With all the tennis, golf and outdoor adventures in Palm Desert, you’re sure to work up an appetite during your stay. Thankfully, there are no shortage of bistros, bars and grills in the area. From casual to fine dining, Mexican to French cuisine and beyond, these are our picks for the 11 Best Restaurants in Palm Desert, California.

#1 – BackStreet Bistro

Couple Eating Spaghetti Together

  • Cuisine: Tuscan-Inspired Italian
  • Ambiance: Modern, classy – Slightly dressy attire
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week as well as breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
  • Our Favorite Dish: Veal Saltimbocca with sauteed scaloppine, prosciutto and fresh sage

More Info About BackStreet Bistro

#2 – Fresh Agave Bar & Grill

  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Ambiance: Casual
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Chicken Chiles Agave, yellow peppers stuffed full of fresh goodies like chicken, tomatoes and cilantro and served with a chipotle sauce

More Info About Fresh Agave Bar & Grill

#3 – Blue Orchid Thai Bistro

  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Ambiance: Elegant – casual attire accepted
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week – closed for the month of July annually
  • Our Favorite Dish: Tofu Drunken Noodles or Tom Yum Soup

More Info About Blue Orchard Thai Bistro

#4 – Cafe des Beaux Art

Fresh Basil Crepes

  • Cuisine: French
  • Ambiance: Elegant – casual attire accepted
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week as well as breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
  • Our Favorite Dish: Duckling a l’orange

More Info About Cafe des Beaux Arts

#5 – Mastro’s Steakhouse

  • Cuisine: Steak, Sushi & Seafood
  • Ambiance: White linen, fine dining
  • Serving: Dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: 48 oz Double Cut Porterhouse and a Chopped Salad

More Info About Mastro’s Steakhouse

#6 – Ristorante Mamma Gina

  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Ambiance: White linen, fine dining
  • Serving: Dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Fusilli Anatra – a fusilli pasta with Italian sausage and Duck ragu’

More Info About Ristorante Mamma Gina

#7 – The Venue Sushi Bar

Caviar on cream cheese with mint leaf

  • Cuisine: Sushi
  • Ambiance: Modern/chic – casual attire okay
  • Serving: Dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Baby Langoustine – a crabmeat and avocado roll topped with baby langoustine cooked tempura style, served with spicy aioli, teriyaki and micro greens

More Info About The Venue Sushi Bar

#8 – Wilma & Frieda

  • Cuisine: Updated comfort classics
  • Ambiance: Modern/chic – casual attire okay
  • Serving: Breakfast, brunch & lunch, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Grilled Meatloaf & Eggs

More Info About Wilma & Frieda

#9 – Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe

Smoked Barbecue Pork Ribs

  • Cuisine: California Fusion
  • Ambiance: Casual
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Grilled Chicken & Mango Salad with toasted nuts, dried blueberries and a meyer lemon vinaigrette

More Info About Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe

#10 – Pacifica Seafood

Lobster Tail on bed of veggies

  • Cuisine: Seafood
  • Ambiance: White linen, fine dining, modern bar
  • Serving: Dinner, 7 days a week (Bar opens at 3pm)
  • Our Favorite Dish: Tuscan Style Escolar with prosciutto, cannellini beans, sundried tomatoes and fried leeks

More Info About Pacifica Seafood

#11 – Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill

  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Ambiance: Casual
  • Serving: Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week
  • Our Favorite Dish: Grilled Calamari or Fajitas

More Info About Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill

Still didn’t find the place to hit your sweet spot? No worries, we’ve got the full guide to dining in Palm Desert here. If you’re still planning your trip to Palm Desert, don’t forget to book your vacation rental.

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