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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Two pinned places a day in Palm Desert — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
La Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsRelaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.
La Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsMarcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsLocal Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.
Marcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsMario's Place
RestaurantsUpscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.
Mario's Place
RestaurantsEl Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsUnassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.
El Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsAmagi Sushi
RestaurantsSmall, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.
Amagi Sushi
RestaurantsEl Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsEnchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.
El Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsHabanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsMexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.
Habanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsRiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsDeli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.
RiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsMariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.
Mariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsAntonio Pizza
RestaurantsInformal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.
Antonio Pizza
RestaurantsOhana Sushi
RestaurantsThis Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.
Ohana Sushi
RestaurantsMiches De La Baja
RestaurantsTacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.
Miches De La Baja
RestaurantsSushi R91
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.
Sushi R91
RestaurantsSushi Times
RestaurantsJapanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.
Sushi Times
RestaurantsBilly Q's
RestaurantsFounded in 2012 by Billy “Q” and Darnelle, Billy Q's keeps it cozy with scratch-made sauces and dressings, whole milk mozzarella, and…
Billy Q's
RestaurantsJC’s Cafe
RestaurantsJC’s Cafe has been family owned since 1987 and serves brunch all day, turning local, fresh ingredients into satisfying salads, hearty…
JC’s Cafe
RestaurantsMorgan’s in the desert
RestaurantsMorgan’s in the Desert is La Quinta’s signature spot for contemporary American plates inspired by Coachella Valley bounty. Think Dungeness…
Morgan’s in the desert
RestaurantsMikado Japanese Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale resort eatery featuring sushi, knife-twirling teppanyaki chefs & exotic cocktails.
Mikado Japanese Steakhouse
RestaurantsPacifica Seafood Restaurant
RestaurantsHomey spot with an array of seafood options plus drinks including vodka & wine amid mountain views.
Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
RestaurantsHabit Burger & Grill
RestaurantsCharbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.
Habit Burger & Grill
RestaurantsFrench Corner Cafe
RestaurantsBright, easygoing cafe offering traditional French dishes, house-baked breads & pastries.
French Corner Cafe
RestaurantsWilma & Frieda's Cafe
RestaurantsBustling locale offering updated comfort classics for breakfast & brunch in a simple space.
Wilma & Frieda's Cafe
RestaurantsBlazing King BBQ & HOTPOT
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat experience where you grill or boil your own food at the table. Friendly staff.
Blazing King BBQ & HOTPOT
RestaurantsSi Bon
RestaurantsStylish spot with a patio featuring Belgian fare, espresso & a full bar with imported beer & wine.
Si Bon
RestaurantsEnzo's Rancho Mirage
RestaurantsCasual eatery Italian fare such as steaks, pasta and seafood, plus wine and cocktails.
Enzo's Rancho Mirage
RestaurantsWildest Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsFine-dining option for plant-based cuisine and steaks, plus a full bar, with live music and a patio.
Wildest Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsShogun Restaurant
RestaurantsLocal outpost of a chain of casual Japanese eateries specializing in table-side teppanyaki & sushi.
Shogun Restaurant
RestaurantsNick's Italian Bistro
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving burgers and other American favorites, plus Italian staples, such as pasta, pizza and lasagna.
Nick's Italian Bistro
RestaurantsDickey's Barbecue Pit
RestaurantsBBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Restaurantsil Corso
RestaurantsUrban bar/eatery with wood-fired pizza & elevated Italian mains, plus happy hours & outdoor seating.
il Corso
RestaurantsWingstop
RestaurantsCasual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
Wingstop
RestaurantsShake Shack El Paseo
RestaurantsHip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.
Shake Shack El Paseo
RestaurantsTrattoria Tiramisu Palm Desert
RestaurantsHousemade pastas & other Italian/Sicilian fare, plus many wines, at a cozy spot with large windows.
Trattoria Tiramisu Palm Desert
RestaurantsIslands Restaurant Palm Desert
RestaurantsBeachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.
Islands Restaurant Palm Desert
RestaurantsEureka!
RestaurantsHip dining spot serving elevated burgers, craft beer & whiskey in industrial-chic surrounds.
Eureka!
RestaurantsFoxy's Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsClassic comfort food, beer, wine, and cocktails served in a trendy space with an old-school speakeasy vibe.
Foxy's Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsCJ's Diner
RestaurantsHomey diner fare, including breakfasts, sandwiches & fried chicken, served in a comfy setting.
CJ's Diner
RestaurantsParadise Cove Café
RestaurantsPancakes, oversized omelettes, burgers & more at this family-owned cafe with patio seating.
Paradise Cove Café
RestaurantsLarkspur Grill
RestaurantsModern California cuisine with a local focus served in a comfy space with a full bar and patio.
Larkspur Grill
RestaurantsMorton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.
Morton's The Steakhouse
RestaurantsBaBaLoo Lounge
RestaurantsRelaxed spot for Cuban classics (sandwiches, lechon) and Peruvian staples (ceviche).
BaBaLoo Lounge
RestaurantsCatalan Spanish Mediterranean Restaurant
RestaurantsPaella & tapas are served at this lively farm-to-table spot with a European-style decor & courtyard.
Catalan Spanish Mediterranean Restaurant
RestaurantsOutback Steakhouse
RestaurantsBoisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Outback Steakhouse
RestaurantsRestaurante Los Primos
RestaurantsFamily-run eatery serving American staples, Mexican dishes, lunch classics and brunch plates, alongside margaritas.
Restaurante Los Primos
RestaurantsMusashi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed Japanese spot dishing up sushi & cooked entrees plus beer, wine & sake in a casual setting.
Musashi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsThe Venue Sushi & Spirits Redefined
RestaurantsSleek, stylish sushi bar with inventive house rolls, sake cocktails & outdoor seating.
The Venue Sushi & Spirits Redefined
RestaurantsPhở Vu
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery specializing in pho, vermicelli bowls and other classic Vietnamese eats.
Phở Vu
RestaurantsSullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsSteakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsPiero's PizzaVino
RestaurantsSit-down space for Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-burning oven, plus pasta, antipasti, wine & more.
Piero's PizzaVino
RestaurantsJoyce's Sushi
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant offering a menu of sushi and other Japanese dishes, plus sake and cocktails.
Joyce's Sushi
RestaurantsLuscious Lorraine's
RestaurantsCafe fare & pre-packed meals prepared with organic & local produce, plus an espresso menu.
Luscious Lorraine's
RestaurantsKatsuyama
RestaurantsLaid-back Japanese eatery serving ramen, sushi, and tonkatsu dishes, plus beer and sake.
Katsuyama
RestaurantsBurgers & Beer
RestaurantsLocal chain serving burgers & beer, plus breakfast, Mexican fare, pasta & more, in a casual setting.
Burgers & Beer
RestaurantsJT's Diner
RestaurantsUpbeat, contemporary restaurant with booth & counter seating, offering traditional American meals.
JT's Diner
RestaurantsThe Hideout Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsEasygoing eatery with a second-storey terrace that serves pizza and burgers alongside pasta.
The Hideout Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsChicken served as sliders, tenders and fried pieces with spice levels, plus fries.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsISLAND BOBA SUSHI POKE
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving a variety of poke bowls and sushi rolls, plus boba drinks.
ISLAND BOBA SUSHI POKE
RestaurantsThe Edge Steakhouse
RestaurantsChoice dry-aged meats & seafood mains are paired with fine wines & valley views at the Ritz-Carlton.
The Edge Steakhouse
RestaurantsRistorante Mamma Gina
RestaurantsGo-to for traditional Italian dishes & happy-hour specials in an upscale setting since 1986.
Ristorante Mamma Gina
RestaurantsMimmo's Italian Restaurant and Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian spot with old-world flair & a patio serving housemade pasta & traditional mains.
Mimmo's Italian Restaurant and Bar
RestaurantsBreakfast Republic
RestaurantsFun spot for inventive breakfast plates, plus craft beer & cocktails, in hip & quirky surrounds.
Breakfast Republic
RestaurantsState Fare Bar & Kitchen
RestaurantsNew American nibbles & cocktails are served at this sleek hotel hangout with a large terrace.
State Fare Bar & Kitchen
RestaurantsDragon Sushi
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sashimi, and tempura, plus beer, wine, and sake.
Dragon Sushi
RestaurantsWillie's Modern Fare
RestaurantsCasual restaurant for upscale American cuisine, including steaks, in an elegant setting.
Willie's Modern Fare
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsMastro's Steakhouse
RestaurantsSophisticated chain steakhouse serving up prime steaks and seafood, plus live entertainment.
Mastro's Steakhouse
RestaurantsLa Spiga Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsElegant Italian eatery feels like a Tuscan villa with rose gardens, gazebos & ample outdoor seating.
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsGrill-A-Burger - Palm Desert, CA
RestaurantsCasual spot specializing in gourmet burgers, hot dogs & salads with kitschy island decor.
Grill-A-Burger - Palm Desert, CA
RestaurantsCups Cafe
RestaurantsLaid-back restaurant serving breakfast fare, such as pancakes and omelets, plus coffee drinks and cocktails.
Cups Cafe
RestaurantsLG's Prime Steakhouse
RestaurantsOne of a group of family-owned steakhouses featuring clubby rooms & various USDA Prime steaks.
LG's Prime Steakhouse
RestaurantsRockwood Grill
RestaurantsSwanky eatery at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort with locally sourced, elevated American fare.
Rockwood Grill
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
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