Travel the Culinary World Without Ever Leaving the Desert

Written By: Andrea Gomez and Tatiana Servin De Maio
Photographed By: Nathan Cox International Dining Cathedral City

Stamp your palate passports in Greater Palm Springs, where top international restaurants, each with their own distinct flavor and décor, let you travel the world without going anywhere. The tastes at these nine Cathedral City eateries will first leave you speechless, then turn you into quite the global storyteller.

International Dining Cathedral City

1 | Health Meets Heart International Dining Cathedral City

Daniel’s Table

Chef Daniel Villanueva marries hearty, Mediterranean-inspired flavors with locally grown, organic to create dishes that not only have their own identity but enrich health as well. Take a bite out of dishes like the grilled Futterman dates, sourced fresh from the nearby Coachella groves and stuffed with Spanish goat cheese, rosewater fruit reduction, chili and cacao.

Native Knowledge: You won’t find sugar or dairy products in any of the dishes at Daniel’s Table! Villanueva believes that food should help your body heal and nurture itself. The entire menu is made-to-order, and the freshness of ingredients helps to enhance the delicious dishes.

Daniel’s Table
68327 E Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.699.8536

 

2 | These Dishes Are on Fire International Dining Cathedral City

Pollo Doky

The Peruvian-style menu at Pollo Doky, located in the heart of Cathedral City, is fiery, spicy and always tasty. Don’t forget to try a Peruvian staple like Lomo Saltado, a filet mignon sautéed on an open flame, served with a side of french fries and rice.

Native Knowledge: Pollo Doky is the first authentic Peruvian-style restaurant in Greater Palm Springs.  

Pollo Doky
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.832.6878

 

3 | Tour Italy Without Leaving the States

Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery, Café and Supper Club

Frankie’s serves some of the best traditional Italian fare not only in Cathedral City but in all of Greater Palm Springs. Their selection of handmade bakery items like cannoli, biscotti and wedding cakes (some named after Old Hollywood stars like Sophia Loren and Dean Martin) is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

Native Knowledge: Grab some dinner and head on over to Frankie’s for open mic night! On Thursdays, this restaurant and bakery turns into a showroom for any willing participants eager to show off their talents. 

Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery, Café and Supper Club
68845 Perez Rd, Ste H30
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.770.1300

4 | For the Adventurous (and Hungry) at Heart

Bontá Restaurant

Argentinian cuisine meets Austrian fare at this quaint spot run by Chef Hector Salvatierra and his wife, Petra. Explore the only restaurant in Cathedral City where you can sample Patagonian stew and a plate of Jaeger Schnitzel at the same table.

Native Knowledge: Salvatierra was chef at Camelot Theatres (aka Palm Springs Cultural Center), home to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, for almost 10 years.

Bontá Restaurant
68510 E Palm Canyon Dr, Ste 140
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.832.6100

 

5 | Cannoli Connoisseurs, Feast Your Eyes

Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant

When you’re deciding where to eat in Cathedral City, head over to this Italian eatery where the menu is full of homemade dishes crafted from recipes passed down through the Nicolino family. With checkered tablecloths and Italian murals, you’ll get swept away by more than the amazing food and live music.

Native Knowledge: The Nicolino family has been serving their Italian cuisine in the desert since 1969.

Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant
35325 Date Palm Dr, Ste 111
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.324.0411

 

6 | You Had Me at Homemade Mole International Dining Cathedral City

Los Arcos

You’ll be hard pressed to find a Mexican food joint in Greater Palm Springs where the tortillas are handmade and the recipes come straight from the owner’s loving mother. You’ll need to try the chicken mole enchiladas— a true Instagram favorite among visitors.

Native Knowledge: The entire Almaraz family hails from Cadereyta, Queretaro, Mexico.

Los Arcos
68510 E Palm Canyon Dr, Ste 120
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.1743

 

7 | Sharing Is Caring International Dining Cathedral City

India Oven

Indian food in the desert comes alive at this cozy Cathedral City dining spot. Try the chicken tikka masala and garlic naan bread or the vegetarian platter, all served on traditional dishware suitable for your mini dinner vacay to South Asia.

Native Knowledge: They serve kulfi, Indian ice cream made of cream and flavored with nuts or rose.

India Oven
35875 Date Palm Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.770.3918

 

8 | Hot Desert Heat, Cool Frozen Frescas

Salsas Restaurant

Now here’s a place where the shrimp receives a whole lot of love—try it in a cocktail or smothered in chipotle sauce. Order anything off the menu so long as you don’t forget to add an agua fresca, a frozen drink made popular in Mexico.

Native Knowledge: Still feeling thirsty? Try the crowd favorite: a smooth and refreshing strawberry margarita.

Salsas Restaurant
69020 E Palm Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.321.6612

 

9 | Roll With It, It’s Worth It International Dining Cathedral City

Otori Japanese Cuisine

Craving something light? This Japanese fusion spot is known for its colorful sashimi and sushi rolls that are basically foodie works of art. Try the cucumber wrapped roll or perfectly baked mussels, then let the menu take you from there.

Native Knowledge: They serve complimentary edamame and miso soup.

Otori Japanese Cuisine
68100 Ramon Rd, Ste A1
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.699.5486