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On your next vacation to Palm Desert, get ready to eat like a king (or queen)!
If you are looking for the best restaurants in the Palm Desert, California area, there are several restaurants that you need to try. This Palm Springs area is home to some of the best American, French, Italian, and Mexican restaurants in the region.
Regardless of whether you are looking for street food, takeout, or a fine dining experience, there are plenty of entrees in Coachella Valley that you will absolutely love. There are countless great restaurants serving up delicious comfort food, and you can always take advantage of some drinks and appetizers during one of the amazing happy hour experiences at these restaurants.
If you are in the mood for the best restaurants in Palm Desert, CA 92260, take a look at some of the best options below, and try to make a reservation ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any of these amazing options!
This is one of the best places in the country for a foodie to dive in!
1. Billy Q’s
Price: $$
Without a doubt, this restaurant is an absolute staple of the local area. It was founded by Billy Q and Darnelle in 2012, and it has been one of the most popular places for an outdoor meal ever since. The outdoor patio is to die for, but the outdoor seating will fill up quickly, so be sure to get there early if you want to check it out.
This is a laid-back diner that has a tremendous menu, so you can certainly find something to meet your needs. Their Italian offerings are some of the best choices, and they have a gluten-free menu as well. You can wash it all down with a few margaritas, some draft beer, or a nice bottle of wine. There is something for everyone at this restaurant, which is why it is one of the most popular choices in the region.
You can find this restaurant located at 36901 Cook St., Palm Desert, CA 92211.
2. Grill-A-Burger
Price: $$
If you are in the mood for some gourmet burgers, then you definitely need to swing by this restaurant to get your daily grill going. You can choose from some amazing hot dogs, fresh beef patties, and some delicious salads. When all of this is combined with its unique Island decor, it is easy to see why people love this restaurant.
There is nothing quite like an old-fashioned hamburger, and that is exactly what you will get with this delicious meal. You can literally feel the flavor busting out of it, so make sure to grab a few napkins while you are at it.
If you want to check it out, you can find this restaurant located at 73091 Country Club Dr., Suite A2, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
3. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
Price: $$$
If you are in the mood for some local island cuisine, this might be the best place to go. You probably never realized that Tommy Bahama also served up some delicious local food, but now you do! You can relax on a beautiful outdoor terrace, gaze out at the San Jacinto Mountains, and enjoy some delicious beverages along with a nice meal,
You might want to bite into a classic burger, or you might be in the mood for some amazing mango salad. They also have a lot of specials that rotate from time to time, so do not hesitate to talk to the chef about what he or she might have available. If you want to relax, this is probably one of the best places in the local area to do so.
You can check out this delicious restaurant located at 75-595 El Paseo, The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
4. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Price: $$$$
If you have never been to a fine steakhouse before, now is the opportunity to do so. Ruth’s Chris is one of the staples of Upper Crust steakhouses, and this establishment is no different. All of the steaks are USDA prime, and you can enjoy an amazing view as you bite into one of the best steaks of your life.
When the steak comes out, just keep in mind that they are served on cast iron platters, so they are sure to be sizzling hot. Do not touch! Then, don’t forget to pair your steak with delicious wine for an unforgettable dinner. This is the perfect place to go for a special night out.
If you want to give this amazing steakhouse a try, you can find it located at 74740 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
5. Guillermo’s Restaurante
Price: $$
If you are looking for an exceptional Mexican restaurant that is relatively inexpensive, Guillermo’s is the place to go. It is popular among locals and visitors alike, so that is how you know it is exceptional. Furthermore, this is a family-owned and operated restaurant that will give you the personal service you deserve. As far as Mexican food goes, it does not get much better than this.
There are plenty of Mexican dishes on the menu, and there will probably be a few things that you have never heard of before. This is an opportunity to try something new! You can choose from a wide variety of delicious tequilas, and you can relax on the patio. They will also give you a nice birthday celebration if you show up on your special day!
If you want to check out this restaurant, you can find it located at 72850 El Paseo, Palms to Pines West Shopping Center, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
6. Piero’s PizzaVino
Price: $$
If you are in the mood for some pizza, you should give this restaurant a try. PizzaVino is a special sit-down restaurant where you can try antipasto, pasta dishes, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and delicious wine. The restaurant has only been open for about 10 years, but it has already become one of the most popular destinations in the local area. There is nothing quite like pizza that has been cooked in a brick oven, and you will find that out quickly.
Even if you are not in the mood for pizza, there are plenty of other options on the menu. For example, you might want to try some of their eggplant dishes, which are incredibly popular.
When you want to give this restaurant a try, you can find it located at 73722 El Paseo Ste 1, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
7. Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe
Price: $$
If you are looking for breakfast food or a nice brunch, this is the place to go. They serve classic comfort food, and you can always customize it to meet your needs. The cooks prepare the meal using recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, so it is easy to see why this is among the best Palm Desert restaurants available. The recipes have been honed over numerous decades.
All of the meals have witty names, the staff is always down to chat with you as you eat, and there are lots of options on the menu. If you are having a difficult time deciding what to eat, you may want to check out the meatloaf with eggs. This is something that will fill you up quickly!
If you want to give this restaurant a try, you can find it located at 73575 El Paseo, Ste C2310 Unit 2310, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
8. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
Price: $$$$
Are you in the mood for some delicious seafood? If so, the dishes of Kipp Downing are definitely the place to go. Pacifica has been open since the 1980s, and it is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. There are plenty of drink specials on the menu, and you can enjoy some amazing views of the mountains as you eat.
If you are trying to figure out what to order, reach for the salmon or the salt muscles. To truly appreciate everything the restaurant has to offer, talk to the waiter about what the best options are for wine pairings. You will be glad you did!
You can find Pacifica located at 73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
9. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Price: $$$$
If you are looking for steak paired with entertainment, this is one of the best restaurants to go to. It is owned by the Romano’s Macaroni Grill parent company, and it always serves some of the best cuts of steak paired with amazing seafood, including lobster tails. Just know that anything you get from this restaurant is going to be juicy, tender, and seasoned exquisitely.
If you come for Happy Hour, you can also have your pick-up appetizers, salads, and a number of other ways to save money on your meal. There will probably be some live music for you to enjoy as well. Do not forget to talk to the waiter about different drinks you can pair to bring your entire meal together.
If you want to give this restaurant a try, you can find it at 73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
10. Ristorante Mamma Gina
Price: $$$
If you are looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in town, Mamma Gina is definitely one of the best places to check out. It has been open for more than 35 years, and the restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes. If you are looking to save some money, consider showing up during happy hour. You will be glad you did.
The restaurant serves a wide variety of traditional dishes. The selections rotate from time to time, so you can always come back for another night out. You can also take advantage of a family-style dining opportunity if you wish. You might want to dive into their traditional Italian pasta, which are usually served with amazing seafood. Don’t skip dessert! The delicious creme brulee is one of the best options on the menu.
If you want to try out this restaurant, you can find it located at 73705 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
11. Mastro’s Steakhouse
Price: $$$$
There are lots of amazing steakhouses in the area, and this is another one you can add to the list. In 2011, Mastro’s Steakhouse opened with the goal of providing an old Hollywood dining experience. It certainly delivered on that, and you are the beneficiary of it!
Regardless of whether you are looking for lobster mashed potatoes, a t-bone steak, or a fresh filet, this restaurant certainly has it covered. You can choose your cut, pair it with an amazing bottle of wine, and set yourself up for an evening you will never forget. They also have a variety of specials that rotate from time to time, so remember to talk with your waiter about the different options available during your evening.
If you are ready to give this restaurant a try, visit it at 73405 El Paseo Suite 120, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
12. La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Price: $$$
This is a delicious Tuscan restaurant that will deliver authentic Italian cuisine. La Spiga has developed a reputation for its fresh food, its amazing presentation, and its unparalleled outdoor dining opportunities. Furthermore, you may want to ask where the ingredients came from, as many of them are picked right in the garden behind the restaurant. This is a restaurant that gives a new meaning to the farm-to-table restaurant.
There are plenty of delicious items on the menu, including veal, porcini mushrooms, and their delicious tiramisu. They also have a wide variety of rotating specials, so do not forget to ask the waiter about anything additional on the menu.
When you are ready to give this restaurant a try, swing by 72557 CA – 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
13. Cork Tree Restaurant
Price: $$$$
If you are looking for the perfect date night, swing by Cork Tree. It is one of the most popular local restaurants, and they provide exceptional service with unparalleled plating to bring everything together. You can also take advantage of an amazing wine selection that will blow you away.
This is the perfect option for a romantic evening, particularly when there is live entertainment available in the dining area. You also have the option to eat your meal outside if you are looking for something a bit different.
If you want to try out this restaurant, you can find it at 74950 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260.
14. Cuistot
Price: $$$
This is a popular, upscale French restaurant that has an amazing wine menu and a wide variety of delicious pastries. That makes this spot one of the best locations for an amazing happy hour, but they also have a wide variety of delicious entrees on the menu as well. You might want to reach for the rack of roast lamb, the lobster ravioli, or the stuffed fowl. The restaurant does a good job of putting French and Californian cuisine together.
If you feel like branching out to try something new, you might want to reach for something with rabbit in it. Don’t forget to finish off the meal with some delicious wine as well as some amazing desserts. The outdoor fireplaces bring the entire experience together.
If you want a dive into the menu at this restaurant, you can find it at 72595 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
15. Cafe Des Beaux Arts
Price: $$$
If you are looking for some amazing French cuisine, this is one of the best restaurants to try. It has a bit of a casual vibe to it, but it simply underlines the amazing quality of its food. This is one of the best locations to try some amazing French cooking, and you can come here for brunch, lunch, or dinner. There is always something special going on.
You might want to try the linguine Diabolo, a brie burger, or even the Croque monsieur. You might also want to ask about the Happy Hour specials they have available, and this is a great place to host a party!
If you want to see what this restaurant has to offer, you can find it situated at 73-640 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Find the Best Restaurants in the Palm Desert Area
Clearly, if you are looking for an unforgettable dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants from which to choose in the local area.
You might be in the mood for a few tacos, or you might want to check out one of the Mediterranean restaurants in the area. You can find short ribs, sea bass, and an extensive wine list to bring the entire night out together. Keep in mind that many of the restaurants on this list are going to fill up quickly, so you need to make sure to reserve a table if the restaurant has that option.
Then, take a look at the menu, and see what you are in the mood for! You can find it in Palm Desert.
