This Culinary Scene Is Full of Fresh Ingredients and Innovative Dishes
The desert is a unique place with an eclectic and sometimes eccentric personality. The thriving culinary scene is much the same–the ingredients at the freshest and most innovative restaurants in the Coachella Valley change with the seasons. With a growing culinary scene focused on locally farmed foods and sustainability, these restaurants are raising the bar for what fresh means. We’ve rounded up our favorite farm-to-fork restaurants to satisfy your belly and nourish your body!
Heirloom Craft Kitchen
Heirloom Craft Kitchen offers an elevated take on fast-casual dining with a modern interior and impeccable food presentation. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, and the food is mainly sourced in Southern California, featuring only the highest quality ingredients. Everyday items include savory soups, salads, small plates, sandwiches and signature dishes featuring local and organic produce. With so many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, there are plenty of choices to fit any diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Exciting and enticing blackboard specials are crafted daily. To experience this kitchen’s best, bring a friend or two willing to dine family-style; it’ll be easier than having to choose only one meal! We suggest trying the goat cheese bruschetta with tomato, pistachio, balsamic, pesto, truffle honey and flaky salt (you’ll thank us later!) and splitting the Coachella Cobb salad that’s full of avocado, organic chicken, egg, tomato, gorgonzola, bacon and white balsamic.
Location: Indio
La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort‘s Executive Chef Andrew Cooper is dedicated to creating outstanding meals with the freshest ingredients. His passion for using local foods has reverberated through the resort’s three restaurants: Morgan’s in the Desert, Twenty6 and Adobe Grill. Locally grown produce is used in many staple items, such as the corn in the tortillas at Adobe Grill and tomatoes from Indio that Twenty6 incorporates into its dishes. We recommend Morgan’s Snake River Farm pork chop dish for a memorable date night.
Location: La Quinta
12/20
Luscious Lorraine’s Organic Cafe
Luscious Lorraine’s Organic Cafe is a desert gem serving classic dishes made with high-quality ingredients and an extra bit of love. Lorraine Ornelas, the shop owner, believes that you are what you eat, so healthy foods inspire her menu. All ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced from the farmers market and nearby farms. Our favorite pairing is the immune-boosting and zesty Flu Fighter juice with the fresh Bomb Mi Sandwich.
Location: Palm Desert
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Tucked away among lush gardens and fruit trees in the heart of Palm Desert lies La Spiga Ristorante Italiano. The chefs pluck ripened fruits and veggies from these gardens to serve to their guests. The menu offers a variety of traditional fares with a flare, from caviar and fish to carpaccio. Specials are seasonal and based on what’s growing out back! We suggest starting with the Insalata Italiana, made with fresh artichokes, and ending with the Branzino Alla Griglia.
Location: Palm Desert
12/30
Workshop Kitchen and Bar
The architecture of Workshop Kitchen and Bar is as stunning and elegant as its food. The stark design is in bold contrast to the vibrant and modern dishes. Concrete interiors greet guests in minimalist fashion, leading them to an outstanding dining experience. Looking for a photo-worthy spot with a stand-out menu? This is it! We love the goat cheese pierogis (the dill cream is remarkable) and the saffron risotto with lobster, farmers market corn and basil.
Location: Palm Springs
Cheeky’s
Cheeky’s always has a line waiting to get in, even with its early opening time of 8 a.m.! The crowds eagerly wait outside for good reason—it’s that good. This quaint and cheery spot serves breakfast and brunch with an impact. Everything is made in-house and from scratch, and the coveted cinnamon rolls are a must-try! Another well-loved menu item is the bacon flight. You can’t go wrong with choosing five different types of bacon for yourself!
Location: Palm Springs
Daniel’s Table
Daniel’s Table is a food-forward collaboration between Chef Daniel Villanueva and Coachella Valley farmers. Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking and edible garden, he meticulously curates an ever-changing menu based on the valley’s seasonal pickings. Everything is fresh and made to order with organic and sustainable ingredients. The menu changes weekly based on available ingredients, and it’s always an orchestrated culinary masterpiece. Don’t forget to save room for dessert because the fig cake is exceptional.
Location: Cathedral City
Lauren McCarran is a freelance writer specializing in content creation for media outlets. Her work with numerous publications and brands has helped her develop a unique and engaging writing style. Lauren loves to keep a finger on the ever pulsating world of pop-culture while staying in the know of the latest trends and happenings.
