New & Noteworthy Restaurants in Palm Springs
The Palm Springs dining scene keeps evolving, and lately there’s been a wave of fresh openings. From chic cocktail lounges and refined dinner spots to stylish coffee counters, here’s what's new (and buzzing) around town.
Beaton’s at Bar Cecil
Expertly mixed cocktails, luxe bar bites, and a glamorous room (pictured above). With Beaton’s, the talented folks at MICHELIN-recommended Bar Cecil have successfully managed to expand their effortlessly chic spirit into a space next door. The vibe is lively but relaxed, making it ideal for a memorable date night. Open Wednesday-Sunday until midnight. After 9pm, the “late night” menu includes a top-notch bar burger or filet mignon. Reservations are recommended, as this spot is already drawing a devoted following, but they do reserve a few tables for walk-ins.
Bar Issi
The maximalist décor concept of more is more also reigns supreme at Bar Issi. As luck would have it, the craft cocktails and Italian-inspired cuisine are just as tasty as the space. Located inside the Thompson hotel complex on the north end of downtown, Bar Issi has quickly become a see-and-be-seen hotspot for both locals and travelers. Reservations are highly recommended. Open daily for dinner, brunch available Friday-Sunday.
Bougainvillea Fresh Cuisine
If you’re looking for creative cuisine in a more casual setting, this small off-the-radar spot in a Warm Sands strip mall is getting rave reviews from picky locals. The menu draws from Latin and Mediterranean traditions, and everything is made in-house “with love.” Reservations (by phone) are recommended. Open daily for dinner, lunch available Tuesday-Saturday.
Ash & Vine
Set in a vine-covered historical building with a charming hidden courtyard, Ash & Vine delivers elevated California cuisine with subtle global influences and a strong focus on seasonal ingredients. The dining room feels intimate and refined, making it a natural choice for a relaxing (and delicious) meal. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
SoCal Sunset
This welcoming space on the north end of downtown keeps things relaxed and approachable with comforting food and generous portions. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Also of Note:
Coffeeism Co.
Serious about your caffeine? Coffeeism is a stylish new downtown café pulling steamy shots of Intelligentsia espresso in in a relaxed, modern space. In addition to a single-origin daily drip program you’ll find a rotating menu of super delicious iced coffee drinks with surprising ingredients like passion fruit and prickly pear. Open daily 6am-4pm.
Hot Cookie
This San Francisco bakery off shoot serves up “deliciously large” erotically shaped cookies. Also ice cream.
A Few (Relatively) New Spots to Try:
Liv’s
This charming restaurant tucked away in the lower level of the Palm Springs Art Museum serves up flavorful bites for breakfast and lunch, not to mention a darn good mimosa. If it’s not too hot, a table outdoors next to the fountain in the museum’s sculpture garden can’t be beat. Operated by Bar Cecil chef Gabriel Woo, Liv’s has been recognized by Eater as a standout dining spot. Open Thursday-Monday.
Lola Rose
Lola Rose blends stylish interiors and mountain views with elevated Eastern Mediterranean-comfort food at the Thompson hotel. A tasty and reliable choice for daytime dining or an easygoing evening of shared plates. Open daily.
Alana
If you’re a big fan of artisanal tequila and mezcal, Alana is a newer spot downtown serving up organic, additive-free cocktails and a limited menu of tapas and tacos. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the loop of vintage Mexican films playing behind the bar is a nice touch. Open Tuesday-Sunday until 11pm.