FINE DINING

LE VALLAURIS

385 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY

PALM SPRINGS

Craving exquisite French food prepared by a world-class chef and served on a striking patio? Head straight to Le Vallauris, a gorgeous, Zagat-rated eatery housed in one of Palm Springs’ most beautiful and historic homes. Originally established in 1974 by Paul Bruggemans (who was also behind Los Angeles’ famed St. Germain), Le Vallauris offers fine dining at its, well, finest. Jerry Berns, longtime owner of New York’s fabled 21 Club, called it “one of the best restaurants in the world,” and that is not hyperbole. As such, everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Loretta Young has enjoyed its fare.

$$$$

COPLEY’S ON PALM CANYON

621 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS

Housed in the most gorgeous of settings (and what is purported to be Cary Grant’s former guest house!), this fine dining location is a Coachella Valley landmark known for its romantic patio, stellar food and craft cocktails. The Hawaiian Ahi Tacos are a can’t miss!

$$$$

SPENCER’S RESTAURANT

701 WEST BARISTO ROAD
PALM SPRINGS

Opened in 2000, Spencer’s has been delighting discerning patrons for decades. Nestled on a stunning plot with three lush, light-strung patios abutting the San Jacinto Mountains, the four-star, adults-only restaurant exudes elegance and style and serves up some of the best food the city has to offer. The winner of copious awards throughout its lengthy history (including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence), one step across the threshold and it’s not hard to see why the establishment has become one of the area’s most renowned and beloved gems.

$$$$

BAR CECIL

1555 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE

PALM SPRINGS

If you know anything about the Palm Springs food scene, you’ve heard of this place – and it is absolutely worth all the hype! Offering fine dining in the non-stuffiest form (the menu even includes a burger!), this swank establishment opened in 2021 and has been the hottest ticket in town ever since! Named after British “rebel/aristocrat” Cecil Beaton, the vibe is excellently eclectic, with fine art and colorful collectibles lining the walls, and the fare is some of the best around. Not-to-be-missed items include Cecil’s Bread Rolls, Steaks + Frites (the fries are insane!), and the Chocolate Chip Cookies (served right out of the oven).

$$$$

CASTELLI’S RISTORANTE

73098 CA-111
PALM DESERT

Retro in all the right ways, Castelli’s is a desert landmark – and one of my family’s longtime favorites. Established by brothers John and Michael Castelli in 1988, using their family’s Old World Italian recipes, the place quickly became a celebrity hotspot (as the many headshots lining the walls attest), welcoming the likes of Martin Short, Bob Hope, Robert Wagner, Andy Garcia, and Sylvester Stallone, just to name a few. Still going strong today, the restaurant is packed to the gills most nights, best loved for its stellar fare and warm ambiance.

$$$$

THE SANDBAR

78120 CALLE TAMPICO
LA QUINTA

They say not to judge a book by its cover, and that is certainly true with this spot, which, from the outside, appears a little rough around the edges. In truth, though, it offers upscale American options in an absolutely elegant setting. Dimly lit, intimate, and reminiscent of the finest restaurants of yesteryear, more than a few luminaries have passed through its doors, including Gena Rowlands, who is a longtime regular, as well as Bob Hope, Andy Williams and Ginger Rogers.

$$$$

LAVENDER BISTRO

78073 CALLE BARCELONA
LA QUINTA

A truly magical spot boasting a sprawling patio nestled under a grove of trees illuminated by hundreds upon hundreds of twinkle lights, a meal at Lavender Bistro is tantamount to dining in a magical fairyland. The food is also exceptional (I’m partial to the Wild Mushroom Soup). So it is no surprise that the eatery is regularly – and very deservedly – named Palm Springs’ most romantic restaurant by just about every publication out there.

$$$$

ARNOLD PALMER’S RESTAURANT

78164 52ND AVENUE
LA QUINTA

One of the desert’s most beloved establishments, Arnold Palmer’s was opened by the golf great in 2004. Boasting priceless ambiance, sprawling side and rear patios, mountain views, a club-like interior, and plenty of mementos on display (including one of The King’s four Masters jackets), it’s a truly gorgeous and unique spot to grab a meal.

$$$$