You know those sun-baked hills that shimmer like gold when you’re driving down Highway 111? That’s the desert. In case you forgot, Palm Desert is a culinary oasis, and it’s a great place to eat well. Across the Coachella Valley, you’ll find all sorts of dining spots—steakhouses, bistros, Italian, and more—in addition to a single chain restaurant. Skip that one, but try these.
China Wok
$$ | (760) 772-2291 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Chinese restaurants around Palm Desert, but, for some reason, there’s only one China Wok. This bustling spot tucked into a busy strip mall is known for its friendly service and delicious food made with very fresh ingredients. The menu includes favorites like lettuce wraps, hot & sour soup, pot stickers, general chicken, beef chow fun, chicken lo mein, honey walnut shrimp, stir fried green beans, and Mongolian beef—every single entrée has been described as delicious.
There’s a good atmosphere inside, in addition to some regular customers who keep coming back for the generous portions and satisfying meals.
Ding Tea Palm Desert
$ | (760) 834-8558 | WEBSITE
Matcha latte, a staple of Japanese tea culture, is rarely the star of boba shops. At Ding Tea Palm Desert, it’s the main event. Every cup they serve looks like the smooth, vibrant emerald of a sunlit forest, but taking your first sip of that perfect balance of bitter and sweet—a carefully crafted blend using premium matcha—is like the moment in a favorite song when the chorus hits just right.
The Monster Boba Latte is also outstanding, with its rich blend of brown sugar, honey, and almond creating a sweetness and texture like liquid dessert.
Trattoria Mezzomondo
$$ | (760) 636-0575 | WEBSITE
At Trattoria Mezzomondo, the pasta breathes soul. You’ll see a lot of handmade creations here, like lasagna and farfalle, layered with rich sauces and fresh ingredients, sitting in rustic ceramic bowls or on simple white plates. This Northern Italian spot in Palm Desert is known for their authentic, shareable dishes, which you can get with classic tomato, creamy Alfredo, or a light lemon butter sauce and any number of other flavorful touches like fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.
Coming with a group and an appetite is ideal, but if we’re only with one other person, we’re just as excited to eat the lasagna baked in their comforting meat ragù instead. The cozy space, with its warm lighting and about 15 tables tucked in a small strip center next to a 7-11, feels like a hidden gem where hosts Luba and Elio make you feel at home. The wine list, while limited, has good picks to pair, and the seafood specials shine.
For dessert, the lemon tart is a must-try if it’s available—it caps off a meal that’s worth calling ahead for, since reservations are wise for this intimate spot that can’t seat more than six at a table. It’s the kind of place where every bite tells a story, and you leave already planning your next visit.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (760) 618-6368 | WEBSITE
For your next casual lunch, head over to Blaze Pizza. The Palm Desert fast-casual spot offers a bit of salad here and there, but otherwise it’s pretty much all pizza. Whether you get the $12 ‘Meat Lovers’ or build your own with the ‘pick 2’ option, you’re going to enjoy a procession of generously topped pies with great flavors in every bite.
The service is quick and polite, the customization options are extensive, and the clean dining area is typically filled with hungry customers having fun building their own creations.
Billy Q’s
$ | (760) 404-0681 | WEBSITE
American sports bars aren’t just burgers and wings. At Billy Q’s in Palm Desert, they also mean pastrami pizza and JQ sandwiches. The indoor seating can be quite loud with its sports-themed atmosphere, but the outdoor area provides a more peaceful dining experience. Start with the excellent half and half pizza, then explore other popular choices like the ravioli and spaghetti with generous portions. If you have room after that, there’s also, yes, a classic sub.
The restaurant offers quick and friendly service, making it a great place for a satisfying meal without the wait.
El Rodeo Cafe
$ | (760) 346-5046 | WEBSITE
Gather your crew for a feast at El Rodeo Cafe in Palm Desert. The space is vibrant with lively decor, and it’s consistently filled with folks who value reasonable prices and authentic Mexican flavors. Naturally begin with the al pastor burrito, then sample the chicken tacos, carne asada tacos, and fresh pico de gallo.
French Corner Cafe
$ | (760) 568-5362 | WEBSITE
French Corner Cafe combines a cozy dining experience with the comforts of a neighborhood bakery. In the front of the cafe-like room, you’ll find displays of crescent rolls, croissants, biscuits, and more arranged on wooden boards. Choose what you want—an Eggs Benedict crepe and a French club sandwich, for example—then order at the counter, and tell the staff how you’d like your coffee (their selection is never a bad idea).
To supplement, there are also some French sides available, like potatoes provençales and spinach.
Bouchee Cafe & Deli
$$ | WEBSITE
It’s been too long since you stopped by Bouchee Cafe & Deli. We get it—driving out to Palm Desert without a specific errand feels unnecessary. But tucked away from all the tourists wandering the shopping districts lies Bouchee Cafe & Deli, the cozy local spot where you should grab a sandwich at least once a month. Order a draft beer, skip the rest of the menu—except for the artichoke panini—and let the friendly staff decide on your side.
It’s a desert institution, and the couple at the table next to you have been coming here for around 20 years to enjoy the BTLA.
La Fe Wine Bar
$$ | (760) 565-1430 | WEBSITE
House Pinot Noir tastes better when paired with Chicken Screws and served in a space best described as library-esque speakeasy chic. For a trendy night out with lots of wine selections and very attentive service, choose La Fe Wine Bar. At this El Paseo spot, wine is the focus, and the menu leans fresh and tasty, with highly recommended dishes. Eat some Beef Empanadas and Patatas Bravas, and Ahi with beet salad.
Reservations can be tricky during busy Thursday or Saturday nights, but there are a few patio tables and plenty of indoor seats saved for walk-ins.
La Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches
$$ | (760) 620-5308 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of places to eat Vietnamese sandwiches in Palm Desert, but not many of them bake their baguettes fresh daily and make their own pate from scratch. Except for La Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches, a welcoming spot that’s become a local favorite. It shines on a hot desert day when you are too parched and too sweaty to do anything except grab a quick meal, but we’ve also visited in cooler months to enjoy their banh mi and pretend we are in Saigon.
They’re famous for their homemade bread, which is crisp on the outside and soft inside, but a visit to La Baguette isn’t complete without trying their spring rolls with ginger-sesame dipping sauce—think perfectly seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and excellent lemonades or coffee to wash it all down.
Outback Steakhouse
$$ | (760) 779-9068 | WEBSITE
Outback Steakhouse is similar to other chain steakhouses, with a few key differences: it’s Australian-themed, and there’s plenty of parking. If you’re making a decision based on service alone, you should know that it’s slightly better here. This Palm Desert spot provides consistently great ribeye steaks, perfectly cooked with mashed potatoes, and well-made cocktails. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a family-friendly vibe, and it’s as reliable as it gets for a special date night or any visit.
Gastro Grind Burgers
$$ | (760) 404-0300 | WEBSITE
If you’re hunting for Palm Desert’s best burger, this lively diner from a celebrity chef favorite wins. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with toppings so fresh they’re almost alive, Gastro Grind takes an American classic and brings it to a desert hotspot.
Come for funky burgers in a space that feels like a retro diner—we especially love the King Mushroom burger hiding under wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and truffle aioli on a Brioche Bun, and the Cubano burger, which sounds kind of whatever, until you bite in and find smoky pork, ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese.
BaBaLoo Lounge
$$ | (760) 895-4186 | WEBSITE
In the heart of Palm Desert, BaBaLoo Lounge delivers a vibrant atmosphere with live bands and DJs that create an energetic, fun-loving vibe. The theme here is retro lounge, and the offerings—from the Cuban caprese tomato salad to the filet mignon steak—are consistently satisfying. Order the ahi appetizer, and be sure to try the popular Mai Tai.
This spot is ideal for a lively night out with dancing, but it’s also enjoyable on Thursdays when the mood shifts with a live concert from Roger and the Roadhouse Rebels. With friendly, attentive staff and a menu that’s good for leftovers, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable evening.