Genius and ambition make for a delicious combination. At Johannes Palm Springs, culinary artistry is fused with passion, global influence, and a touch of rebellion, particularly against the humble baked potato.
“We ate baked potatoes all the time growing up. My parents didn’t have much money, so it was buttermilk, cheese, and potatoes on repeat. I couldn’t take it anymore. It left a mark,” noted Johannes Bacher, owner of Johannes.
Meet Owner & Chef Johannes Bacher
Austrian-born, classically trained, and endlessly curious, Chef Johannes Bacher is the creative force behind this iconic Palm Springs gem. His namesake restaurant, centrally located in the heart of downtown, offers an adventurous dining experience inspired by his international travels, European heritage, and deep-rooted culinary expertise.
But his path to the desert wasn’t exactly planned.
“I was in San Francisco. Palm Springs wasn’t on my radar at all. Then I followed my girlfriend here in August of ’95. It was 120 degrees, and I told her, ‘Two weeks—I’m out of here.’ Now it’s been 23 years. No wife anymore—but I have my restaurant. That’s the good part.”
With that signature mix of blunt humor and irresistible charm, Bacher has built something truly enduring: a restaurant as distinctive as his personal story, and as warm and welcoming as his hearty laugh.
From Austria to Asia—and Everywhere In Between
So, how did a globetrotting chef with Michelin-star training thrive in a town once obsessed with steak and potatoes? By shaking things up.
“When I opened, Palm Springs was a meat-and-potatoes kind of place. That wasn’t me. I brought in flavors from Austria, Thailand, Japan—everywhere I’d cooked and traveled.” The result? A menu that redefined the desert dining scene. Johannes helped elevate Palm Springs cuisine into a more refined, globally inspired realm, one dish at a time.
“I give myself a little credit for that. I think I helped change how people eat here.” And while his creativity steers the kitchen, it’s the guests who inspire the journey.
“I listen. To everyone. My friends, my staff, my customers—some of whom come from all over the world: Canada, Europe, the coasts. Famous people, not-so-famous people... It’s a mix. They’ve helped shape the menu as much as I have.”
The Wiener Schnitzel That Outschnitzels Austria
If there’s one dish you have to try, it's the Wiener Schnitzel. Hand-pounded, expertly breaded, and perfectly pan-fried, it’s become a house signature and cult favorite—even among discerning Europeans.
“They say it’s better here than back home. I don’t know if it’s the weather or the magic touch—but we do it right.”
Chef Johannes sources ingredients seasonally and locally, adjusting the menu with what’s fresh, unexpected, and inspiring. Game meats like venison, elk, and wild boar often appear in the cooler months, while lighter, brighter fare shines during the desert’s long summers.
Eat Well. Live Better.
Behind every dish is a deeper philosophy—one Bacher credits to his mother. “She always said, Eat well, live better. That’s our motto here. Simple, true, and it shows in everything we do.”
And as the conversation wraps, the chef offers one final, heartfelt invitation: “Come visit us. We’ll take care of you. Great food, great service—and always a good time.”
It’s rare to find fine dining with such a down-to-earth soul. But that’s what makes Johannes Palm Springs so special.
Even as the interview draws to a close, Johannes galvanizes his commitment to hospitality. “I hope we see you at the restaurant.” His invitation is earnest and jovial. “If you’re in the area, please don’t hesitate to come in, and we’re gonna take care of you… We will have a good time with great service and great food.”
It’s rare for an establishment this upscale to feel so down-home, but Johannes achieves the dichotomy effortlessly. Thanks for the invite. We will graciously accept it.
Johannes Palm Springs
196 S Indian Canyon Drive
(760) 778-0017