Leave the Cooking to the Pros—It’s What They Do!
For most, Thanksgiving is a time to huddle around the fire and begrudgingly don last year’s unwanted Christmas sweater. In Palm Springs, however, it’s swimsuits and sunglasses as we head out into the glorious November sunshine. It makes Turkey Day an outdoor experience—one that’s the envy of the rest of the country. Whether you’re looking for brunch or dinner, eating at home or dining in, refined or poolside, you definitely won’t be going “cold” turkey in Greater Palm Springs this year. Here’s where to fill your plate this Thanksgiving!
Trio
Trio is among the most stylistic and imaginative restaurants in the Coachella Valley. “Our energizing atmosphere and amazing, friendly staff make it easy to enjoy any night at Trio,” says owner Tony Marchese. And the restaurant’s robust menu and award-winning wine list support that claim.
The expansive patio and wide-open interior make Trio the perfect spot for seasonal dining. This year’s Thanksgiving prix fixe menu includes your choice of a prime rib or turkey dinner. Both options feature three courses with starter options like red kuri squash, Harvest Salad and Coachella Valley bacon-wrapped dates. Snag a seat on the patio this Turkey Day or inside Trio’s buzzy dining room for a meal that’ll leave you satisfied and full as can be!
Price: $59 per person
Location: Palm Springs
Grand Central Palm Springs
Hop aboard the Grand Central train–one of the valley’s liveliest spots. For Thanksgiving dinner, they’ll conduct you through a lively five-course feast where three starter courses precede entrees like traditional herb-roasted turkey, citrus beurre blanc salmon, NY strip steak and pumpkin ravioli. You’ll want to ride this train right through to the final destination: a three-chocolate mousse cake.
Price: $79 per person and $35 for children under 10
Location: Palm Springs
Copley’s
Exquisite skill and execution have established Chef Andrew Copley as a local desert celebrity. At his landmark restaurant, you’ll enjoy Thanksgiving at its finest. There’s turkey, but who could pass up the miso ginger braised Berkshire pork belly or roasted Australian barramundi? Dessert is easy; Copley’s will serve you a Thanksgiving dessert duo of pumpkin pie with caramel sauce and chocolate pecan with tart chocolate sauce. With three patios and unobstructed mountain views, you’re in for the best of everything this Thanksgiving.
Price: $90 per person
Location: Palm Springs
Lulu California Bistro
There’s always a party at Lulu, and Thanksgiving is no exception at this colorful desert icon. Snag a seat on the vibrant patio or in the fully open interior and enjoy a four-course feast that will feature a bounty of options. There’s traditional turkey and turkey pot pie alongside steaks, seafood and vegan options. Pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie will satiate the purists, but if you’re one to switch things up, order the apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Price: $59.99 per person and $24.99 for kids
Location: Palm Springs
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
Enjoy one of Palm Springs’ largest and most beautiful patio settings overlooking the majestic mountains at Palm Springs’ Eight4Nine. The views are just a prequel to the imaginative four-course extravaganza. Turkey is one of five entree options this year alongside a cider brine duck breast and several vegan choices. Cambodian lemongrass cauliflower bisque and butternut squash Wellington make tantalizing hors d’oeuvres while traditional pumpkin tart headlines the dessert menu.
Price: $74 and $36 for kids 12 or under
Location: Palm Springs
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Panoramic mountain views may be ubiquitous across the valley, but you won’t get a better close up than at La Quinta Cliffhouse—the restaurant is literally tucked inside a cliff! Their tasty Thanksgiving dinner begins with options like the unmissable roasted butternut squash soup. Entrees range from bourbon butter-basted turkey to grilled filet mignon and sugar-spiced salmon. Each guest gets a choice of one starter and one entree; appetizers are served a la carte.
Price: $59
Location: La Quinta
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
For those who used to enjoy the mother lode of Thanksgiving choices at the casino buffet, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage is allowing you to take the best of the buffet home. It’s a bountiful feast for six to eight people (or fewer, if you prefer) that will have you feeling like you hit the jackpot. Take home a whole roasted sage Tom Turkey with a buffet sampling of nine sides as well as desserts like pumpkin pie and cheesecake.
Price: $220 (feeds 6 to 8)
Location: Rancho Mirage
Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
Seas the day this Thanksgiving with an ocean of possibilities at the valley’s freshest seafood restaurant. Two-course highlights at Pacifica Seafood Restaurant include the New England clam chowder, sugar-spiced salmon and honey-soy glazed sea bass. There’s also squash soup, filet mignon and turkey for non-seafarers. Bring your appetite!
Price: $59 per person
Location: Palm Desert
Jillian’s
For superlative cuisine and uncompromising quality, try nationally acclaimed Jillian’s in Palm Desert. This desert restaurant offers an eloquent dining experience with decadent twists on traditional fare. “Families have made Jillian’s a holiday tradition for years,” says owner June Trubee. And this year, diners can enjoy a three-course feast with dishes like Maine lobster bisque, crown roast of pork, butternut squash soup and more. Don’t miss the puff-pastry baked apple dumplings—they’re to die for!
Price: $110 per person
Location: Palm Desert
Lavender Bistro
Each of Lavender Bistro’s three Thanksgiving courses offers a plethora of delectable options. Start out with the grilled prawn salad or lobster ravioli, then dig into the cabernet braised lamb shank or oven-roasted turkey with chardonnay gravy and sourdough bread stuffing. Finally, end your evening on a sweet note with a slice of warm chocolate cake or pumpkin pie with chantilly cream for dessert!
Price: $82.50 per person
Location: La Quinta
4 Saints at Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs
Located on the rooftop of the chic Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, 4 Saints offers diners an intimate and cozy setting for a festive Thanksgiving meal. The three-course menu will feature a choice of chicory salad, kale salad, fried parsnips or sweet potato ravioli to start. Guests can then choose the main course, which includes a selection of smoked Guinea hen, prime rib or grilled branzino. As for dessert, a mini pumpkin pie or cinnamon poached apple with pecan shortbread and mascarpone cream will be offered. There’s no better place to cozy up and dig in this Thanksgiving!
Price: $85 per person
Location: Palm Springs
I'm a restaurant aficionado having spent over 20 years in the industry and management.
