Pour the Wine and Order the Lobster—This Is Where to Go for Fine Dining in Greater Palm Springs
Written By: Patricia Kemp Greater Palm Springs Fine Dining
Eating out in Greater Palm Springs is a delicious pastime, but fine dining in this resort community takes food to new culinary heights. While standout entrees are the main attraction, restaurant ambiance is equally important as the food that is served. Linen table cloths, live entertainment and candlelight dining under a canopy of trees create an elevated and elegant dining experience. Here are nine of our favorite places to dress up for wining and dining in the desert.
1 | Unwind With Wine Greater Palm Springs Fine Dining
With an exquisite emphasis on keeping it local, Cork Tree pours some of the finest wines from California’s renowned vineyards, including Napa, Sonoma County and Monterey, according to Co-Owner Ray Rodriguez. “Our entrées are beautifully designed, and our tuna tartare is off the charts,” he says.
Cork Tree
74950 Country Club Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.779.0123
2 | French Cuisine at Its Finest Greater Palm Springs Fine Dining
Chef and owner Bernard Dervieux honed his chops working in culinary capitals around the world like Aspen and the Beverly Hills Hotel, but he found his calling at Cuistot, where he created a mouthwatering menu that’s reminiscent of his childhood home in Lyons, France.
Cuistot
72595 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.340.1000
3 | Linger at the Live Piano Bar
Guests may come for the Alaskan halibut and artisan bread in the hacienda-inspired dining room, but they linger for the live piano at Morgan’s in the desert. So order another glass of wine and surrender your palate to this upscale eatery.
Morgan’s in the desert
49499 Eisenhower Dr
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.564.7600
4 | Serving Old Hollywood Lore
Cary Grant’s guest house was converted into a kitchen in 2004 to create Copley’s on Palm Canyon. Outdoor dining fills the grounds of the actor’s former estate where guests dine on dishes like “ahi tacos so sweet they taste like a cookie,” notes Owner and Manager Greg Butterfield. “We also have a filet that’s amazing with a twice-baked potato, hollowed out and mashed with lobster. Our dining room brings the outside in with earth tones, grassy textures and cocktail tables that resemble tree trunks.”
Copley’s on Palm Canyon
621 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.9555
5 | Take Your Appetite to the Edge
Besides a dramatic setting floating on the edge of the mountainside at the Ritz-Carlton, The Edge Steakhouse is also known for its unique dish of sautéed chorizo chickpeas with vegetables and toasted saffron. Premium dry-aged steaks or charred octopus are also tempting to try.
The Edge Steakhouse
68900 Frank Sinatra Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.321.8282
6 | A Classic Choice
Subtlety dark but far from dingy, Mastro’s has been perfecting the art of fine dining for decades. The sophisticated steakhouse serves prime cuts in prominent cities across the country and is right at home on ritzy El Paseo.
Mastro’s
73405 El Paseo, Ste 120
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.776.6777
7 | Alfresco Patio Pleasure Greater Palm Springs Fine Dining
From Sonoma duck to New Zealand rack of lamb, in addition to choice steaks and lobster, Spencer’s has it all. Indulge in an extensive wine list to toast on a romantic patio that’s covered by trees and twinkling lights.
Spencer’s Restaurant
701 W Baristo Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.3446
8 | If These Walls Could Talk Greater Palm Springs Fine Dining
Built in 1927 and opened as Le Vallauris in 1973, this venue holds a lot of history. “Many grand parties were held for guests, such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and many more,” says Owner Omar Haddedou. “It was also a favorite place for General Patton and many US presidents.”
Le Vallauris
385 W Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.5059
9 | Romance Is on the Menu
Inhale the aroma of fresh flowers and the sounds of soothing live piano music wafting through the air in order to properly breathe in the beauty of Lavender Bistro. Order the seared branzino sea bass to stir up a romantic mood.
Lavender Bistro
78073 Calle Barcelona
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.564.5353
