Palm Springs is a popular tourist destination in California. Nestled between the San Jacinto Mountain range and the Sonoran Desert, this city is known for fantastic spas, golf courses, hot springs, and delicious restaurants. If you find yourself venturing to this part of California, why not try some of the best restaurants Palm Springs has to offer.
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Whether you’re looking for a filling meal or drinks with appetizers, Eight4Nine is the place to be in Palm Springs. Nestled on the main strip in the city, you’ll have beautiful views of the mountains behind the restaurant and lounge. You have the option to sit on their gorgeous patios decorated in white and pink furniture or in one of their tasteful dining rooms to avoid the summer heat. Their food menu is extensive, taking inspiration from modern American cuisine, including charcuterie boards for starters and mouthwatering main courses. If you feel like sipping on something strong, be sure to give one of their handcrafted cocktails a try.
French Miso Café
One of the more unique restaurants in Palm Springs is the French Miso Café. The owners are from Japan and France respectfully and have merged the love of both cultures to create a beautiful café. Their restaurant mimics the traditional style of European cafes with bright colors and gorgeous flowers. You may even forget you’re in California. The French Miso Café is the perfect spot for lunch or brunch on the weekends, where you can dine on a unique blend of French and Japanese-inspired cuisine.
Peppers Thai
There are copious amounts of elegant and high-end restaurants in the Palm Springs area, but if you want to try a local favorite, Peppers Thai is the spot to be. This family-owned and operated restaurant is bringing authentic Thai cuisine to locals and visitors in this city. Just because this spot has an unassuming appearance compared to other restaurants in town doesn’t mean it can’t play with the big dogs. For a quick bite to eat on your way home after a long day or when you’re craving Thai food, give their traditional Pad Thai a taste.
Miro’s Restaurant
Tucked into the Plaza Del Sol in the South of Palm Springs, this family-owned restaurant opened its doors in 1994. The Terzic family immigrated to the United States and brought their love of European cuisine and traditional recipes with them. Miro’s is a modern European restaurant brings together authentic recipes from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Yugoslavia. They’ve won several awards for their elegant ambiance, delicious meals, and exceptional service.
La Vallauris
La Vallauris is a high-end French restaurant that has a home in a freshly restored historic landmark in Palm Springs. La Vallauris was designed to make you feel as if you walked into someone’s house in France. If you prefer to enjoy the fresh air, their patio has a romantic atmosphere that you can enjoy on a date, with friends, or yourself. They serve popular French dishes, and when you arrive, your server will set a board that has all the day’s choices written for you. If you have a sweet tooth, La Vallauris needs to be on your list. They have a short but impactful dessert menu that will please even the pickiest of eaters. A favorite dessert here is their chocolate mousse that also has a vanilla flavor of their decadent lemon cake.
The Tropicale Palm Springs
The Tropicale is a vibrant and playful restaurant in the city. The exterior of the building is a pink desert shade, and the interior is decked out in retro tropical décor. You’ll find a selection of American cuisine, from pizza to burgers to pasta dishes. This is the perfect spot in town to celebrate in a casual but vibrant atmosphere. Everyone loves brunch. Brunch at the Topicale offers delicious brunch dishes and excellent cocktails. Of course, they have traditional mimosas and bloody marys, but you need to try their blueberry mojito or coconut martini.
Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Located in Palm Canyon, Copley’s is a popular spot for dining and drinking in Palm Springs. Before Copley’s came to be, the property that it’s on now used to be the home of Cary Grant. This rustic-chic restaurant is serving upscale American cuisine whether you’re in their dining room, at their bar, or on their patios gazing at the mountains. While their menu boasts American cuisine, there is a high-end flare that encourages patrons to try new things, such as their basil ice cream.
La Bonita’s
You can’t visit California without eating authentic Mexican food. La Bonita’s is a low-key Mexican joint that has some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the city. All the recipes you see on their menu are homemade every day. Their tacos are to die for, and their fresh salsa is the perfect appetizer. If you enjoy a margarita with your burrito, tacos, or enchiladas, their jalapeno margarita is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
Spencer’s Restaurant
Spencer’s is a great restaurant in the city for any meal. They serve delicious meals all day, from breakfast to dinner. Nestled in the mountains, this romantic spot is elegant but informal. Spencer’s menu is vast, meaning there’s something for almost everyone at this spot. This restaurant is another popular brunch spot in town and has even been voted the best brunch in Palm Springs by locals.
Rooster and the Pig
Another delicious fusion restaurant in Palm Springs is the Rooster and the Pig. The Rooster and the Pig is the perfect blend of Vietnamese and American cuisine. Unlike some of the other fantastic restaurants in the city, this spot is very casual, and you can show up in your hiking attire without feeling underdressed. Vietnamese dishes heavily influence the majority of the menu, but American tastes influence their drink menu. You won’t want to leave this restaurant without trying one of their delicious sake drinks.
Whether you’re craving traditional American flare, the tastes of Europe, Mexico, or Asia, there’s something for everyone in Palm Springs. Any of these restaurants are sure to impress you and leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more.