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Stay & Eat. Quintessentially Delicious.

Known for their intimate and extraordinary lodgings, several Palm Springs boutique hotels also have on-site restaurants that round out an authentic stay experience. Kitchens are run by chefs dedicated to creating thoughtfully prepared, and often locally sourced, meals with their own twist. 

La Serena Villas

Azucar: Modern contemporary cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor utilizing high-quality, local ingredients.

About Chef Joane Garcia-Colson: A recovering trial lawyer turned chef who left the practice of law to pursue her true passion – cooking. After graduating with both honors and distinction from the Arizona Culinary Institute, she threw caution to the wind and established dish Creative Cuisine in 2012. In January of 2018, Joane had the opportunity to take the culinary helm at Azucar in La Serena Villas in Palm Springs. “When I walked in the door of La Serena Villas, I fell in love with the property and couldn’t wait to bring my passion and love of food to Azucar.” Joane and her team are dedicated to excellence and strive to provide their guests with a creative, delicious and memorable dining experience.

Ingleside Inn

Melvyn’s:  Elegantly upbeat and the home of authentic Hollywood glamour with classic dishes and PlumpJack wines. The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s is known for its nightly entertainment and the popular Sunday Night Jam Sessions featuring guest musicians and singers. No shorts, flip-flops, or baseball caps are permitted in the dining room.

About Chef Jennifer Towne: A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Town studied at Northern Italy’s Ristorante La Torre under Chef Patrizia Grossi, head chef for the Italian Olympic Team in Salt Lake City, Athens and Torino, Italy. She then went on to become junior sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas where she trained under a master French pastry chef and oversaw all aspects of food preparation within a four-star hotel. After three years of island life, Town relocated to Palm Springs to be part of the opening culinary management team for the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. In her role as executive sous chef, Town planned menus with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients for the hotel’s restaurant, bar, pool, in-room dining and banquets. Town also served as executive chef of the Purple Room Supper Club, a former Rat Pack hangout and destination for Palm Springs residents and travelers alike.

Interview with Executive Chef Jennifer Town (from spring 2018):
ttps://www.palmspringslife.com/melvyns-palm-springs/

Alcazar

Cheeky’s: Chef: Genuinely local. Small farm food, responsibly sourced meats and fresh local produce. Modern space for creative breakfast & lunch sandwiches, bacon flights & specialty cinnamon rolls. Chef: Jose

Birba: Modern Italian restaurant with a changing menu of global eats and craft cocktails. Chic, tree-filled patio. Chef: Eric

About local chef, restaurateur and hotelier, Tara Lazar, F10 Creative.It was a simple idea: Create a fun hangout for a homemade breakfast where Tara and her friends could gather, with no fuss, fresh local ingredients, and everything made from scratch. In 2008, the now-infamous Cheeky’s was born. Always an avid eater, born of will-travel-for-food gourmand parents, Tara began building her small empire of restaurants, bars (and a hotel!) from an endless appetite of cravings, tastes, sights, sounds and colorful spaces found around the globe. Recalling a midsummer night in Tuscany, pasta-heaped and wine-imbued, Tara (and her Milanese husband) created Birba, the al fresco Italian spot next door to Cheeky’s, in 2011. With friends around the globe dropping in to visit her burgeoning Palm Springs empire, Tara dove into a splashy pool season-weekender hotel—with the ideal Palm Canyon address—in Alcazar, opened in 2011.
 

Sparrow’s Lodge

The Barn Kitchen: This rustic chic American eatery serves an inspired menu of sandwiches, salads and small bites daily until 6 p.m., including an excellent burger and a chicken salad sandwich that explodes with flavor (roasted chicken, avocado, bibb lettuce, tomato and spicy mustard on rustic sourdough). Family style dinners on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Reservations required.

Interview with Executive Chef Gabriel Woo (from last fall):
https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/food/2017/10/31/gabriel-woo-chef-from-palm-springs-palm-springs/815712001/
 

Holiday House

Pantry, also overseen by Gabriel Woo. American fare. Fried chicken supper Friday’s only. Reservations required.

Los Arboles Hotel:

El MirasolCocina Mexicana has built a reputation for consistently serving piping hot plates of artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and tangy, flavorful Margaritas in Palm Springs, California. It features a singular focus on wholesome, fresh food with house specialties like Chicharron en Salsa, a rich, aromatic Mole Sauce and handmade Corn Tortillas made fresh daily.

About Felipe and Lisbet Castañeda. They have seen their tiny original restaurant grow into two busy Palm Springs locations. El Mirasol South is still in the original location they opened in 1985. The restaurant is a landmark in Palm Springs and enjoys a bustling atmosphere, small bar and outside tables on East Palm Canyon Drive. The Castañedas’ are natives of the small ranching town of Tepechitlan, Zacatecas, an area with a proud culinary history that borders Jalisco’s famous Tequila region. Mexican food traditions go back for generations in this family and that passion for food translates into great meals for customers of both their Palm Springs restaurants.

Arrive:

Draughtsman:elevated pub fare and an extensive list of draught beers.

Reservoir: Modern Southern California cuisines

Interview with Executive chef, Carmen Rodriguez:“What I’m known for is the global Latin thing of fusing different cuisines together. But more than anything else, I fuse cultures together. I look at the history of the dish and when I find a commonality between an Asian dish and a Latin dish is when I put them together. I look for a commonality in the culture and people behind it—there are stories behind every dish.”  

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Divine, Delicious Dining In Palm Springs

Two women with blonde hair enjoy dessert at Sparrows Lodge

What do you think of when planning a visit to Palm Springs?  Of course, I envision gorgeous, soaring palm trees and dramatic mountain vistas highlighted by an almost endless, glorious, radiant sun. Upscale unique shopping and fascinating museums are also on my to-do list. And then there is that stunning trip up the mountainside on the one-of-a-kind Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

I think of all these attractions, but mostly I think of the charming boutique hotels and also the beautifully presented dishes offered by a wide variety of excellent restaurants.

Kris, a fellow adventuresome travel writer, and I recently visited Palm Springs and focused on the small hotels and food. We both stayed in different Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels — I was at The Muse, where I had a modern comfortable suite and was happily entranced by the cheerful colors and sparkling pool with floating flamingoes. Kris stayed at the Lucille Palm Springs, a Spanish Revival property featuring lush, soothing surroundings.  

In a future article I will focus on these hotels and also on the The Velvet Rope, where we enjoyed touring rooms focused on famous celebrity visitors to Palm Springs. But now I want to share the great restaurants we visited. I’ve visited Palm Springs quite a few times and enjoyed many fabulous restaurants, but this time we mainly dined at places new to us, and they were all outstanding.

Azúcar at La Serena Villas

A plate of Shishito peppers at Azúcar at La Serena Villas

Shishito peppers are a great addition to any meal at Azúcar. Photo by Sue Montgomery

We had a lovely late lunch at Azúcar, located on the grounds of the luxurious La Serena Villas, another special Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel. We enjoyed the artistically decorated dining area with its enticing menu. We asked the friendly server to bring us some of his favorite dishes. I started our meal with a tangy margarita, which was the perfect accompaniment to crispy, house-made chips and tasty, chunky guacamole. 

This was followed by yummy blistered Shishito peppers served on an ajo (garlic) blanco-style puree, finished with house-made vinegar and bread crumbs. We also enjoyed charred escarole served with an Italian style salsa verde on a bed of leek puree. Our featured dish was succulent grande Iberico pork rack with roasted shallots on a bed of mostarda sauce (made of candied fruit and mustard syrup). The scrumptious vanilla bean pudding topped with whipped cream and served with warm churros was the perfect ending to our wonderful lunch.

Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole Hotel

A bowl of French onion soup in a white crock from Freddie's Kitchen

A warm bowl of French onion soup is a treat at Freddie’s Kitchen. Photo by Sue Montgomery

After checking into our hotels we met a friend at Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole Hotel, a newly remodeled small hotel. The atmosphere is fun and casual with food reflecting what the chef describes as “French California cuisine with a focus on France but an international flair.” Chef and owner Frederic Pierrel was born in Alsace, France, and studied cuisine in his native country. This is where he learned to love using seasonal ingredients as he does at Freddie’s. Appropriately, we all started our meals with savory French onion soup. My entrée was Australian barramundi al la plancha, which was delicious. (“Plancha” is a Spanish term meaning cooked on a very hot flattop grill.)  This special fish dish was flavorful but mild. The French-style dark chocolate mousse for desert was a wonderful cap to to an enjoyable meal.

Farm Palm Springs

A plate with a salmon and egg crepe on it topped by a salad

The salmon crepe at The Farm Palm Springs. Photo by Sue Montgomery

Early the next morning, three of us had breakfast at the Farm Palm Springs, a popular spot featuring farm-to-table Provencal dishes in an enchanting country patio setting.  We each ordered different varieties of crepes. I had a delectable crepe full of portobello and shiitake mushrooms, Gruyère cheese, and crème fraiche. It was truly heaven. One of my friends enjoyed a crepe bursting with salmon and spinach, while the other loved her sweet crepe filled with Nutella, chocolate, and strawberries. The atmosphere was warm and gracious. We will definitely return to this welcoming cafe, which is also open for lunch and dinner.

The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge

A plate of smashed cucumbers at Sparrows Lodge

The unique smashed cucumbers dish at Sparrows Lodge. Photo by Sue Montgomery

After a relaxing afternoon, we were mesmerized during dinner by the magical allure of the Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, another PSPSH hotel in a lovely setting with twinkling lights adding to the outdoor patio’s ambiance. Our meal began with cocktails and appetizers. We savored the beautifully presented hummus served with cucumber, Kalamata olives, pickled onion, and grilled pita. We also ordered smashed cucumbers, an intriguing dish enhanced by salsa, scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds, and festive cucumber flowers. I am a cucumber lover and this was the most creative presentation of the vegetable I’ve ever tried.

We each ordered a different entrée. My vegetarian dish was roasted organic cauliflower steak served with marble potatoes and topped with a tasty red pepper saffron sauce and shaved fennel. Kris adored her mole, which featured a half chicken smothered in a savory sauce with steamed rice and pickled onion, and our friend Kathy enjoyed the Baja striped bass on a bed of grilled sweet corn, summer squash, Italian peppers, and braised kale. As if we had room for more, we shared a truly decadent chocolate pot de crème made of a passion fruit gel and coconut streusel. (Kathy raved that this was one of the best desserts she had ever eaten.) The Barn Kitchen has an enticing menu of appealing, unique dishes and we all agreed that we would like to stay at the Sparrows Lodge and enjoy this wonderful restaurant again.

Three blonde women hold up their glasses to cheers at The Barn Kitchen's outdoor table

Friends enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Sparrows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Sue Montgomery

These are just four of the many special restaurants in Palm Springs. Palm Springs is beckoning me to return for a week (or more) so I can stay in charming small hotels and enjoy different wonderful restaurants every day. I would not run out of an abundance of tempting choices.

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And Just Like That It’s Thanksgiving In Palm Springs

A small orange pumpkin on a white napkin on a plate on a table

Summer is over, and cooler temps are playing coy. We’ve got days in the 90s and evenings in the 60s, with a strong forecast of holidays. That came fast, right?

If you need to get out of town for Thanksgiving this year, there’s no greater place to do that than in Palm Springs. The weather will be crisp in the earlies and lates; the pools and the afternoons will be warm; and the food, as always, will be outstanding.

You have options too! You can stay in one of our hotels that have a restaurant on site, and just stroll to dinner. Or you can opt for one of our other gorgeous properties and book dinner at one of the delightful options below. 

Most of the links go to OpenTable so you can see if they have any slots available. Some have but a few, others have wider options.

Home for the holidays

A vintage photo of a woman wearing a red dress holding up a turkey next to a pool in Palm Springs

Palm Springs does Thanksgiving poolside

So*Pa at L’Horizon — I had Thanksgiving here last year. Served family style, everything was delicious. Add to that, the property is stunning. We started with drinks by the pool, then were escorted to our table. All class, all the time.

The Pantry at Holiday House — Pretty sure this is a Class 1 Historic Site — the Holiday House, not The Pantry. It’s quite cozy, and Chef cooks up some mighty fine food.

Freddie’s at The Cole — It’s French! Freddie’s that is. The Cole is located on the north end of Palm Springs, and is a beautiful mid-mod property lovingly restored around 2020.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — The ultimate spot in Palm Springs history, this property has hosted some of the biggest names in the 20th century. It used to be Ruth Hardy’s estate (she’s got her own park now) and has been a staple of our little city for over a century. Little bungalows make you feel like you’re at a swanky camp for bazillionaires. 

Del Rey at Villa Royale — This is another wonderful fine dining choice, and a marvelous place to stay. Peep the pool.

Thanksgiving dinner, Palm Springs style

Eight4Nine — Located in the old Palm Springs post office, you’d never know it. It’s a gorgeous spot just north of mid-town, and is one of the hottest spots to dine in Palm Springs. 

Kaiser Grille — I have never been, but my understanding is that their food is delicious. And you can’t beat that patio for people watching, unless you sit on the patio at …

Lulu — Solid menu, great drinks, and another great people watching spot if you sit outside. Inside it’s a fun and eclectic mix of old and new. 

Trio — This great little spot took a hit during the pandemic, but I ate here in June and it was back to its delightful former self. I have to say I personally miss the Australian Sole, but a girl can’t have everything.

Zin American Bistro — A warm atmosphere, with great wines and good food. Across the street from Lulu, the patio encourages people watching.

Churrasco — One of the newest restaurants in Palm Springs, it’s all about the meats. Right next to Johnny Costa’s on the southern end of the strip.

Tropicale — Slightly away from the madding crowd, across from the new old post office, is Tropicale. The patio is stunning, and the food is good too.

Grand Central — Right downtown, in La Plaza, this ginormous restaurant has the best grilled cheese. I’m sure they’re not serving it for Thanksgiving, but if an American standard like grilled cheese can be that good, a Thanksgiving dinner will likely be yummy.

La Cocina — Inside Reforma, this restaurant has a terrific chef and is one of the newer spots in Palm Springs. 

Bongo Johnny’s — I was surprised to see this tiki joint on the list, but maybe you’re craving a burger, or a tropical feel. You do you. 

Miro — One of my favorite restaurants in town, Miro is on the south end of town in a big shopping mall where Stein Mart used to live (RIP). It’s tucked away, so it’s a little easy to miss, but it’s on the same side of the road as Palm Canyon after it merges with Indian Canyon.

Copley’s — Formerly owned by Cary Grant, it’s an elegant spot to dine with great history.

The Purple Room — Ah, the Purple Room, home of The Judy Show, great acts, and delicious food. Former Rat Pack hideaway.

Johannes — German food never tasted as good as it does under the eye of Chef Johannes. It’s a beautiful dining room too.

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Enjoy Specialty Cocktail Delivery in Palm Springs

Imagine the days of Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. Envision them sitting by the pool sipping amazing cocktails and enjoying a Palm Springs hideaway.

These stars and others stayed at many of the boutique Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. And today they each offer an ideal place to take refuge during this time of social distancing. Hoteliers have created standards that will help keep you safe while elevating your stay experience. Palm Springs Hotels are expected to reopen for guests on June 20th.

The following is a list of places that will deliver those very special cocktails to you to enjoy while hanging out by the pool or in your room. Food is required by the liquor control commission with cocktail delivery.

The Tropicale Restaurant  (760-866-1952) Order from 5-8:30 pm. Some special offerings are the Coconut Martini and Basil Lemongrass Mojito which are the most popular drinks. Firecracker Shrimp and Moroccan Lamb Meatballs are popular appetizers. It’s in-house delivery within a 7 mile radius for $10.

Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey  (760-537-1022) Order from 5:30-10 pm. They have an Old Fashioned Kit or the Aviation ready-made cocktail. Delivery is through Postmates. Try the Sandfish Roll or Spicy Tuna Tostados.

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge  (760-325-8490) GrubHub delivers cocktails in sealed containers. The most popular are the Cosmopolitan and the Margarita. The favorites for food are the Ahi Poke Bowl and the Eight4Nine Burger. Don’t forget to order the Eight4Nine Layer Cake. It is amazing.

El Mirasol Restaurant (760-323-0721) Order between 4-9 pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. They provide free delivery in Palm Springs with a minimum $25 order. Some favorites are the Pollo En Mole Poblano and the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo. Their margaritas are wonderful and their guacamole is the stuff of legend.

Dead or Alive Bar Pick up or free delivery Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2-4 pm.  Call or text 323-572-5702. Try Chef Tanya’s vegan “crack” cheese & crostini. Six bottles of hand selected wine from small growers and makers for $100-$130.

533 Viet Fusion (760-778-6595) In-house delivery staff with a 5 mile radius for $8. Tuesday-Saturday 5-8 pm. They have Cocktails for Two of Thai Basil Lemon Drop, and Keffir Collins. Enjoy them with a Spicy Tuna Spring Roll or a Crunchy Tiger Shrimp Roll. They also own Roly China Fusion, home to the Thai Basil Lemon Drop and the Ultimate Gin & Tonic. Great pairings are the Dim Sum or In-House Made Lobster Popcorn.

V Wine Lounge (760-668-9665) Delivery is free every day from 11 am – 6 pm. Four Specialty Cocktails: Liam’s Bee’s Knees Gin, Mark’s Lynchburg Lemonade Bourbon, Thea’s Cosmo Gin or Vodka, and James’ Lemon Drop Vodka. They also deliver wine. Their specialty, Cheese and Salami plates, include dried fruit, nuts, olives, bread and specialty jam.

Jake’s Palm Springs  (760-327-4400) Takeout and delivery. 40% off wine. For delivery, a $20 minimum order for free delivery at lunch and $40 minimum order for dinner. Favorites are the Blood Orange Whiskey Sour, Cactus Pear Margarita, Palm Canyon Margarita, and Rose Lemon Drop. Suggestions for lunch are the Jake’s Turkey Sandwich and the Crab BLT. For dinner, suggestions are the Chilean Sea Bass and the Seafood Pad Thai. Hours to order are from 12 pm – 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Bouschet (760-327-7701) Delivery from 11 am – 4 pm. Free delivery with orders of $50 or more. Some of the cocktails are the Aviation Drink, the Black Box, the Cockpit, and the Mile High Club. Pairings with these drinks are The Club, the Pear Riviera, and the Chop Chop Salad.

Johannes Palm Springs (760-778-0017) Cocktails available only through pick-up. Cocktails include Watermelon Martini, and Pear Martini as well as Sangria by the bottle. Food items delivered by Grub Hub from 1-7 pm. Specialty foods are the Wiener Schnitzel and Raw Brussel Sprouts Salad.

The Paul Bar (760-656-4082) No delivery but curbside pickup. Order Wednesday-Sunday between 4-8 pm for Cocktails to Go in covered jar containers. Try their Curbside Cosmos and Frozen Sidecars. Steak Frites and Pot Roast Thursdays available, too.

Eight4Nine Bottled Cocktails

VWine Bar Special Wines, Salami, and Cheeses

 

Eight4Nine Specialty Cocktail That Can Be Delivered

 

Margaritas Delivered from El Mirasol

 

Cocktails to Go at VWine Lounge

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Take a Bite out of Holiday House

Two nights a week, guests at Holiday House only have to walk a few steps in order to have a delectable dinner.

The Pantry, under the leadership of Chef Gabriel Woo, has two theme nights every week: Cantina Night on Tuesdays and Fried Chicken Fridays. Inspired by a south-of-the-border fiesta, Cantina Night’s menu includes fun appetizers, like the Papitas con Limon y Chile (potato chips with lime and HH Hot Sauce), and carnitas, chicken tinga, and mushroom tacos. Seafood lovers can order the tostada de ceviche, and for dessert, there’s the indulgent dark chocolate brownie with cinnamon, chipotle, orange, and ice cream. Of course, there are also handcrafted cocktails. Cantina Night runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and reservations aren’t required, but are recommended.

On Fried Chicken Fridays, dinner is served family-style, and the menu changes slightly every week. During a recent meal, diners enjoyed the bucket of vegetables with chive dip and ranch; queso fundido; fried chicken with the chef’s special blend of savory spices; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; local corn and carrots; and for dessert, dark chocolate brownies with peanut butter and ice cream, topped with a Valrhona chocolate sauce. There is limited seating, and reservations are required.

The Pantry is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving lunch and brunch staples, and the full bar doesn’t close until 11 p.m. nightly. As part of a Holiday House stay, guests receive a complimentary breakfast, including pastries, yogurt, granola, and fruit.

Good news for people who want to try The Pantry, but aren’t staying at the hotel — you can still dine at the restaurant, you just need to make reservations in advance: 760-320-8866.

The Pantry is 21 and over.

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Eat your way through Palm Springs

Foodies looking for a place to stay with on-property dining are in luck — several boutique hotels in Palm Springs have their own restaurants with menus that appeal to everyone.

The Ingleside Inn’s iconic Melvyn’s Restaurant has served everyone from Frank Sinatra to Liza Minnelli. Gourmet dishes are prepared table side, like Sinatra’s favorite, the Steak Diane, and delicious desserts like Crepes Suzette and Cherries Jubilee. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, there’s also a bar and special weekend brunch menu with endless champagne for just $9 a person. Melvyn’s Restaurant, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-2323

In the mood for Mexican? The El Mirasol restaurant at the Los Arboles Hotel is open for breakfast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and lunch and dinner daily. Known for artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and fantastic margaritas, El Mirasol has an open air patio dining area and large bar, with specialities including Pollo en Mole Poblano (an elaborate dish featuring a sauce made of chiles, cocoa, and pumpkin seeds), Beef Chile Rojo (tender beef cooked in a red chile sauce), Carne Adobada (spicy marinated pork steak), and Chicharrón en Salsa (fried pork meat in a tomatillo, green chiles, scallions, and cilantro sauce). El Mirasol at Los Arboles, 266 Via Altamira, Palm Springs. 760-459-3136

The Villa Royale Inn’s Europa Restaurant serves modern continental dishes in an intimate space — only 12 diners can be seated at a time. The signature Salmon in Parchment and Double Crown Rack of Lamb are inspired by the flavors of Europe, and the bar, with its pool and mountain views, offers a wide range of foreign and domestic wines. Dine under the stars, by the fire, or near the fountain — every seat in the house is a good one. Europa Restaurant, 1620 S. Indian Trail, Palm Springs. 760-327-2314

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It’s Suppertime! Where To Eat Dinner In Palm Springs

The bar at the Del Rey with liquor bottles on the glass shelves

More than any other meal, dining out for supper is special. I mean, a meal under the desert sun is very different from a meal beneath the light of the desert sky.  Dinner could be a celebration, a romantic evening (for two or three — whatever floats your boat), or a get together with friends. No matter which one you’re here for, I’m here for you.

Fine dining in Palm Springs

Empty tables and a fire pit on the outdoor patio at Spencer's in Palm Springs, California

Spencer’s is a special occasion type of place. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Spencer’s — This is often the go-to for special occasions. The Bougainvillea Room is nice, but so is the inner space. I’d choose this for a classy celebration.

Tropicale — Outside is a party, but the booths inside offer the feel of your own little room. I’d recommend this for a birthday dinner with a small group of friends.

Johnny Costa’s — Very old school Italian, Rat Pack. Johnny was Sinatra’s favorite chef (both now gone). The waiters are pros — no college students here.

Le Vallauris — A fine dining experience, and rife for romance.

Eight4Nine — I’d call this the alternative to Spencer’s, but it’s on the strip. Owner and restaurateur Willie Rhine is well known and beloved by our town. Feel free to love on him too.

The Purple Room — Best dinner club in Palm Springs. Super Rat Pack atmosphere, great jazz-leaning acts, very old school Palm Springs.

A white wall with a gate that reads "So•Pa"

So•Pa is a must-try while staying at L’Horizon Resort and Spa. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

So•Pa — I spent Thanksgiving here, and wowie wow wow. It’s at L’Horizon Resort and Spa and is stunning. If you want someone to fall for you, take them here.

Miro — I love this place. Excellent food, great staff, and lovely ambiance.

Mr. Lyon’s — It’s not what I expected as far as ambiance. It’s kind of “cozy LA” inside. This is another spot for special occasions and DO NOT pass on the rolls.

Melvyn’s — Another old school spot, inside Ingleside Inn which is also an old estate with a great story. You can read all about it in Mel Haber’s books about Palm Springs, which you can purchase here. There’s also terrific music.

Azúcar — Inside La Serenas Villas, this teeters between fine dining and casual dining. The food is modern contemporary cuisine, and the view is to die for.

Johannes — Clean lines, great art on the walls, the schnitzel’s the thing here. Have it just about any way you like, it’s gonna be good. It’s not the only thing, there’s seafood too, and desserts. This is not for groups, but maybe a nice evening between two or three friends. Maybe four, but if you’re loud, like I am, keep it small.

Del Rey — If I were trying to seduce someone, I’d take them here. Located at Villa Royale, it has sexy decor and tapas, which are sexy because there’s just enough for two. It’s somewhere between casual and fine dining, but the energy is swanky.

Casual dining

1501 Gastropub — Great menu, great atmosphere. There’s a nice, big, seatable full bar. Super casual, but don’t take that to mean you don’t need a reservation. It’s a hot ticket.

Las Casuelas Terraza — Take the party here.

Upscale casual dining

Diners sit at tables outside of Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs, California

Lulu’s is always hopping. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Lulu — Everyone has to go to Lulu at least once. The atmosphere is great, and the food is terrific too. The owner, Jerry, does great things in the community, so you can thank him by taking the party here. Although they can accommodate just about any size group, they can also give you a quieter space, or you can people watch on the patio.

Gigi’s — Take your chi chi friends here for a fun Palm Springs experience.

John Henry’s — This is off the beaten path, hard to find, and the parking is horrible, but once you find it, it’s charming. Eat outside and take someone you’re sweet on.

Birba — Pizza, but fancy.

Trio — I haven’t been since their facelift and new menu, but it used to be “the spot” for cocktails and dinner. Limited parking in the back, but there’s parking.

Maracas — I mentioned it for lunch, but it’s also great for dinner with friends.

Pomme Frite — Chef wants you to know it’s a French/Belgian bistro. It’s adorable. Go here to catch up with a friend and stay for a bit.

For foodies

French Miso — Tucked back, it’s actually part of La Plaza but, like I said, it’s tucked so it’s kind of hidden (although they now have big old signs). It’s quite lovely.

Freddie’s Kitchen — On the northern end, inside The Cole hotel, is this little French gem. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list.

Sandfish — It’s sushi. A lot of people love it. I went when it first opened, and I was short of impressed. But that was a few years back — try it out and let me know.

Farm — Farm curates a menu for dinner that is very different from its breakfast and lunch. There’s an amuse bouche to start, and then some choices, prices are fixed. It’s quite a lovely space too. Closed Wednesday and Thursday for dinner.

Michelin Guide

Blue leather chairs lined up in front of the bar at Bar Cecil in Palm Springs, California

If you can, try to score a seat at Bar Cecil. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Bar Cecil — The darling of the jet set.

Tac/Quila — Jalisco, which means it’s seafood forward. Same owners as Farm. Same great attention to detail in decor and food choices.

Workshop Kitchen & Bar — It’s very L.A.

Boozehounds — Chef Aric Ianni has worked for Kimpton, but his sensibilities run more to beer pairings with fine food.

The Barn Kitchen — At Sparrows Lodge. Good food, great atmosphere.

Colony Club

4 Saints

A little something about dress. You can pretty much dress any way that you like, although resort casual seems to be the go-to these days. There has been a recent trend that I am crazy about, and that’s fashion forward streetwear. Even more specific are those that embrace the mid-mod aesthetic of yore. It’s fun, and it’s flirty. And it makes Palm Springs feel like the technicolor part of Pleasantville. It’s a gas, man. A real gas.

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Five Great Breakfasts in Palm Springs

One of the best parts of travel to Europe is waking up to a special breakfast served at a small, boutique hotel. The thought put into these unique and mouth-watering breakfasts, along with a perfect cup of coffee or cappuccino, never fails to excite me.

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, with its abundance of inns ranging from around 10 rooms to almost 50, offers the opportunity to experience that special treat each morning. My fellow travel writer and I experienced some of these thoughtfully prepared breakfasts on a recent trip.

 

Grapefruit rosemary pound cake

La Maison’s very French setting provides that awakening cappuccino, juice, and homemade Grapefruit Rosemary Loaf lovingly baked by the owner, Cornelia Schuster. As you bite into the deliciously buttery and slightly tart loaf with just a hint of rosemary, you know you are in for a treat. Along with her husband, Richard Slosky, they aim to delight their guests and even offer brandy and macarons in the afternoon.

 

Monkey Tree Hotel Green Eggs and Ham Deviled Eggs

Nestled against the San Jacinto Mountains and designed by renowned architect Albert Frey, Gary and Kathy Friedle have carefully restored The Monkey Tree Hotel, a 16-room boutique inn. Here you will again find that European charm orchestrated at breakfast by Gary. He is a master at creating unique small bites to savor along with a special coffee blend created just for them by Coachella Valley Roasters. Ask for vegan or vegetarian breakfast if that is your desire. We sampled savory tarts, homemade banana bread, Nutella made from scratch, and refreshing watermelon gazpacho shooters all to awake our palate for the day.

Eggs, Peppers, Cream Cheese @ Rendezvous

The 10-room 1950’s themed Palm Springs Rendezvous also boasts a manager, Wayne, who creates a healthy fruit smoothie each morning accompanied by a yogurt parfait of seasonally fresh berries. In addition, I was welcomed with his golden brown French Toast. Another day, I was greeted with savory, thinly sliced ham molded in a muffin tin and topped with roasted red peppers, cream cheese, and eggs. Ask for the Pretty in Pink room where Marilyn Monroe stayed.

 

Cheeky's Bacon Sampler

Around the corner from Alcazar Palm Springs inn, located in the Uptown Design District, is Cheeky’s Restaurant, owned and managed by local chef, restaurateur and hotelier Tara Lazar. The menu offers something for everyone. Check out the World Famous Bacon Flight as well as fresh juices and seasonal items. I tried the Blondie’s Eggs Benedict featuring a zesty cheddar scone and poached eggs cooked to perfection. We loved the outdoor patio area, but if that is too warm, there is a bright and cheery inside area, too.

 

Avocado Toast @ Grand Central

While not a boutique hotel, I must mention Grand Central located in the center of Palm Springs. Owners John Diskin and Rita M. Capponi converted an old department store into a diner with a clock reminiscent of Grand Central Station where the two would meet after work. Don’t miss the three standard-sized Mimosas for $20. Try the Avocado Toast on grilled brioche and topped with a poached egg or either one of the French Toasts, one savory and one sweet. Fresh fruit adorns all plates.

These five breakfast places will be the start of a fabulous day and a fabulous stay.

 

Linda Milks, contributorLinda Milks, of Toasting Food Wine and Travel explores all that is food, wine, and travel with a hearty supply of curiosity and enjoyment. Connecting with people to learn about their activities, environment, culture, food and wine inspire her to write for others and rouse an interest in discovering new horizons. Sometimes it’s the hidden gems that bring Linda the most joy.

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Revitalized Palm Springs Attracts Multi-Generational Visitors

Walking into the Palm Springs Rendezvous, blogger Jan Smith was taken aback by the hotel’s “timeless elegance.” Her visit only got better when she learned she would be staying in the “Pretty in Pink” room, where Marilyn Monroe would spend the night during her visits to Palm Springs.

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You Never Have To Leave These Palm Springs Resorts

Art hangs on a brightly wallpapered wall at Azucar restaurant inside La Serena Villas

“I need to disappear, escape for a little bit / Take a trip to Palm Springs if you’re into it.” — Mistel Marie, “Palm Springs”

It’s hot and getting hotter in Palm Springs, and unless you’re a Bedouin, it’s a bit too too for outdoor adventures. How do desert rats even exist?

I’d love to tell you, thanks for asking.

We stay in and around the pool with snacks and (adult) beverages close at hand. We wear sun bonnets (we don’t) and sunscreen (we should). Our rosé is always chilled, beer mugs frosty, tequila iced, and our martinis are shaken, not stirred. The only thing missing is someone to do all the cooking, cleaning, and bartending.

And that’s where these resorts enter our three-part (!) story.

They all have gorgeous pools, and some have massage services, but they all have a restaurant or food options so you never have to leave. No cooking and cleaning for you, my friend. You are completely carefree to don swimwear all day, and work on your tan and alcohol intake in a place that is far, far away from the madding crowd, in the enchanting city called Palm Springs.

In this part, I’ll introduce you to the larger boutique resorts that have full restaurants.

Alcazar Palm Springs. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

Alcazar Palm Springs — Featured in Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times, and Travel+Leisure, Alcazar has 34 suites and is located in the Uptown Design District. The rooms are modern and sleek, featuring Italian linens, flat screen televisions, fireplaces, and your choice of poolside or private patios. In addition to their immaculate attention to detail, Alcazar offers WiFi, coffee, espresso, tea, juice, daily fresh pastries, and Townie bikes for exploring the neighborhood.

It is also attached to two of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, Cheeky’s and Birba. Although they don’t do room service, there is a passageway from the resort to both restaurants so you can stay as cool as you are.

The Cole Hotel. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

The Cole Hotel — In the same neighborhood is one of the more affordable resorts in Palm Springs: The Cole. It’s a 30-room resort with three different floor plans — the Cole King, Cole Suite, and Pool Suite, plus the 600-square-foot Honeymoon Suite, complete with a private balcony. There’s also a nice, swimmable pool where they have 21+ pool parties. The Cole recently welcomed Freddie’s Kitchen, conceived by Chef Frederic, who has a long history in French cuisine in Southern California and was once chef de cuisine for Joël Robuchon — the chef and restaurateur named “Chef of the Century’ by the guide Gault Millau and awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

Alas, they do not serve breakfast, but they do open at noon and snacks and drinks are available poolside until 9 p.m. Dinner starts at 5 p.m.

The Ingleside Inn. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

The Ingleside Inn — Classic Palm Springs, old school vibe, and another very swimmable pool. The Ingleside Inn was built in the 1920s, and transformed into an invitation-only private club by Ruth Hardy (check out her park), where notables Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Marlon Brando stayed; Carole Lombard and Clark Gable honeymooned there.

Since then, the property has become open to the general public, but they’ve kept the Hollywood glam intact, including their restaurant, Melvyn’s, a favorite of Frank Sinatra. He was particularly fond of their Steak Diane.

This resort has 30 rooms and is situated on two acres of land, closer to the south end of Palm Springs on Belardo, and is still a home away from home for many celebrities. The Casablanca Lounge has a piano player nightly, and you never know who might sit in — anyone from Neil Sedaka (“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”) to James Marsden (Enchanted and Dead To Me) to local favorites.

Poolside at La Serena Villas. Photo credit: La Serena Villas

La Serena Villas — Here’s another resort that has it all. It’s located in downtown Palm Springs, but well off the beaten path. They have the Whispers Spa that is for guests staying at La Serena Villas, the Del Marcos, and The Three Fifty Hotel only, so you can be pretty certain you’ll get the services you want, when you want them.

Also, it has a terrific restaurant called Azucar that is open to the public, so you can invite your friends to join you for dinner then invite them back to your suite for a nightcap on your private patio, or take it to the big, gorgeous pool.

The entrance to Smoke Tree Ranch. Photo credit: Smoke Tree Ranch

Smoke Tree Ranch — I have a friend who grew up in Palm Springs, and this is one place she’s never been and really, really wants to go. It’s that exclusive.

Located at the base of the mountains, the views from each of the 49 cottages are stunning. Sunrises and sunsets are actual events you won’t want to miss when you’re staying here. Some of the amenities include: flatscreen televisions, wet bars, refrigerators, coffee makers, cozy down pillows, deluxe down comforters and blankets, luxurious bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, plantation shutters, telephones with voicemail (!), private patios, and WiFi. Most cottages also have carports and wood-burning fireplaces.

Activities? Swimming, soaking, horseback riding, spa services, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, croquet. And they have babysitting services.

The restaurant is old school; it has a dress code, so that’s kinda fun. Dress in your best summer designer fashion, and enjoy the poshness of it all while dining on the best Chef Tony Marks can cook up, including lobster and the finest steaks he can procure.

And get this — cottages are traditionally sold with three full meals per day in the Ranch House Dining Room. The meal plan begins with dinner on the day of check in, followed by breakfast and lunch the following day, and includes all gratuities.

But wait, there’s more! Coming up next week: a guide to the restaurants and bars at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels that have no more than 30 rooms.

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