Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week — running May 30 to June 8 — is the perfect kickoff to the summer season. For 10 days, popular local restaurants will offer three-course, prix fixe dinners for either $26 or $38 per person. We’ve highlighted a few of the stars in each city, so make your reservations early. Think of it as your invitation to get creative and try a different dining spot each night.
Cathedral City
Cello’s Bistro (American):
A low-key location spotlighting cutting-edge dishes such as mussels with chorizo and crispy duck breast served medium rare, Cello’s is known for standout service. $26 per person.
35943 Date Palm Dr.
760-328-5353; www.cellosbistro.com
Dish Creative Cuisine (American/contemporary):
Classic French techniques with a modern twist turn out cuisine that’s light on butter and heavy on flavor. Imaginative wine pairings and fresh, top-quality products make this intimate spot a favorite. $38 per person.
68525 Ramon Rd., Ste A-101
760-832-6526; www.dishcreativecuisine.com
Indian Wells
The Grove Artisan Kitchen (Californian):
Every dish here is prepared in farm-to-table mode, with fresh seasonal California produce, ranch-raised meats and poultry, fresh Pacific seafood, and house-made pastas. $38 per person.
45000 Indian Wells Ln.
760-341-7200; www.miramonteresort.com
Vicky’s of Santa Fe (American):
A 25-year-old desert favorite, Vicky’s features generous portions of prime steak, rack of lamb, chicken, seafood, and burgers, plus changing nightly specials. $26 per person.
45100 Club Dr.
760-345-9770; www.vickysofsantafe.com
Indio
Jackalope Ranch (barbecue):
A down-home barbecue joint with an upscale menu, lots of top tequilas, and a saloon and outdoor palapa bar with live music nightly, this spot partners with Desert Adventures Jeep tours for dinner/tour packages. $38 per person.
80400 Hwy. 111
760-342-1999; www.thejackaloperanch.com
La Quinta
Cork & Fork (wine bar):
Small plates of macaroni and cheese, beef sliders, farmers market salads, artisan pizzas, soups, and cheese plates are meant to be mixed and shared. Wines to pair are sold by the glass or bottle. $26 per person.
47875 Caleo Bay, Ste. A106
760-777-7555; corkandforkwinebar.com
Figue Mediterranean Restaurant (Mediterranean):
Quality ingredients — organic, sustainable, wild, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free — star in dishes influenced by the cuisines of France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Morocco. $38 per person.
47474 Washington St. 760-698-9040; www.eatfigue.com
Palm Desert
Cuistot (French):
Classic French cuisine, impeccable service, an extensive wine cellar, and one of the desert’s most romantic settings make this a favorite for special occasions. Try the lobster pot pie or rack of lamb. $38 per person.
72595 El Paseo
760-340-1000; www.cuistotrestaurant.com
Wolfgang Puck Pizza | Bar (Italian):
Wolfgang Puck’s first pizza bar/restaurant on the West Coast, this casual place offers a full array of pastas, hefty entrées, small pizzas, salads, sides, and a build-your-own-sundae dessert cart. $26 per person.
73130 El Paseo
760-568-2700; www.wolfgangpuck.com
Palm Springs
Blue Coyote Bar & Grill (Mexican):
A varied selection of traditional Mexican dishes prepared with flair — and the signature Wild Coyote Margarita — keep this place packed. Patio dining gives patrons a front row seat for people-watching on Palm Canyon Dr. $26 per person.
445 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-327-1196; www.bluecoyotegrill.com
Copley’s on Palm Canyon (contemporary American):
This quietly glamorous restaurant in the former Cary Grant guesthouse serves up such innovative dishes as rack of lamb crusted with lavender and parsley, and basil ice cream. Service is top-notch. Dining outside provides a lovely mountain view. $38 per person.
621 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-327-9555; www.copleyspalmsprings.com
Rancho Mirage
Acqua Pazza California Bistro (Californian):
The extensive menu selection includes dozens of appetizers, salads, pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, a raw oyster bar, pastas, and classic California entrées, making this one of the valley’s top-rated spots year after year. $26 per person.
71800 Hwy. 111
760-862-9800; www.acquapazzabistro.com
Wally’s Desert Turtle (contemporary/seafood):
Wally’s is as famous for its food and white-glove service as it is for its old-school, glam décor. The menu emphasizes classic cooking techniques with fresh and seasonal foods. $38 per person.
71775 Hwy. 111
760-568-9321; www.wallysdesertturtle.com
Other Special Offers
Since its inception seven years ago, Restaurant Week has expanded from 30 participants to more than 100 and now includes added values and discounts at area hotels, spas, and attractions such as the Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden, Palm Springs Art Museum, Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort, and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Get the details, as well as a full list of participating restaurants, at www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and dine at Peaks Restaurant.
Photo courtest Palm Springs Aerial Tramway