A Food Lover's Guide to Palm Springs

Eight4Nine is an eclectic restaurant offering elevated comfort food in an elegantly modern setting. Located in the vibrant Downtown area, the restaurant's menu includes dishes that fuse traditional comfort food with unique twists, such as truffle mac and cheese or braised short ribs with cauliflower puree. Vegetarians will love the grilled vegetable risotto, while meat lovers can indulge in the fillet mignon with mashed potatoes. The restaurant's chic interior design and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere, making Eight4Nine perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion.

Appetito Deli, located near the Palm Springs Art Museum, offers a delicious selection of Italian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The deli’s farm-to-table philosophy shines through in its menu, which includes freshly made sandwiches like the roasted turkey with cranberry sauce or the prosciutto and mozzarella panini. Appetito also offers fresh salads, such as the arugula and fennel salad with shaved parmesan, and rotating daily specials. For those seeking something more substantial, the pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or penne alla vodka provide hearty, satisfying options.

The Townie Bagels & Sushi Bar is an unexpected gem, bringing Asian flavours to Palm Springs with a menu that combines classic bagels with innovative sushi dishes. Start your day with a freshly baked bagel topped with lox and cream cheese, or swing by for lunch to enjoy sushi rolls like the spicy tuna or the California roll. The restaurant's cozy interior and friendly staff create a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

Cheeky's, a beloved brunch spot in Palm Springs, offers a delightful array of dishes that highlight California's fresh ingredients. The menu includes seasonal specials like the buttermilk pancakes with lemon curd and blueberries, or the avocado toast topped with poached eggs and sriracha. The restaurant also offers more unique options like the bacon flight, featuring several types of bacon with different seasonings. Cheeky's cozy interior and bustling outdoor patio provide a welcoming atmosphere for brunch lovers of all ages.

For a truly international dining experience, visit Miro's Restaurant in Downtown Palm Springs. Miro's offers a diverse menu that blends global flavours, from Eastern European to Mediterranean and beyond. Start with appetizers like the Hungarian goulash soup or the Greek salad. For main courses, try the chicken paprikash, served with buttered noodles, or the lamb shank braised in red wine. The restaurant's warm, rustic decor and attentive service create a comfortable setting, making Miro's an ideal choice for a unique dining experience.

Located in the Uptown Design District, Counter Reformation brings a taste of the sea to Palm Springs with its Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes. The menu includes fresh options like grilled octopus with chickpea salad, or shrimp scampi served with garlic butter sauce. For a more substantial option, try the bouillabaisse, a classic French seafood stew made with a variety of fish and shellfish. The restaurant's intimate interior and carefully curated wine list create a sophisticated atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for seafood lovers.

Palm Greens Café caters to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian cuisine with a diverse menu of plant-based dishes. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, Palm Greens offers dishes like the tempeh reuben, served with sauerkraut and vegan cheese, or the Mediterranean quinoa salad, topped with olives, tomatoes, and hummus. For a heartier option, try the vegan mac and cheese, made with cashew cheese sauce. The café's relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Lulu California Bistro offers a lively dining experience with its Latin-inspired menu. Located in Downtown Palm Springs, Lulu's menu features dishes like chicken enchiladas with mole sauce, or the carne asada tacos with salsa and guacamole. For lighter fare, try the Mexican street corn salad, topped with cotija cheese and lime juice. The bistro's vibrant decor and lively atmosphere create an energetic setting, making Lulu a great spot for a fun night out.

Al Dente Trattoria Italiano offers authentic Italian dishes in a cozy, rustic setting. The restaurant's menu includes classics like lasagna bolognese, or spaghetti aglio e olio. For a more unique option, try the butternut squash ravioli, topped with sage butter sauce. Al Dente's warm interior and friendly service create a welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or family gathering.

Denny's Diner offers a taste of classic American comfort food in a relaxed, casual setting. Located near Downtown Palm Springs, Denny's menu includes dishes like the All-American Slam breakfast, featuring eggs, bacon, and sausage, or the double cheeseburger with fries. For a lighter option, try the chicken Caesar salad, topped with grilled chicken and parmesan. The diner's friendly staff and nostalgic decor create a comfortable setting, making it an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

Perched on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, 4 Saints offers chic dining with spectacular views. Their modern American menu showcases California's bounty, from prime cuts of meat to fresh seafood. Small plates like the heirloom green tomato gazpacho give a taste of the state's agricultural wealth, while hearty dishes like beef short ribs with au jus are sure to satisfy. End the night with a cocktail like the Szechuan Hound, infused with peppercorn, and watch the sunset over the desert.

Palm Springs offers an eclectic take on Japanese cuisine at Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey. Drawing on owner Engen Onural's travels to Scandinavia, this fusion spot presents inventive twists on traditional sushi, such as the Spanish octopus with edamame hummus and shredded duck bao buns. If you're not hungry, head to the sleek whiskey bar to sample high-end Japanese whiskeys, including the renowned Hibiki Suntory. It's a perfect spot for those who appreciate fine spirits and exotic flavours.

Dining under the desert sky is one of Palm Springs' most enjoyable experiences. Birba combines chic outdoor dining with comforting Italian classics. Homemade pasta dishes, such as spaghetti pomodoro and butternut squash lasagna, highlight the region's fresh ingredients. Creative pizzas like the Ronaldo, featuring pear, gorgonzola cheese, and toasted walnuts, delight the palate. For a year-round favourite, try Nonna's meatballs. Birba offers a welcoming ambiance for family dinners or romantic nights out.

Heading south on Highway 111, you'll find the Sands Hotel and Spa, a Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. Its on-site restaurant, the Pink Cabana, pays homage to colourful mid century tennis and racquetball clubs, with retro decor, chequered floors, and a chic cocktail bar. The menu combines Mediterranean cuisine with Moroccan flair, with dishes like harissa chicken served alongside saffron potatoes and olives. Other favourites include the Niman ranch Iberian pork chops and Moroccan club sandwich with za'atar-glazed bacon.

For those who love farm-to-table cuisine, FARM in downtown Palm Springs offers a country-chic experience. The intimate eatery serves Provençal fare, bringing the rural South of France to California's desert. Dine by the fireplace, enjoying roasted pear salad or a Parisienne omelette, or relax on the patio with a French press coffee and chocolate creme brulee. FARM's prix-fixe dinner showcases a rotating menu of gourmet dishes, and reservations are a must.

Tac/Quila's Jalisco-style cuisine offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavours in an authentically chic setting. The same team behind FARM has brought its focus on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to Tac/Quila, transporting diners to another world of flavour. Begin with classic bites like taco chips, aguachile oysters, or vegan jackfruit enchiladas. Then enjoy roasted poblano pepper stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and vegetables or gourmet octopus ceviche. Don't leave without trying their specialty tequilas and mezcals, including a flight of four tasting-sized margaritas.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar is more than just a restaurant, it's a creative space where chefs celebrate California's diverse produce, seafood, dairy, and poultry. Dishes like lamb kefta and dry-aged American Wagyu ribeye are prepared in a wood-fired oven, using herbs and blooms from the garden behind the restaurant. But Workshop is also known for its award-winning design. The concrete brutalist architecture is softened by intimate booths, communal dining tables, and gentle lighting, creating a unique and cozy dining experience.

Palm Springs is home to Truss & Twine, a modern American eatery that combines classic flavours with contemporary touches. Located in the heart of the Uptown Design District, Truss & Twine offers a seasonal menu that highlights the best of California's produce, meat, and seafood. Try the roasted beet salad with goat cheese and pistachios or the beef tartare with pickled mustard seeds. For heartier fare, the grilled pork chop with apple chutney or the pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce are sure to please. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail from their extensive drink menu, which features classics like the Old Fashioned and innovative creations like the Smoky Sunset.