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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Palm Springs

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lulu California Bistro restaurant
1. Lulu California Bistro
4.3
Awesome(6123)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Palm Springs
Booked 152 times today
Lulu California Bistro is Palm Springs’ landmark restaurant on world famous Palm Canyon Drive where there’s a lively vibe daily on its streetside patio, covered terrace, bar, and in its indoor dining areas featuring an extensive all day favorites menu, an award-winning three-course weekend brunch, and of course, signature cocktails and wines. The list of accolades awarded to Lulu is all encompassing: best all around restaurant, best brunch, best California cuisine, best dining experience, best outdoor dining, best pet friendly dining, best take out, and best place to hang with friends…all awarded from readers’ polls and editors’ picks over the years. Dining at Lulu is an authentic local experience with its California bistro menu, friendly and warm service, and the energy and excitement of being in Palm Springs’ most popular restaurant because, after all, “there’s always a party at Lulu!”
A photo of Zin American Bistro restaurant
2. Zin American Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(2622)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Palm Springs
Booked 18 times today
For the past 20 years, Zin has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. We offer crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner. We are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating we have a beautiful heated and cooled covered patio for outdoor dining.
A photo of Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGS restaurant
3. Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGS
4.2
Awesome(1430)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Palm Springs
Booked 31 times today
At Kaiser Grille Palm Springs, we believe you are what you eat. With this in mind, we proudly offer all natural and hormone-free USDA PRIME beef, free range organic chicken, and sustainable/wild seafood, all served alongside fresh, local produce. We use organic products as often as possible, and we make all of our delicious desserts, dressings and sauces in-house. Born out of our love of food and hospitality, Kaiser Grille has been synonymous with quality and value for over twenty years in the Coachella Valley. Founded by Kaiser Morcus in 1992, Kaiser Grille quickly became a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. When you are here, please introduce yourselves. We look forward to meeting you!
A photo of Sammy G's Tuscan Grill restaurant
4. Sammy G's Tuscan Grill
4.7
Exceptional(3870)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Palm Springs
Booked 65 times today
Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and near some of the city’s most quaint shops and hotels.Established in 2009, Sammy G’s has is open seasonally for Sammy's weekend Brunch and lunch with an innovative menu, blending traditional Italian with California cuisine. Take a break from shopping and dine al fresco for lunch on the newly renovated patio and soak up the gorgeous desert weather, or venture inside and be transported to Tuscany with the restaurant’s rustic charm.Dinner becomes a casual yet elegant event, and traditional Italian favorites mixed with updated classics are on the menu. A semi-private room is available for family gatherings or business events.On Thursday through Saturday nights, the Sammy G’s Lounge becomes an energetic yet intimate place to meet up with friends and dance the night away to live music and enjoy Sammy G’s signature cocktails.
A photo of La Cocina at Reforma restaurant
5. La Cocina at Reforma
4.6
Exceptional(329)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Palm Springs
Booked 14 times today
Inspired by the cultures of Latin America, La Cocina at Reforma pays homage to the Southern California experience. Cuisines from Mexico, Central, and South America are represented and fused, paired with our handcrafted cocktails, delivering a unique dining experience. The Peruvian Chicken, Lomo Saltado and Short Rib Mole have become instant classics. Choose from elegant, sophisticated cocktails or the deep selection of wines to pair with your meal.La Cocina at Reforma has reinvigorated the former Robinson's department store building, a Class A historical site that is a Palm Springs icon. The patio provides views of lively downtown and the Architecture and Design Center, another example of mid-century architecture. The interiors respect the building's heritage, while offering a luxe dining experience. Still looking for something to do after dinner? Our bar and dance floor host weekly and special events. Information is available on our website.MUST BE 21+ TO DINE WITH US.
A photo of Bongo Johnny's Patio Bar & Restaurant restaurant
6. Bongo Johnny's Patio Bar & Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(722)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palm Springs
Booked 46 times today
Bongo Johnny's is a modern American diner with 2 fully covered/cooled/heated patio's (inside dining available also). Bongo Johnny's is a local favorite in Palm Springs, CA. Noted for top-rate service, $7 bottomless champagne, and a fun/casual atmosphere; it is a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with the locals and visitors alike. Bongo Johnny's Patio offers American and Mexican breakfast fare, signature burgers, sandwiches, made from scratch Mac&Cheese dishes, Fish&Chips, Healthy Salads, unique drink specials, and the BEST Bloody Mary in town
A photo of Jimmy B’s restaurant
7. Jimmy B’s
4.5
Awesome(82)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palm Springs
Booked 20 times today
Delicious Palm Springs: A Culinary Haven at Jimmy B's Grill, Cocktails, and Steakhouse (formerly Sam's Place)Nestled in the heart of the sun-kissed oasis of Palm Springs, Jimmy B's Grill, Cocktails, and Steakhouse has become a culinary landmark, offering an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and elevates the spirit. With a legacy of fine cuisine and warm hospitality, Jimmy B's has emerged as a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.Founded by the visionary entrepreneur Jimmy "Jimmy B", this establishment is a beacon of culinary excellence. Jimmy B, a passionate food enthusiast with a penchant for crafting mouthwatering dishes, set out on a mission to create a dining experience that marries the quintessential flavors of the desert with the sophistication of a classic steakhouse.
A photo of Jake's - Palm Springs restaurant
8. Jake's - Palm Springs
4.5
Awesome(3636)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palm Springs
Booked 78 times today
Jake's is a casual, upscale European-style bistro nestled in a secluded courtyard at the epicenter of the Mid-Century Uptown design district of Palm Springs. Much like the architectural and style artisans that surround it, Jake’s takes cues from the past with a nod to the future in the kitchen and behind the bar. Classics are given a surprising twist while new flavor combinations excite the palate. Likewise wines come to us from both New and Old worlds. Of course, save room for something from our signature dessert case! Since 2007, Jake’s has offered al fresco dining as well as seating in our cozy dining room. So join our friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch!
A photo of Trio Restaurant - Palm Springs restaurant
9. Trio Restaurant - Palm Springs
4.3
Awesome(3917)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palm Springs
Booked 60 times today
Trio offers a lively, modern dining experience with exceptional service. Known for its chef-driven California cuisine, Trio sources fresh, local ingredients to create innovative dishes with a distinctive modern twist. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Trio promises a memorable dining experience. Located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, Just steps away from unique shops, hotels and galleries, Trio is a 15-minutestroll to downtown and the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue, and a short10-minute drive from the Palm Springs Tramway.Trio continues to earn accolades, including TripAdvisorTraveler’s Choice Award and Certificate of Excellence in 2024, WineSpectator Award of Excellence in 2024, and on Yelp’s Top 100 Placesto Eat. Additionally, it’s been recognized as a Diners Choice byOpenTable. Make your reservation today and experience the best ofPalm Springs dining!
A photo of Boozehounds restaurant
10. Boozehounds
4.3
Awesome(279)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Palm Springs
Booked 124 times today
Boozehounds Palm Springs was established in 2020 and has served as a go-to restaurant for dog owners from LA, San Diego, Coachella Valley, and beyond. Boozehounds was started by three friends for one simple reason… they loved dogs and dreamed of owning a place where people could take their pups, enjoy an awesome cocktail or fab meal, and socialize in style. Making sure the pup was the real VIP of course! Choose from the sexy and stylish dining room and lounge facing the gorgeous San Jacinto mountains, dine in the open-air atrium, or enjoy the picturesque vacation vibes at the cabana bar and patio. Who doesn’t love a little mai tai moment?Both the Atrium and Patio are dog-friendly zones and offer water bowls and a pup-friendly menu. Please note all indoor spaces are human only.Michelin Guide Restauarant 3 years in a row, and recently nominated best drag show 2023 by GED

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dave
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was great, beyond expectations. There were only 2 details that brought the experience down from a perfect 5 Star evening. 1. We were seated in the bar. And 2. The charge for extra tortillas.
    More info
    La Cocina at ReformaPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Palm Springs
    •
    4.6
  • KennethVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Very nice dining experience. The ambiance was open, inviting and stimulating. The back room provided awesome views of a courtyard. The food was delicious, tasty and satisfying. The staff did not rush us, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience.
    More info
    Sammy G's Tuscan GrillPrice: Moderate• Italian• Palm Springs
    •
    4.7
  • DencilVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had our Valentine's Dinner with out of town friends at LuLu's. I'm so glad we picked LuLu's as our restaurant. The food and service were top notch. All of my friends enjoyed their meal. The restaurant had a violinist which made dining much more enjoyable and the restaurant was nicely decorated for Valentine's Day. I will definitely be returning for a meal in the near term. I highly recommend this restaurant and I have been a full time resident for over ten years now.
    More info
    Lulu California BistroPrice: Moderate• Californian• Palm Springs
    •
    4.3
  • JamesVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •223 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a great choice and this time didn't disappoint. Service is wonderful, the food is always on point. Fresh, creative and also some basic comfort food. Something for all. The patio is a great dine for people watching and energetic vibe. Check out the excellent wine list.
    More info
    Zin American BistroPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Palm Springs
    •
    4.6
  • JackieVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great dinner! I like a place with a good menu and variety. We decided to sit at the bar- and had a wonderful dinner/HH - food was superb- we had the calamari, ahi cups and French dip! All was delicius and fresh! We got to enjoy a rainy evening at Kaiser! Service from the bartender was outstanding! Manager was also very pleasant on our way out. Can’t wait to be back!! It had been a while for me, but can’t forget about this Palm Springs staple- one of the originals on the strip!
    More info
    Kaiser Grille - PALM SPRINGSPrice: Expensive• Californian• Palm Springs
    •
    4.2

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