MICHELIN Guide Restaurants in Palm Springs
The notoriously selective MICHELIN Guide hasn’t (yet) awarded any of its coveted stars to a restaurant in Palm Springs. But they have bestowed the honorary title of “Michelin Recommended” to eight foodie hotspots. From a glamorous rooftop dining room to a pup-friendly favorite within walking distance from Descanso, here are the Palm Springs restaurants the Michelin Guide has currently recognized as the best.
4Saints
Stylishly perched on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Rowan Hotel, 4Saints serves up looks both out the window and on the plate. The casually elegant dining room and show-stopping mountain views provide a beautiful backdrop for 4Saints’ take on “modern American coastal cuisine.” Small and large plates showcase seafood, local produce, and prime meats. All paired with well-balanced craft cocktails and a nice list of California wines. Open daily, last dinner seating is at 9pm.
Bar Cecil
Sumptuously designed with a great vibe, gorgeous food, and a wonderful collection of modern art, Bar Cecil (pronounced sessel) is one of the hottest reservations in town. The menu leans toward indulgent French-bistro fare, featuring eclectic takes on beef tartare and curry mussels. Reservations open up two weeks in advance and disappear quickly, so if it’s on your foodie radar you’ll want to set yourself a reminder to book ahead on OpenTable. Seats at the lovely marble bar are available for walk-ins. Get there early – the first bar list fills up around 4:30 for the 5pm opening. Or you might get lucky and snag a seat during the 6:30-7:15pm window when the first wave of bar seating turns over. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you! Open daily.
Just a 15-minute walk up Palm Canyon from Descanso, Boozehounds is a fun spot where both humans and their furry friends are welcome on the shady outdoor patio. Inside the festive dining room, the Asian-influenced menu features dishes like miso marinated sea bass fish & chips, fresh crudo, and a good smash burger. Boozehounds makes great craft cocktails (including one of our favorite margaritas) and is a solid choice for happy hour bites. Open daily, serving Lunch, Brunch, Happy Hour, or Dinner depending on the day.
Cheeky’s Palm Springs
Just about everything on the menu at this perpetually packed hotspot for breakfast and lunch is made from scratch using local, farm-fresh ingredients. The menu rotates weekly, but you can expect inventive takes on the classics like carnitas hash or chilaquiles with house-made chorizo. Don’t miss the “world famous” bacon flight featuring five different varieties, from applewood smoked to strawberry thyme. Wash it all down with a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary or a refreshingly boozy Morning Margarita. You’re on vacation! Most of the seating here is on the patio, and Cheeky’s does not take reservations. Open until 2pm, Thursday through Monday. About a 15-minute walk from Descanso, or 5-minutes by bike.
Tac/Quila
This celebrated downtown hotspot gets high marks for bold flavors, thoughtful presentation, and unexpected combinations. Inspired by Mexico’s Jalisco region, Tac/Quila’s menu includes lots of elevated classics, including street tacos with upscale fillings like lobster and seared ahi. Cocktails here are spot on, and the expansive spirits menu includes many rare tequilas and mezcals. For dessert, don’t miss the churro ice cream sandwich. If you’re looking for an upscale Mexican dining experience, Tac/Quila is a great choice. Open daily. Tip: If you’re in the mood for something a little more casual or can’t get a table, Clandestino is a great alternative operated by the same team.
The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge
The ingredient-driven cooking at The Barn Kitchen is a wonderful example of simple, uncomplicated cuisine showcasing fresh California ingredients. Everything is beautifully prepared and presented, and the serenely chic open-air setting makes this a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch or early dinner. Open daily, reservations required for non-guests.
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Deeply committed to supporting local agriculture, farm-to-table favorite Workshop relies on a dedicated garden in Rancho Mirage plus partnerships with local farms to ensure ultra-fresh produce and top-quality proteins for its wood-fired dishes. Set inside a Spanish-style building from the 1920s, Michelin describes Workshop’s unusual dining room as a “modernist temple of polished concrete” – complete with high ceilings and a long communal table surrounded by cozy booths (all made of concrete). A mist-cooled courtyard provides additional seating. Open daily.
The Colony Club
Tucked inside the glamorous Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows, the Colony Club restaurant is currently in the process of developing a “new menu concept” to debut Fall 2025. Stay tuned.
Of course, we have LOTS of favorite restaurants in Palm Springs that haven’t made it to the Michelin Guide yet. Ask at the front desk, check our Staff Picks, and don’t miss our guide to Restaurants Within Walking Distance.
Keep in mind that reservations are recommended for most of these in-demand foodie hotspots. Also, many restaurants take a much-needed vacation break during July or August. So follow the website links above for the most current information!