Palm Springs’ dry desert air and poolside views of the San Jacinto Mountains have been luring vacationers from Los Angeles and beyond for more than a century. In recent decades, world-famous music and film festivals have drawn visitors from even farther afield. But the desert city’s proximity to LA still makes it an easy weekend getaway for anyone in need of a little downtime.
And while it’s a place people come to happily “do nothing,” there’s plenty to do, see, and, of course, eat. Despite its reputation for pools and cocktails, Palm Springs is now home to a dining scene that’s difficult to cover in a single weekend, from coffee shops and bakeries to classic diners and chef-driven tasting menus. Even better, some of the city’s best new restaurants are located within its top hotels.
Stay In, Eat Well
The Thompson Palm Springs, which opened in 2024 in the heart of downtown, has two onsite restaurants strong enough that you could, in theory, never leave the property. Start with an open-air, pool-adjacent breakfast at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, where the Mediterranean menu moves from shakshuka in the morning to shareable mezze like spiced lamb kebab, saffron chicken, whole grilled branzino, and muhammara at night. Lola Rose Lounge draws a weekend crowd with live music and a more relaxed, late-night feel.
Dinner at Bar Issi is a top choice in Palm Springs, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The coastal Italian menu isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it executes it well, from wood-fired pizzas with seasonal farmers’ market toppings to housemade pastas and a Snake River Farms wagyu ribeye. A strong cocktail program and a polished dining room help explain why reservations can be hard to come by.
Beyond the restaurants, the Thompson’s rooftop pool offers direct mountain views, and the layout gives the property a resort-like feel while still sitting in the middle of Palm Canyon Drive.
The Drift Hotel is another centrally located property that still manages to feel tucked away. Its suites-only setup offers oversized layouts with multiple sleeping areas, generous communal space, private terraces, and full kitchens, making it a strong option for groups who want to stay close without sacrificing privacy.
Maleza, the onsite restaurant, anchors the lobby and is one of the best places to eat in Palm Springs. Chef Ysaac Ramirez’s bright, flavor-driven dishes draw on Mexico City influences, with a menu that feels both casual and considered.
The MICHELIN Guide has reached Palm Springs, with only a handful of restaurants making the list. One of them is 4 Saints, the rooftop dining room at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. While the hotel’s lobby leans minimalist, 4 Saints feels more lively, with indoor and outdoor seating and wide-open views. The four-course prix fixe is delivered with polished, attentive service, while the à la carte menu includes standouts like wagyu steak frites with truffle fries and seared scallops with parsnip purée.
The adults-only, rustic-chic Sparrow’s Lodge has built a loyal, in-the-know following. Its restaurant, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrow’s Lodge, which also made the MICHELIN Guide, draws on the produce of the surrounding Coachella Valley for a menu that blends California seasonality with subtle global influences.
Dishes range from hamachi crudo with tangerine ponzu to butternut squash agnolotti and a half chicken with Oaxacan mole, alongside a strong lineup of salads, vegetables, and larger-format plates. Lunch and dinner are the best ways to experience the menu, but an overnight stay includes breakfast with housemade breads and pastries served in a communal setting.
La Quinta Resort & Spa in nearby La Quinta isn’t in Palm Springs proper, but it’s worth noting for anyone looking for a one-stop resort in the desert. Its signature restaurant, Morgan’s in the Desert, dates back to 1926 and has recently been refreshed, continuing to anchor the property as its central dining destination.
The menu leans into contemporary American cooking, with dishes like braised short rib, diver scallops, and Chilean sea bass alongside classic steakhouse cuts. Live entertainment runs Friday and Saturday evenings, adding to the restaurant’s appeal as both a dinner destination and a place to linger.
