A visit to Palm Springs must include at least one good meal but hopefully a lot more. Whether it’s sipping a coffee in between bites of decedent french toast or a cocktail between tacos, there is plenty to choose from. Below are my top picks for where and what to eat in Palm Springs!
Breakfast
622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cheeky’s has a lot of interesting dishes with a wide variety so that it’s easy to find something you like. We loved the chilaquiles and pancakes. A lot of the ingredients are locally sourced and everything is made from scratch.
6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
When you walk into Farm you take a trip to the south of France. Eating the Provencal-style food in the garden patio makes you feel far away from the desert surrounding you. I recommend the Champignons et Fromage for a savory crepe or the Citron et Fraises for a sweet crepe.
155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Crowds gather at Wilma and Frida’s even before opening in order to get a table. The menu is diverse and any choice is a good one. Some of my faves include: Florentine Benny, Bernie’s Chile Verde with Pork & Brie Omelet, and the Blackberry Custard French Toast.
Lunch
139 E Andreas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
El Patio is my favorite Mexican restaurant that I’ve found in downtown Palm Springs. They have indoor and outdoor seating that is tucked away from the busy street which gives you a reprieve from the hustle and bustle. There are all the classic items found on most menus but with elevated flavors and presentation. What we ordered: skinny margs (I find them to be less sugary), Enfrijoladas, and Mole (bone-in chicken covered in both poblano and pipian sauces)
170 E Palm Canyon Dr #4, Palm Springs, CA 92264
You could easily walk past Gabino’s and miss it, but don’t! It is a great spot for a quick and delish lunch. Located in an ally, you order from a window and sit at one of the few small tables outside. I recommend the Chicken Pesto!
100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way Ste 130, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Stout is located near the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in downtown Palm Springs. Every burger I’ve had has been delish. I love the “Six Weeker” which comes with fig jam on top! Pro Tip: start with dinner at Stout and then take an elevator up for drinks at High Bar on top of the Kimpton Hotel.
Dinner
800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Edgar and I had our anniversary dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar. I can often tell if I’ll like a fancier restaurant based on looking through their google photos and this was no exception. The white brick walls, vaulted ceiling, concrete tables, and dramatic light fixtures come together in a masterful design. Our waiter was great and helped me order the perfect cocktail (which wasn’t on the menu). We shared a small plate and an entree which was plenty of food for us. We both ordered a dessert- both of which were fantastic. Everything we had from drinks to food was creative, delicious, and looked beautiful. What we ordered: Hazy IPA (Edgar), Gin cocktail with house-made almond syrup and nutmeg (Layla), Sausage fennel pizza (small plate), Pork Chop with bacon marmalade and pickled blood orange, Apple tart, and Lemon meringue cake
622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Birba is one of the best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs. The food was fantastic both times I’ve been. They have outdoor seating in a Mediterranean garden under twinkling lights which makes for a romantic date night. What I recommend: Fichi Fresca (appetizer), Pappardelle al Ragu (pasta entre), Homemade Classic (pizza entre), Torta de Birba (dessert)
Dessert
170 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
I’ve tried a lot of ice cream in Palm Springs and Kreem is my favorite! The ice cream is hand-made and focuses on organic and natural ingredients. They have creative flavors (vegan and non-vegan) which are fun to try like “lemon meringue pie” and “ube”.
