As the desert sun graces Palm Springs with its warmth, there's no better way to savor the season than by indulging in poolside dining. Whether you're lounging by the water with a cocktail in hand or enjoying gourmet bites under the sun, Palm Springs offers a plethora of stylish spots that blend relaxation with culinary delight. Here's your guide to the best poolside dining experiences in the area. 🏊♂️🍽️
🌞 Lola Rose Grand Mezze
Perched atop the Thompson Palm Springs, Lola Rose Grand Mezze offers a vibrant, Levantine-inspired dining experience that seamlessly blends Mediterranean flavors with Californian flair. This rooftop oasis invites guests to indulge in a "sunlight-to-moonlight" journey, featuring mezze-style dishes, craft cocktails, and panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
🏄♂️ The Restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club
The Palm Springs Surf Club has redefined desert leisure with its expansive 21-acre water park, featuring slides, a lazy river, and a lounge pool. The Restaurant at the Surf Club serves as the perfect complement to this aquatic paradise.
🌴Chi Chi at the Avalon
Chi Chi's setting is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is adjacent to the Avalon Hotel's sparkling pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees and stunning mountain views. The chic, midcentury modern decor, with its clean lines and vibrant colors, pays homage to Palm Springs' storied past while offering all the comforts of contemporary luxury.
The menu features refreshing dishes like avocado toast with feta, acai bowls, and tuna tartare tostas. Don't miss their daily happy hour from 3–6 p.m., offering favorites like guacamole and salsa at great prices.
🌺 Azucar at La Serena Villas
Azúcar provides a sophisticated poolside dining experience with a Latin flair. Located at La Serena Villas, the restaurant offers dishes such as Chiles Gueros stuffed with sautéed shrimp and white mole, and a signature Azúcar Salad featuring arugula, mustard greens, and goat cheese. Pair your meal with a Blood Orange Margarita while enjoying views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The rooftop bar, Sugar High, provides stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
🍽️ The Colony Club at Colony Palms
Set within the historic Colony Palms Hotel, The Colony Club offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience. The outdoor terrace overlooks a sparkling pool and lush gardens, providing a serene backdrop for dishes like chicken schnitzel and sea bass with artichokes à la barigoule. Their extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails make it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal.
🥂 Palm Canyon Swim & Social
This adults-only poolside restaurant and bar offers an all-day brunch menu (8 - 5 pm) inspired by California's agricultural diversity. Dishes like stuffed waffles, huevos rancheros, and lobster tacos are complemented by refreshing cocktails such as the Desert Hare, made with tequila, carrot juice, and pineapple. With ample lounge seating and cabanas, it's the perfect place to relax and socialize. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. If you would like to stay for the day, inquire about reserving a day pass for a lounge chair or cabana.
Happy Hour 3 - 6 pm daily.
🍳The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows
Poolside dining at The Barn Kitchen is a haven of rustic charm and refined dining. Housed within the historic Sparrows Lodge, The Barn Kitchen the menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like carrot cavatelli pasta and goat cheese carrot emulsion. The open-concept kitchen adds an element of authenticity, allowing diners to witness the culinary process firsthand.
A Michelin Guide Restaurant
🍹High Bar at Kimpton Rowan
Perched seven stories above the city, High Bar offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. The rooftop oasis serves small plates like Baja shrimp tacos and scallop skewers, alongside signature cocktails such as the Trader Vic’s Mai Tai. It's an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the sunset. While not poolside, 4-Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is an elegant restaurant located just next to the pool.
🍔 Kings Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Kings Highway, housed in a former Denny's, blends retro aesthetics with contemporary flair. The menu includes shrimp ceviche, hummus with market vegetables, and a popular fried chicken sandwich with avocado, prosciutto, and provolone. For dessert, try their signature date shake.
🥘The Pantry at Holiday House
The Pantry offers a relaxed yet stylish dining experience with mid-century modern decor and cozy seating. The dinner menu includes dishes like pulled pork panucho, grilled hanger steak, and pan-seared salmon. Pair your meal with their Club 55 cocktail, featuring gin, lemon, rosemary, and elderflower. The family-style Fried Chicken Dinner, held twice a month, is a popular event.
🍸 Elixer and GiGi's at V Palm Springs
Elixer Pool Bar & Grill invites guests to enjoy laid-back, al fresco dining in a vibrant poolside setting. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a casual bite between dips, Elixir serves up a diverse menu of refreshing light bites, crisp salads, and flavorful sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature cocktails and frozen drinks add to the tropical vibe, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the desert sun.
GiGi's Restaurant + Bar, the hotel’s stylish indoor-outdoor dining destination, blends classic California cool with bold, global flavors. Known for its elevated ambiance and eclectic menu, GiGi’s offers a range of dishes, from brunch favorites to gourmet dinner plates, all crafted with seasonal produce and artful presentation. Whether you're sipping cocktails on the patio or enjoying a candlelit dinner indoors, GiGi’s delivers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience.
Maleza at Drift Palm Springs
Maleza offers a chic and vibrant atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor poolside seating. From June through September, the menu features a taco pop-up with options like steak, fish, shrimp, and carnitas tacos, along with oysters and ceviche. The regular full menu begins in October and includes new selections. Look for special events and themed nights.
🌙 High Moon
Located at the Royal Sun Palm Springs, High Moon serves a seasonally inspired menu that blends modern California cuisine with bold, locally sourced flavors. Enjoy fresh breakfasts, elevated dinners, and craft cocktails served poolside. The poolside terrace is adorned with fringed umbrellas and desert flora, creating a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere perfect for sipping cocktails and savoring small plates.
