Breakfast & Brunch
From charming cafes with patio views to inventive brunch hotspots, Palm Springs delivers an unbeatable morning dining scene.
Wilma & Frieda's Cafe: Farmhouse comfort with inventive classics—don’t miss the griddled meatloaf or house‑made Pop‑Tarts.
Cheeky's (Michelin Guide): Trendy, rotating menu; legendary “bacon flight.” Be prepared to wait—no reservations.
Kings Highway at Ace Hotel: Retro‑chic patio vibes; ricotta pancakes, tomato‑jam avocado toast.
Farm: Southern French meets the desert—Croque Madame is iconic.
Lost Property: Coastal‑Californian café at The Skylark (open daily breakfast/lunch; Fri–Sat dinner). Known for baked‑egg dishes, plush baos, lobster rolls, and fresh toasties.
Norma's at The Parker: Luxe breakfast with decadent dishes like “Waz‑Za” waffles and the famed lobster frittata.
Townie Bagels: Locally owned bagel shop in Warm Sands—boiled‑and‑baked bagels (try olive‑fennel or pretzel on weekends), hearty sandwiches, and espresso. A fast‑casual hit.
Boozehounds: Dog‑friendly brunch with blintz, shrimp & grits, and a hefty breakfast burger.
Lunch
From charming cafes with patio views to inventive brunch hotspots, Palm Springs delivers an unbeatable morning dining scene.
1501 Uptown Gastropub: Spacious, indoor‑outdoor gastropub. Small plates and sandwiches, like pressed Kobe short rib, or cookies and beer-cheese pudding.
Sherman's Deli & Bakery: Craving a classic deli-style lunch? This long-standing Palm Springs institution serves generous portions of authentic Jewish deli favorites. Their pastrami sandwiches on rye and matzo ball soup are legendary.
Gabino's Greperie: Nestled in the curve at South Palm Canyon, this hidden gem specializes in savory crepes instead of the more traditional sweet ones. The BBQ chicken and Buffalo ranch are filled with bold, tasty flavors.
Tyler's Burgers: Tyler's is another Palm Springs institution, serving simple yet delicious burgers since 1996. Two popular items are the bacon cheeseburger and the grilled cheese for the cheese lover. Their organic buns are delivered fresh daily.
Lulu California Bistro: With its modern ambiance and stunning patio, it's the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal and people-watch. The expansive menu has many appetizers, salads, burgers, pasta, pizza, and other entrees. The ahi poke bowl is a favorite, with rice, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, seaweed salad, green onions, and wanton crisps.
Dinner
After dark, Palm Springs comes alive with flavors from around the world and a touch of glamour.
Mr. Lyons: For steak lovers, don't miss Mr. Lyons, a retro-American steakhouse with a chic ambiance. Signature dishes are the slow-roasted prime rib and beef Wellington (beef and vegetarian). Chef-cut steaks include Tomahawk ribeye, New York strip, and filet.
Melvyn's: Live like Rat Pack royalty at Melvyn’s, tucked away playfully at the Ingleside Estate. Old‑Hollywood glamour with tableside Steak Diane, raw bar, and classic chicken pot pie.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar : Modern, farm‑to‑table: wood‑fired steak, roasted cauliflower, Iberico pork chop.
Birba: Laid‑back patio dining. Try wood‑fired pizzas—especially the prosciutto-honey pie.
Johannes Restaurant: Sophisticated Austrian‑influenced fine dining—don’t miss the Wiener schnitzel.
Spencer's: Garden setting romance; surf‑and‑turf, short ribs, and an excellent weekend brunch.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge: Artful, vegetarian‑friendly dishes: pork tenderloin, cauliflower steak, lobster mac & cheese.
The Restaurant at Palm Springs Surf Club: Coastal‑desert fusion menu—ceviche, seared steak, handcrafted cocktails with California flair.
4 Saints: Rooftop of Rowan Hotel; Southern comfort meets SoCal sophistication—fish, steak, salmon.
Credit: Laure Joliet
Bar Issi: Eastern Mediterranean–Italian‑fusion lounge at Thompson Hotel. Shareable pastas, radiatorie, hamachi carpaccio.
Think Global, Eat Local
L'Atelier Cafe: This French bistro is great for breakfast, lunch, sweets, or appetizers. Some menu items include toasted baguette with house-made preserves, chocolate croissants, and L'Atelier naked eggs.
Miro's: Start your international tastebud trek at Miro’s and experience their tantalizingly tender cabbage rolls, a family recipe from the old country. You’ll savor the splendor of Eastern European tradition as you escalate to an entrée of Budapest Schnitzel drizzled with a cream sauce with paprika and mushrooms.
Azúcar – Rooftop Mexican‑Californian fusion at La Serena Villas featuring mole chicken and in‑house fermented margaritas.
Le Vallauris: provençal classic by night: escargot, venison, rack of lamb.
Il Giardino: Sicilian‑Northern Italian cuisine with soulful salsiccia.
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey: Sushi bar by chef Engin Onural; Japanese small plates and whiskey selections.
Mexican Cuisine
Palm Springs boasts a vibrant selection of Mexican restaurants, from upscale dining to taco stand treasures.
Tac/Quila: An elevated take on Jalisco-style cuisine in a beautifully designed space. Sip a smoky mezcal margarita while indulging in birria tacos, carne asada with handmade tortillas, or beer-battered avocado bites. The cocktails are as photogenic as the food.
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana: A local favorite for decades, El Mirasol is renowned for its flavorful dishes and exceptional margaritas. Don’t miss the chile relleno or camarones al mojo de ajo. Their original Sunny Dunes location offers a lush garden patio and a lively, authentic vibe.
Blue Coyote Grill:Festive patio dining with a Southwestern flair. Famous for their margaritas, shrimp quesadillas, and chile Colorado.
Las Casuelas Terraza: This historic spot, family-run since 1958, features live music, a festive courtyard, and hearty plates of enchiladas, tamales, and sizzling fajitas. Great for group dining and classic SoCal-Mexican comfort food. Or stop by the smaller and more casual Original Las Casuelas.
Casa Blanca: Bright, modern interior with a rooftop patio that’s perfect for sunset. The menu features everything from burritos and shrimp ceviche to fusion items like Mexican flatbreads. Known for generous portions and colorful cocktails.
Felipe’s: A casual favorite among locals, Felipe’s is known for its friendly atmosphere, authentic tacos, and standout shrimp enchiladas. Their aguas frescas and house salsa are also worth the trip.
La Bonita’s: This walk-up taco stand with outdoor picnic tables is no-frills and all flavor. Order the al pastor, carnitas, or lengua tacos and don’t skip the salsa bar.
Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen: This café is off the beaten track, and many visitors miss it. The menu offers many plant-based delights, such as the tempeh power burger made with in-house ingredients and the LBTA made with tofu bacon.
Palm Greens Cafe: Make your loved ones envious at Palm Greens Cafe, home of the avocado roll in a bowl, the Taj curry bowl, and the macrobiotic bowl. You’ll be bowled over!
Native Foods: Vegan burrata salad and more.
Nature’s Health Food & Cafe: Deli/grocery hybrid for organic, plant-based eats.
