Sharing is Caring
Small plates, shared plates, tapas… what could be more intimate than enjoying the same plate of food together? Here are a few of our favorite local restaurants in Palm Springs where dishes that are meant to be shared steal the show. Most of them have pretty great drink menus, too! Keep in mind that many places often adjust their open hours and days depending on the season; always check websites for the most up-to-date information.
Clandestino
175 N Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 160
In the middle of everything yet off the beaten path, this stylishly moody little bar and patio is a great place to sit and share after the sun drops behind the San Jacinto mountains. Mexican-inspired share plates include a selection of refreshing ceviches, street tacos six different ways, fab fried squash blossoms, and more. The drink menu is more than up for the challenge with a fun mix of creative craft cocktails and fresh margaritas. Open daily until 10 PM, Fri-Sat-Sunday until 11 PM. Near the Forever Marilyn statue, about a 25-minute walk from Descanso. Reservations suggested (call 760-699-6222).
Maleza
284 S Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs’ newest hot spot serves up eclectic Baja-inspired share plates and family-style feasts paired with rare mezcals and craft cocktails. Located inside the Drift Hotel, menu highlights include oysters in jalapeno mignonette, steak aguachile, or smoked bone marrow butter. Open daily, reservations suggested. Insider Tip: Skip the valet and park across the street in the public garage.
Zin American Bistro
198 S Palm Canyon Drive
A Palm Springs favorite since 2004 and also one of our top picks for brunch, Zin Bistro’s French-inspired menu and mind-boggling wine list get high marks from locals and visitors alike. Order a beautiful bottle and work your way through Zin’s impressive list of appetizers together. You can’t go wrong! Open daily, reservations strongly suggested.
Reforma
333 S Palm Canyon Drive, Unit 2
Reforma is a beautiful bar, a late-night club with DJs and live events, and a Latin American-inspired restaurant with a great outdoor dining space fronting buzzy Palm Canyon. The perfect place for people-watching while sharing delicious bites and craft cocktails! The menu changes seasonally and includes a variety of small and large plates that can be shared, like seared scallops with Spanish garlic shrimp or beer-steamed mussels with chorizo. Open for late-night dining on weekends. Open Thursday-Monday.
Shanghai Red’s
235 S Indian Canyon Drive
This little bar and grill serves up fresh seafood from the adjoining Fisherman’s Market in a funky, casual setting that will transport you right to the docks. There are dozens of old-school appetizers to share here, including fresh shrimp, oysters, clams, and mussels prepared just about any way you could want. Amazing seafood tacos and fish & chips. Shanghai Red’s has live music (usually Blues) from Thursday through Sunday. Open Wednesday-Sunday.
Del Rey
1620 S Indian Trail
Always a favorite for tapas, this sexy little hideaway inside the Villa Royale hotel has recently changed things up with a new menu in collaboration with Chef Gabe Woo of Bar Cecil fame. There are a dozen different tapas to choose from, a fun selection of conservas to explore (tinned seafood delicacies), and over-the-top cocktails. A little on the spendy side, but the food is really good and the clubby vibe is classic Palm Springs. Reservations are recommended, request a booth in the dimly lit dining room. Open daily, 5-10 PM.
Sol Y Sombra
67670 Carey Road, Cathedral City
If you’re out adventuring in Cathedral City, Sol Y Sombra offers a traditional Spanish-style tapas menu that’s been infused with ingredients grown in the Coachella Valley like citrus, dates, and chilies. There are so many fabulous small plates to choose from here, everything from cheese & ham croquettes to chorizo-stuffed dates, all perfect for sharing over a pitcher of sangria. Larger plates are just as good—especially the paella. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, so order that the minute you sit down (trust us, it’s worth it!). Located poolside at the Paloma resort. Open Wednesday-Saturday.