Dine in the Oasis

Award-winning chefs, world-class menus, and outstanding ambiance define the dining experience in the Coachella Valley

Marissa Willman Restaurants

 

AMBIANCE

Make it an unforgettable night on the town. The warm, intimate, and upscale atmosphere at Spencer’s sets this mountainside restaurant apart, and a patio table under the ficus trees is a must. As one of the desert’s most highly regarded restaurants, Wally’s Desert Turtle sets a refined tone with luxurious artwork and mirrored ceilings. The softly lit dining room of Vicky’s of Santa Fe is perfect for a romantic evening spent enjoying live music and great fare. For a country club-style environment, the Bellatrix Restaurant & Wine Bar at the Classic Club is elegance defined.

Fall in Love Again at:

Bellatrix Restaurant & Wine Bar, www.classicclubgolf.com

Circa 59, www.psriviera.com

Copley’s on Palm Canyon, www.copleyspalmsprings.com

Cuistot, www.cuistotrestaurant.com

Europa Restaurant, www.villaroyale.com

The Grove Artisan Kitchen, www.miramonteresort.com

Jillian’s, www.jilliansfinedining.com

Lavender Bistro, www.lavenderbistro.com

La Spiga Ristorante Italiano, www.laspigapalmdesert.com

 

photo courtesy of le vallauris

Le Vallauris Restaurant in Palm Springs.

 

Le Vallauris Restaurant, www.levallauris.com

Morgan’s in the Desert, www.morgansinthedesert.com

Spencer’s Restaurant, www.spencersrestaurant.com

Vicky’s of Santa Fe, www.vickysofsantafe.com

Vue Grille & Bar, www.vuegrilleandbar.com

Wally’s Desert Turtle, www.wallysdesertturtle.com

 

photo courtesy of morton's the steakhouse

Porterhouse steak at Morton's The Steakhouse in Palm Desert.

 

STEAKHOUSES

Traditional or modern? The choice is yours when it’s steak night in Greater Palm Springs. Prime cuts and Caesars prepared tableside elevate the traditional steakhouse experience at LG’s Prime Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, meanwhile, adds modern flair to old-school ambiance, while featuring staples like bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.

Steak Your Claim at:

Chop House Palm Springs, www.chophousepalmsprings.com

The Edge Steakhouse, www.ritzcarlton.com/

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, www.flemingssteakhouse.com

LG’s Prime Steakhouse, www.lgsprimesteakhouse.com

Mastro’s Steakhouse, www.mastrosrestaurants.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse, www.mortons.com

Mr. Lyons, www.mrlyonsps.com

Riccio’s Steak, Seafood and Pasta, www.ricciossteakandseafood.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, www.ruthschris.com

State Fare Bar + Kitchen, www.ritzcarlton.com/ranchomirag

The Steakhouse, www.hotwatercasino.com; www.sparesortcasino.com

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, www.sullivanssteakhouse.com

 

photo by gregg felsen

Caprese Salad at Lulu California Bistro.

 

AMERICAN

From barbecue to seafood and everything in between, classic American dishes are well represented in the desert. It doesn’t get more red, white, and blue than the freshly grilled and smoked meats at Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse, where slabs of ribs are washed down with award-winning craft beers. The newly opened Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge brings European touches to its American menu, all in a contemporary setting that’s quintessential Palm Springs. The high-energy hangout TRIO Restaurant offers delectable twists on classics such as Yankee pot roast and decadent five-cheese mac and cheese. Lulu California Bistro is the perfect spot for people-watching while indulging.

More Instant Classics:

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, www.eight4nine.com

Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse, www.babesbbque.com

bluEmber, www.rancholaspalmas.com

Cello’s Bistro, www.cellosbistro.com

Cliffhouse Grill & Bar, www.laquintacliffhouse.com

dish Creative Cuisine, www.dishcreativecuisine.com

Jake’s, www.jakespalmsprings.com

King’s Highway, www.acehotel.com/palmsprings/kings-highway

Lulu California Bistro, www.lulupalmsprings.com

Plate | Glass, www.plate-glass.com

Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar, www.colonypalmshotel.com

Roy’s Restaurant, www.roysrestaurant.com

Serious Food and Drink, www.seriousfoodanddrink.com

Simon Kitchen + Bar, www.hrhpalmsprings.com

Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grill, www.smoketreebbq.com

State Fare Bar + Kitchen, www.ritzcarlton.com/

Trio Restaurant, www.triopalmsprings.com

Vue Grille & Bar, www.vuegrilleandbar.com

Workshop Kitchen + Bar, www.workshoppalmsprings.com

Zin American Bistro, www.pszin.com

 

photo courtesy of alicante

Sliders from Alicante Spanish American Cuisine in Palm Springs.

 

PIZZA & BURGERS

Classic pizzas and burgers get the signature California treatment in the desert, much to the delight of hungry foodies. Pizza toppings range from classic cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous combos like goat cheese with pesto, and prosciutto with fig and arugula. Burgers often boast West Coast flavors, too, whether you’re topping it with aioli and pancetta or blue cheese and mushrooms. When it’s the tried-and-true classic you’re after, don’t miss the gourmet burgers at Woody’s.

Indulge at These Places:

Burgers & Beer, www.burgersandbeer.com

California Pizza Kitchen, www.cpk.com

Eureka!, www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com

Grind BRGR BaR, www.grindburgerpalmsprings.com

Johnny Rockets, www.johnnyrockets.com

Livreri’s Bella Napoli, 760-537-7488

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro, www.matchboxrestaurants.com

Michael’s Pizzeria, www.michaelspizzeria.com

Piero’s PizzaVino, www.ppizzavino.com

Pizzeria Villagio, www.pizzeriavillagio.com

Smokin’ Burgers & Lounge, www.smokinburgers.com

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, www.stuftpizzabarandgrill.com

Woody’s Burgers, www.woodysburgersps.com

Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar, www.wolfgangpuck.com

 

COFFEE & BREAKFAST

Nothing jumpstarts your day like a little caffeine. With coffeehouses popping up throughout the desert, you’re never far from your next pick-me-up. For a splurge-worthy breakfast, indulge in the fluffy, buttery satisfaction of a German pancake at Elmer’s. Try the legendary Blueberry Custard French Toast at Wilma & Frieda’s, or take advantage of the early bird specials at The Broken Yolk Café.

Rise and Shine:

The Broken Yolk Café, www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com

Cheeky’s Palm Springs, www.cheekysps.com

Elmer’s Restaurant, www.eatatelmers.com

Ernest Coffee, www.ernestcoffee.com

Il Sogno, 760-837-1999

Koffi, www.kofficoffee.com

La Quinta Baking Company, www.laquintabaking.com

Ristretto, www.ristrettops.com

Wilma & Frieda’s Café, www.wilmafrieda.com

 

VEGETARIAN

Meatless meals never tasted so good. Whether you’re experimenting with vegetarian fare or embracing a vegan lifestyle, these plant-loving restaurants will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy salads, wraps, burgers, and even cupcakes — all made with health-conscious, vegetarian-friendly ingredients.

Veg Out:

Luscious Lorraine’s Deli, www.lusciouslorraines.com

Native Foods Café, www.nativefoods.com

Nature’s Health Food & Café, www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com

Palm Greens Cafe, www.palmgreenscafe.com

 

photo courtesy of sherman's deli & bakery

A decadent chocolate cake from Sherman's Deli & Baker in Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

 

DELI

Delis in the desert don’t disappoint. For a taste of New York, dig into a grilled Reuben with corned beef, turkey, or pastrami at Sherman’s Deli and Bakery. Feeling more European? Try a fresh panini at Clementine Café.

Enjoy Daily:

Appetito Deli, www.appetitodeli.com

Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café, www.clementineshop.com

Deli on Miles, www.delionmiles.com

Manhattan in the Desert, www.manhattaninthedesert.com

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, www.shermansdeli.com

 

photo courtesy of greek island

Feast on homemade Greek food at Greek Islands in Palm Springs.

 

INTERNATIONAL

Exotic flavors await in the Coachella Valley. If you’re feeling French, a patio table at Café des Beaux-Arts is a perfect Parisian escape, especially when paired with Duckling a l’Orange. Savor Mediterranean dishes at Balisage Bistro and tapas at Catalan. Continue your European culinary adventure at Castelli’s Ristorante, which has been serving Italian classics for more than 25 years. For authentic Mexican fare with ambiance to boot, Las Casuelas never disappoints. Journey to the East at Kobe, a Japanese steakhouse known for its teppan-grill cooking. Or, sample flavors from around the world under one roof at Tropicale.

Travel the Globe:

Asian Fusion

Rooster and The Pig, www.roosterandthepig.com

The Tropicale, www.thetropicale.com

Austrian

Johannes, www.johannesrestaurants.com

Belgian

Pomme Frite, www.pomme-frite.com

Chinese

Bobby Mao’s Chinese Kitchen + Bar, www.bobbymaos.com

City Wok, www.citywok.com

Joy Asian Cuisine, www.fantasyspringsresort.com

Wang’s in the Desert, www.wangsinthedesert.com

English

Lord Fletcher’s, www.lordfletcher.com

French

Café des Beaux-Arts, www.cafedesbeauxarts.com

La Brasserie Bistro & Bar, www.labrasserielaquinta.com

Le Paon Restaurant, www.lepaonfrenchcuisine.com

Greek

Greek Islands Restaurant, www.greekislandsps.com

Nina’s Traditional Greek Cuisine & Pizzeria, 760-323-8552

Italian

Birba Palm Springs, www.birbaps.com

Bontá Restaurant & Bar, www.bontarestaurant.com

Castelli’s Ristorante, www.castellis.cc

Il Corso, www.ilcorsopd.com

Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, www.johnnycostaspalmsprings.com

Pinzimini, www.pinziminipalmsprings.com

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill, www.sammygsrestaurant.com

Japanese

Gyoro Gyoro Izakaya Japonaise, www.otootorestaurant.com

Kiyosaku, www.kiyosakusushi.menutoeat.com

Kobe Japanese Steak House, www.koberanchomirage.com

Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, www.desertspringsresort.com

Shabu Shabu Zen, www.shabu-shabu-zen.com

The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge, www.thevenuepalmdesert.com

Mediterranean

Balisage Bistro, www.balisagebistro.com

Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine, www.catalanrestaurant.com

Spanish

Alicante Spanish American Cuisine, www.alicanteps.com

Tinto, www.palmsprings.tintorestaurant.com

Thai

Pepper’s Thai Cuisine, www.peppersthai.com

Thai Smile Palm Springs, www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

Mexican
Chi Chi at The Avalon, www.avalonpalmsprings.com

Las Casuelas Terraza, www.lascasuelas.com

Pueblo Viejo Grill, www.puebloviejogrill.com

Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill, www.rioazulpalmsprings.com

Vietnamese
Pho 533, www.pho533palmsprings.com

 

Photo by adrianne bonafede

Gale Gand gives a food demonstration at the 2015 Food & Wine Festival Palm Desert.

 

CULINARY EVENTS

Foodies find plenty to enjoy throughout the year, thanks to an exciting calendar of culinary events. Ranked one of the nation’s top 10 food festivals, the Indio International Tamale Festival (Dec. 5-6, 2015) brings every tamale variation imaginable to downtown Indio every December. February feeds your annual fair food fix when the Annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival (Feb. 12-21) comes to the Riverside County Fairgrounds. Food trucks, craft beer, and wineries delight at the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience March 5. Food and wine lovers can taste, sip, and learn during Food & Wine Festival Palm Desert (April 8-10), which features demos from acclaimed chefs and free-flowing food and wine all weekend. In June, foodies can cross a few restaurants off their lists during Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week (June 3-12), when dozens of restaurants offer prix fixe menus for $26 or $38.

 

photo by thinkstockphotos.com

Farmers Markets offer freshly picked veggies and fruits.

 

FARMERS MARKETS

The freshest flavors of the desert can be found each week at the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Market, a year-round institution for all things local. From freshly picked herbs and seasonal fruits and veggies to organic, grass-fed meats — plus artisanal finds like soaps, cheeses, and breads — these markets boast the best of the region.

Certified Farmers Market, Coachella. Every Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. City Hall, Sixth Street. 760-898-5250

Certified Farmers Market, La Quinta. Every Sun. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 78100 Main Street. 760-898-5250; www.certifiedfarmersmarket.org

Certified Farmers Market, Palm Desert. Every Wed. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
72599 Highway 111. 760-898-5250; www.certifiedfarmersmarket.org

Certified Farmers Market, Palm Springs. Every Sat. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road. 760-898-5250; www.certifiedfarmersmarket.org

College of the Desert Street Fair. Every Sat. and Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Corner of Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. www.codaastreetfair.com

Indio Open-Air Market. Wed. and Sat. 4-10 p.m. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46350 Arabia Street, Indio. 800-222-7457.

Palm Desert Evening Certified Farmers Market. First Wed. 4-8 p.m. 72599 Highway 111. 760-898-5250; www.certifiedfarmersmarket.org

VillageFest. Thurs. 6-10 p.m. Vendors, art, handcrafted items, food, entertainment. Dog-friendly. Downtown on Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-320-3781; www.palmspringsvillagefest.com

Please call for times; some farmers markets are seasonal.

 

photo courtesy of the college of the desert street fair

The College of the Desert Street Fair runs every weekend throughout the year.

 

College of the Desert Street Fair

The COD Street Fair features a produce market, food court, and live music. Find row after row of delights from regional artists, craftsmen, and merchants. Every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Corner of Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. www.codaastreetfair.com

 

Go to www.chillpass.com for special offers.