25 Essential Palm Desert Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Palm Desert.
Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
California
Homey spot with an array of seafood options plus drinks including vodka & wine amid mountain views.
Billy Q's
California
Laid-back diner with outdoor seats offering hearty specialty pizzas including gluten-free options.
French Corner Cafe
California
Bright, easygoing cafe offering traditional French dishes, house-baked breads & pastries.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Palm Desert, California
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Outback Steakhouse
Palm Desert, California
Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
China Wok
Palm Desert, California
Contemporary restaurant featuring familiar Chinese entrees, plus vegetarian dishes & hot pots.
Mario's Italian Cafe
Palm Desert, California
Family-friendly restaurant serving pizza, pasta, calzones & subs amid homey, Italian-themed decor.
Firehouse Subs Desert Gateway Center
Palm Desert, California
Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
Pueblo Viejo Grill
Palm Desert, California
Easygoing eatery dishing up tacos, enchiladas & other Mexican standards, plus cocktails.
Islands
Palm Desert, California
Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.
Black Cat Pizza
Palm Desert, California
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
ROC's Firehouse Grille
Palm Desert, California
Tavern with TVs presents a huge menu full of casual American eats plus cocktails & beer.
Blaze Pizza
Palm Desert, California
Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.
Alps Village
Palm Desert, California
Unfussy strip-mall restaurant offering classic German fare & imported beers in casual surrounds.
Mastro's Steakhouse
Palm Desert, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Mario's Italian Café
Palm Desert, California
Family-friendly restaurant serving pizza, pasta, calzones & subs amid homey, Italian-themed decor.
Oceana Restaurant
Palm Desert, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list.
Piero's PizzaVino
Palm Desert, California
Sit-down space for Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-burning oven, plus pasta, antipasti, wine & more.
Birrieria Sinaloa #2
Palm Desert, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Luna Grill Palm Desert
Palm Desert, California
Kebabs, salads & other Mediterranean eats offered in a relaxed, counter-serve setting.
Bucatini Trattoria – Pizzeria
Palm Desert, California
Contemporary, family-owned establishment offering pasta, pizza & other familiar Italian entrees.
Habit Burger & Grill
Palm Desert, California
Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.
Mario's Italian Cafe V
Palm Desert, California
Family-friendly restaurant serving pizza, pasta, calzones & subs amid homey, Italian-themed decor.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
Palm Desert, California
Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.
Carmen’s
Palm Desert, California
Identifies as Latino-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Live music.