The Desert’s Best

We ask you to select your Coachella Valley favorites online. You vote; We reveal. Here are your latest top picks

Site Staff Best of Best Voting

 

Best Mediterranean Restaurant

Catalan’s seasonal menus take a farm-to-table approach that make use of locally sourced products, from organic produce to natural hormone-free meats and sustainably raised seafood. Try the cold and hot Spanish tapas, Catalan paella, and grilled swordfish for authentic tastes of Spain and Italy.

70026 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. 760-770-9508;
www.catalanrestaurant.com

 

photo  by kim brun

Elmer's serves up the best breakfast.

 

Best Breakfast

Elmer’s Restaurant is a breakfast staple in the Northwest. The Palm Springs outpost offers the same delectable flavors. Try the humongous German Pancake (topped with butter and dusted with powdered sugar), the Cascade Skillets, or the Mountain Lodge Omelets. Enjoy views of Mount San Jacinto from the large dining room and pet-friendly patio.

1030 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-327-8419;
www.eatatelmers.com

 

 

photo courtesy of rio azul mexican bar & grill

Rio Azul has $5 margaritas and special two-for-one Rio Margaritas during “Street Fair Thursdays.”

 

Best Margarita

Locals’ favorite Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill offers $5 margaritas and special two-for-one Rio Margaritas during “Street Fair Thursdays.” The restaurant boasts an equally delicious food menu, featuring antojitos, parrilladas, fajitas, platillos del mar, and other popular dishes.

350 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-992-5641;
www.rioazulpalmsprings.com

 

photo courtesy of greater palm springs cvb

The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs is the hot spot to cool off.

 

Best Place for Pool Parties

The pool scene at The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs hops year-round. Sip cocktails while floating in the water, and enjoy live performances by world-renowned musicians and DJs. Lawn games, touring bikes, and morning yoga make this hip, colorful hotel the ultimate fun destination.

1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-323-1711;
www.thesaguaro.com

 

photo courtesy of thai smile

Thai Smile has been serving customers since 1993.

 

Best Thai Restaurant

Spicy curry, huge grilled shrimp, papaya salad, and many other delicacies are on offer at Thai Smile Palm Springs, which has been serving local residents since 1993. The new downtown location is the perfect spot to enjoy dining alfresco.

100 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-320-5503;
www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

 

Rest of the Best

 

Best Interior Designer
H3K Design (Palm Springs)
www.h3kdesign.com

 

Best Mexican Restaurant
Las Casuelas Terraza (Palm Springs)
www.lascasuelas.com

 

Best Nightclub/Lounge
Zelda’s Nightclub (Palm Springs)
www.zeldasnightclub.com

 

Best Seafood Restaurant
Pacifica Seafood Restaurant (Palm Desert)
www.pacificaseafoodrestaurant.com

 

Best Chinese Restaurant
City Wok (Palm Desert)
www.citywok.com

 

Best Deli  
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery (Palm Springs)
www.shermansdeli.com

 

Best Spa
Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa (Indian Wells)
www.aguaserenaspa.com

 

Best Place to Hear Live Music  
McCallum Theatre (Palm Desert)
www.mccallumtheatre.com

 

Best Indian Restaurant
Monsoon Indian Restaurant (Palm Springs)
www.monsoonindianrestaurant.com

 

Best Vegetarian Restaurant  
Nature’s Health Food & Cafe (Palm Springs)
www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com