View from the dining room of Lola Rose Grand Mezze at the Thompson Palm Springs
Michael Weber Photography / Visit Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is world-renowned for its midcentury modern architecture, tennis culture and stunning natural scenery. But there’s another compelling reason to visit the region: its vibrant food scene. For fine dining aficionados, the luxury hotels in the region set a high standard for dining, from upscale resort restaurants with panoramic views to chic, modern bistros highlighting farm-to-table freshness.
Here are five top hotel restaurants in Greater Palm Springs to visit for an extraordinary dining experience. Each venue provides a unique culinary adventure, coupling gourmet dishes with striking architectural style.
Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs: A Contemporary Social Lounge
Lola Rose presents a unique take on mezze-style dining.
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Debuting in October 2024 as part of the new Thompson Palm Springs, Lola Rose Grand Mezze offers sophisticated mezze-style dining. The menu features dishes such as baharat-crusted chicken wings, ahi crudo and kebab options, including spicy lamb, beef and swordfish. Guests can mingle at the spacious bar—a focal point of the restaurant and lounge space—and order wines and cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, tzatziki milk punch and Silk Road sprotini.
Lola Rose showcases an eclectic mix of vintage and custom furnishings, including cozy booths, plush sofas and mid-century modern chairs, ideal for happy hour, social gatherings or casual dinners. The restaurant’s seamless indoor-outdoor setting with a large patio provides a prime spot for observing incredible sunset views of the surrounding mountains.
Azúcar at La Serena Villas: A Hidden Gem of Culinary Delight
The inviting and elegant dining room at Azúcar
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Inside the historic La Serena Villas—which dates back to 1933—lies a boho-style cottage decked with floral wallpaper, white leather chairs, Moroccan-inspired mirrors, intricate tilework and Frida Kahlo prints. Azúcar—which means sugar in Spanish—presents contemporary Latin-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s menu includes dishes such as Spanish crudité, pollo blanco and crab-stuffed poblano peppers. The desserts are another highlight, with items like the Azúcar Delight, which contains vanilla bean pudding drizzled with Abuelita chocolate and served with warm churros.
Azúcar boasts an impressive selection of wines from Spain, France, Italy, and California, along with a variety of beers and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can enjoy Latin-themed concoctions like the Mezcaljito, milk punch, Spanish Negroni and Mexican coffee martini in the main dining space or the Sugar High rooftop bar, backed by beautiful mountain views. Given the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, including its poolside tables, making a reservation is highly recommended.
The Edge Steakhouse at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage: A Celebratory Dining Experience
Diners can enjoy a selection of gourmet menu items at The Edge
Visit Greater Palm Springs
The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is renowned for its high-quality cuts of meat and premium steak selections, including hand-cut and dry-aged steaks. The menu also features a wide array of small plates, shareable dishes, and seafood items, such as venison carpaccio and the signature Oyster Coachella, made with Medjool dates, chorizo and blue cheese.
The restaurant provides an extensive wine list and a craft cocktail menu with imaginative drinks like the Ginger Sour, Tiramisu, and Desert Mai Tai. The Edge’s sleek, modern decor and intimate ambiance make it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or special celebrations. It also offers some of the most breathtaking cliffside views of the Coachella Valley.
Norma’s at the Parker Palm Springs: A Retro-Chic Brunch Haven
Enjoy retro-chic dining on Norma’s patio, framed by contrasting green scenery.
Parker Palm Springs / Visit Greater Palm Springs
At the luxe Parker Palm Springs, Norma’s is a premier spot for elevated dining. The restaurant’s all-day brunch menu is filled with indulgent dishes such as brioche French toast, Nutella Packed Jacks and lemony griddle cakes. For egg lovers, the menu’s “Eggs Cellent” section includes the popular shrimp frittata, Maine lobster and asparagus omelet and turkey and sweet potato hash with poached eggs.
Beyond brunch favorites, Norma’s also serves a tempting selection of salads, sandwiches and dinner options. Think chipotle portobello vegan tacos, tuna burgers and wagyu lasagna. The beverage menu contains a wide array of cocktails, wines, coffee and freshly squeezed juices. With its vibrant outdoor patio decorated in orange, white, and green hues, Norma’s exudes retro charm and provides a serene setting surrounded by lush gardens.
4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel: A Rooftop Culinary Escape
The bar at 4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Visit Greater Palm Springs
4 Saints is a sophisticated rooftop restaurant located at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. The restaurant features an exceptional menu of modern American coastal cuisine with Mediterranean and Californian influences. Signature dishes include lobster ceviche, short rib ravioli and sea scallops risotto.
The bar menu completes the dining experience with enticing light bites such as stuffed Medjool dates and yucca fries served alongside an extensive drinks list. A few of the creative cocktails guests can order are the Tango Nuevo, made with rum, honey syrup, and black coffee liqueur, and the Lavender Lady, featuring gin, crème de violette, Maraschino liqueur, lavender bitters and champagne.
The restaurant’s ultramodern decor and relaxed ambiance create an ideal atmosphere for casual gatherings and special celebrations. One of the highlights of dining at 4 Saints is its stunning panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and downtown Palm Springs, providing the perfect pairing of exquisite food, drinks and views.