Stylish Gems for Food, Drinks, and Desert Vibes
Palm Springs hotels are more than just places to stay, they’re culinary destinations all their own. Behind those chic facades and poolside cabanas, you’ll find some of the most inspired dining rooms, cocktail lounges, and chef-driven menus in the desert. From secret speakeasies to open-air Mediterranean escapes, here’s your insider’s guide to the best hidden hotel dining gems in Palm Springs.
4 Saints at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Vibe: Elevated rooftop dining with panoramic views
For those seeking fine dining with a view, 4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan is the crown jewel of downtown Palm Springs. Expect expertly crafted cocktails and seasonal dishes like roasted duck breast and handmade pasta—all served beneath a desert sunset.
Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs
Vibe: Glamorous Mediterranean escape
At the Thompson Hotel, Lola Rose Grand Mezze offers an upscale twist on Mediterranean dining with bold flavors, shareable plates, and elegant design. It’s a feast for all senses, perfect for date nights or group gatherings under desert skies.
Bar Issi at Thompson Palm Springs
Vibe: Elevated restaurant and lounge with cosmopolitan edge
Just downstairs, Bar Issi channels a sultry lounge vibe, curated wines, and mixology-driven drinks. Their Ibreezy and elevated coastal Italian menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, and raw bar favorites. Together, they redefine modern dining and nightlife in downtown Palm Springs.
King's Highway at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Vibe: Retro diner meets desert cool
The King’s Highway at Ace Hotel serves up California comfort food in a midcentury space that feels effortlessly cool. Expect breakfast classics with a twist (hello, ricotta pancakes), hearty burgers, and seasonal salads. Swing by the Amigo Room, Ace’s cozy bar, for craft cocktails and low-key desert nightlife steps away.
Palm Canyon Swim & Social: Poolside Dining
Vibe: Laid-back luxury with all-day eats
Sure, dinner tables are welcoming, but they’re nothing compared to a swimming pool place setting at Palm Canyon Swim & Social. Splash your way over to the poolside eatery at Arrive Palm Springs for an ocean of satiation. Whether you're craving a fresh smoothie and avocado toast, a frosty cocktail and a fried chicken sandwich, or a leisurely weekend brunch with mimosas, they have something that's right up your alley.
Del Rey at Villa Royale
Vibe: Vintage glamour with speakeasy soul
Inside the Villa Royale resort, you will find a portal back in time. Saturated colors usher you into a throwback reality, and warm lighting bounces off the ice cubes clinking lazily in your cocktail tumbler. Welcome to Del Rey. This den of indulgence evokes a speakeasy serenity with signature libations that dance on your palate in shades of honey, gin, and citrus. Spanish-inspired small plates, like charred octopus, seared scallops, and bacon-wrapped dates, pair beautifully with signature cocktails served in candlelight. This one’s made for date night.
Chi Chi at the Avalon
Vibe: Poolside Mediterranean chic
At Chi Chi, Chef Alex Fregoso crafts a bright, California-fresh menu that celebrates coastal and Mediterranean flavors. Think grilled branzino, citrusy ceviche, and a rose-pistachio crumble you’ll dream about later. Come for brunch and linger by the pool, cocktail in hand.
The Colony Club at Colony Palms Hotel
Vibe: Old-world charm meets modern Californian fare
Once a 1930s Hollywood hangout, The Colony Club pairs vintage ambiance with locally sourced dishes and Mediterranean touches. Enjoy brunch or dinner on the lush patio, framed by bougainvillea and mountain views.
The Parker Palm Springs
Vibe: Whimsical luxury meets indulgent dining
Norma's brightly colored open-air terrace restaurant, which serves breakfast until 3 pm, steals the show. Try the crispy Belgian waffles or benedicts in the morning, or fish tacos or shrimp quesadilla as an afternoon delight.
Mister Parker's is where over-the-top decor meets under-the-table mischief. Entrees include halibut, scallops, dub break, filet, cavia bucatini, and porcini millefeuille.
Melvyn’s at Ingleside Estate
Vibe: Old Hollywood elegance
No trip to Palm Springs would be complete without a stop at Melvyn’s. Located inside the stylish Ingleside Estate, Melvyn’s has roots that reach back to 1975, when Frank Sinatra patronized its hallowed layout. In the spirit of vintage esteem, try the Steak Diane or duck breast prepared with a coffee coriander rub. Close your eyes and allow the flavors of old Palm Springs to whisk you back to the very foundations of resort life.
Azucar at La Serena Villa
Vibe: Fresh, airy, and effortlessly romantic
At Azúcar, California cuisine meets coastal influence with dishes like mesquite-grilled swordfish and vibrant shrimp ceviche. Upstairs, Sugar High Rooftop Bar offers colorful cocktails and sunset views of the San Jacinto Mountains—an absolute must for golden hour photos.
SO•PA at L’Horizon Resort & Spa
Vibe: Modern elegance, alfresco dining
SO•PA blends contemporary design with elevated cuisine, offering a romantic outdoor setting framed by firepits and palm trees. Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes like lamb chops with mint yogurt and heirloom tomato salad with burrata. This hidden gem feels like a desert secret.
The Pantry at Holiday House
Vibe: Laid-back luxury with a touch of nostalgia
Inside the effortlessly stylish Holiday House, The Pantry delivers a refined yet approachable menu built on fresh, local ingredients. Expect California-inspired comfort food —think citrus salads, grilled branzino, and classic cocktails, served against a backdrop of original art and poolside serenity. Seasonally, they offer a family-style fried chicken dinner with all the fixings served under the stars. It’s intimate, elegant, and quintessentially Palm Springs.
The Barn at Sparrow’s Lodge
Vibe: Rustic romance with farm-to-table soul
The Barn at Sparrow’s Lodge, a 2025 Michelin Key Awarded restaurant, is where dining feels like a homecoming. The open-air barn hosts communal dinners that showcase locally sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired menus. Guests and locals gather for casual rustic elegance beneath the stars, creating an uncomplicated cuisine showcasing fresh California ingredients.
Melaza at Drift Hotel
Vibe: Latin-Caribbean heat in a modern desert setting
At the sleek, contemporary Drift Hotel, Melaza blends Caribbean and Latin American flavors into vibrant, soulful dishes with a seasonal menu. Enjoy dishes like chicken milanesa, striped bass, or teres major steak. The cocktails are equally inspired, making it one of the most exciting new culinary experiences downtown.
Circa 59 Patio at Riviera Resort Palm Springs
Vibe: Retro glamour with poolside ease
Located in the historic Riviera Palm Springs, Circa 59 Patio retains its midcentury elegance with a refreshed resort flair. Today, it is offering a menu of modern American dishes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. There is also a kid's menu.
El Jefe Desert Cantina at The Saguaro
Vibe: Colorful, fun, and full of flavor
A fiesta of bold design and bold flavors, El Jefe pairs tacos, tortas, and tequila cocktails with the lively energy of The Saguaro. Don’t miss their spicy guava margarita—it’s practically a Palm Springs rite of passage. Plus, they have happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm, and taco Tuesday and Thursday.
Lost Property at the Skylark Hotel
Vibe: Stylishly understated with a modern craft edge
New to the Palm Springs dining scene, Lost Property at the Skylark Hotel is the hidden heart of this reimagined midcentury inn along North Palm Canyon Drive. Inside, guests find inventive small plates, shareable bites, and a standout cocktail menu featuring house infusions and desert botanicals. The cozy, design-forward interior and easygoing vibe make it perfect for sunset drinks or a late-night escape.
High Moon at Royal Sun
Vibe: Retro-modern lounge meets elevated comfort
Newly opened at the Royal Sun Palm Springs, High Moon captures the essence of desert cool with its midcentury-inspired design, handcrafted cocktails, and inventive seasonal dishes. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying live music at night, this stylish restaurant and bar brings a fresh energy to the Palm Springs dining scene.
