The best restaurants in Palm Desert

71 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Pinned in Palm Desert today

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Restaurants · 71 places · showing the latest additions first

Relaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.

497 E Alessandro Blvd b (Riverside)

Relaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.

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Local Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.

783 W Blaine St (Riverside)

Local Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.

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Mario's Place

Restaurants

Upscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.

3646 Mission Inn Avenue (Riverside)

Upscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.

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Unassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.

4155 Park Ave (Riverside)

Unassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.

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Amagi Sushi

Restaurants

Small, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.

19510 Van Buren Boulevard F6 (Riverside)

Small, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.

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Enchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.

3204 Mission Inn Avenue (Riverside)

Enchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.

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Mexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.

2472 University Ave (Riverside)

Mexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.

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RiverCrust Deli

Restaurants

Deli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.

6235 River Crest Dr Ste F (Riverside)

Deli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.

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Laid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.

2646 E Alessandro Blvd (Riverside)

Laid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.

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Antonio Pizza

Restaurants

Informal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.

195 E Alessandro Blvd (Riverside)

Informal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.

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Ohana Sushi

Restaurants

This Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.

195 Alessandro Blvd Ste 8A (Riverside)

This Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.

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Tacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.

1242 University Ave Ste 5 (Riverside)

Tacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.

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Sushi R91

Restaurants

Sleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.

1630 Spruce St (Riverside)

Sleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.

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Sushi Times

Restaurants

Japanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.

1400 University Ave A101 (Riverside)

Japanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.

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Billy Q's

Restaurants

Founded in 2012 by Billy “Q” and Darnelle, Billy Q's keeps it cozy with scratch-made sauces and dressings, whole milk mozzarella, and…

36901 Cook St

Founded in 2012 by Billy “Q” and Darnelle, Billy Q's keeps it cozy with scratch-made sauces and dressings, whole milk mozzarella, and playful pies like Thai Chicken or Greek. Not feeling a slice, grab Ollie's Philly Cheesesteak, Lee's Tacos, or a legit salad that actually hits.

From the Cathedral City newsletter, August 7, 2026

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JC’s Cafe

Restaurants

JC’s Cafe has been family owned since 1987 and serves brunch all day, turning local, fresh ingredients into satisfying salads, hearty…

73200 El Paseo #1A

JC’s Cafe has been family owned since 1987 and serves brunch all day, turning local, fresh ingredients into satisfying salads, hearty sandwiches and breakfast-and-lunch favorites. There’s a real bar if you’re feeling celebratory, plus a dessert menu that makes being “good” next week sound perfectly reasonable.

From the Palm Desert newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Morgan’s in the Desert is La Quinta’s signature spot for contemporary American plates inspired by Coachella Valley bounty. Think Dungeness…

49499 Eisenhower Dr (La Quinta)

Morgan’s in the Desert is La Quinta’s signature spot for contemporary American plates inspired by Coachella Valley bounty. Think Dungeness Crab Cake, Dover Sole Grenobloise, and a Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak that turns heads, then make it your treat this week.

From the Coachella Valley newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Upscale resort eatery featuring sushi, knife-twirling teppanyaki chefs & exotic cocktails.

74-855 Country Club Dr

Upscale resort eatery featuring sushi, knife-twirling teppanyaki chefs & exotic cocktails.

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Homey spot with an array of seafood options plus drinks including vodka & wine amid mountain views.

73505 El Paseo

Homey spot with an array of seafood options plus drinks including vodka & wine amid mountain views.

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Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

73393 CA-111 STE 1

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

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Bright, easygoing cafe offering traditional French dishes, house-baked breads & pastries.

72423 CA-111

Bright, easygoing cafe offering traditional French dishes, house-baked breads & pastries.

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Bustling locale offering updated comfort classics for breakfast & brunch in a simple space.

73575 El Paseo #2310

Bustling locale offering updated comfort classics for breakfast & brunch in a simple space.

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All-you-can-eat experience where you grill or boil your own food at the table. Friendly staff.

72600 Dinah Shore Dr

All-you-can-eat experience where you grill or boil your own food at the table. Friendly staff.

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Si Bon

Restaurants

Stylish spot with a patio featuring Belgian fare, espresso & a full bar with imported beer & wine.

40101 Monterey Ave Ste E5 (Rancho Mirage)

Stylish spot with a patio featuring Belgian fare, espresso & a full bar with imported beer & wine.

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Casual eatery Italian fare such as steaks, pasta and seafood, plus wine and cocktails.

70030 CA-111 (Rancho Mirage)

Casual eatery Italian fare such as steaks, pasta and seafood, plus wine and cocktails.

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Fine-dining option for plant-based cuisine and steaks, plus a full bar, with live music and a patio.

72990 El Paseo Ste 3

Fine-dining option for plant-based cuisine and steaks, plus a full bar, with live music and a patio.

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Local outpost of a chain of casual Japanese eateries specializing in table-side teppanyaki & sushi.

74225 CA-111

Local outpost of a chain of casual Japanese eateries specializing in table-side teppanyaki & sushi.

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Casual eatery serving burgers and other American favorites, plus Italian staples, such as pasta, pizza and lasagna.

36200 Date Palm Dr Suite B (Cathedral City)

Casual eatery serving burgers and other American favorites, plus Italian staples, such as pasta, pizza and lasagna.

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BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.

42452 Bob Hope Dr Ste 4 (Rancho Mirage)

BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.

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il Corso

Restaurants

Urban bar/eatery with wood-fired pizza & elevated Italian mains, plus happy hours & outdoor seating.

73520 El Paseo

Urban bar/eatery with wood-fired pizza & elevated Italian mains, plus happy hours & outdoor seating.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

74600 CA-111 E

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

73-199 El Paseo A

Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

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Housemade pastas & other Italian/Sicilian fare, plus many wines, at a cozy spot with large windows.

72655 CA-111

Housemade pastas & other Italian/Sicilian fare, plus many wines, at a cozy spot with large windows.

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Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.

72-353 CA-111

Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.

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Eureka!

Restaurants

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

74985 CA-111 (Indian Wells)

Hip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.

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Classic comfort food, beer, wine, and cocktails served in a trendy space with an old-school speakeasy vibe.

69-950 Frank Sinatra Dr (Rancho Mirage)

Classic comfort food, beer, wine, and cocktails served in a trendy space with an old-school speakeasy vibe.

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CJ's Diner

Restaurants

Homey diner fare, including breakfasts, sandwiches & fried chicken, served in a comfy setting.

74894 Lennon Pl Ste H-1

Homey diner fare, including breakfasts, sandwiches & fried chicken, served in a comfy setting.

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Pancakes, oversized omelettes, burgers & more at this family-owned cafe with patio seating.

44150 Town Center Way

Pancakes, oversized omelettes, burgers & more at this family-owned cafe with patio seating.

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Larkspur Grill

Restaurants

Modern California cuisine with a local focus served in a comfy space with a full bar and patio.

45400 Larkspur Ln

Modern California cuisine with a local focus served in a comfy space with a full bar and patio.

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Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

74-880 Country Club Dr

Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

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BaBaLoo Lounge

Restaurants

Relaxed spot for Cuban classics (sandwiches, lechon) and Peruvian staples (ceviche).

73833 CA-111 · ✓ checked Aug 4

Relaxed spot for Cuban classics (sandwiches, lechon) and Peruvian staples (ceviche).

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Paella & tapas are served at this lively farm-to-table spot with a European-style decor & courtyard.

70026 CA-111 (Rancho Mirage)

Paella & tapas are served at this lively farm-to-table spot with a European-style decor & courtyard.

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Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

72-220 CA-111

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

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Family-run eatery serving American staples, Mexican dishes, lunch classics and brunch plates, alongside margaritas.

73030 El Paseo #103

Family-run eatery serving American staples, Mexican dishes, lunch classics and brunch plates, alongside margaritas.

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Relaxed Japanese spot dishing up sushi & cooked entrees plus beer, wine & sake in a casual setting.

72785 CA-111 B4 B4

Relaxed Japanese spot dishing up sushi & cooked entrees plus beer, wine & sake in a casual setting.

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Sleek, stylish sushi bar with inventive house rolls, sake cocktails & outdoor seating.

73111 El Paseo Ste 103

Sleek, stylish sushi bar with inventive house rolls, sake cocktails & outdoor seating.

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Phở Vu

Restaurants

Laid-back eatery specializing in pho, vermicelli bowls and other classic Vietnamese eats.

34260 Monterey Ave

Laid-back eatery specializing in pho, vermicelli bowls and other classic Vietnamese eats.

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Steakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.

73505 El Paseo Ste 2600

Steakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.

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Sit-down space for Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-burning oven, plus pasta, antipasti, wine & more.

73722 El Paseo #1

Sit-down space for Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-burning oven, plus pasta, antipasti, wine & more.

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Joyce's Sushi

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant offering a menu of sushi and other Japanese dishes, plus sake and cocktails.

36-101 Bob Hope Dr Ste E1 (Rancho Mirage)

Relaxed restaurant offering a menu of sushi and other Japanese dishes, plus sake and cocktails.

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Cafe fare & pre-packed meals prepared with organic & local produce, plus an espresso menu.

73910 CA-111 Ste F

Cafe fare & pre-packed meals prepared with organic & local produce, plus an espresso menu.

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Katsuyama

Restaurants

Laid-back Japanese eatery serving ramen, sushi, and tonkatsu dishes, plus beer and sake.

74990 Country Club Dr STE 330A

Laid-back Japanese eatery serving ramen, sushi, and tonkatsu dishes, plus beer and sake.

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Burgers & Beer

Restaurants

Local chain serving burgers & beer, plus breakfast, Mexican fare, pasta & more, in a casual setting.

72773 Dinah Shore Dr (Rancho Mirage)

Local chain serving burgers & beer, plus breakfast, Mexican fare, pasta & more, in a casual setting.

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JT's Diner

Restaurants

Upbeat, contemporary restaurant with booth & counter seating, offering traditional American meals.

37011 Cook St

Upbeat, contemporary restaurant with booth & counter seating, offering traditional American meals.

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Easygoing eatery with a second-storey terrace that serves pizza and burgers alongside pasta.

73595 El Paseo Ste 2208

Easygoing eatery with a second-storey terrace that serves pizza and burgers alongside pasta.

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Chicken served as sliders, tenders and fried pieces with spice levels, plus fries.

72363 CA-111

Chicken served as sliders, tenders and fried pieces with spice levels, plus fries.

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Casual eatery serving a variety of poke bowls and sushi rolls, plus boba drinks.

36901 Cook St #6

Casual eatery serving a variety of poke bowls and sushi rolls, plus boba drinks.

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Choice dry-aged meats & seafood mains are paired with fine wines & valley views at the Ritz-Carlton.

68900 Frank Sinatra Dr (Rancho Mirage)

Choice dry-aged meats & seafood mains are paired with fine wines & valley views at the Ritz-Carlton.

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Go-to for traditional Italian dishes & happy-hour specials in an upscale setting since 1986.

73705 El Paseo

Go-to for traditional Italian dishes & happy-hour specials in an upscale setting since 1986.

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Relaxed Italian spot with old-world flair & a patio serving housemade pasta & traditional mains.

73540 CA-111 Ste 4

Relaxed Italian spot with old-world flair & a patio serving housemade pasta & traditional mains.

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Fun spot for inventive breakfast plates, plus craft beer & cocktails, in hip & quirky surrounds.

44491 Town Center Way

Fun spot for inventive breakfast plates, plus craft beer & cocktails, in hip & quirky surrounds.

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New American nibbles & cocktails are served at this sleek hotel hangout with a large terrace.

68900 Frank Sinatra Dr (Rancho Mirage)

New American nibbles & cocktails are served at this sleek hotel hangout with a large terrace.

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Dragon Sushi

Restaurants

Casual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sashimi, and tempura, plus beer, wine, and sake.

72261 CA-111

Casual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sashimi, and tempura, plus beer, wine, and sake.

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Casual restaurant for upscale American cuisine, including steaks, in an elegant setting.

69830 CA-111 (Rancho Mirage)

Casual restaurant for upscale American cuisine, including steaks, in an elegant setting.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

72-920 CA-111

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Sophisticated chain steakhouse serving up prime steaks and seafood, plus live entertainment.

73405 El Paseo Ste 120

Sophisticated chain steakhouse serving up prime steaks and seafood, plus live entertainment.

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Elegant Italian eatery feels like a Tuscan villa with rose gardens, gazebos & ample outdoor seating.

72557 CA-111

Elegant Italian eatery feels like a Tuscan villa with rose gardens, gazebos & ample outdoor seating.

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Casual spot specializing in gourmet burgers, hot dogs & salads with kitschy island decor.

Plaza de Monterey (Next to Bristol Farms, 73091 Country Club Dr

Casual spot specializing in gourmet burgers, hot dogs & salads with kitschy island decor.

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Cups Cafe

Restaurants

Laid-back restaurant serving breakfast fare, such as pancakes and omelets, plus coffee drinks and cocktails.

77912 Country Club Dr

Laid-back restaurant serving breakfast fare, such as pancakes and omelets, plus coffee drinks and cocktails.

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One of a group of family-owned steakhouses featuring clubby rooms & various USDA Prime steaks.

78525 CA-111 Ste 100 (La Quinta)

One of a group of family-owned steakhouses featuring clubby rooms & various USDA Prime steaks.

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Rockwood Grill

Restaurants

Swanky eatery at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort with locally sourced, elevated American fare.

74855 Country Club Dr

Swanky eatery at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort with locally sourced, elevated American fare.

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