Photo: Patrick Pelster · CC BY-SA 3.0Restaurants
The best restaurants in Palm Springs, from Michelin-recommended bistros and brunch icons to classic piano lounges, date shakes and patio dining.
Finding the best restaurants in Palm Springs means embracing patio dining, long brunches and a dash of old Hollywood.
The city mixes classic spots where Frank Sinatra's generation sipped martinis with modern kitchens in the Uptown Design District and downtown, many of them cooking with produce from California farms.
The Michelin Guide now covers Palm Springs: in 2026, it recommends places such as Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Bar Cecil and Cheeky's, though none holds a star yet. This guide covers icons and newcomers, splurges and casual favorites, so you can eat well across the city.
The top pick in each category, at a glance.
| Category | Our pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Reserve |
| By Cuisine | Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Reserve |
| Fine Dining & Michelin-Recommended Restaurants | Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Reserve |
| Most Romantic Restaurants | Copley's on Palm Canyon | Reserve |
| Rooftop & View Restaurants | 4 Saints | Reserve |
| Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants | Workshop Kitchen + Bar | Reserve |
| Iconic Palm Springs Eats | Sherman's Deli & Bakery | Reserve |
| New & Trendy Restaurants | Lola Rose Grand Mezze | Reserve |
📍 Uptown Design District
Contemporary American$$$· Industrial & stylish
Workshop Kitchen + Bar serves seasonal, inventive American cooking in a striking concrete dining room that won a James Beard Award for its design. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2026, and its pizza program grew into the separate Noble Yeast. Book ahead in season.
What to order: Pork chop with cheddar grits
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Brasserie$$$· Clubby & glamorous
Open since 2019, Bar Cecil is a glamorous brasserie with classic dishes such as deviled eggs, steak frites and the Beaton burger, plus serious martinis. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide and often booked out more than a week ahead, so try the bar or its sister spot Beaton's if you have no reservation.
What to order: Steak frites and martinis
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Uptown Design District
Brunch$$· Bright & busy
Opened in 2008, Cheeky's is the city's best-known breakfast and lunch spot, with a farm-driven menu that changes weekly and a famous bacon flight. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide. It does not take reservations, so expect a line on weekends.
What to order: Bacon flight
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Movie Colony
American$$$· Retro & elegant
Inside the Colony Palms Hotel, Colony Club serves classic dinners, such as beef Wellington, and a well-loved lunch burger in a glamorous poolside setting. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide and names the local growers who supply its kitchen.
What to order: Beef Wellington
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Modern Mexican$$· Lively & colorful
Tac/Quila serves modern Mexican cooking inspired by Jalisco, from ceviches to crab cakes, with an extensive tequila and mezcal bar and popular margarita flights. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2026.
What to order: Ceviche and margarita flights
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 North Palm Springs
Contemporary American$$· Relaxed & dog-friendly
Near the road to the Aerial Tramway, Boozehounds is a dog-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, creative American dishes and cocktails. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide, and your dog is welcome on the patio.
What to order: Pastrami
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Contemporary$$$$· Rooftop & romantic
On the top floor of the Kimpton Rowan, 4 Saints offers contemporary cooking with sweeping views of the mountains and the desert. It is recommended by the Michelin Guide and a top choice for a special dinner at sunset.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Deli$$· Classic & bustling
Established in 1963, Sherman's is a beloved Jewish-style deli and bakery serving overstuffed sandwiches, matzo ball soup and towering slices of cake. It is open daily from breakfast to dinner and is always busy.
What to order: Pastrami sandwich and cakes
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Burgers$· Casual & nostalgic
This small burger stand downtown has been a lunchtime favorite for years, with classic burgers, fries and shakes served from a tiny building with a patio. It is open for lunch Monday to Saturday and may close for a summer break, so check the hours.
What to order: Cheeseburger
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 South Palm Springs
American$$$· Old-school & glamorous
Inside the historic Ingleside Inn, Melvyn's is a Palm Springs classic with traditional American dishes, a piano lounge, a dance floor and weekend brunch. It is the place to feel the glamour of old Palm Springs.
What to order: Steak and martinis
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
New American$$$· Romantic & secluded
Copley's serves creative American cooking in a secluded garden setting on the former estate of Cary Grant. It is a favorite for romantic dinners on the patio and closes for part of the summer.
What to order: Seasonal American dishes
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Italian$$$· Old-school & warm
Johnny Costa's is a classic Italian restaurant with red sauce, steaks and an old Palm Springs atmosphere, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. It is a favorite with locals and closes for part of the summer.
What to order: Classic Italian dishes
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Californian$$· Lively & colorful
Lulu sits on Palm Canyon Drive with a streetside patio, a covered terrace, a bar and a large dining room. Its all-day menu and weekend brunch make it an easy choice for groups.
What to order: All-day American and Californian dishes
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
American$$$· Elegant & scenic
At the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, Spencer's serves a fresh take on classic American cooking and has won local awards for its brunch, its outdoor dining and its wine list.
What to order: Weekend brunch
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Steakhouse$$$$· Dark & retro
Mr. Lyons is a classic steakhouse with a dark, retro dining room and a lounge, serving steaks and cocktails in the spirit of old Palm Springs. It is a favorite for celebrations.
What to order: Steaks
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Californian$$· Bright & relaxed
Juniper Table, at the Kimpton Rowan, serves breakfast and lunch with Mediterranean and Californian touches, such as Turkish eggs with yogurt, harissa and chimichurri. It is a great daytime option downtown.
What to order: Turkish eggs
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Downtown
Vietnamese$$· Casual & friendly
533 Viet Fusion serves Vietnamese cooking with a modern touch, from fresh rolls to the crispy bánh xèo crepe. It is a good choice for a lighter, flavorful dinner.
What to order: Bánh xèo
📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve📍 Indio
Café$· Historic & quirky
About 30 minutes away in Indio, Shields Date Garden has been selling dates since 1924. Try its famous date shake, browse the date varieties and walk through the garden.
What to order: Date shake
📍 View on Google Maps →ReservePalm Springs cooking is built on Californian produce, classic American steakhouses and brunch, with excellent Mexican, Italian and Vietnamese options. Use this list to find the best restaurant for whatever you are craving.
Contemporary American $$$
Michelin-recommended seasonal cooking.
What to order: Pork chop
Brasserie $$$
A glamorous Michelin-recommended brasserie.
What to order: Steak frites
Modern Mexican $$
Jalisco-inspired cooking and tequila.
What to order: Ceviche
Italian $$$
Old-school Italian, open for 50 years.
What to order: Classic Italian dishes
Deli $$
A deli institution since 1963.
What to order: Pastrami
Vietnamese $$
Modern Vietnamese downtown.
What to order: Bánh xèo
Steakhouse $$$$
A classic steakhouse.
What to order: Steak
Brunch $$
The city's favorite brunch.
What to order: Bacon flight
Burgers $
A downtown burger classic.
What to order: Cheeseburger
Levantine $$$
Levantine dishes at the Thompson Palm Springs.
What to order: Mezze
Café $
Dates and date shakes in Indio.
What to order: Date shake
No Palm Springs restaurant holds a Michelin star yet, but the Michelin Guide California recommends several of the city's best tables in 2026. These are the places for a special dinner, from hotel dining rooms to a rooftop with views. Book ahead in high season.
Contemporary American $$$
Recommended by Michelin, with an award-winning design.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
Brasserie $$$
Recommended by Michelin and hard to book.
What to order: Steak frites
Contemporary $$$$
Rooftop fine dining, recommended by Michelin.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
American $$$
Elegant dinners at the Colony Palms Hotel.
What to order: Beef Wellington
Modern Mexican $$
Recommended by Michelin for modern Mexican.
What to order: Ceviche
New American $$$
Garden dining on Cary Grant's former estate.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
Steakhouse $$$$
A classic celebration dinner.
What to order: Steak
Palm Springs' most romantic restaurants combine candlelit patios, mountain views and old Hollywood glamour. Book ahead for weekend nights and ask for a table outside.
New American $$$
A secluded garden on Cary Grant's former estate.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
Contemporary $$$$
Sunset views from a rooftop.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
American $$$
A piano lounge and old-school glamour.
What to order: Steak
Brasserie $$$
A glamorous, intimate dining room.
What to order: Martini
American $$$
Poolside elegance in the Movie Colony.
What to order: Beef Wellington
American $$$
A patio at the foot of the mountains.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
Italian $$$
A cozy, old-school Italian dinner.
What to order: Pasta
Palm Springs' views are all about the San Jacinto Mountains and the desert. These spots add views to your meal or drinks, from a downtown rooftop to a restaurant at the top of the tram.
Contemporary $$$$
The Kimpton Rowan's rooftop restaurant, with mountain and desert views.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
American $$$
Dining at the top of the Aerial Tramway, with views over the valley.
What to order: American dishes
American $$$
A patio at the base of the mountains.
What to order: Brunch
Californian $$
A terrace overlooking Palm Canyon Drive.
What to order: All-day menu
Palm Springs' Californian kitchens make it easy to eat well without meat, with produce-driven menus, mezze and Vietnamese dishes. Ask about vegan options, as many restaurants are happy to adapt.
Contemporary American $$$
Seasonal vegetable dishes on a Michelin-recommended menu.
What to order: Stracciatella with beets
Levantine $$$
Plenty of vegetable mezze at the Thompson.
What to order: Mezze
Brunch $$
A weekly menu built on local produce.
What to order: Seasonal plates
Californian $$
Vegetarian-friendly breakfasts downtown.
What to order: Turkish eggs
Vietnamese $$
Vietnamese dishes with vegetarian options.
What to order: Fresh rolls
Modern Mexican $$
Ask about meat-free Mexican dishes.
What to order: Vegetable tacos
Some places simply define Palm Springs. Martini lounges, delis, burger stands and date shakes are part of the city's identity. These places are local institutions where you can eat as locals do.
Deli $$
A giant slice of cake since 1963.
What to order: Cake
Burgers $
A downtown lunch tradition.
What to order: Cheeseburger
American $$$
A piano lounge from old Palm Springs.
What to order: Martini
Brunch $$
The brunch everyone lines up for.
What to order: Bacon flight
Italian $$$
Fifty years of classic Italian.
What to order: Classic Italian dishes
Café $
The valley's classic date shake, since 1924.
What to order: Date shake
Steakhouse $$$$
A retro steakhouse dinner.
What to order: Steak
Most of Palm Springs' restaurants are concentrated downtown and in the Uptown Design District, with a few gems in hotels and outlying neighborhoods. Here is one standout for each area.
Contemporary American $$$
Uptown Design District: Michelin-recommended dining.
What to order: Pork chop
Brunch $$
Uptown Design District: the classic brunch.
What to order: Bacon flight
Brasserie $$$
Downtown: a glamorous brasserie.
What to order: Steak frites
Contemporary $$$$
Downtown: rooftop dining.
What to order: Seasonal dishes
American $$$
Movie Colony: dinner at the Colony Palms Hotel.
What to order: Beef Wellington
American $$$
South Palm Springs: the Ingleside Inn's classic lounge.
What to order: Martini
Contemporary American $$
North Palm Springs: a dog-friendly patio.
What to order: Pastrami
Deli $$
Downtown: a deli since 1963.
What to order: Pastrami
American $$$
Mount San Jacinto: dinner at the top of the tram.
What to order: American dishes
Café $
Indio: date shakes worth the drive.
What to order: Date shake
Palm Springs' restaurant scene changes with the seasons, with openings each fall and some closures each summer. New hotels have brought several of the most talked-about spots. Check current hours and reservations before you go.
Levantine $$$
A Levantine restaurant at the Thompson Palm Springs, opened in 2024.
What to order: Mezze
Mediterranean $$
A Mediterranean lounge at the Thompson Palm Springs.
What to order: Cocktails and small plates
Pizza $$
The pizza spinoff of the Workshop Kitchen + Bar team.
What to order: Pizza
Modern Mexican $$
Recommended by Michelin in 2026.
What to order: Margarita flight
Contemporary American $$
A Michelin-recommended, dog-friendly favorite.
What to order: Banh mi
Californian $$
A popular daytime spot at the Kimpton Rowan.
What to order: Turkish eggs
Brasserie $$$
Still one of the hardest tables to book.
What to order: Martini
Palm Springs is known for its brunch culture, its patio dining, classic steakhouses and martini lounges from the Rat Pack era, and Californian cooking with local produce. Nearby, the Coachella Valley is famous for its dates, and a date shake from Shields Date Garden in Indio is a local tradition.
Not yet. The Michelin Guide California recommends several Palm Springs restaurants in 2026, including Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Bar Cecil, Cheeky's, Colony Club, Tac/Quila, Boozehounds and 4 Saints, but none holds a star or a Bib Gourmand. Selections change every year, so check the current guide.
Downtown along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive has the highest concentration of restaurants, bars and hotel dining rooms, while the Uptown Design District, just north, is home to favorites such as Workshop Kitchen + Bar and Cheeky's. Several of the best restaurants are inside boutique hotels.
In high season, from about October to April, yes, especially on weekends and during events such as Modernism Week or the film festival. Popular spots such as Bar Cecil can be booked out more than a week ahead. Brunch places like Cheeky's do not take reservations, so expect a line.
Many are, but some restaurants close for a summer break, usually from July to early September, and others shorten their hours. Check before you go if you visit in the hot months.
At sit-down restaurants, 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is standard for good service. Check for service charges, which some restaurants add. At counter-service spots, a small tip is appreciated.
