Desert Dining Elevated
In 1889, French brothers André and Édouard Michelin launched their tire company and, in a genius marketing move, began publishing a little red guidebook to help motorists plan road trips. It included maps, mechanics, gas stations, and crucially, restaurants and hotels.
Fast forward to 1920: dining became such a focus that the MICHELIN Guide evolved into its own institution. Soon, the brothers hired anonymous food critics—also known as the original “mystery diners”—to rate restaurants. Today, the MICHELIN Guide reviews over 30,000 establishments across more than 30 countries and is still the gold standard for culinary travel.
If you're heading to Palm Springs, you’re in luck. MICHELIN has scoped out some seriously delicious spots—from rooftop views to bacon flights. Here are their top picks, straight from the red book:
4 Saints
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Set on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, 4 Saints brings the drama both in scenery and on the plate. Chef Ysaac Ramirez infuses a Mediterranean foundation with bold Southern flavors. Standouts include grilled purple sweet potatoes with creamy Alabama white barbecue sauce and pickled chiles, crispy pork belly with fermented Fresno chili, and lamb chops paired with charred eggplant and mint yogurt. Cocktails are creative and perfectly balanced—great for sunset sipping.
🍸Bar Cecil
Cuisine: American
A buzzing, art-filled brasserie where reservations disappear fast, Bar Cecil is where upscale comfort food gets a stylish twist. Start with oysters on the half shell or steak tartare, then move on to roasted king crab legs or a perfectly grilled ribeye. The signature burger, elevated with melted Comté and house sauce, is a local favorite. There’s also a killer martini menu, and for dessert? A decadent Basque-style cheesecake or warm chocolate chip cookies with milk.
Learn More: Bar Cecil: A Bold, Timeless Dining Experience in Palm Springs
Credit: Daniel Woo
🐾Boozehounds
Cuisine: International
Equal parts playful and polished, Boozehounds welcomes both dogs and design lovers. The menu has global flair: Korean fried cauliflower, duck confit nachos, and short rib bao buns appear alongside heftier mains like miso-glazed salmon and wagyu steak frites. Brunch is a major draw, with items like ricotta pancakes, matcha granola bowls, and kimchi breakfast burritos. The cocktail list is witty and well-crafted, with names like “Hair of the Dog” and “The Greyhound.”
🥓Cheeky's
Cuisine: American
A daytime-only darling of the Palm Springs food scene, Cheeky’s serves a rotating menu that changes weekly, but always delivers on flavor and fun. Expect inventive takes on breakfast and brunch classics, like duck confit hash, coconut waffles, and chilaquiles with salsa verde and crema. The must-order “bacon flight” features five varieties—applewood-smoked, maple, jalapeño, and more. Smoothies, locally roasted coffee, and house-made pastries round out the experience.
Colony Club
Cuisine: American
Tucked inside the historic Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows, this Moroccan-inspired retreat oozes Old Hollywood glam. Starters include edamame hummus with house-made flatbread and heirloom tomato salad with whipped feta. Entrees range from crispy-skinned salmon to grilled pork chops with cheesy polenta and seasonal veggies. The weekend brunch menu features brioche French toast, smoked salmon tartines, and refreshing cocktails, such as the signature Blood Orange Mimosa. Don’t miss the signature carrot cake layered with pineapple and pecans.
Tac/Quila
Cuisine: Mexican
Chic and lively, Tac/Quila offers a menu that bridges traditional Mexican fare with luxe ingredients. Street taco options include carne asada, cochinita pibil, and crispy Baja-style fish. Meanwhile, elevated plates like lobster enchiladas and ahi tuna tostadas add sophistication. Don’t skip the house-made guacamole or elote street corn. Margaritas come in tasting flights—try the habanero-lime, watermelon-basil, and black lava salt rimmed options. The tequila and mezcal lists are deep enough to impress any aficionado.
Credit: David Lee
🌿The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge
Cuisine: Californian
A serene, rustic-chic hideaway that feels like a spa with a stove. The Barn Kitchen serves locally sourced, seasonally inspired dishes focused on freshness and simplicity. Expect avocado toast on thick-cut artisan bread, lentil and beet salads, grilled cauliflower steaks with a lemony sauce vierge, and hearty sandwiches like roast turkey with fig mustard. The cozy barn setting and tranquil garden patio make this the perfect spot for brunch or lunch.
Credit: Jamie Kowal
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Cuisine: Californian
Inside a sleek, industrial space housed in a 1920s movie theater, Workshop delivers design-forward dining with a deep commitment to local agriculture. A private garden in Rancho Mirage, along with partnerships with Coachella Valley farms, ensures ultra-fresh produce. Signature dishes include wood-fired flat iron au poivre, crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon sherry vinaigrette, and house-made agnolotti stuffed with ricotta and lemon. Desserts, like the yuzu tart with raspberry and wood sorrel, cap off the meal with elegance.
