25 Cant-Miss Best Restaurants in Palm Springs California

Palm Springs is a city in southern California’s Sonoran Desert, famed for its hot springs, luxury hotels, golf courses, and spas. But only a little is known about restaurants in Palm Springs.

First, Palm Springs is a favorite destination for Southern Californians, thanks to its retro ambiance, midcentury architecture, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.

In fact, the pleasant weather in the spring and fall makes it an excellent destination for friends and family.

While it is a beautiful city, the restaurants here are just as excellent. Now, you won’t find so many supertall rooftop restaurants in Palm Springs as you will find in other parts of California. But you will still get some of the best views of California here.

Besides the beautiful views, you will also get some of the best-tasting meals here, which is the most crucial part of visiting a restaurant.

Are you ready to explore the tasty, diverse, and excellent meals Palm Springs offers? Then here’s all you need.

Restaurants in Palm Springs

1. Copley’s on Palm Canyon

Copley’s is the sort of place you go for special occasion dinners and a great place to start your cuisine exploration.

It is a classy property in the heart of the downtown village housed in a structure that was formerly Cary Grant’s(the actor) guest house.

Actor Cary Grant’s former casita is a splendid setting for a romantic evening or special celebration reminiscent of “old” Palm Springs.

The nondescript outside wall opens to a beautiful outdoor dining area with a classic Spanish-style dining room.

Everything about this place is divine. First, the ambiance: You’re on Old Cary Grant estate.

You’re also right against the San Jacinto mountains, so in the evening, when that desert sky turns deep, Lapis and the candles and fairy lights glow, you have some of the most amazing views in Palm Springs.

Everything is incredible, delicious, and special, from the perfect cocktails to the ideal soups and salads to the excellent entrées.

The wine list is also well-varied and an exceptional value for a restaurant, particularly a fine-dining establishment. Dinner al fresco on the patio is especially enchanting on a Palm Springs-perfect evening.

Address: 621 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

2. Elmer’s Restaurant (Palm Springs, CA)

Are you looking for one of some of the best breakfast restaurants in Palm Springs? Then Elmer’s Restaurant should be top of your list.

Breakfast is such an essential meal of the day, and it is important you have a hearty breakfast before you go off for your day in the sun.

Elmers is a popular place for breakfast in Palm Springs. However, it is not in the central business area, so you will need to drive a bit to get there, but it’s not hard to find.

The restaurant is open and airy but is old with the 50s feel to it. Likewise, the walls show pictures of Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and other celebrities.

There are both booths and tables with chairs. The menu is extensive, and many of the entrees are classic or unique.

In short, there are many options, and it can be challenging to make a choice. The options cover a wide variety of breakfast foods. There are pancakes, omelets, various egg dishes, and other options.

The menu also has a wide variety of choices for lunch or dinner. They have delicious food with some of the best biscuits ever! So be sure and order a biscuit.

Although the biscuits are excellent; however, the big hit here is the pancakes. Everything is delicious in generous-sized portions at reasonable prices.

Overall, if you like bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, coffee, and pancakes, this place is for you.

Address: 1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

3. Peppers Thai Palm Springs

With all the Mexican, American, and brunch places Palm Springs is swarmed with, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an Asian establishment in the area.

Peppers is one of the Asian restaurants in Palm Springs, and if you are a fan of Thai foods, the restaurant is a must-visit.

Peppers is located on the sidewalk of a busy street, so don’t expect a romantic view.

The outside patio does not look like much, but the inside of the restaurant has beautiful Thai accents.

The interior of this restaurant is attractively dark with exotic art; it is definitely a nice respite from the sidewalk if you are a hungry wanderer looking for a pit stop.

In fact, when you enter, and you notice that almost every table is full and it’s only 4 pm on a Sunday, you know it’s popular, but it’s only when the food arrives that you know why.

The menu is quite extensive, with lots of appetizers, but there are lunch specials that you shouldn’t miss.

Chilli & peanut slaw, spring rolls, veggie potstickers, and chicken satay skewers are some of the interesting meals to enjoy here.

Address: 396 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

4. Johanne

If you are looking for a fantastic Schnitzel, this is where you need to be.

Johannes is an unassuming, unpretentious, yet deceptively fine restaurant near downtown Palm Springs.

In fact, the restaurant is considered by many as one of the best food restaurants in Palm Springs. It is owned by the Austrian chef Johannes Bacher.

Johannes Bacher grew up in a tiny mountain community in Austria’s Tirol region. He is the proprietor and executive chef at Johannes Restaurant in Palm Springs.

Furthermore, at the age of 7, Chef Johannes’ mother encouraged him to start baking modest treats like cookies and cakes. This sparked a lifelong passion for cooking that spanned decades of international travel and classical training.

The restaurant is famous for schnitzels and other Austrian and German dishes.

Johannes is on a busy street, and its space is a corner storefront. Walk inside, and it is a glorious, elegant restaurant with divine food, comfortable tables, and a lot of fun!

The decor of this restaurant is dated, but in a way, this works in its favor as it conveys a sense of longevity. That, in turn, must mean good food and service.

Although Johannes is best known for its excellent wiener schnitzel and about twenty other ways to prepare schnitzel, there is also a diverse range of appetizers and entrees.

Address: 196 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

5. The Real Italian Deli

The Real Italian Deli is one of the top Italian restaurants in Palm Springs, and if you love Italian meals, you shouldn’t hesitate to come here.

This is perhaps one of the finest small Italian delis in California. They manage to fill the tiny space with a perfect selection of Imported and Domestic Italian food products, plus a wide variety of fresh pasta.

In fact, the deli is a throwback to the kind of specialty food store one is used to seeing in New York or Europe.

The deli counter is stocked with a beautiful assortment of meats and cheeses that you can purchase to take home or include in one of the many delicious sandwiches they make.

Make sure to ask for the pesto mayo on your sandwich. There is also a nice selection of ready-to-heat-up pasta dishes like lasagna.

Items are selected from a case and packed for you. If you’re feeding a crowd, there are larger pre-made pans in a back freezer.

So, watch as they custom-make your sandwich with the meats.

This place is also an Italian grocery – all kinds of sauces, bottled bits and pieces, oils, dried pasta, fresh frozen pasta, and desserts are available.

The indoor eating space is small, but there is a large terrace out front with plenty of tables.

Address: 44795 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

6. The Colony Club

Colony Club is an excellent spot for lunch. You can have it sitting in the beautifully decorated dining room or by a charming pool.

This is a cute little place with a bit of a Moroccan theme and is hidden inside the Colony Hotel, so you might find it hard to locate the entrance, but once inside, it feels like a 1930s movie star oasis.

The hotel’s glitz is palpable and contagious, whether you’re inside admiring the intricate floor tiles and wallpaper or poolside watching visitors swim in the clear seas.

The casual menu offers anything from light fare like edamame hummus to heartier dishes like a grilled pork chop with cheese polenta. In fact, the menu is an innovative approach to a classic meal.

A frosted carrot layer cake with pineapple and toasted pecans are the perfect dessert to complete the meal.

Address: 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

7. Farm

If you’re looking for a friendly and quiet place to have a nice romantic dinner, don’t look any further than Farm.

It is located in the most picturesque area in downtown Palm Springs. It is in a Spanish colonial revival style building. The place is so romantic and beautifully decorated with many flowers and outdoor garden space.

The table settings are bohemian artsy with colorful non-matching glasses and silverware with fresh flowers.

There’s also a patio space here, which you don’t want to miss. The patio area is surrounded and sectioned by greenery, so there is a sense of comfortable privacy.

The menu is prix fixe and small, but the choices are all tempting. It includes crepes, omelets, salads, and French-pressed coffee. However, the most popular dishes are chicken, waffles, and eggs, Benedict.

Whether you dine outside in a quaint shaded patio area with flowers all around it or inside the charming French cottage feeling inside, the food is exquisite and generously proportioned.

Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

8. Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill

If you like Italian food and want something authentic, this place is a must-try!

Located in downtown Palm Springs, Sammy G is a perfect place for casual yet intimate dining.

Furthermore, Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill is positioned close to some of the city’s most charming hotels and stores in the center of downtown Palm Springs.

The ambiance is relaxed; music surrounds the place, and the lights are strategically placed to give an overall intimate atmosphere.

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill offers authentic Italian cuisine in their outdoor setting or inside the restaurant.

In addition, the restaurant transforms into a fun, cozy spot to meet up with friends and dance the night away to great music while sipping Sammy G’s specialty cocktails on Thursday through Saturday nights. So you might want to schedule your visit.

Overall, you might be disappointed if you are looking for old-school, authentic Italian. But if you are looking for delicious Italian-style food in a stylish setting with excellent service, a lively atmosphere, well-priced wine list, this is the place for you.

Address: 265 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

9. The Tropicale Palm Springs

Tropicale is what you would call a see-and-be-seen place. It is definitely one of the must-visit restaurants in Palm Springs.

The restaurant is buzzy, fun, and a melting pot for everyone to join and have a great time in a lovely space.

Step through the doors, and you are transported into a space designed to relax, stimulate, and indulge your senses.

There are great music, perfect lighting, and comfortable dining options indoors or dine outside in their charming and romantic patio garden.

Additionally, the menu is very eclectic, ranging from pan-Asian to American to pan-Mediterranean, and the drinks menu offers a broad, exciting selection.

Like the drink menu, the appetizer menu also has lots of variety, including several ways to enjoy shrimp, from “firecracker shrimp” to Coconut shrimp.

The menu also includes delicious tapas, salads, pizzas, desserts, and grilled Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola-Crusted Vintage Ranch and Kailua Barbecued Pork Chops.

Address: 330 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

10. Cheeky’s

Cheeky’s is a great spot for breakfast, but you want to get here early.

The restaurant offers a different take on its breakfast and lunch items. Some are very popular such as the “bacon flight.” with up to six flavors.

In fact, if you’ve ever been to Palm Springs, chances are good someone has recommended you brunch at Cheeky’s, and it is for a good reason.

The restaurant is a rare place that bridges the gap in a vacation destination between a local’s favorite and a tourist’s must-go. Everybody goes to Cheeky’s! And it is most definitely worth the wait.

The menu has everything you would want to see from a classic American breakfast/brunch diner – from fluffy buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and waffles to avocado toast, fresh smoothies, eggs, and bacon, all served in a buzzy, relaxed, and trendy atmosphere and at a reasonable price point.

The restaurant is busy on weekends, but you put your name on the list, and they text you when ready. It gives you a chance to walk around the shops and parks.

Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

11. Workshop Kitchen & Bar

Workshop Kitchen & Bar is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants in Palm Springs.

The French word “l’atelier,” which means “workshop,” “loft,” or “studio,” is the source of the name Workshop. The name refers to a workspace for artists, craftspeople, or in this case, cooks and other service professionals.

The workshop is housed in the 1926 Class 1 Historic El Paseo building in the center of the Uptown Design District. The ancient space has a modern, James Beard Award-winning design thanks to the workshop’s industrial chic decor.

This place is beautiful; from the minute you walk in, you’re swept away by the beautiful decor, and that’s not all.

Walk through the glass doors, and you are transported to another world. Concrete is the material of choice in this James Beard award-winning design. Cool both in vibe and temperature.

There’s also a courtyard which is really beautiful at night with twinkle lights in a big olive tree at the center.

As sleek and minimal/industrial as the decor is, the food is incredibly flavorful and creative.

Workshop serves up wonderfully brilliant cocktails combined with exceptional and conscientious service and wonderful meals.

They have a very flexible menu with many small and large plates. Heads up, the restaurant is expensive, so you might want to up your budget.

Address: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

12. Il Corso – Palm Springs

Right next to the Rowan Hotel, Il Corso is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Palm Springs.

The “heart of downtown” location is just the perfect place for this restaurant. The room and the spacious patio are really well designed, with that modern but old-world warmth and charm. Think lots of stone, industrial details, open ceilings, etc.

In short, the restaurant is architecturally spectacular on the interior, with a glass-enclosed wine “cellar” in the dining area, which, combined with the architecture, makes for a delightful ambiance.

The wall mirrors are hung at an angle so those seated facing the walls can see the hanging decor behind them.

Similarly, as you enter, a lively, cheerful bar is to your left, where you order food, and to your right is a gorgeous dining room.

A wide array of Italian foods with daily specials are available in the restaurant. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs.

Address: 111 N Palm Canyon Dr #180, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

Stopping by Palm Deserts? Check out our list of some of the best things to do in Palm Desert! 

13. Peninsula Pastries

If you want real French Baguettes and Pastries made using imported French flour, then this is the place for you.

Peninsula is a small family business run by a wife and husband team that is better than many of the “boulangeries” in France today. This is one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs.

It’s in a two-story strip mall, slightly hard to find, but this is the real deal. Apparently, they even import their own flour from France, thus limited quantities on some items, especially baguettes.

The owner takes pride in her creations; she uses French ingredients, and her knowledge of baking techniques has been brought with her from France.

Everything is made by hand overnight and sold the next day; if you want light, fluffy on the inside and thin crispiness on the outside, you have to do it by hand, which is slow, time-consuming, and hard work.

Yes, it is more expensive than most places. However, this is a “you get what you pay for” scenario.

This small bakery also serves coffee, but it’s the baked goods that people line up for.

Address: 611 S Palm Canyon Dr #1, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

14. King’s Highway, Palm Springs

King’s Highway is the roadside cafe at Ace Hotel & Swim Club.

This restaurant used to be a Denny’s before Ace took over and somewhat redesigned the space with a more modern look, adding mirrors, T.V., and wood tables, leaving the old floor with reminders of old booth locations.

In fact, this hotel-attached restaurant looks like the 60s coffee shop that has become an iconic design all over the country, but it hides a surprisingly hip menu.

Breakfast is served until 3 pm, making this a perfect mid-day destination, as you can get either breakfast or lunch items.

The menu includes specials like Avocado Toast, Moroccan scrambled eggs for breakfast, Eggplant Quinoa Fritters, and Buttermilk Fried Jidore Chicken for lunch.

They also have a fairly decent selection of vegetarian choices, something you don’t always find!

Address: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

15. Boozehounds

Boozehounds is one restaurant you don’t want to miss if you are looking for a dog-friendly restaurant. In fact, you come here and start thinking, why aren’t there more eateries that flat-out embrace Man’s Best Friend?

You and your canine companions can access a large enclosed patio area with bowls and snacks for your dog through a special door.

Sit at a table in the atrium with your dog and order from the human and dog menu! The dog menu includes drinks, appetizers, and a main course.

There’s also an enticingly eclectic bar menu encompassing both appetizers and more substantial cuisine in the beautiful indoor environment, which is still a human-only space.

This is definitely a place to try cocktails, although this is not super high-end craft cocktail fare.

Address: 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

16. Spencer’s Restaurant

Spencer’s is located off the main drag of Palm Springs, down a side road at the mountain’s base. Once inside, the ambiance is wonderful.

The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs for breakfast or lunch.

However, since Spencer’s caters to adults, children under the age of 12 are not permitted inside.

Spencer is a favorite of the residents in the Coachella Valley. In fact, the restaurant has won many awards, including Best Sunday Brunch, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Chef, and Most Romantic.

In addition, this restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio and is also known for offering Sunday brunch. So, be prepared for a bit of a wait at the crowded entrance, even with reservations.

The breakfast menu is diverse. No matter your desires or dietary restrictions, you will find options at Spencer’s, including a vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, and great choice of meat and fish.

The lunch menu also provides a beautiful selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as daily lunch specials, delicious desserts, and tasty cocktails.

Address: 701 W Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

17. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey

Love sushi and rolls? Sandfish is one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs to get them.

Sushi in the desert may seem counterintuitive, but this place is an oasis with many surprises.

The facade of the building is misleading – it looks small from the road, but on the side of the building, there is a vast outdoor dining area.

The restaurant is excellent for kids, families, and couples of all ages, and the quality of the food and service is outstanding!

The attention to detail is unmistakable from arrival to being seated, staff intros, explanations of specials, creative dishes, original cocktails, and good-sized portions.

In short, the sheer size of the menu at Sandfish is a lot to take in, but if you’ve got the patience and the stomach for it, you’ll find a lot to love.

The Sashimi Bowl featuring a variety of fish, is phenomenal and is meant to be shared. Likewise, Braised and Grilled Spanish Octopus served on a bed of edamame hummus is a dish you will lust after; you shouldn’t miss it.

They also have an extensive whiskey list and a nice selection of cocktails; their cocktails are fantastic, and the array of Japanese whiskeys is pure pleasure.

Don’t go if you’re expecting a Japanese-style sushi place like you would expect to see in L.A. or Seattle. Sandfish leans heavily on rolls with exciting names and a lot of ingredients.

Address: 1556 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

18. Counter-Reformation

Here’s a fun place to go for a drink before dinner. It’s a wine bar (they do not serve cocktails) with super attractive small plates.

It’s located in the upscale Parker Hotel and is a bit tricky to find. You walk straight through the lobby and out the back doors.

Then follow the path around to your left through tall hedges, and you will find it, or better still, just ask a staff in the lobby to direct you.

Step inside to the low-ceiling bar rocking out to a 70’s soundtrack, and if you are lucky, nab a seat at the bar (room for maybe 20 people). It also had standing room for a few more people.

The servers will guide you through the eclectic selection of wines and tantalizing small plates.

The bar is small and intimate, with a tremendous whimsical atmosphere; you can even “confess” your sins in one of the two confessionals at the far end of the restaurant, which is in keeping with the whimsy of the place.

With all trouble it takes to get here, it feels like a place that should mix crazy cocktails to make it worth your trouble if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Furthermore, you have to try the little bites with quail eggs, the Jamon Iberico, and the boffo selection of wines, including a good red from Armenia.

Besides the extremely well-conceived, delicious, and perfectly executed small plates, the hip ambiance and service are excellent as well.

Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr #5230, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

19. Mr. Lyons

If you are not in L.A. but still want to feel you’re in L.A., Mr. Lyons is for you. The restaurant is a meat eater’s paradise.

The restaurant is like one of those traditional dark and clubby steak houses with a fantastic bar attached to it.

The structure, which was first used as Lyons English Grille in 1945, was bought from David Lyons in 2014, and after a thorough repair, it was reopened as Mr. Lyons in 2015 as a tribute to Mr. David Lyons.

Mr. Lyons underwent a complete redesign from what used to be an Old English Prime Rib place. It is more modern now, with a more eclectic menu.

From the moment you call for a reservation, you are treated with the greatest care. Mr. Lyons serves traditional steakhouse fare with a contemporary twist.

Additionally, the atmosphere in all the rooms – the bar, dining room, and patio – is first-rate. Think dignified, sophisticated, and on-trend luxury without gimmicks and without feeling bored or stuffy.

Similarly, the lighting and decor make you feel as though you have been transported back to another time long ago.

The restaurant is somewhat iconic here in Palm Springs, and whether you are here for casual dining or a work dinner gathering, you’ll enjoy the experience.

So, if you can’t get a reservation, try your luck with a bar table that serves a bar menu or a full dinner menu.

Address: 233 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

20. 4 Saints

There are a few rooftop restaurants in Palm Springs, and 4 Saints is one of the best around.

Located on the rooftop of the Rowan Hotel, 4 Saints is a high-end hotel restaurant trending with the locals due to its height(7-stories high).

With height restrictions wisely enforced by Palm Springs City Council, even a 7-story view seems towering compared to others in the vicinity (and the mountains still have the last, majestical laugh).

The view is spectacular and worth the trip here, at least for a drink. The restaurant is designed to have visitors view the beautiful San Jacinta Mountain range. In fact, the sunset view here is awesome.

The menu is small, but there is no lack of choices for any appetite and diet. The servings are not large, but the quality is really great. From a Hamachi appetizer to a Fish in the Forest entrée or a filet, you cannot go wrong with anything here.

4 Saints also serves creative cocktails and California wines. The beverage program provides a concise wine list, local brews, and masterful cocktails.

Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

21. Antigua

Antigua is a family-owned restaurant where you can depend on quality meals and prompt, friendly service.

The restaurant serves up delicious American cuisine with locally sourced products and a relaxed, desert-eating atmosphere.

It also offers a spectacular location with an elegant yet relaxed ambiance.

Up to 120 people can be seated in the dining room with a roomy 30-foot bar and dining area, with additional space on the patio.

The garlic bread, crab cake, cheese pizza, fried ravioli, and seafood pasta are some meals to enjoy here.

Address: 105 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

22. Birba

Birba is a fun, popular outdoor dining experience you don’t want to miss in Palm Springs. In fact, Birba screams Palm Springs outdoors and Italian!

The restaurant may be a bit hard to find — it’s behind some very tall hedges with only a tiny sign outside. But it’s a beautiful hidden surprise once you find it.

It’s a little tricky to find, especially at night, but look for the big lighted “B” on the corner; that’s where you enter. Hint-it’s next door to sister restaurant Cheeky Monkey, which is an excellent breakfast spot.

Once you arrive, you will come across a large outdoor dining area in what feels like a secluded part of Palm Canyon Drive.

There’s also a nice seating area with sofas and tables for enjoying drinks.

Since 2011, Birba has offered seasonal handcrafted drinks, gluten-free pizza with cauliflower crust, and homemade pasta in an almost entirely outside setting.

Ingenious weekly dinner specialties, delicate salads, and handcrafted desserts are also offered on the menu.

In addition, the patio has enough heaters to make it enjoyable any time of year, and the vibe is hip and upbeat with people of all ages.

The cocktails and wine list are also well thought out, so you can spend some time sipping and soaking in the excellent energy before the main event.

Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

23. Thai Smile Palm Springs

Centrally located in downtown Palm Springs, Thai Smile is one of the best Thai restaurants in Palm Springs.

Thai food can be hit or miss when it comes to some kitchens. But Thai Smile does everything right.

The restaurant is where you will come hungry and leave fully sated, happy, and with a smile on your face.

Thai Smile was established in 1991 by a chef named Yim, which means “smile” in Thai. She was named after her pleasant personality. However, the current owners are Yim’s son, Mai, and his wife, Noi.

They offer a great range of dishes and allow different variations of dishes with different meats.

They also have an extensive menu of traditional Thai favorites, plus an extensive selection of house specialties.

The Panang Curry and Chicken Larb are worth the trip alone. They also have a large terrace for dining al fresco.

This restaurant also offers a wide variety of vegetarian meals, so they can always accommodate date your dietary needs.

So, if you are craving Thai food on your vacation in Palm Springs, visit Thai Smile.

Address: 100 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

24. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante

Johnny Costa’s is an excellent example of why Palm Springs is fun and definitely one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs.

The founder, Johnny Costa, has been a chef and restaurant owner in the Palm Springs area since 1976.

This place has an extensive history of movie stars eating here, and their Italian food is fantastic. In fact, this place was Frank Sinatra’s favorite spot.

When you enter, you feel as if you’ve gone back to the elegance and camaraderie of Frank Sinatra’s time. There’s just something entertaining about dining there.

Everything is fantastic, from the classical Italian music to the illuminated tables and the nostalgic ambiance at Johnny Costa’s Ristorante.

This isn’t the place if you’re looking for innovative cuisine or authentic Italian. But if you want old-school Italian-American food, this will do just fine.

The meals here are also excellent. The head Chef Vince Costa, Johnny’s son, continues the family heritage by flawlessly executing the family recipes to please clients.

You can’t go wrong with any soup, salad, or appetizers, but try mussels diablos and the classic antipasto.

Similarly, all pasta, fish, veal, and chicken entrees are superb, but the lasagna is a classic.

The history of Frank Sinatra eating here is also well documented on the website.

Address: 440 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

25. Bootlegger Tiki

If you appreciate the art of the cocktail, a well-crafted libation, artfully decorated and delicious – and especially if you lean toward tiki-style drinks- you must try Bootlegger tiki.

By stepping into this small, dimly lit, warmly welcoming tiki bar, you are signing yourself away to the illusion of being in a different time and place.

There are blowfish lamps, velvet paintings, bamboo on the ceiling and walls, mid-century postcards on the tables, and appropriate music for the era.

Bootlegger Tiki is a masterclass in the art of the cocktail. The deep, rich, dark red interior is a welcome contrast to Palm Spring’s bright, hot sun.

This tiny bar focuses on tiki but not the sweet concoctions that are typically associated with it.

Scanning through the seasonal menu, the options and concoctions seem boundless. But, in the heat of the moment, don’t get too worried. Instead, focus on a flavor profile (sweet, bitter, evenly made) and see where the road takes you.

There is also a patio connected to the coffee shop next door, where you can sit, but the booths and bar inside seem to be where it’s at.

Plus, it’s located at a pretty good spot on Palm Canyon Drive, next to galleries and furniture stores. So go catch a buzz, then buy some art you can’t afford; cheers!

Address: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

Final Remarks

Besides the retro ambiance, midcentury architecture, and breathtaking mountain panoramas, restaurants in Palm Springs are some of the best places you can visit.

So, if you plan on going to Palm Springs or exploring the city, take this list with you, and you are all set.

Bon Appetit!