Downtown Palm Springs Food Guide
Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to escape to for a long weekend. Just around two hours from Los Angeles it is an easy drive. While there are a few different main areas of Palm Springs, like Indian Wells, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage, my food choices will be focused around the Downtown Palm Springs Area. Downtown is a small, vibrant and lively area filled with art, restaurants, music, and charming hotels. There are many different restaurants to choose from, so I’ve gone ahead and created a list of my favorite brunch and dinner spots.
Brunch
FARM
https://www.farmpalmsprings.com/
FARM is a cute little french restaurant nestled in a little oasis off the main strip of Palm Canyon Drive. They specialize in traditional french dishes and pride themselves on locally sourced produce, eggs, and meat. I have been many times, and although I always attempt to try something different, more times than not I end up getting the “A La Banane” french toast. Some other menu items that I recommend are the Roasted Pear Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and lastly the Baked Brie Plate is a must try! They don’t take reservations, so your best bet is to go early, or expect to wait for your table, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
Lulu California Bistro
http://www.lulupalmsprings.com/
Lulu California Bistro is a Palm Springs staple. Its colorful interior and huge outdoor patio makes it hard to miss. If you are looking for a fun weekend brunch with a group of your friends this is the place. On Saturdays and Sundays they have a 3-course menu for $19.99/person. This menu comes with an appetizer, entree, and dessert and you can also add bottomless mimosas for $8. If mimosas aren’t your cup of tea, they have bottomless coffee too. Some of my favorite items from this menu are the Mixed Green Salad, Skewer of Chicken Tenders, Linguine with Shrimp, Chicken Pot Pie, and the Signature Triple Chocolate Cake. Similar to FARM, you are also going to have to wait a while for your table at Lulu’s, especially on the weekends, so put your name down, and go walk around downtown and grab some souvenirs then head back when they text you.
Dinner
Tac/Quila
Tac/Quila is a small Mexican restaurant that specializes in presentation and environment, while also locally sourcing all of their ingredients. Their menu has carefully curated cocktails, and traditional Mexican dishes. Some of my favorite items are the Beer Tempura Avocado Bites, Grilled Avocado Salad, Chipotle Marinated Shrimp Fajitas, and you really can’t go wrong with any of their tacos. Tac/Quila does take reservations but make them in advance because they do fill up fast, and because of the size of the restaurant they cannot accommodate parties larger than 6.
Sandfish
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey Bar has curated a beautifully judicious selection of hand-crafted sushi and whiskey pairings. If you are going to enjoy a sushi dinner in Palm springs this is your place, while expensive, it's worth it. In my opinion the best sushi roll is the Sandfish Roll, but some other great menu items are the Spicy Tuna Tostada, Koko Roll, Hamachi Kama, and all of their Nigiri and Sashimi is delicious, high quality, and fresh. They do have a tasting menu that is served omakase style that allows you to try the most popular menu items, and I definitely recommend this. They do take reservations through Open Table and they do fill up fast on weekends.
Ruben and Ozzys Oyster Bar & Grill
https://www.rubenandozzys.com/
Ruben and Ozzys Oyster Bar & Grill has been around in Palm Springs for many years and specializes in spectacular fish dishes and charismatic service. This is the place to go for a casual seafood dinner with a group of friends. They have delicious oyster shooters and plenty of alcohol selections. Some of my favorite dishes are the Coconut Shrimp, Ruben’s Special, Cioppino, Ozzy’s special, and their Fresh Fish Tacos. They are open for both lunch and dinner and do not take reservations, if you go early you probably won’t have to wait but if you go at a prime time the wait can be pretty long because they don’t have many tables.
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill
https://www.sammygsrestaurant.com/
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill is located right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and has a beautifully expansive outdoor patio, and a rustic Italian indoor dining space. This restaurant feels high end but still manages to be affordable and inclusive. This is a good date night spot to bring your significant other. Their menu is a mix of Italian favorites and California Classics. They have a huge wine list and great cocktail menu. Although i'm usually a wine girl, I got the Bellini Martini last time I went and it was amazing! The Caprese Salad is a good starter, and the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Vodka Rose Sauce Pasta, and Filet Mignon Diane are good entree choices. They do take reservations and it is fairly easy to get one because they have such a large patio. If you are in Palm Springs on a Thursday, make sure to stop by for their live music.
Visiting a new city can be intimidating to find the right places to eat, so I hope this guide helps!