Greater Palm Springs is world-renowned for its midcentury modern architecture, tennis culture and stunning natural scenery. But there’s another compelling reason to visit the region: its vibrant food scene. For fine dining aficionados, the luxury Palm Springs hotels set a high standard for dining, from upscale resort restaurants with panoramic views to chic, modern bistros highlighting farm-to-table freshness.
Here are five top hotel restaurants in Greater Palm Springs to visit for an extraordinary dining experience. Each venue provides a unique culinary adventure, coupling gourmet dishes with striking architectural style.
Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs: A Contemporary Social Lounge
Debuting in October 2024 as part of the new Thompson Palm Springs, Lola Rose Grand Mezze offers sophisticated mezze-style dining. The menu features dishes such as baharat-crusted chicken wings, ahi crudo and kebab options, including spicy lamb, beef and swordfish. Guests can mingle at the spacious bar—a focal point of the restaurant and lounge space—and order wines and cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, tzatziki milk punch and Silk Road sprotini.
Lola Rose showcases an eclectic mix of vintage and custom furnishings, including cozy booths, plush sofas and mid-century modern chairs, ideal for happy hour, social gatherings or casual dinners. The restaurant’s seamless indoor-outdoor setting with a large patio provides a prime spot for observing sunset views of the surrounding mountains.
Azúcar at La Serena Villas: A Hidden Gem of Culinary Delight
Inside the historic La Serena Villas—which dates back to 1933—lies a boho-style cottage decked with floral wallpaper, white leather chairs, Moroccan-inspired mirrors, intricate tilework and Frida Kahlo prints. Azúcar—which means sugar in Spanish—presents contemporary Latin-inspired cuisine.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as Spanish crudité, pollo blanco and crab-stuffed poblano peppers. A highlight of the dessert menu is the Azúcar Delight, which contains vanilla bean pudding drizzled with Abuelita chocolate and served with warm churros.
Azúcar boasts an impressive selection of wines from Spain, France, Italy, and California, along with a variety of beers and handcrafted cocktails. Whether in the main dining area or at the Sugar High rooftop bar with its stunning mountain vistas, guests can sip on Latin-inspired drinks such as the Mezcaljito, milk punch, Spanish Negroni and Mexican coffee martini. Given the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, including its poolside tables, making a reservation is highly recommended.
The Edge Steakhouse at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage: A Celebratory Dining Experience
The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is known for its high-quality cuts of meat and premium steak selections, including hand-cut and dry-aged steaks. The menu also features a wide array of small plates, shareable dishes, and seafood items, such as venison carpaccio and the signature Oyster Coachella, made with Medjool dates, chorizo and blue cheese.
Guests can explore an extensive wine list and enjoy craft cocktails like the Ginger Sour, Tiramisu, and Desert Mai Tai. The Edge’s stylish, contemporary decor and cozy ambiance make it a prime location for romantic meals or celebratory events. Spectacular cliffside views of the Coachella Valley enhance the dining experience.
Norma’s at the Parker Palm Springs: A Retro-Chic Brunch Haven
At the luxe Parker Palm Springs, Norma’s is a premier spot for gourmet dining. Guests can delight in the restaurant’s all-day brunch menu, with indulgent dishes like brioche French toast, Nutella Packed Jacks and lemony griddle cakes. For egg lovers, the menu’s “Eggs Cellent” section includes the popular shrimp frittata, Maine lobster and asparagus omelet and turkey and sweet potato hash with poached eggs.
Beyond brunch favorites, Norma’s also serves a tempting selection of salads, sandwiches and dinner options. Think chipotle portobello vegan tacos, tuna burgers and wagyu lasagna. The beverage menu is just as impressive, featuring a diverse collection of cocktails, wines, coffee, and freshly squeezed juices. The vibrant outdoor patio, clad in orange, white and green hues, offers a cool, retro vibe and a serene setting surrounded by lush gardens.
4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel: A Rooftop Culinary Escape
4 Saints is an elegant rooftop restaurant located at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. The restaurant’s menu blends modern American coastal cuisine with Mediterranean and Californian influences. Signature dishes include lobster ceviche, short rib ravioli and sea scallops risotto.
The bar menu completes the dining experience with enticing light bites such as stuffed Medjool dates and yucca fries served alongside an extensive drinks list. A few of the creative cocktails guests can order are the Tango Nuevo, made with rum, honey syrup, and black coffee liqueur, and the Lavender Lady, featuring gin, crème de violette, Maraschino liqueur, lavender bitters and champagne.
The restaurant’s contemporary decor and ambiance make it a favored spot for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations. The crowning jewel of 4 Saints is its panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and downtown Palm Springs, providing the perfect pairing of exquisite food, drinks and views.
This article first appeared on Forbes.
