Palm Springs Restaurant Reviews
The situation regarding Palm Springs restaurants is a little more complicated for residents than the one I described in the hotels section. We rarely stay in a local hotel (or motel, condo, etc.) since we live here. On the other hand, most of us would be quite happy to eat at any restaurant in the valley every day of the week.
The wide variety of menu, atmosphere and price range that exists among Palm Springs restaurants (and those throughout the valley) makes dining out extremely appealing. Even in a vacation paradise however, a person can become broke and flabby if he or she is not careful. So, I’ve narrowed my list of essential dining experiences to a select but very tasty assortment.
There are always new restaurants opening up all the time, so it is overwhelming to keep up with it all. But make no mistake about it, Palm springs and the entire Coachella Valley is loaded with great places to eat.
The Best Seafood Restaurants
Fisherman’s Market and Grill – $$ – Fresh from the sea to your plate. Fisherman’s Market and Grill is local favorite…
The Best Italian Restaurants
Ristorante Mamma Gina – $$ – If you like real authentic Italian food, then this is the spot for you! Great fish, poultry and meat with delicious sauces and an extensive wine list. Mamma gina is the real thing…
The Best Mexican Restaurants
Las Casuelas – $$ – I love mexican food and Las Casuelas is one of the best mexican restaurants in the desert. There are 4 locations to choose from; 2 in Palm Springs, one in Rancho Mirage and one in La Quinta. (I’m partial to the La Quinta location).
Macario’s – $ – The best tasting Mexican food in the desert! Huevos Rancheros breakfast special for $2.99 is my recommendation. Best sauces and tortillas – I love it…
Best Californian / American Restaurants
La Quinta Cliff House – $$ – This is one of our favorites. Perched on the craggy rocks of historic Point Happy, the restaurant captures the area’s ranch heritage and architecture of the early 1900s. So successful is its ambiance, it won the American Society of Interior Designers first place award in Restaurant Design.
The Best French Restaurants
Le Vallauris – $$$ – A renowned french restaurant built in an historical landmark. For 30 years Le Vallauris has been a favorite of the rich and famous. An extraordinary dining experience.
The Best Steakhouses
Ruth’s Chris Steak House – $$$ – For true steak lovers, this one can’t be beat. Simply the best steak anywhere. You’ll pay a pretty penny, but it is well worth the price.
The Best Pizza
Palermo’s New York Pizza & Pasta – $ – Nobody makes New York style pizza better than Palermo’s New York Pizza & Pasta…
in American Bistro – (760) 322-6300
Restaurant Location: Palm Springs
Food Quality: Excellent
Food Pricing: $$ – Moderate ($15-$30/plate)
Ambiance: Excellent
Service Quality: Excellent
Reviewer’s Comments: Great American food with a French twist, a real find in Palm Springs. A meal here is like being in San Francisco for the night. Artisian wine list with 1/2 off prices thru the summer makes this a great local spot as well as a treat for the tourists.
Patrick’s Roadhouse – 760-325-1551
Restaurant Location: Palm Springs
Food Quality: Excellent
Food Pricing: $ – Cheap ($7-$15/plate)
Ambiance: Excellent
Service Quality: Excellent
Reviewer’s Comments: This restaurant is the best in Palm Springs. Finally an affordable hangout with great food and friendly service.
Johannes – (760) 778-0017
Restaurant Name: Johannes
Restaurant Location: Palm Springs
Food Quality: Excellent
Food Pricing: $$ – Moderate ($15-$30/plate)
Ambiance: Excellent
Service Quality: Excellent
Reviewer’s Comments: Chef Johannes Bacher is an old family friend, and his restaurant seems like one, too. The decor is warm and elegant, like the staff. Pumpkin-colored walls, maple Scandinavian accents, framed Austrian newspaper clippings. But it’s the food that’s the real draw. We usually start with an endive, grape, and pear salad that has this amazing can’t-be-described black current-dijon dressing, then we move onto filet mignon or pork chops or my favorite – the seared ahi with an apricot and truffle-yaki reduction. We finish with a surprisingly strong Austrian decaf, and the Dessert Sampler, which is simply miniature versions of their Tahitian vanilla creme brulee, apple strudel, and warm chocolate cake with vanilla icecream. Wine list is generally Californian, but also good. During season, make reservations; the restaurant is always busy.
Musashi Japanese – (760) 340-9780
Restaurant Name: Musashi Japanese
Restaurant Location: Palm Desert
Food Quality: Excellent
Food Pricing: $$ – Moderate ($15-$30/plate)
Ambiance: Good
Service Quality: Excellent
Reviewers comments: I’m coming back home to the desert soon, and when I do one of the first places I’ll go to will be Musashi. Great sushi. One of the best things they make is Hotate, which is the scallops they cut up into a seaweed cup filled with rice and then topped with some creamy sauce that’s incredible. Also, the seaweed salad is delicious and good for you. They also serve regular Asian food, but Sushi is the reason to go.
