Desert Dining Heats Up: Palm Springs' Most Sizzling New Restaurants

From surf-inspired cuisine to Persian flavors and innovative concepts, here's what's new and noteworthy:

1. The Restaurant Donna Forte, 82862 Miles Ave, Indio, CA – (Coming soon) Renowned chef Gabriel Woo (of Bar Cecil fame) is set to launch an exciting new concept in Downtown Indio. Expected to open in late 2025, Donna Forte promises artisanal pizza, handmade pasta, and Shareable plates.

1. Livs—Chef Gabriel is also the driving force behind the new restaurant inside the Palm Springs Art Museum. Offering food and music every Thursday.

1. Black Cat Pizza—The Coachella Valley's first Detroit-style pizzeria has landed, bringing authentic Motor City flavor to the desert. This newcomer serves distinctively square pies with signature crispy crusts that Detroit pizza enthusiasts crave.

A fun touch: Families can embark on a playful scavenger hunt to spot 13 hidden black cat images throughout the restaurant.

1. The Restaurant at The Palm Springs Surf Club—Management is riding a new wave at its revamped upscale restaurant. Helmed by renowned Chef Michael Hung, it serves small bites and appetizers, including potato and salt croquettes. The main dishes feature seafood and steaks, all with a unique spin.

1. Kestrel - (inside the Indian Wells Golf Resort) - Top Chef alum Richard Blais has honed in on the desert as the next gem in his culinary crown with the opening of this splashy new spot. With a menu that includes everything from poke to chicken parm to something called a “crab hashbrown,” Kestrel seems to defy easy categorization.

1. Birba -Located in Cabazon, this one is a bit of a drive, but delicious, mouth-watering Italian food awaits. Pasta alla vodka, tortellini, fettuccine, and tagliatelle are new twists on traditional food.

1. Coachella Valley Brewing Company – Located in the heart of Palm Springs, this tap room offers a plethora of local brews. It also offers interesting memberships, giving 20% off all beers and merchandise.
2. 
   
3. Red Falcon Lounge—This is an outdoor cannabis lounge where you can smoke, drink, and enjoy tasty bites. Of course, everyone in your party must be over 21, and only products purchased at the lounge may be consumed on the premises. The lounge adds excitement with karaoke nights, themed parties, puff-and-paint events, and more.

1. Saffron Restaurant & Lounge—This new Persian restaurant brings the art of kebab-making to Palm Springs. It features an array of perfectly grilled meats and fish, including ground beef kebabs, filet mignon, salmon, lamb, and chicken. Each kebab is seasoned with saffron and served with rice and grilled tomato.

The Coachella Valley's dining scene continues to evolve with an exciting mix of newcomers that span global cuisines and dining styles. The desert embraces diverse flavors, from surf-inspired fare at the Palm Springs Surf Club to Saffron's aromatic Persian kebabs. Detroit-style pizza debuts its valley at Black Cat Pizza, while celebrity chef Richard Blais brings his innovative touch to Kestrel at Indian Wells Golf Resort. Looking ahead, acclaimed local chef Gabriel Woo plans to expand the scene with Donna Forte in Downtown Indio, promising artisanal pizzas and handmade pasta. Whether craving casual comfort food or elevated dining experiences, these new establishments transform the desert into an increasingly dynamic culinary destination.