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.