With so many enticing restaurants in Greater Palm Springs, the options can be overwhelming. To help make your dining decisions easier, we asked local concierges where they suggest going for various tastes and occasions. The catch? Our experts couldn’t recommend their own establishments. Who we consulted: Amber Owens of Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa; Carol Ragognetti of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage; Jan Marchese of Marriott Desert Springs Villas; Julie Gimbel of Viceroy Palm Springs; and Sally Yates of Miramonte Resort & Spa.
Where would you go…
… for a romantic dinner for two?
Marchese: Spencer’s Restaurant (760-327-3446; www.spencersrestaurant.com)
Owens: Lavender Bistro (760-564-5353; www.lavenderbistro.com)
Ragognetti: La Spiga Ristorante Italiano (760-340-9318; www.laspigapalmdesert.com)
… for a special-occasion meal?
Marchese: Le Vallauris Restaurant (760-325-5059; www.levallauris.com)
Ragognetti: Le Vallauris Restaurant (see above)
Yates: Jillian’s (760-776-8242; www.jilliansfinedining.com)
… for the ultimate view from your table?
Gimbel: Spencer’s Restaurant (760-327-3446; www.spencersrestaurant.com)
Owens: State Fare Bar & Kitchen (760-202-4710; www.ritzcarlton.com/ranchomirage)
Yates: Peaks Restaurant (760-325-4537; www.pstramway.com)
… to dine in Hollywood-like glamour?
Marchese: The Purple Room Restaurant & Stage (760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com)
Owens: Melvyn’s Restaurant (760-325-2323; www.inglesideinn.com/melvyns-restaurant)
Ragognetti: Melvyn’s Restaurant (see above)
… for a poolside meal?
Marchese: Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs (760-318-3005; www.viceroypalmsprings.com)
Yates: Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs (see above)
Ragognetti: Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs (see above)
… for a luxurious dining experience?
Owens: Wally’s Desert Turtle (760-568-9321; www.wallysdesertturtle.com)
Ragognetti: Wally’s Desert Turtle (see above)
Yates: Wally’s Desert Turtle (see above)
… for the most inventive menu?
Marchese: Workshop Kitchen + Bar (760-459-3451; www.workshoppalmsprings.com)
Owens: Workshop Kitchen + Bar (see above)
Yates: Dish Creative Cuisine (760-322-7171; www.dishcreativecuisine.com)
… for a hipster feel?
Owens: King’s Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club (760-325-9900; www.acehotel.com/palmsprings)
Marchese: King’s Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club (see above)
Yates: Jake’s Palm Springs (760-327-4400; www.jakespalmsprings.com)
… for classic Palm Springs style?
Marchese: Circa 59 at Riviera Palm Springs (760-778-6659; www.psriviera.com)
Yates: The Purple Room Restaurant & Stage (760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com)
Ragognetti: Shame on the Moon Restaurant (760-324-5515; www.shameonthemoon.com)
… to hear live music and dine?
Gimbel: Melvyn’s Restaurant (760-325-2323; www.inglesideinn.com/melvyns-restaurant)
Owens: blueEmber at Omni Rancho Las Palmas (760-834-2110; www.rancholaspalmas.com/bluember)
Yates: The Nest (760-346-2314; www.gotothenest.com)
…for a family-friendly eatery?
Gimbel: Johnny Costa’s Ristorante (760-325-4556; www.johnnycostaspalmsprings.com)
Marchese: Acqua Pazza (760-862-9800; www.acquapazzabistro.com)
Ragognetti: Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse (760-346-8738; www.babesbbque.com)
… for a laid-back venue perfect for catching-up with friends?
Marchese: Blue Coyote Bar & Grill (760-327-1196; www.bluecoyotegrill.com)
Ragognetti: Blue Coyote Bar & Grill (see above)
Yates: Jackalope Ranch (760-342-1999; www.thejackaloperanch.com)
… after being in the outdoors all day?
Marchese: Kaiser Grille (760-323-1003; www.kaisergrille.com)
Owens: Café des Beaux Arts (760-346-0669; www.cafedesbeauxarts.com)
Ragognetti: TRIO (760-864-8746; www.triopalmsprings.com)
… for a golf-course setting?
Owens: Vue Grille & Bar (760-834-3800; www.vuegrilleandbar.com)
Ragognetti: Vue Grille & Bar (see above)
Yates: Vista Bar and Lakeview Terrace (760-346-0015; www.desertwillow.com)