Top 10 Places to Dine in Palm Springs in 2027

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1. Workshop Kitchen + Bar 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Cuisine: Modern American | Price: $$$ | Location: Uptown Design District, N Palm Canyon Dr | Best for: design-forward special-occasion dinner

Set inside a converted 1920s building with soaring ceilings and exposed industrial concrete, Workshop is the city's most decorated dining room—holder of a James Beard Foundation design award and a standing place in the Michelin Guide for Palm Springs. The seasonal, ingredient-driven menu changes often, and the cathedral-like space is unlike anything else in the desert.

It is the safest single booking when you want the meal to feel like an event. The bar program is serious, and the room reads as polished without tipping into stuffy.

Pros:

• Michelin-recommended and a James Beard design award winner.
• Striking 1920s architecture with dramatic concrete booths.
• Seasonal, ingredient-led menu that rotates frequently.
• Strong cocktail program at the long central bar.

Cons:

• Among the higher checks in town.
• Hard surfaces make it loud on a full night.

Verdict: The most complete fine-dining experience in Palm Springs and the easiest splurge to recommend.

2. Wilma & Frieda 💎 BEST VALUE

The Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Drag

Cuisine: American comfort / brunch | Price: $$ | Location: 155 S Palm Canyon Dr | Best for: affordable, crowd-pleasing breakfast and brunch

Named for the owners' two grandmothers, Wilma & Frieda serves comfort food with a twist in a cheerful room just off the main drag. Short-rib hash, signature scrambles, and oversized pancakes make it the value pick when you want to eat genuinely well without a dinner-tier bill.

It draws a line out the door on weekends for a reason. Portions are generous, the service is warm, and the prices stay friendly even as the rest of downtown trends upmarket.

Pros:

• Friendly prices versus the dinner-tier rooms downtown.
• Generous portions of short-rib hash and signature scrambles.
• Central S Palm Canyon location that is easy to fold into a day.
• Warm, casual service that suits families.

Cons:

• Weekend waits can be long without a reservation.
• Mostly daytime hours—not a dinner option.

Verdict: The best-value table in Palm Springs for a satisfying brunch that does not blow the budget.

3. Rooster and the Pig

A Local’s Guide to Brunch, Lunch, and Late-Night Bites

Cuisine: Vietnamese-Californian | Price: $$ | Location: 356 S Indian Canyon Dr | Best for: the city's most decorated international cooking

Rooster and the Pig was named a USA Today Restaurant of the Year in 2026, cementing the city's national culinary standing. The Vietnamese-Californian menu—clay-pot rice, crispy imperial rolls, shaking beef—is bright, confident, and unlike anything else in the valley.

It remains Palm Springs' most decorated international option, and the small dining room books up fast. Go early or expect to wait.

Pros:

• USA Today Restaurant of the Year (2026) recognition.
• Vibrant Vietnamese-Californian menu with standout shaking beef.
• Mid-range pricing for the quality on the plate.
• Intimate room with a strong local following.

Cons:

• No reservations at times means a wait.
• Small space fills quickly on weekends.

Verdict: The most acclaimed flavors in town and a must for adventurous eaters.

4. Bar Cecil

Bar Cecil

Cuisine: French-leaning American bistro | Price: $$$ | Location: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr | Best for: a stylish, art-filled dinner and martini

A newer-generation Palm Springs star, Bar Cecil has held Michelin recognition since the guide first covered the city in 2022 and continues to appear on Eater LA's best-of lists. The maximalist, art-covered room pairs a French-leaning bistro menu—steak frites, roast chicken, a serious raw bar—with one of the best cocktail lists in the desert.

It is the spot that best connects the city's culinary identity with its design-obsessed culture. Book ahead; the bar fills early.

Pros:

• Michelin-recognized since 2022 and on current Eater lists.
• Art-filled, maximalist room that defines Palm Springs style.
• Excellent martinis and a polished cocktail program.
• Bistro classics done with care.

Cons:

• Premium pricing at the upper-mid tier.
• High demand makes prime tables tough to land.

Verdict: The stylish modern face of Palm Springs dining, ideal for a design-loving night out.

5. Spencer's Restaurant

Spencer's Restaurant

Cuisine: New American with French and Pacific Rim notes | Price: $$$ | Location: 701 W Baristo Rd | Best for: the prettiest patio in town

Spencer's is celebrated for four-star American cuisine with subtle French and Pacific Rim influences, served on what many regulars call the prettiest patio in Palm Springs, tucked beside the historic Tennis Club at the base of the mountains. Steak, lobster, and an extensive seafood lineup anchor the menu.

The garden setting, mountain backdrop, and long-running consistency make it a special-occasion staple for locals and visitors alike.

Pros:

• Lush garden patio at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains.
• Four-star New American menu with French and Pacific Rim touches.
• Strong seafood and steak selection.
• Long-running consistency and polished service.

Cons:

• Higher checks for dinner and the wine list.
• Best tables on the patio can require booking ahead.

Verdict: The pick when the setting matters as much as the plate—book the patio.

6. Tac/Quila

Tac/Quila

Cuisine: Elevated Jalisco-style Mexican | Price: $$ | Location: 175 N Palm Canyon Dr, Uptown | Best for: tacos, margaritas, and a deep tequila list

From the team behind Farm and Clandestino, Tac/Quila serves gourmet Jalisco-style cuisine alongside a long roster of specialty tequilas, and it carries a Michelin Guide listing for Palm Springs. The patio along North Palm Canyon is a prime people-watching perch in the Uptown Design District.

Bright, modern Mexican plates and a serious agave-spirit program make it a livelier, more casual counterpoint to the city's fine-dining rooms.

Pros:

• Michelin Guide listed for elevated Mexican.

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I've seen a lot of menus and margins in my career. Palm Springs doesn't coast—it delivers. If you want more intel like this, without the fluff, keep an eye on PULSE / CRO Syndicate. We don't do pretty brochures. We do what works.

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2. The Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Drag

The Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Drag

You’ve heard about the big names on Palm Canyon Drive, but I’ve spent enough late nights in this desert to know the real magic happens when you stray a block or two off the beaten path. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re where locals actually go when they want to eat well without the hype.

Mr. Lyons Steakhouse sits on a quiet stretch of North Palm Canyon, tucked inside a mid-century building that feels like a time capsule from 1960s Palm Springs. The space is all dark wood, leather booths, and a glowing bar that looks like it belongs in a Rat Pack film. The steaks are dry-aged in-house, and the bone-in ribeye runs around $65–$85—pricey, but worth it for the quality. The real sleeper here is the happy hour, available Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, where you can snag a burger and a martini for under $30. It’s a local secret, so don’t expect a crowd of tourists.

Bar Cecil, named after the legendary designer Cecil B. DeMille, is a newer addition that’s already earning buzz. It’s a small, intimate spot with a 1950s cocktail-lounge vibe—think velvet banquettes, dim lighting, and a pianist on weekend nights. The menu leans into modern American with a twist: the smoked trout dip ($16) and the dry-aged duck breast ($38) are standouts. Reservations are tough to get during season, but walk-ins at the bar are possible if you’re flexible. It’s a date-night favorite, so book a week ahead if you can.

The Tropicale is the wild card. It’s a sprawling, open-air restaurant with a tiki-bar aesthetic and a menu that jumps from Latin to Asian to Italian. The crowd is a mix of snowbirds, locals, and the occasional celebrity sighting. The food is solid—try the coconut-crusted shrimp ($18) or the short rib tacos ($22)—but the real draw is the atmosphere. They have live music most nights, and the patio is heated for cooler evenings. It’s not fine dining, but it’s a damn good time.

Pro tip: These places don’t get the press that Workshop or Spencer’s do, but they’re consistently booked during peak season. Call ahead or use OpenTable at least three days in advance. And if you’re driving, note that parking can be tight—look for street spots or valet at Mr. Lyons ($10).

3. A Local’s Guide to Brunch, Lunch, and Late-Night Bites

A Local’s Guide to Brunch, Lunch, and Late-Night Bites

Tourists flock to the big names for dinner, but I’ve learned that Palm Springs truly shines during the off-hours. Whether you need a hangover cure after a night at the Ace Hotel pool or a quick bite between gallery hops, these spots deliver without the fuss.

Cheeky’s is the brunch king, and for good reason. It’s a tiny spot on Palm Canyon Drive with a constantly rotating menu—think bacon flights (five styles for $14), chilaquiles, and a killer breakfast burrito ($12). The line starts forming by 8 AM on weekends, so get there early or be prepared to wait 30–45 minutes. They don’t take reservations, but the wait is part of the experience. Pro tip: go on a weekday if you can; it’s much quieter.

Elmer’s is the old-school alternative. It’s a classic American diner that’s been around since the 1960s, with pancakes the size of dinner plates and a senior-citizen crowd that’s been coming for decades. The German pancake ($14) and the corned beef hash ($13) are the moves. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable and cheap—perfect for a no-nonsense breakfast.

For lunch, Sherman’s Deli is the spot. It’s a New York-style deli that’s been in Palm Springs for over 60 years, serving massive sandwiches like the pastrami Reuben ($18) and matzo ball soup ($9). The portions are absurd—one sandwich can feed two people easily. It’s cash-only at the counter, so bring bills or use the ATM inside. The vibe is chaotic and loud, but that’s part of the charm.

Late-night eats are trickier in Palm Springs, but Tac/Quila on South Palm Canyon stays open until midnight on weekends. It’s a casual taqueria with solid al pastor tacos ($4 each) and a decent margarita selection. The outdoor patio is heated, and the crowd is young and lively. If you’re craving something greasy after 10 PM, this is your best bet.

A word on timing: Most of these places close by 9 PM on weekdays, so plan accordingly. And if you’re here during the summer (June–September), many restaurants have reduced hours or close entirely for a few weeks. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.

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Sources

• Palm Springs Life Magazine — local dining guides and restaurant reviews
• Visit Palm Springs (official tourism site) — curated lists of top restaurants and dining experiences
• Yelp — user reviews and ratings for Palm Springs eateries
• OpenTable — reservation data and diner feedback for local restaurants
• Eater Palm Springs — food-focused coverage of the city's dining scene
• The Desert Sun — local newspaper with restaurant features and critic reviews

FAQ

What’s the best time of year to visit Palm Springs for dining? The peak season runs November through April, when weather is perfect and most restaurants are fully booked. If you want easier reservations and lower prices, aim for the summer months, but expect extreme heat and some places closed for renovation.

How far in advance should I book a table at Workshop Kitchen + Bar? During the busy season, reserve one to two weeks ahead to secure a spot. Last-minute walk-ins are rare, especially on weekends, so plan ahead if you want to experience that Michelin-recommended room.

Are any of these restaurants kid-friendly? Wilma & Frieda is a solid choice for families, with a relaxed brunch vibe and comfort food that appeals to all ages. Most other spots on the list lean toward adult-oriented, upscale dining, so check their policies if you’re bringing little ones.

What’s the dress code at places like Workshop or the supper clubs? Smart casual is the norm—think collared shirts, nice jeans, and closed-toe shoes. Jackets aren’t required, but you won’t look out of place in one. Avoid shorts and flip-flops at the top-tier spots.

Is parking easy to find near Palm Canyon Drive restaurants? Street parking is limited, especially during peak season, but there are several paid lots and garages within a short walk. Many visitors find it easier to use rideshares or valet services at the pricier venues.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options on these menus? Yes, most places offer at least a few plant-based dishes, though the menus are heavily meat- and seafood-focused. Workshop Kitchen + Bar and Wilma & Frieda both have solid vegetarian choices, but call ahead if you need strict vegan accommodations.