Ryan F.
The desert resort of Palm Springs has long been a place of easy living for both locals and the over 14 million tourists who visit annually. A historical hotspot for celebrities from the Golden Age of Hollywood, today, Palm Springs is known for outdoor recreation, arts, and food.
From old-fashioned diners to contemporary cuisine, Palm Springs has restaurants for every taste and occasion. In the following guide, I’ll show you the best of everything, from where to go if you want a low-key brunch to the popular places for a night out on the town. Here’s your complete look at the best restaurants in Palm Springs, CA.
Best Restaurants in Palm Springs
- Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
- Counter Reformation
- King’s Highway
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar
- 4 Saints
- Bill’s Pizza
- Cheeky’s Palm Springs
- Mr. Lyons
- Rick’s Restaurant & Bakery
- Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar
- Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
- The Tropicale
- Wilma and Frieda’s Cafe
- 1501 Uptown
- 533 Viet Fusion
- Azucar
- Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
1556 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 537-1022
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Helmed by award-winning chef Engin Onural, they’re the undisputed masters of pairing sushi and whiskey. Some of my favorites include their signature Sandfish Roll accompanied by Ragnar’s Revenge, a blended scotch.
Aside from the food, I love the ambiance. It’s open, wooden, and Scandinavian-inspired. You can sit indoors or out, making it a good choice for practically any time of day and in any type of weather. They’re found along North Palm Canyon Drive just south of East Vista Chino.
Counter Reformation
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760) 770-5000
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Counter Reformation is where I recommend you spend at least one evening if you’re in town for a short trip. It’s a cozy, inviting wine bar with bar seating and counters perfect for leaning.
The restaurant is situated within the luxurious Parker Palm Springs hotel, located along East Palm Canyon Drive, between the Oasis Resort and the Tahquitz Creek golf course.
While the place is a “shrine to wine,” as they like to say, they have delicious dishes, too. Truffles, freshly-shucked oysters, and scallops are just some of the tasty offerings on the menu.
King’s Highway
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760) 969-5777
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King’s Highway is a celebration of the all-American Western diner. Slide into a padded booth and enjoy the authentic rock walls and expansive windows that provide a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.
Between King’s Highway and the attached Amigo Room, you’ll find no shortage of casual, delicious food and drink. For you late risers who enjoy a bountiful breakfast bagel, breakfast at the King’s Highway is served until 2 pm.
King’s Highway is found inside the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, on East Palm Canyon Drive, located between Caliente Tropics and Elmer’s.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 459-3451
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A fun, cool spot for dinner and drinks, the Workshop features classic cocktails plus a deep variety of vegetable and meat dishes. It’s one of my favorite places to gather with a group of friends because everybody is sure to find something they love.
It’s located in Uptown Palm Springs inside the historic El Paseo Building in Downtown, along North Palm Canyon Drive between Old Las Palmas and The Movie Colony. It’s northeast of the O’Donnell Golf Club.
4 Saints
100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 392-2020
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Boasting a 270-degree view of Downtown Palms Springs and Midtown, 4 Saints is one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, CA to go to on a clear night. It’s a rooftop restaurant located on top of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, near the intersection of West Tahquitz Canyon Way and Belardo Road.
Chef Stephen Wambach serves up global cuisine, including grilled steak, pork chops, duck, chitarra pasta, and a robust selection of soups and salads. It’s a mix of classic Southern cooking and Socal cuisine, brought together by local veggies, savory meats, and fresh seafood.
Bill’s Pizza
119 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 325-5571
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If you’re looking for some of the best ‘za in Palm Springs, check out Bill’s Pizza. They serve up both traditional pizza plus a variety of specialty options, such as The Works, The Elton John, and Bill’s Favorite.
You’ll find them at South Indian Canyon Drive just south of the E Tahquitz Canyon Way intersection. They’re in Midtown south of the Hyatt Palm Springs.
Cheeky’s Palm Springs
622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 327-7595
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If I have to pick one place to have breakfast or brunch in Palm Springs, I’m picking Cheeky’s. They’re a great place to start the day with their comfortable and contemporary breakfast cuisine.
I wish I could recommend specific dishes, but the menu changes each week, based on what foods are the freshest locally. Regardless, you’ll always find fruit plates, pancakes, and egg dishes. Stop by after 11:30 am for lunch options such as glass noodle salad, steak chop, and Cheeky’s BLT.
You’ll find Cheeky’s along North Palm Canyon, south of Workshop Kitchen and just north of the Francis S. Stevens School.
Mr. Lyons
233 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760) 327-1551
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Formerly the Lyons English Grill, Mr. Lyons is one of the best places to eat in Palm Springs for anyone craving a steak dinner. They offer a relaxed atmosphere with Old Hollywood glamour in a dining salon decorated with marble, wood, and brass.
Steak and fish are on the menu here, including prime filet mignon, pan-roasted striped bass, and prime New York strip. You can pair your meal with an enchanting selection of wines and cocktails, including a Lyons’ Lemonade or a Mr. Lyons Honest Martini.
Mr. Lyons is located in the northwestern corner of Palm Canyon, on East Palm Canyon Drive, just a block west of the Caliente Tropics. It’s across Palm Canyon Drive from the Best Western Inn and Vagabond Motor Hotel.
Rick’s Restaurant & Bakery
1973 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 416-0090
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For almost 30 years, Rick Seidner and his staff have been cooking up Cuban and American food for locals and visitors alike.
They’re open for breakfast and lunch, serving French toast, seasonal fruits, cold sandwiches, hot burgers, and many other comfort foods.
They’re located along North Palm Canyon Drive, just a few blocks north of E Vista Chino and a few blocks northwest of Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs.
Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar
241 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 325-8800
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Brothers Ruben and Ozzy launched their first Palm Springs restaurant back in 2012. Today, Ruben and Ozzy’s Oyster Bar is known as the place to kick back and enjoy surf, turf, and a beer or three.
If you’ve never had the Mexican seafood cocktail called a campechana, you’re in for a treat. As far as eats go, you’ll find crab enchiladas, shrimp buckets, oyster shooters, and more.
When you’re ready to hit up the brothers’ bar, you’ll find it at East Tahquitz Canyon Way, between South Indian Canyon Drive and South Calle El Segundo. It’s just around the corner from Bill’s Pizza.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 325-1199
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Sherman’s Deli and Bakery is a must-visit for any fan of Palm Springs history. Founded by legendary local restaurateur Sherman Harris, the deli is a former favorite of Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and more. Although Harris passed away in 2008, his children Sam and Janet continue to run the deli in his honor.
What’s your favorite type of deli sandwich? The chances are good you’ll find it at Sherman’s. They have hot pastrami, triple-decker club, veggie, rare roast beef, and more. All sandwiches are served on Deli Rye bread with either potato salad or coleslaw.
As you might expect from such a famous place, you’ll find Sherman’s right in Downtown Palm Springs, along East Tahquitz Canyon Way between South Calle Encilia and South Calle El Segundo. It’s about one block east of Bill’s Pizza.
The Tropicale
330 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 866-1952
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If you’re looking for an upscale and chic night out on the town, you’ll love the vibe at The Tropicale. It’s located along East Amado Road, just past the North Calle Encilia intersection, one block due north from the Palm Springs Post Office.
The Pacific Rim cuisine is light, zesty, and full of surprises. If I had to choose, I’d say either the Chilean Sea Bass or the Kahlua-Barbecued Pork Chops are my favorite. You can’t beat the vibe, either, with a 2,000 square foot patio and mid-century lounge look.
When I’m in the mood for a night out on the town, I often start the evening at The Tropicale.
Wilma and Frieda’s Cafe
73575 El Paseo #2310, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: (760) 773-2807
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Wilma and Frieda’s Café is another one of my favorite brunch spots. You’ve got to try their signature dish — griddled meatloaf with eggs. They also serve a wide array of other breakfast and brunch foods, including eggs benedict, strawberry spinach salad, and churros.
The Café is found on South Palm Canyon Drive between East Arenas Road and South Belardo Road. It’s right up the street from the Lulu California Bistro and just one block west of Bill’s Pizza.
1501 Uptown
1501 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 320-1501
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As one of the newest restaurants in town, 1501 Uptown overcame the not-insignificant challenge of launching in 2020. Their contemporary gastropub brings a bold and energetic excitement to Uptown Palm Springs.
Some of their fan favorites include Willie’s Shepherds Pie, the Pressed Kobe Short Rib and Cheddar, and Roly’s “Cubano.” While they have a wide selection of cocktails, my favorite is easily The Uptown, which features Grey Goose, lime juice, and hibiscus.
They’re located about two blocks south of Billy Reed’s, at the intersection of West Stevens Road and North Palm Canyon Drive. Quick note for weekend vacationers: 1501 is open Tuesday through Friday.
533 Viet Fusion
1775 E Palm Canyon Dr STE 625, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760) 778-6595
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Helmed by the husband-and-husband team of Roly Carvajal Pax and Chad Gardner, 533 Viet Fusion is the home of both traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes.
More than a meal, there’s also a show, as up to 10 diners can sit at the spring roll bar and watch the chef prepare a wide variety of spring rolls, including Maine lobster claw, spicy ahi tuna, and mango summer. It’s also a great spot for wine, sake, and cocktails.
533 is right at the intersection of West Stevens Road and North Palm Canyon Drive, just one block south of East Vista Chino. It’s about one block south of Billy Reed’s.
Azucar
339 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (844) 932-8044
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Of all the restaurants in Palm Springs, Azucar is one of my favorite places to spend a late afternoon with a few friends and a few cocktails. It has a roof deck that gives you a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto mountains, located near the intersection of West Baristo Road and South Belardo Road.
Open for lunch and dinner, you’ll find contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and salad. Try their swordfish tacos if you’re looking for a light lunch or their jumbo scallops if you’re hungry for a big dinner.
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Phone: (760) 832-9007
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Looking for vegan cuisine? Meet Chef Tanya, purveyor of fine vegan delights such as the Modern Hippie Veggie and the BLTA. It also has an excellent kid’s menu, with PBJ & Granola, the Cheese Melty, and more. Quite simply, this is where to eat in Palm Springs if you’re vegan.
If you want to meet Chef Tanya, her kitchen is found at the intersection of East Sunny Dunes Road and South Eugene Road. It’s about one block east of South Gene Autry Trail.
Final Thoughts
Palm Springs has no shortage of delicious dishes and scrumptious cocktails. The next time you’re in town, be sure to use my guide so you’ll have an awesome experience with every breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You’ve now heard my suggestions for the best restaurants in Palm Springs, CA – so send some of yours! When you’re in Palm Springs, where do you like to dine? Let me know in the comments below.
