Where Flavor Meets the Sun: Palm Springs’ New Dining Hotspots Turn Up the Heat

Just when you thought you’d tried it all, a fresh wave of new restaurants in Palm Springs is shaking up the desert dining scene. Picture coastal Italian plates under pink chandeliers, smoky barbecue with deep family roots and seafood so fresh you’ll forget you’re surrounded by sand. From moody cocktail lounges to revamped local favorites, these new spots are bringing mouthwatering flavor and serious vibes. Craving a dazzling dinner, a brunch that hits just right or your next late-night obsession? Here are ten of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, giving you every reason to eat your way through the desert.

 

The Bar Issi at The Thompson Hotel

Step into Bar Issi inside the Thompson Hotel and feel like you’ve teleported to an Italian beach town. With pink pineapple chandeliers, bold maximalist décor and a menu rooted in coastal Italian flavors, it’s a place that flirts with your senses. Expect wood oven pizzas, al dente pastas (radiatori with lamb bolognese is a standout) and cocktails as colorful as the wallpaper. Here, mixology is a full-blown art form with the vibes to match . They’re open nightly for dinner and brunch on weekends with a wine list that leans both Californian and Italian. Bring your appetite, your date and your most dramatic entrance because this downtown Palm Springs restaurant will make you want to linger.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Ash & Vine

Ash & Vine sets itself apart with unpretentious elegance, making it one of the most charming Palm Springs restaurants. Chef Matthew Resler’s vision blends comfort and creativity. You’ll find thoughtfully sourced ingredients, playful flavor riffs and an intimate space where conversation lingers. Plates like the grilled cheese dumplings and the filet with caramelized cauliflower feel familiar but strike you with “wow” moments. Come for dinner or a glass of Raeburn Pinot Noir now, and keep an eye out because brunch service is launching soon! It’s a place you want to return to, not just to check off a trend, but because your palate is hooked.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern

After closing its longtime spot in Rancho Mirage, Babe’s made a bold resurrection in Indio with Babe’s Smokehouse & Tavern at the Canopy at Citrus. The team preserved beloved recipes (slow-smoked ribs, handmade sausage and coleslaw) while giving the space a refresh for 2025’s crowd. Owned now by Lucky Callender (son of the original founder, Don), it balances tradition and reinvention with ease. Expect cozy patio evenings, hearty barbecue hits and that soulful sense of desert hospitality. If you ever wondered where comfort food meets legacy, this Greater Palm Springs restaurant is your place.

Location: Indio

 

Oceana Seafood Restaurant

Seafood cravings meet coastal flair at Oceana. You’ll find wild-caught Spanish octopus, shrimp sauteed with sweet & spicy sauce and salmon bruschetta that’s pulled from seaside dreams. But it’s not all fish. The kitchen blends surf and turf so deftly that even steak lovers will be seduced. The menu tempts with lamb chops glazed in pomegranate mezcal and a tomahawk steak served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Dine indoors under soft lighting or out where the desert air nudges your senses. It’s the kind of Palm Springs restaurant you take someone to impress but also somewhere you’ll secretly revisit solo.

Location: Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert

 

Red Barn

This Palm Desert staple reopened in 2025 with a fresh design that still honors its rough-around-the-edges heart. At Red Barn, you’ll be surrounded by pool tables, shuffleboard and a bar buzzing with locals and new fans. They’ve doubled down on cocktails with signature drinks like Marcie’s Magic, made with mezcal, coconut, lime and banana, and the vodka-forward Easy Rider. Plus, the live DJs and music that play everything from Americana to techno keep the energy raw, late nights alive and the spirit of community pulsing. It’s a place that remembers its past but dances toward the future.

Location: Palm Desert

 

Cowboy Cantina

Get ready to put on your boots! Cowboy Cantina’s vibe leans into Southwestern flavor with bold twists. Located at The River in Rancho Mirage, this newcomer joins the growing lineup of new restaurants in Palm Springs that mix rustic cooking with modern fun. You’ll find smoked brisket and bleu cheese smash burgers, pulled pork taquitos, chicken sandwiches and margarita flights that are guaranteed to make you smile. The space invites both dinner dates and dance nights alike, and yes, boots are absolutely allowed. Want an evening that’s part dinner, part party? You’ll find it here.

Location: Rancho Mirage

Mark’s Burgers

Mark’s Burgers brings classic comfort to Cathedral City with a menu that’s all about juicy, made-to-order perfection. You’ll find hand-pressed patties between buttery brioche buns, melty cheese on shrimp quesadillas and crispy coleslaw atop the Mango Blaze chicken sandwich. The vibe is casual but cool, part roadside diner, part neighborhood hangout. It’s where the truffle fries are golden, the strawberry milkshakes are old-school thick and every bite feels like summer. For locals craving a no-fuss favorite or travelers exploring new restaurants in Palm Springs, this is the sweet spot between nostalgia and flavor. It’s quickly becoming one of the best Palm Springs restaurants for those who believe the perfect burger deserves its own spotlight.

Location: Cathedral City

 

Elevare

When Disney’s Storyliving community, Cotino, opens in Rancho Mirage, Elevare is expected to become the culinary crown jewel. This new concept promises panoramic desert views, sophisticated design and an American-inspired menu that feels fresh and timeless. Early previews hint at craft cocktails, shareable plates and a rooftop vibe that’s equal parts elegant and easygoing. It’s the kind of place you’ll visit for sunset drinks but stay long after the sky fades to deep desert blue. As one of the most anticipated new restaurants in Palm Springs, Elevare aims to bring a touch of modern magic to the Rancho Mirage dining scene.

Location: Rancho Mirage

 

Donna Forte

Chef Gabriel Woo, the creative force behind Bar Cecil, is stirring up excitement again with Donna Forte, a highly-anticipated downtown Indio addition. Set to debut soon, this Italian-inspired restaurant is shaping up to be a love letter to family, flavor and fearless cooking. Expect handmade pastas, bold sauces and the kind of hospitality that makes every dinner feel like Sunday night at Nonna’s. With Woo’s signature flair and attention to detail, Donna Forte is already on track to become one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs’ surrounding area. Come hungry, and leave feeling proud you got in early.

Location: Indio

 

H&H Bagels

Straight from New York City to the California desert, H&H Bagels is ready to redefine breakfast in Palm Desert. Known for its hand-rolled bagels boiled in malt water for that perfect chew, this legend will bring a Big Apple attitude to the desert. Expect classic spreads, like veggie, scallion and jalapeño, stacked Southwest turkey sandwiches and plenty of strong coffee. Whether you’re a local in search of your new go-to spot or a visitor craving authenticity, H&H will become a must-stop in the growing roster of new restaurants in Palm Springs.

Location: Palm Desert