade pizza and pasta to chianti braised short ribs and swordfish Milanese, Birba is an excellent spot for date night or reconnecting with old friends.
Quality, service, location—Tac/Quila has it all, and a Michelin nod means the food is consistently excellent no matter what you order. A sizeable menu features a mix of Mexican street fare and upscale options, all worthy of a try. Discriminating palates will appreciate the authentic cuisine reinterpreted with fresh ingredients and a seafood-forward menu. With dozens of tequila options and signature cocktails, margarita flights are a popular choice to accompany the bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and stellar service at this cheerful, Spanish-style bungalow on Palm Canyon Drive.
Dining in Palm Springs will take on new meaning as you relax on the outdoor patio and sip Mimosas while enjoying farm-to-plate meals prepared to order. Serving traditional European dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Farm offers some of the best French cuisine in Palm Springs. Located in the historic plaza and within walking distance of local attractions, including the Walk of the Stars and the Palm Springs Art Museum, Farm might be the best start to your day. Try savory crepes or brioche French toast for breakfast, and you won’t go wrong with the Wagyu top sirloin steak or mushroom risotto for dinner!
Featuring a menu that showcases the harvest from local small farms, Mr. Lyons promises an unforgettable Palm Springs dining experience. Think sophisticated 60s vibe with a modern twist, including personalized tableside service and some of the best steaks around. Whether sipping martinis in the dimly lit pub-style lounge, enjoying a sidecar and prime rib in the dining room while seated in a luxurious velvet booth, or hanging with friends on the terrace, this is truly an elegant affair and a great place for any special occasion.
For modern California cuisine and seasonally-inspired dishes meant to be shared, look no further than Trio. Located in the Uptown Design District in a historic building designed by none other than Albert Frey and John Porter Clark, this iconic mainstay is one of the most popular restaurants in Palm Springs. Start with the crab croquettes or beef carpaccio before diving into the sausage ragu, and you’ll quickly realize that fresh-made pasta is the only way to go. The relaxed environment offers a sense of community, and the simply prepared dishes with regional ingredients make Trio worth the stop!
Featuring seasonal menus, an extensive wine list, and contemporary yet relaxed dining with a poolside view, The Colony Club is classic 1950s Palm Springs in the best possible way. Enjoy a prickly pear bellini alongside avocado toast for breakfast, pop in for lighter fare at lunch, or go all in with black pearl caviar and fennel-crusted lamb loin for dinner. Who knows? You might even see a celebrity taking in the incredible mountain views!
Delicious food, a relaxed environment, and excellent service are why The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge is on repeat for Angelenos and visitors alike. Featuring rustic Cali-cuisine served in a charming outdoor setting; you’ll want to sit back and take in this quintessential Palm Springs dining experience. Rest assured, an authentically hospitable staff of knowledgeable professionals is ready to make your experience the absolute best at this Michelin Star restaurant serving fresh, flavorful fare. You might even make a few new friends in the communal dining setting designed for shared experiences!
No worries if you’re not up to going out after a long day of hiking, shopping, and hitting the galleries! Many of ACME House Company’s stunning vacation homes feature fabulous chef's kitchens with everything needed to create culinary masterpieces. Either whip up your own or hire a private chef and chill poolside, enjoying yet another perfect sunset in Palm Springs!
ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals.
Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs