These Innovative Additions Are Driving a Culinary Renaissance in the Desert
Palm Springs may be known for its timeless midcentury charm, but the city’s dining scene is anything but dated. In this vibrant enclave, a culinary renaissance is underway, with several new restaurants making waves in the desert. From LA-born French cafes to swanky hideaways helmed by celebrity chefs, Greater Palm Springs’ dining scene is as diverse as it is enticing. Trust us, these new restaurants in Palm Springs and beyond are as good as they get.
Lola Rose
New to the Palm Springs scene, Lola Rose takes diners on a culinary adventure through the flavors of the Middle East. Global cuisines are reinvented with a unique twist, as are the cocktails, which shed a whole new light on the craft of mixology. This hot new restaurant and bar in Palm Springs opened its doors inside the Thomson Palm Springs this past fall and has been wooing foodies ever since. Tucked within its midcentury modern interior are cozy corners to catch up with friends and communal dining spaces for lively groups. Don’t overlook the vegetarian and gluten-free options—Lola Rose truly has something for everyone.
Location: Palm Springs
Kestrel, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge
This fall, celebrity chef Richard Blais unveiled his new restaurant, Kestrel, at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, bringing his signature flair for innovation to the Coachella Valley. Known for his work on FOX’s “Next Level Chef” and culinary ventures in San Diego, Blais marries sustainability with bold flavors. The menu of this new restaurant highlights locally sourced seafood, dry-aged steaks and farm-fresh produce.
Set atop the clubhouse, Kestrel combines chic interiors and an expansive terrace with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Notable dishes include Blais’s unique take on California cuisine, paired with an expertly curated beverage menu. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or a foodie, this new dining destination is sure to wow.
Location: Indian Wells
Foxy’s Kitchen & Bar
Foxy’s Kitchen & Bar, the latest venture from industry veterans Teri Sue Fox and Timothy Fox, delivers a refined yet approachable dining experience in an old-school speakeasy setting. The menu impresses with dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster pappardelle and filet mignon with wild mushroom risotto, alongside hearty options like burgers and indulgent desserts. A standout feature at this new restaurant is the Fox Den Wine Club, which offers lifetime access to premium wines, personalized service, and exclusive VIP perks. With its diverse menu and signature cocktails, Foxy’s is poised to become a must-visit destination for food lovers in Rancho Mirage.
Location: Rancho Mirage
Tía Carmen
Chef Angelo Sosa’s love letter to the Southwest, Tía Carmen at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, is his second outpost of the acclaimed restaurant. Named after his aunt who inspired his culinary journey, this new restaurant in Indian Wells showcases the flavors and stories of the Southwest with a modern Californian twist. Signature dishes include ember-roasted purple yam with aged mole and lamb barbacoa topped with caviar. Meanwhile, the weekend Mercado Brunch features decadent bites like beef birria and tres leches French toast. The rustic yet elegant ambiance, along with a robust cocktail and wine program, makes this a must-visit for adventurous diners who want to try something out of the box.
Location: Indian Wells
Carmocha
A sibling to Tía Carmen (located just across the lobby at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells), Carmocha offers a globe-trotting small plates menu inspired by Chef Sosa’s imaginative view of his aunt’s culinary explorations. Dishes like lamb spring rolls, sticky pork ribs with tamarind and burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes capture the essence of global cuisine with a personal twist. In addition to the culinary offerings, the beverage program is equally impressive, featuring creative cocktails like the vanilla-infused Pillow Talk and a diverse international wine selection. Grab a seat in the light-filled dining room or at the bar, and let this acclaimed chef work his magic.
Location: Indian Wells
Broken Yolk Cafe
Brunchers, rejoice! The beloved Broken Yolk Café has brought its iconic breakfast and brunch dishes to the heart of Palm Springs. Perched on a sunlit second-story patio, this new location features classics like Cali breakfast burritos, churro French toast and Baja breakfast tacos. Pair your meal with their mimosa flights or signature coffees for the ultimate morning indulgence. With a legacy spanning nearly 50 years, Broken Yolk continues to deliver hearty meals in a welcoming atmosphere, and now desert dwellers, too, have a reason to get out of bed!
Location: Palm Springs
La Provence Patisserie and Café
A slice of France has landed in Palm Desert with La Provence, where owner Farshid Hakim shares his passion for traditional French baking. A pioneer in introducing macarons to Los Angeles, Hakim now offers his creations alongside timeless cafe dishes like croque madame and breakfast quiche. Open for breakfast and lunch, with plans to extend to dinner hours, La Provence serves up elegance in every bite (with a delightful desert twist, of course!). Don’t leave without trying one of the famous macarons at this new cafe in Palm Desert.
Local Insight: La Provence Patisserie and Café originated in Beverly Hills 28 years ago and quickly became a neighborhood staple!
Location: Palm Desert
Navigator at Palm Springs Surf Club
Palm Springs Surf Club recently added a new culinary jewel to its roster with the opening of Navigator, led by Michelin-acclaimed chef Michael Hung. Inspired by global surf destinations, the menu of this new restaurant in Palm Springs combines modern American cuisine with international influences, from Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp to a 20-ounce ribeye with bone marrow gremolata. Navigator’s nautical design, with handcrafted teak furniture and a central outrigger canoe, creates a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe. Pair your meal with a California wine or craft cocktail while soaking in views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Location: Palm Springs
Lost Property at The Skylark
New to the Palm Springs scene, Lost Property at The Skylark is a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar that swung open its doors this past summer. Spearheaded by renowned Chef Brandon Kida and curator Rhino Williams, this little oasis combines midcentury touches with beachy accents—think rattan chairs, marble tables, floor-to-ceiling windows and a blue bar with arched mirrors. In terms of food and beverage offerings, the restaurant features an all-day menu with swoon-worthy dishes and cocktails that’ll have your phone eating (and drinking) first. Try one of their fresh salads, baked egg dishes or decadent toasts, like the one with heirloom tomato, burrata, basil pesto, egg, arugula and parmesan cheese. They also offer oysters and an artisanal tin fish plate should you be craving seafood.
Location: Palm Springs
