Authentic Pasta, Pizza, and Classic Italian Flavors
If you’re searching for the best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs, you’re in luck; this sunny desert city is home to some truly incredible Italian cuisine. From wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta to coastal seafood dishes and old-school red-sauce favorites, Palm Springs delivers an impressive lineup of authentic Italian eateries.
Whether you’re a local planning a night out or a visitor craving classic Italian comfort, here are the top spots serving the best Italian food in Palm Springs.
Johnny Costa's Ristorante
Johnny Costa, the founder of Johnny Costa's Ristorante, has been a fixture in the Palm Springs culinary scene since 1976. Born in Naples, Italy, Johnny’s culinary journey took him from New York and Las Vegas to Hollywood, where he worked alongside legendary figures like Frank Sinatra. Sinatra, a frequent guest at the Villa Capri in the 60s, became fond of Johnny's cooking, particularly the steak Sinatra and linguine clams, dishes that remain favorites at Johnny Costa's Ristorante today. Johnny's son, Chef Vince Costa, continues the family tradition, preparing these classic dishes with the same passion and expertise as his father.
Johnny Costa's legacy began in Hollywood, where he worked at the iconic Villa Capri before moving to Palm Springs in the early 70s, where he continued to work with Tony Riccio, owner of the famed Club Trinidad. During this time, Palm Springs became a celebrity hotspot frequented by stars like Steve McQueen, Bob Hope, and the Rat Pack.
Highlights:
- Steak Sinatra — a rich, classic steak entrée rooted in Hollywood-era glamour.
- Linguine with Clams — seafood pasta that remains a signature dish, beloved by longtime regulars.
- Other guest favorites over the years: Angel Hair Shrimp Pomodoro, classic brick-oven pizzas, lasagna, and ravioli.
Address: 440 S Palm Canyon Road
Hours: Check current hours online
Sammy G's Tuscan Grill
Located in the heart of downtown, Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill blends Italian comfort food with California freshness. Guests love the patio for relaxed lunches and the rustic-tiled dining room for dinner. At night, the lounge often offers live music, making it an excellent spot for cocktails and an after-dinner ambiance.
Menu highlights:
- Fresh house-made pasta & risotto — including ravioli (wild-mushroom ravioli in Marsala cream sauce), classic gnocchi, and baked house ravioli.
- Seafood & meat entrées: Shrimp Scampi, mussels & clams in tomato-garlic herb broth, and veal or steak options.
- Pizza & lighter options: Margherita, spinach-feta “Florentine,” and vegetarian or meat-topped pizzas for quick, easy options.
Don’t miss: The Mussels & Clams in Tomato Broth — a great starter or cozy entrée option.
Happy Hour Mon–Fri, 11 AM–6 PM and Sat & Sun, 3 - 6 pm
Address: 265 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM daily;
IL Giardino
Il Giardino offers a welcoming spot known for its Sicilian-inspired comfort food. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs for handmade pasta and classic Sicilian desserts.
Menu highlights:
- Classic handmade pasta: Including lasagna, ravioli, and the signature Pasta alla Norma — eggplant, tomato, basil, and a taste of Sicily.
- Seafood & meat mains: Baked sea bass with lemon sauce, chicken Valdostana cutlet with pesto spaghetti.
- Desserts: Authentic Sicilian cannoli, cassata, and tiramisu — handmade and rotating weekly.
Good for: Dinner with friends or family, special events, or a casual post-museum wine-and-pasta bite.
Address: 333 S Indian Canyon Drive
Hours: Mon–Sat, 5–9 PM; Closed Sunday
Cipolline Osteria
Cipolline Osteria is a cozy yet refined Italian steakhouse that combines Italy's rich culinary traditions with the art of steak preparation. The restaurant's name, "Cipolline," meaning "small onions" in Italian, reflects the attention to detail and passion for quality ingredients that define every dish. With a menu that blends perfectly seared steaks with classic Italian flavors, guests can savor everything from the signature Bistecca alla Fiorentina to handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Highlights: Bistecca alla fiorentina, rotating menu
Happy Hour: Wed. - Sun., 5 - 6 pm.
Address: 1360 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Wed–Sun, 5–10 PM; Closed Mon & Tue
Il Corso
For a refined yet approachable Italian meal downtown, Il Corso is a strong pick. Chef-driven, with a blend of traditional and modern Italian dishes, plus wood-oven pizzas and house-made pasta.
Menu highlights:
- Seafood pasta: The Spaghetti Scoglio — loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari in spicy tomato sauce — gets regular praise.
- Meats & specials: Roasted leg of veal and other daily specials round out the menu, often paired with seasonal vegetables or sides.
Address: 111 N Palm Canyon Drive (next to the Kimpton Rowan Hotel)
Hours: 4–10 PM daily
Palmina by Puglia
Many of this Italian restaurant's flavors originate from the picturesque region of Puglia. Palmina by Puglia offers an authentic taste of traditional Italian cuisine paired with exquisite Primitivo wines, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant was inspired by the founder's mother's culinary passion and cherished memories of her kitchen, motivating the creation of this flavorful venture to share the rich heritage of Puglian cuisine with the world. At Palmina, Chef Antonelo Zito crafts every dish with love, using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
Highlights: Homemade pasta, Puglian braciola, Primitivo wines
Address: 2500 N Palm Canyon Drive, Suite D2
Hours: Sun–Thu, 5:30–9 pm; Fri & Sat, 5:30–9:30 pm
Riccio's
Since 1979, Riccio's has been a classy yet family-friendly spot for Italian steaks, seafood, and pasta. Established by Richard and Patricia Riccio and now run by their sons, the restaurant offers a unique blend of Italian cuisine and American steakhouse fare. Known for its consistently great food and attentive service, Riccio's remains a staple for both locals and visitors alike.
Menu Highlights:
- Fresh salads like Caesar salad
- Flavorful starters such as shrimp scampi and herb-dusted calamari
- Pasta dishes like linguine with clams and fettuccine Alfredo with chicken or shrimp
- Steak selection, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York steak
Address: 495 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Mon–Wed, 4–9 PM; Thu–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM
Kalura Trattoria
Kalura Trattoria offers an authentic taste of Italy, bringing together the finest ingredients and time-honored recipes to create a dining experience like no other. Their menu celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine, from classic pasta dishes to flavorful seafood specialties.
Menu Highlights:
- Starters - Crispy calamari fritti, burrata al salmone, grilled zucchini bruschetta
- Housemade pizza
- Housemade pasta dishes like rigatoni, ravioli, lasagna, and tortelloni.
The dinner menu also features seafood, chicken, and veal dishes, ensuring every guest will find something to enjoy at Kalura Trattoria.
Address: 124 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 5–9 PM daily
Birba Palm Springs
Birba offers more than just its signature pizzas; it’s a whole experience. Enjoy your meal in the charming Mediterranean-style garden or under the stars on their al fresco patio
Menu Highlights:
- Signature pizzas such as pear with candied walnuts or prosciutto with honey and chili oil
- Housemade pastas
Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 5–10 PM daily
Al dente Trattoria
Al denta Trattoria has served Palm Springs for over 30 years and offers a diverse menu featuring Italian-inspired dishes.
Menu Highlights:
- Fresh Salads like the Mista Italiana or Tricolore
- Appetizers - house-made beef meatballs, burrata with arugula and tomato, or thinly sliced beef carpaccio
- Soups- Minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli, and Cacciucco, a seafood stew
- Risottos - Primavera, Gamberoni with shrimp
- Pasta - aglio e olio, bolognese e pollo alla parmigiana.
- Other Entrees -Pollo Limone Carciofi, grilled New York steak, veal scaloppine, and jumbo shrimp.
Address: 491 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: Sun–Thu, 4–9 PM; Fri & Sat, 4–10 PM
Sottovoce Cafe
Step into Sottovoce Café at The Shops at 1345 and experience the true essence of Italian hospitality. Helmed by Natalie Silva—whose 20 years in Milan and the Riviera Bordighera’s vibrant restaurant scene have shaped her craft—this charming café brings a touch of Milanese elegance to the heart of Palm Springs.
Natalie’s lifelong passion for inclusive, welcoming spaces shines through every detail. She made history with L’Elephant, Milan’s first above-ground gay bar, setting the stage for a more open and culturally rich community—an ethos she now brings to Sottovoce.
Menu Highlights:
- Coffees, teas, refreshing spritzers, and curated wines.
- Panini Sandwiches - Cops & Robbers, stacked with turkey, fontina, tomatoes, and pesto. Vegan-friendly options are available, such as fresh salads with smoked salmon, organic chicken, or tuna.
- Sweet Treats — lemon bars, airy macarons, key lime pie, or decadent coconut cake.
Address: 1345 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Hours: Fri–Wed, 7 AM – 6 PM; Thurs until 7 PM for VillageFest
Spaghetteria
Spaghetteria is a cozy spot offering some of the best homemade pasta and lasagna in town. With hearty portions and rich flavors, their dishes are comfort food at its finest. The warm, inviting ambiance of this family-friendly restaurant makes it an excellent place to enjoy a meal with loved ones.
Highlights: Lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese
Address: 611 S Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 12–8 PM daily
Pizza
Giuseppe's Pizzeria
At Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, they take great pride in serving authentic Chicago-inspired Italian dishes crafted with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Each dish is bursting with flavor, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Guests can choose from a variety of expertly prepared pizzas, including options with a crispy hand-tossed crust or the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish crust. For those not in the mood for pizza, the extensive menu also features:
- Freshly made pasta
- Italian-inspired house specialties are designed to satisfy any craving
- A selection from the full bar, including local craft brews and a well-curated list of Italian and Old World wines
And, of course, there's always room for dessert to cap off a delicious meal.
Address: 1775 E Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 410
Hours: Sun–Thu, 4–9 PM; Fri & Sat, 4–9:30 PM
Bill's Pizza
At Bill's Pizza, guests can create their own custom pizzas at an affordable price, choosing from 22 unique creations or mixing and matching their favorite ingredients. The menu features only the finest ingredients, including:
- Imported Italian pizza flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sourdough pizza crust made fresh daily with a low glycemic index
The pizzas are topped with Schreiner’s custom-made sausage, made from lean pork shoulder without nitrates, and fresh vegetables roasted in extra virgin olive oil. Each pizza is served on a crust saver to ensure the highest quality, and all pies are baked in gas-fired brick ovens, delivering an authentic, flavorful experience.
Happy Hour every Monday with cheap beer with your food purchase.
Address: 260 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 10 AM–2 PM daily
NYPD Pizza & Bar
For those craving a delicious slice of New York-style pizza, NYPS Pizza & Bar is the place to be. Their thin-crust pizza is perfect for a quick meal or a laid-back dining experience. All the vegetables are fresh, and the dough is made on-site daily. They also offer a full bar with excellent cocktails to pair with your pizza.
Happy Hour for beer specials is Mon - Fri., 4 - 7 pm.
Address: 260 N Palm Canyon Drive
Hours: 10 AM–2 PM daily
Best Italian Deli in Palm Springs
Real Italian Deli
Looking to take a bit of Italy home with you? Head to the Real Italian Deli for house-cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and gourmet olive oils. Perfect for picking up some Italian delicacies to enjoy at home or bring to a picnic. They also have outdoor seating.
Highlights: Deli goods, grab-and-go, picnic food
Address: 100 S Sunrise Way, Suite B, Palm Springs
Hours: Vary, check online
If you’re searching for the best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs, this list brings together the top spots for authentic recipes, bold regional specialties, and unforgettable dining experiences, all right here in the heart of the desert. Buon appetito!