Hands-down the Coachella Valley’s prettiest restaurant, The Pink Cabana is a designer’s dreamland! All soft blushes and subtle greens with incredible tilework, the newcomer (it opened in 2018) is gorgeous! And the food is fabulous, to boot! Go for the Instagram opportunities, stay for the Green Chile Chicken Tacos and Moroccan Club (my two favorite entrees).
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If you’re into franks, Sumo Dog is the place to be! Offering beef, pork, and vegan varieties accompanied by such accouterments as wasabi relish, miso mustard, guacamole, and katsu, the options are imaginative and delicious! My preferred order is an Angus beef frank, bacon wrapped with togarashi cheese sauce, but even the basic Chicago-style dogs make this spot worth a visit.
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This beloved eatery started serving up savory crepes (or what owner Marcel Ramirez describes as a “French burrito”) in 2020 and quickly became a sensation, with Guy Fieri (who popped in to shoot an episode of his popular “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) deeming the BBQ chicken crepe a “destination dish.” And Gabino’s truly is a destination! Offering little slices of handheld heaven, Marcel’s crepes consist of incredibly tasty (not to mention hearty) fillings like pesto chicken and rib-eye cheese steak enveloped in a perfectly crunchy wrap crafted from flour, eggs and cheese. A meal at Gabino’s is truly like nothing else in the world! Bonus – there is also a sister location in Palm Springs for those on the west side of town.
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Located 30 miles north of Palm Springs, this eatery is a bit out of the way but is a must-stop if you’re heading to Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley. Boasting a vibrant and thoroughly unique high-desert vibe, the historical movie set turned biker/burrito bar turned bustling restaurant/fabled live music venue is hip, happening, and standing-room-only most days. And don’t let the place’s ramshackle appearance fool you – the food served on the premises is some of the best you’ll find in the entire greater Palm Springs area. As such, Pappy + Harriet’s has attracted the likes of everyone from Paul McCartney to Helen Mirren to Emma Stone.
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Another out-of-the-way spot, this one is also worth the drive, especially if you are visiting Joshua Tree. Featuring an eclectic menu with a slew of vegan and plant-based options, the food is truly out of this world, and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming. The chicken tacos are my personal favorite and, while no longer listed on the menu, are still readily available to patrons in the know.
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This darling creamery serves artisanal ice cream handmade with fresh produce in such flavorful varieties as Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib, Lavender Honey, and Rose Petal. Orders are served via cup, cone, or (best yet!) smashed between two homemade cookies in one of the establishment’s award-winning and much-ballyhooed ice cream sandwich delicacies.
Craving exquisite French food prepared by a world-class chef and served on a striking patio? Head straight to Le Vallauris, a gorgeous, Zagat-rated eatery housed in one of Palm Springs’ most beautiful and historic homes. Originally established in 1974 by Paul Bruggemans (who was also behind Los Angeles’ famed St. Germain), Le Vallauris offers fine dining at its, well, finest. Jerry Berns, longtime owner of New York’s fabled 21 Club, called it “one of the best restaurants in the world,” and that is not hyperbole. As such, everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Loretta Young has enjoyed its fare.
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My family’s favorite restaurant in Palm Springs – so much so that when we spent a week at a local downtown hotel for a staycation, we ended up dining at Zin every single night. With varied menu options, patrons can eat healthily or sinfully (XXX Adult Macaroni and Cheese, anyone?), and either way, it is guaranteed to be delicious! The entrees are also updated seasonally, so there is always something new to try. And be sure not to miss the bottomless champagne, bellini, and Aperol spritz offerings!
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Originally established in 1995, this spot is best known for its supreme bread offerings. There are more than 30 varieties to choose from (including gluten-free options), all handmade and stone ground on the premises each day. As such, the sandwiches are stellar, as are the baked goods and salads. With additional locations in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Apsen Mills is a true desert stalwart.
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A newer addition to the Coachella Valley restaurant scene, this gourmet deli promptly became an area staple and THE premier spot for sandwiches in the desert. Offering the very best in hand-crafted hoagies, artisanal coffees, and fresh cuts of meat, it is upscale in every way and a delightful place to dine! Be sure not to miss the fabulous goods offered in the onsite market.
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