Today I’m joining Social Fabric and other influencers across the country to share my list of best Palm Desert restaurants.
Palm Desert offers an amazing array of good eats, happening bars, and excellent happy hours for both the locals and the thousands of visitors who flood into the valley during season. We tend to eat out quite often. Especially in the summer when no one in the wants to turn on their oven!
Today I’m sharing a few of mine and Tom’s favorites. Most are on El Paseo, literally right around the corner from our mid-century cottage! El Paseo is an amazing street of shops and restaurants. In fact, it’s been dubbed the Rodeo Drive of the Desert.
Best Palm Desert Restaurants
Mitch’s on El Paseo is a favorite of both locals and visitors. We fell in love with Mitch’s when we first moved to the desert. Mitch’s has a fun and lively bar scene during happy hour. We love to enjoy dinner near a fire pit on the patio that overlooks a lovely lawn and view of the mountains. You’ll find a nice array to please everyone. Fresh seafood, sushi, salads, and steaks. My menu favorites? The Jalapeño Poppers (think Tempura crab, spicy tuna and cream cheese!), the Lobster/Shrimp/Avocado salad, the beef tenderloin filet, and the Spanish Paella.
The cute husband and I are regulars at this cute French restaurant with old-school charm. It’s obvious that some of the other regulars have been hanging out here for years, as there is a warm camaraderie among patrons. The menu offers something to please everyone. We favor the bar area (which features live music on Wednesdays). The happy hour wine is good, and the bar menu features small bites at a great price. The linguine with smoked salmon, chives, capers and vodka cream sauce is perhaps my favorite dish in the desert! When I’m more calorie-conscious, I opt for the broiled salmon skewer.
For special occasions, I LOVE Mikado at the JW Marriott Desert Springs. Arrive to the hotel lobby a little early and enjoy a short boat ride from the lobby to the restaurant. Mikado features entertaining, knife-twirling teppanyaki chefs, delicious sushi, and exotic cocktails. The restaurant is bustling and vibrant, the perfect spot to take a group of friends or family for delicious eats!
The Venue Sushi Bar and Saki Lounge
The chef and owner of this chic and intimate restaurant serves a delicious array of specialty rolls and other creative dishes that he calls “unexpected.” He is also a sake sommelier, so you’ll find a nice selection of sake, as well as asian beers and fine wines. My favorite menu items are the Spicy Tuna Tostada and the Baby Langoustine specialty roll. That roll features crab meat and avocado topped with baby langoustine tempura, spicy aioli, teriyaki sauce and microgreens. The Venue has a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner!
The Tommy Bahama restaurant is situated right above its retail store on El Paseo and is one of the most popular spots in the desert. (Be sure to make reservations if you want to dine.) The outdoor seating offers a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley and mountains. We love almost everything on the eclectic menu! My favorite cocktail is the Grapefruit Basil Martini (I have them add jalapeños). Tom’s is the Pineapple Paradisio Martini. Our other favorites are the Mango BBQ Chicken Lollipops, the Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Snapper.
Il Corso offers a delicious variety of authentic Italian dishes, including fresh salads, homemade pastas, wood oven pizza, and delicious seafood. The decor is chic and modern. The pet-friendly outdoor patio is a great spot for people watching along El Paseo. We love the wine list, the bar menu, and the pizzas! Or, you can’t go wrong with the Ravioli Ricotta E Spinaci.
Cuistot’s warm and inviting French farmhouse atmosphere hosts everything from small, intimate gatherings to large receptions and dinners. The restaurant features a large variety of old-world French cuisine, including Maine Lobster Pot Pie, Roasted Veal Chop and Roasted Rabbit Saddle and Leg. We love to dine on the Moderne Caesar Salad and Pappardelle Pasta on the lovely outdoor terrace.
Guillermo’s serves up fresh and tasty Mexican cuisine in a warm, family friendly environment. You can choose to sit inside, but we always sit outside with Rosie and Rowdie. (Yes, it’s also pet friendly!) We’ve never ordered anything we didn’t like, but our favorite menu item is beef and chicken fajitas. It easily feeds both of us. Be sure to order the signature margarita!
If you’re looking for a family friendly, lively atmosphere and quality food that won’t but you budget, check out Mario’s. The portions are very generous. AND… they boast the largest wine pour in the desert. We usually stick to the classics at Mario’s, like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or linguine with clam sauce. The affordable menu is also ideal for takeout if you’re hosting a group of friends or family at home.
Honestly, there are so many excellent dining and happy hour options in the desert that I could share even more! But these are the ones Tom and I find ourselves visiting the most. Do you have other favorites? Share them in the comments below!
xoxo,
I have never eaten at any of those restaurants while we are in Palm Desert. I am pinning your post for later! Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! Nettie
Mooreorlesscooking.com
You’ll love them, Nettie! Do you come here often?