PLANT-BASED DINING IN THE DESERT
When it comes to visiting Palm Springs, most look forward to a sun-drenched day by the pool, getting out and exploring the various outdoor activities, and of course dining in our many wonderful restaurants. One trend that is picking up and taking hold here in the desert is healthy, plant-based dining.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just open to trying new experiences and introducing more veggies into your diet, we have some wonderful suggestions for you to satisfy your plant-based cuisine desires.
Just a short walk from Descanso Resort you will find one of our personal favorites, 1501 GastroPub. Gastro Pub is a co-creation of Chad Gardner, who also owns another local favorite, 533 Viet Fusion in South Palm Springs. and Willie of Eight4Nine. Creating an amazing comfort food restaurant that has many vegan and plant-based options, all with that comfort food twist!
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen opened in 2017 and was met with great fanfare. Offering a variety of sandwiches, salads and their must-try CTK Original Burger (made with their house-cultured tempeh recipe) it quickly became famous among the Valley’s plant-based food aficionados.
On the south end of town, you will find a wonderful spot for vegan or vegetarian newbies, Palm Green’s Cafe,. Start the day with one of their organic offerings which include Vegan Biscuits and Gravy, or a breakfast taco made with eggs or tofu. Their lunch and dinner options include burgers, bowls, and larger entrees like their Vegan Lasagna.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, we highly recommend El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana. They have a wide variety of vegetarian selections and are great about accommodating special requests. El Mirasol has two locations, North, located at Los Arboles Hotel, and South, located on South Palm Canyon. The North location has a popular outdoor patio and there’s also seating by the pool. Reservations are recommended, especially during the high season. Be sure to check out their Veggie Burrito.
If you prefer a pub setting with a great drink selection and hearty and savory food, head over to 1501 Uptown Gastropub. Opened in 2020, by Eight Four Nine’s Willie Rhine and Roly China Fusion’s Chad Gardner, they offer many vegan and vegetarian options. This is a great spot for outdoor dining, and they offer an amazing brunch as well.
For those who like to venture outside of Palm Springs, there are several restaurants to be discovered in the Valley’s other cities. Two of them include Wildest Restaurant and Bar in Palm Desert and Barrel District Pizza in Cathedral City.
Wildest Restaurant and Bar - owner Denise DuBarry Hays has created an elevated dining experience to celebrate her love of health and wellness. Take the trip to Palm Desert and rest assured, you will have a memorable evening.
Barrel District Pizza Bar & Kitchen in Cathedral City is a great spot for those in need of comfort food. They have a surprising selection of vegan and vegetarian options which include cauliflower crust pizza! And be sure to try some of their shared plates such as vegan tacos! There are also some wonderful entrée size salads sure to fill you up.
Wherever you decide to dine, we are sure that you will have an enjoyable experience at any of these restaurants.
Happy Dining!