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Palm Springs Fine Dining Guide
Blog
Palm Springs Fine Dining Guide
Palm Springs, known for its mid-century modern architecture and desert landscapes, is also a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. From rustic American cuisine to French restaurants and innovative California fusion, the city offers diverse culinary experiences that rival those of much larger metropolitan areas. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide will help you navigate the best fine dining options in Palm Springs, ensuring your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.
The Barn Kitchen at Sparrow’s Lodge
This place fills up quickly, so nab a reservation today. Recommended by the Michelin Guide as one of their favorite Palm Springs restaurants, The Barn Kitchen offers a refined take on rustic American cuisine. Focusing on influences from the nearby Coachella Valley, the Barn Kitchen brings small local farms and the unique aspects of the desert to classic American favorites. Salads, burgers, and cauliflower steaks make an impressive appearance here. https://sparrowslodge.com/
Farm
This place is a delight for breakfast and brunch. It offers crepes, omelets, and French toast. Walk-ins are only welcome for breakfast, but reservations are available for dinner when the menu switches to seared fish and lamb. Prix fixe menus are available for $69 per person.
Spencer’s Restaurant
Tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains base, Spencer infuses sophistication with comfort. It’s the sort of place where slow-baked meatloaf counts as fine dining, and banana-stuffed pancakes form the beginnings of a fanciful weekend brunch. https://www.spencersrestaurant.com/
Pomme Frite
Did someone say French Fries? This is the place to order them along with steak au poivre. This cozy bistro features steamed black mussels, beef stew Flemish style, California bouillabaisse, and Belgian chocolate mousse served with crème Anglaise. Most of the dishes are served with crispy pommes frites and homemade dipping sauces. A wide selection of Belgian beers and French and California wines is available. Superior cuisine, bistro ambiance, and attention to detail. https://pomme-frite.com/
4 Saints
4 Saints is a unique, modern space with unparalleled views of picturesque mountains. The menu is driven by bright, clean, soulful flavors influenced by the seasons. The beverage program offers a concise wine list, local brews, and masterful cocktails.
Zin American Bistro
Zin American Bistro has been an essential dining spot in Palm Springs since 2004. It is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the area. The restaurant has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award for its extensive wine list, featuring over 450 selections. https://www.zinamericanbistro.com/
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Scallops, risotto, and pork chops grace the upscale menu here. Bold architecture and strong flavors combine for a unique experience. Known for its wood-fired cuisine, the kitchen combines fresh seafood and meat with herbs from the garden.
https://www.workshopkitchenbar.com/
Melvyn’s
https://inglesideestate.com/melvyns/ - Tap back to an era of old Hollywood glamour and timeless luxury at Melvyn’s, Ingleside Estate’s legendary restaurant and lounge. Enjoy a modern California twist on classic American fare and cocktails in our iconic space, once a private hideaway for stars like Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Whether you’re joining us for martinis and live music, a weekend brunch, or a sophisticated night out, discover a world of its own at Melvyn’s.
Bar Cecil
https://barcecil.com/ Bar Cecil (pronounced sessel) is a homage to Cecil Beaton, a renaissance man who was equal parts rebel and aristocrat, an artist who lived between classical charm and new world rebellion, a provocateur, an Expressionist, and an aesthete who incorporated many mediums to create a style all his own. Bar Cecil is for those who follow the beat of their drum, horn, or whatever inspires them to create, be individuals, and embrace diversity—from deviled eggs to shrimp cocktails to oysters to ratatouille.
Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse
It is a classic steakhouse with a menu that puts local small farms first, delivered with impeccable tableside service.
Johannes
Chef Johannes Bacher, whose global modern European award-winning cuisine, including his popular fan favorite “Wiener Schnitzel,” has been a downtown Palm Springs staple since 1999. Chef Bacher continues to use his many years of traveling the world as the inspiration for his subtle, creative dishes that are exciting and tastefully show off his Austrian roots. Enjoy an upscale casual dining experience. You won't be disappointed if you sit at the bar, the kitchen area, the dining room, or the patios. Whatever you choose, your experience will be one of the best in Palm Springs - “Eat Well, Live Better.” Johannes has been selected for the Best of Palm Springs Awards for European Cuisine three years in a row and has been recognized for the 2022 Palm Springs Business Hall of Fame! https://johannespalmsprings.com/
Alice B
Alice B. restaurant and bar from award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken combines Southern California’s incredible seasonal bounty with Mediterranean-leaning flavors. The culinary vision is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken, and acclaimed Executive Chef Lance Velasquez. This unique dining experience is at Living Out, a luxury resort-style LGBTQ+ active senior community surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Inspired by the extraordinary life of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner, Gertrude Stein, the restaurant establishes a vibrant space where culinary excellence, art, and community converge seamlessly. https://www.aliceb.com/
Palm Springs' fine dining scene is a testament to the city's evolution as a culinary destination. From classic steakhouses to innovative fusion restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate. These establishments offer exceptional food and embody the unique spirit of Palm Springs – a blend of old-world charm, modern sophistication, and desert allure. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet meal, these restaurants promise an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Coachella Valley. Bon appétit!
Image by Michael Sylvester from Pixabay