Palm Springs Dining: Where Retro Glamour Meets Modern Flavor
Palm Springs has always been a city of contrasts—midcentury charm with a thoroughly contemporary pulse. That same mix runs through its food scene, where you can eat in Cary Grant’s former home at Copley’s or grab Frank Sinatra’s old table at Melvyn’s, then turn around for a seat at the buzzy Paul Bar/Food or the nationally acclaimed Rooster and the Pig. Since the Michelin Guide arrived in 2022, the desert has racked up plenty of stars. Here’s where to find that sweet spot between nostalgia and now.
Start at Bar Cecil, a tribute to photographer Cecil Beaton. It’s the toughest reservation in town, but worth it for the French-inspired menu—caramelized onion tart, steaks frites, and a smoked pork chop. The Fifty Dollar Martini comes with a caviar-topped deviled egg. If that’s too rich, the cocktail menu includes a cheat sheet and a Beaton quote: “All I want is the best of everything.”
For old-school deli, Sherman’s has been a Hollywood hangout since 1963, with pastrami that rivals New York’s best. Across town, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen does a vegan version—tempeh “pastrami” on rye—that’s just as satisfying. Everything is scratch-made and organic.
Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Estate feels like a time capsule, but in the best way. White-glove service, chilled martinis, tableside Steak Diane. Sinatra’s mother Dolly loved it here. End the night in the Casablanca Lounge with live music and a story about founder Mel Haber and Ol’ Blue Eyes.
Brunch at Wilma & Frieda means cinnamon rolls the size of a cantaloupe, plus blackberry custard French toast or short rib eggs Benedict. Grab a house-made Pop Tart for the road.
Mexican food runs from casual El Mirasol to Tac/Quila, a Michelin favorite with ceviches, short rib enchiladas, and lobster tacos. Don’t skip the churro ice cream sandwich.
At Bar Issi in the Thompson hotel, the Mediterranean vibe is pure vacation. Neapolitan pizzas and housemade pastas shine, and happy hour offers stuffed squash blossoms and deviled eggs with tuna.
Finally, Rooster and the Pig—a tiny strip-mall spot that made USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list. Chef Tai Spendley’s shaking beef, turmeric cod, and curry-stuffed rice balls are worth the wait. Get there early.