A local’s picks — from someone who actually lived here
Palm Springs has a food scene that punches well above its size. Whether you’re after a lazy brunch in a sun-drenched courtyard, a proper dinner before a night out, or a cocktail with a rooftop view of the desert, there’s something here for every mood.
This guide is organized by neighborhood, so you can plan around wherever you’re based.
- Downtown — Palm Canyon Drive & Surroundings
- Uptown Design District — North Palm Canyon
- South Palm Canyon — Southern End
- ☀️ Brunch & Breakfast
- 🌯 Lunch Picks
- ☀️ Brunch & Breakfast
- 🌯 Lunch Picks
- 🍣 Japanese & Sushi — “Sushi in the Desert”
- Cocktails & Bars
- Don’t Miss: Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream
- A Few Practical Notes
Downtown — Palm Canyon Drive & Surroundings
The main strip. Busy, walkable, and packed with options at every price point.
FARM (La Plaza) ⭐ Personal Favorite
A charming courtyard restaurant with a South of France feel — tucked into La Plaza, one of Palm Springs’ most photogenic spots. Known for its crepes, and deservedly so.
My personal favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. Great for breakfast and lunch; dinner is also available by reservation.
Best for: Breakfast, brunch, crepes, courtyard ambiance
Inka Peruvian Cuisine
Don’t let the location fool you — this is genuinely good Peruvian food. The steak and the fried rice-style dishes are standouts. Worth seeking out if you want something different from the standard American resort fare.
Best for: Lunch or dinner, something a little different
Uptown Design District — North Palm Canyon
The more design-forward, cocktail-focused end of Palm Springs. Good for evening dining and drinks.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
A stylish American restaurant with a well-earned reputation for its Mac & Cheese — richer and more indulgent than it sounds. The lounge atmosphere works well for both dinner and drinks.
Best for: Dinner, cocktails, upscale-casual American
South Palm Canyon — Southern End
More hotel-centric and suited to evening dining. A slightly quieter alternative to the main strip.
Las Casuelas Terraza
A Palm Springs institution for Mexican food. The steak dishes are also worth ordering. Lively atmosphere, especially on weekend evenings.
Best for: Mexican food, margaritas, classic Palm Springs dining
Mr. Lyons Steakhouse
A classic steakhouse in the truest sense — dark wood, leather booths, and a menu built around well-aged beef. If you’re in the mood for a proper steak dinner, this is the place.
Best for: Steak dinner, classic steakhouse atmosphere
☀️ Brunch & Breakfast
Wilma & Frieda’s ⭐
The go-to brunch spot in Palm Springs. Expect a wait on weekends — but it’s worth it. Morning hours only; check the official site for current hours and the menu.
Best for: Weekend brunch (go early or expect a line)
🌯 Lunch Picks
La Bonita
A casual Mexican spot I used to stop at regularly for burritos. Quick, affordable, and consistently good.
Best for: Quick lunch, burritos
The Sandwich Spot
Popular for a reason. The sandwiches are enormous — come hungry.
Best for: Lunch, generous portions
In-N-Out Burger
If you’re from outside California, this is non-negotiable. Fresh, affordable, and exactly what you want after a long day at the tennis. When in doubt, go here.
☀️ Brunch & Breakfast
Wilma & Frieda’s ⭐
The go-to brunch spot in Palm Springs. Expect a wait on weekends — but it’s worth it. Morning hours only; check the official site for current hours and the menu.
Best for: Weekend brunch (go early or expect a line)
🌯 Lunch Picks
La Bonita
A casual Mexican spot I used to stop at regularly for burritos. Quick, affordable, and consistently good.
Best for: Quick lunch, burritos
The Sandwich Spot
Popular for a reason. The sandwiches are enormous — come hungry.
Best for: Lunch, generous portions
In-N-Out Burger
If you’re from outside California, this is non-negotiable. Fresh, affordable, and exactly what you want after a long day at the tennis. When in doubt, go here.
Best for: Casual lunch, California fast food experience
🍣 Japanese & Sushi — “Sushi in the Desert”
Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar
All-you-can-eat sushi in the middle of the desert — it works better than you’d expect. I went here regularly when the craving hit. A solid option if you want a break from American food.
Best for: Sushi lovers, all-you-can-eat option
Cocktails & Bars
4 Saints (Rooftop) — Kimpton Rowan
The rooftop bar and restaurant at the Kimpton Rowan hotel. Modern American food paired with one of the best views in Palm Springs — the desert sunset from up here is genuinely special.
Best for: Sunset cocktails, rooftop views, post-dinner drinks
Boozehounds
Featured in the Michelin Guide as a dog-friendly cocktail bar with a patio. A relaxed, unpretentious spot for a drink or two — and yes, dogs are welcome on the patio.
Best for: Casual cocktails, dog owners, patio drinking
Don’t Miss: Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream
Before you leave Palm Springs, get the Cookie Monster — a vivid blue ice cream that looks like it should be aggressively sweet, but is actually more balanced than you’d expect. It’s become something of a Palm Springs rite of passage. Highly recommended.
A Few Practical Notes
- Reservations: For dinner at FARM, Eight4Nine, and Mr. Lyons, booking ahead is recommended — especially during the BNP Paribas Open period (March 1–15)
- Brunch lines: Wilma & Frieda’s gets busy fast on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to wait
- Hours: Always check current opening hours before visiting — some spots have seasonal schedules
Hiro | I’ve lived in Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and North America — and I write about the places I called home. Travel blog → live-travel-log.com/en
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