I am pleased to be able to recommend some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs.
The Tropicale: I had a great meal at this fun restaurant with a Caribbean supper club feel. Loved the décor. They have a huge patio with outdoor dining as well. The place was packed even at 6pm. 330 E. Amado.
Lulu California Bistro, 200 S. Palm Canyon Dr.: This is a large, hip restaurant in downtown Palm Springs that is the place to go. It is colorful and contemporary with indoor as well as outdoor seating and a large bar. The food and service were good. The three course dinners are a great value and the way to go! Can’t believe I had an early bird special. I must be getting old.
Birba: Located at 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr., this is owned by the same company as Cheeky’s and the Alcazar Hotel. The sleek, contemporary restaurant, with primarily outdoor seating (heaters for colder nights in the desert), features salads, pizzas and other Italian entrees. I enjoyed my meal, the design and the service.
Koffi: 1700 S. Camino Real at East Palm Canyon Drive. This is an attractive coffee shop with food items as well. There is a second location further north at 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive downtown.
King’s Highway – Ace Hotel: Located in a former Denny’s Restaurant this is a great hip, contemporary place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Norma’s – The Parker Palm Springs: Located at 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive in the Parker Palm Springs Hotel, this is the place for Sunday brunch. The patio seating is wonderful with its colored canvas roof panels. I had the best lobster salad with mango. Enjoyed watching the hip LA crowd and just being outside on a gorgeous day.
Cheeky’s: Located at 622 N. Palm Canyon, this is a great spot for breakfast or lunch that is owned by the same group at Birba and the Alcazar Hotel. Make sure to go early as I got there just before 8 am and there was already a line. I liked the food and the contemporary atmosphere. Their Mexican specialties are very popular.
Other spots getting good reviews and press include Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Le Vallauris Restaurant and 4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel. The casual Shanghai Red’s Bar & Grill is known for beer, peel-and-eat shrimp and fish tacos while Rooster and the Pig has some great Vietnamese food. Bootlegger Tiki bar is a fun spot for cocktails.