Best Lunch in Palm Springs: Where Locals Actually Eat
From downtown counters and Uptown patios to hidden crepes and Michelin-listed tacos – 25 spots where locals actually eat
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Having lived in Palm Springs for 28 years, I love our daytime dining scene, especially lunch. I try to pick out new spots every week. Here are my 25 favorites – most within a walkable 2-mile radius.
My Top 3 Picks for Best Lunch in Palm Springs
All 25 below are worthy contenders depending on mood — these are my 3 personal bests:
- Tac/Quila – My number one go to
- Lola Rose Grand Mezze – For something a little more elevated and unique
- Gabino’s Creperie – The true hole-in-the-wall hidden gem
- 1501 Gastropub
- Ash & Vine
- Boozehounds
- Cheeky’s
- Clandestino
- Colony Club
- Crudo Cervicheria
- Eight4Nine
- Escena Grill
- FARM
- Fuzion Five
- Gabino’s Creperie
- The Heyday
- Juniper Table
- Lola Rose Grand Mezze
- On The Mark
- Peaks Restaurant
- Ponzu Sushi
- Real Italian Deli
- Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill
- Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
- Tac/Quila
- Tyler’s Burgers
- Wilma & Frieda
- Zin American Bistro
1501 Uptown Gastropub
Glass walls on three sides and it opens completely to the outside. 1501 is high on the “views” list. Feels like a sports bar meets gastropub, but the kitchen is better than it needs to be. Strong craft beer list, salads on one end, Kobe short rib sandwich on the other. I usually get the Cubano.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: American | Best for: Views, Groups, Cocktails/Drinks
Ash & Vine
Set in a refurbished bungalow, Ash & Vine is quaint, intimate, and romantic. It’s Michelin‑worthy in terms of menu conception and execution. Lunch is sprinkled with brunch influences, and some really unique dishes like Bo Luc Lac and Eggs, Saganaki Lamb Hash, and a Breakfast Lasagna.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Mediterranean | Best for: Date Lunch, Elevated/Michelin
Boozehounds
Boozehounds is one of the city’s Michelin‑listed restaurants that does lunch at dinner caliber. Design-forward room that fits Uptown perfectly, plus a breezy dog-friendly patio. Daytime menu is bright and modern – burrata to magoru tataki salad, but I usually get the pork belly bánh mì.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: American | Best for: Dog Friendly, Elevated/Michelin, Cocktails/Drinks
Cheeky’s
Cheeky’s is a Palm Springs institution and a Michelin‑recognized spot. The menu is creative and chef‑driven, with about half rotating weekly. The bacon flight and BLT with jalapeño bacon are classics. Expect a wait — but you’re surrounded by boutique shops while you wait.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: American | Best for: Brunch, Patio, Elevated/Michelin
Read: Cheeky’s Palm Springs: The Breakfast Hotspot that Defined the Modern Uptown Dining Scene
Clandestino
Clandestino was born out of Tac/Quila (below) but has carved out its own identity with social small plates and signature additions. The indoor/outdoor patio opens to some of the best mountain views downtown. Lunch leans casual and sun-forward. The short rib empanadas with Oaxaca cheese are a standout.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Mexican | Best for: Patio, Views, Date Lunch, Cocktails/Drinks
The Colony Club
Colony Club is a Michelin-recognized Uptown staple tucked into Colony Palms Hotel. Mid-century greens and marble inside, colorful patio outside. Lunch is modern American – shrimp tacos to fried chicken banh mi. The cobb with Mary’s chicken is a standout, but I usually get the burger.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: American | Best for: Elevated/Michelin, Patio, Date Lunch
Read: Lunch at Colony Club: A Midday Look at Uptown’s Michelin Gem
Crudo Cervicheria
Crudo is a minimalist cevichería framed by clean contemporary lines and a patio that opens toward the mountains. The menu centers on modern raw seafood with bright flavors and precise presentation. Non‑seafood dishes like pork belly tacos follow the same style. The Chilean seabass ceviche is the starting point.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: Seafood | Best for: Views, Patio, Date Lunch
Read: Crudo Cevichería Adds Coastal Delights and Fresh Vibrancy to Uptown Palm Springs
Eight4Nine
With mid‑century architecture and colorful interior design, Eight4Nine feels special every time. It’s perfect for a special occasion, business lunch, or something intimate with friends. The creative California‑fusion menu ranges from Ahi Poke Bowl to Maine Lobster Roll. My pick is the Smoked Steelhead Salad Nicoise.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: American | Best for: Elevated/Michelin, Date Lunch, Vegetarian/Vegan, Business Lunch
Escena Grill
Escena offers some of the best daytime views in Palm Springs, set on a golf course minutes from the airport. Watch planes land with mountain views – patio over the course, indoor room wrapped in glass. The Onion Bacon Jam Burger and housemade chips with secret aioli are the must-order
Neighborhood: East Side | Cuisine: American | Best for: Views, Patio, Business Lunch, Dog Friendly, Groups
FARM
FARM’s 1930s courtyard is one of Palm Springs’ most charming lunch environments. It feels like a Mediterranean‑inspired hideaway. The menu blends modern fusion and French‑leaning dishes. Savory crepes, benedicts, baked brie, and canard salad all fit the daytime flow. The smoked salmon crepe is a standout.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Mediterranean | Best for: Patio, Date Lunch, Elevated/Michelin, Healthy Options
Fuzion Five
Fuzion Five is a downtown Vietnamese-Lao kitchen focused on fresh herbs and slow-simmered broths. The menu runs from hearty pho and Banh Xeo crepes to papaya salad with beef jerky and Khao Poon curry noodles. The Classic Spring Roll and 14-hour beef pho are the go-tos
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Asian | Best for: Quick Lunch, Vegetarian/Vegan, Healthy Options
Read: Fuzion Five: An Authentic Vietnamese–Lao Comfort Kitchen in Palm Springs
Gabino’s Creperie
A hole-in-the-wall with outside seating on the southern end of Palm Canyon, Gabino’s is one of the true hidden prizes. Their specialty is savory handheld crepes — thicker, crispier, golden variation on the traditional, filled, hand-wrapped and served as street food. Think giant tortilla wraps, but better — the crepe is the flavor. My top pick is the BBQ Chicken Crepe. Side tip: Kreme next door makes their own ice cream.
Neighborhood: South Palm Springs | Cuisine: Deli/Sandwich | Best for: Quick Lunch, Dog Friendly
The Heyday
What began as a pop-up became a local favorite for crisp-edged smash patties, soft buns and retro-meets-modern aesthetic. At the north end of Palm Canyon, Heyday operates like an indoor hamburger stand with counter service, quick pacing and sunny, laid-back vibe. Keep it simple – OG Double Smash Patty with caramelized onions is the obvious choice. Loaded fries are the indulgent add-on.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: Burgers | Best for: Quick Lunch, Cocktails/Drinks
Read: The Heyday: Palm Springs’ Most Talked‑About Smashburger Spot
Juniper Table
Juniper Table is the Kimpton Rowan’s lobby-level all-day Mediterranean cafe from the same Michelin-recognized team behind 4 Saints. Breakfast is known for Turkish Eggs, but for lunch I go banh mi. Great patio atmosphere adjoining the downtown artistic plaza, plus it doubles as a polished coffee bar grab-and-go.
Read: Juniper Table: A Standout for Daytime Dining in the Heart of Palm Springs
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Mediterranean | Best for: Patio, Quick Lunch, Healthy Options, Business Lunch
Lola Rose Grand Mezze
Perched atop the Thompson Hotel, Lola Rose is visually striking from every angle. North African and Middle Eastern influences give the menu a unique point of view. I especially enjoy this as a social setting with great shareables like lamb kufta kebabs or opt for a Middle-East-infused wagyu burger.
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: Mediterranean | Best for: Elevated/Michelin, Business Lunch, Cocktails/Drinks
On The Mark
On The Mark is an easy foot-traffic spot on the side street from Palm Canyon to the Museum. A boutique provisions store for cheeses and other supplies, it’s grab-and-go with some seating. My pick is the veggie sandwich with French Brie, housemade olive tapenade, fig spread, lettuce and tomatoes. You can also shop craft beer and natural wines to enjoy on-site.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Deli/Sandwich | Best for: Quick Lunch, Healthy Options
Peaks Restaurant
More than 8,000 feet above the valley, Peaks offers the most dramatic lunch view in Palm Springs. It’s a nature retreat first, but the restaurant serves well‑executed burgers, sandwiches, and entrées overlooking the entire valley. Go first for the views, but the Coachella Date Burger is worth taking a moment to savor.
Neighborhood: Mountain Top | Cuisine: American | Best for: Views, Quick Lunch, Date Lunch, Cocktails/Drinks
Ponzu Sushi
Ponzu brings a modern, fusion-forward spark to downtown Palm Springs, serving sushi all day in a lively, social dining room. Sit at the counter for lunch for bright carpaccio, playful rolls, and standouts like the warm, buttery black cod. Fun and welcoming.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi | Best for: Groups, Cocktails/Drinks, Business Lunch
Read: Ponzu: A Modern Sushi House Bringing Fresh Energy to Downtown Palm Springs
The Real Italian Deli
Tucked in a strip mall a couple blocks from downtown, Real Italian Deli is a neighborhood gem for imported provisions and home-prepared take-home meals. The real draw is sandwiches — house-baked breads and imported Italian meats. Try a Classic Meatball or Spicy Combo on ciabatta or torpedo. Take tiramisu home.
Neighborhood: East Side | Cuisine: Deli/Sandwich | Best for: Quick Lunch, Healthy Options
Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Ruben & Ozzy’s is a downtown seafood staple with a lively open‑kitchen oyster bar. The seafood selections run big and bold, from shareable small plates to hearty entrées. The Mexican poke is sweet and spicy. Oysters Rockefeller is the signature.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Seafood | Best for: Date Lunch, Cocktails/Drinks
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Sherman’s dates back to the 1950s and feels like an East Coast deli transplanted to Palm Springs. Large portions, house‑baked breads, and jaw‑dropping desserts define the experience. Guy Fieri highlighted their breads and turkey pastrami. The pastrami is the go‑to, and the cake slices are impossible to skip.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Deli/Sandwich | Best for: Quick Lunch, Business Lunch, Dog Friendly
Tac/Quila
Tac/Quila is the modern Mexican spot I land on for lunch more than anywhere else. Colorful, bright, and fresh, leaning into true farm-to-table cooking. You taste it from lighter tacos to elevated plates. Everything is reliable, shareable, and fun. The trio of quesadillas — shrimp, birria, squash blossom — is a staple.. (Michelin-Listed)
Neighborhood: Uptown Design District | Cuisine: Mexican | Best for: Patio, Elevated/Michelin, Cocktails/Drinks, Date Lunch
Tyler’s Burgers
Tyler’s sits in Downtown’s marquee spot — the historic La Plaza courtyard, where its tiny building has been a gas station, Greyhound depot, and A&W stand. For 30 years it’s carried that history forward with diner-style burgers and an iconic patty melt that fits old Palm Springs. Order the fresh-ground patty melt outside.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: Burgers | Best for: Patio, Quick Lunch
Wilma & Frieda
Wilma & Frieda brings elevated comfort cooking to a cozy diner setting. It’s brunch‑forward, but many plates pull from dinner inspiration. You can pivot between meatloaf and eggs or a meatloaf cheddar melt. Their chuck‑and‑short‑rib burgers are excellent.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: American | Best for: Brunch, Patio, Views
Read: Wilma & Frieda Elevates Breakfast in Palm Springs and Palm Desert
Zin American Bistro
Zin offers one of Downtown’s best sidewalk‑adjacent patios — shaded, calm, and perfect for a business lunch or slower midday meal. The wine list is extensive, and the chef‑driven menu leans into elevated classics made with sustainable ingredients. Mussels with fries is the signature bistro moment.
Neighborhood: Downtown | Cuisine: American | Best for: Elevated/Michelin, Patio, Business Lunch
Palm Springs Lunch by Neighborhood
Downtown Palm Springs: Ash & Vine, Clandestino, FARM, Fuzion Five, Juniper Table, On The Mark, Ponzu Sushi, Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Tyler’s Burgers, Wilma & Frieda, Zin American Bistro
East Side: Escena Grill, The Real Italian Deli
Mountain Top: Peaks Restaurant
South Palm Springs: Gabino’s Creperie
Uptown Design District: 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club, Crudo Cervicheria, Eight4Nine, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, Tac/Quila, The Heyday
Palm Springs Lunch by Cuisine
American: 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club, Eight4Nine, Escena Grill, Peaks Restaurant, Wilma & Frieda, Zin American Bistro
Asian: Crudo Cervicheria, Fuzion Five, Ponzu Sushi
Burgers: Colony Club, Escena Grill, The Heyday, Peaks Restaurant, Tyler’s Burgers, Wilma & Frieda
Deli/Sandwich: Gabino’s Creperie, On The Mark, Real Italian Deli, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Japanese/Sushi: Crudo Cervicheria, Ponzu Sushi
Mediterranean: Ash & Vine, FARM, Juniper Table, Lola Rose Grand Mezze
Mexican: Clandestino, Crudo Cervicheria, Tac/Quila
Seafood: Crudo Cervicheria, Ponzu Sushi, Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Palm Springs Lunch by Vibe
Brunch: Ash & Vine, Cheeky’s, Escena Grill, FARM, Juniper Table, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Wilma & Frieda
Business Lunch: 1501 Gastropub, Eight4Nine, Escena Grill, Juniper Table, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, Ponzu Sushi, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Zin American Bistro
Cocktails/Drinks: 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Boozehounds, Clandestino, The Heyday, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, Peaks Restaurant, Ponzu Sushi, Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Tac/Quila
Date Lunch: Ash & Vine, Clandestino, Colony Club, Crudo Cervicheria, Eight4Nine, FARM, Lola Rose, Grand Mezze, Peaks Restaurant, Ruben & Ozzy’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Tac/Quila
Dog Friendly: 1501 Gastropub, Boozehounds, Escena Grill, Gabino’s Creperie, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
Elevated/Michelin: Ash & Vine, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club, Eight4Nine, FARM, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, Tac/Quila, Zin American Bistro
Groups: 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Eight4Nine, Escena Grill, Ponzu Sushi
Healthy Options: FARM, Fuzion Five, Juniper Table, On The Mark, Real Italian Deli
Patio: 1501 Gastropub, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Clandestino, Colony Club, Crudo Cervicheria, Escena Grill, FARM, Juniper Table, Tac/Quila, Tyler’s Burgers, Wilma & Frieda, Zin American Bistro
Quick Lunch: Fuzion Five, Gabino’s Creperie, The Heyday, Juniper Table, On The Mark, Peaks Restaurant, Real Italian Deli, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Tyler’s Burgers
Vegetarian/Vegan: Clandestino, Eight4Nine, Fuzion Five, Tac/Quila
Views: 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Clandestino, Crudo Cervicheria, Escena Grill, Peaks Restaurant, Wilma & Frieda
Palm Springs Lunch FAQ
I only have an hour — where’s actually fast?
Tyler’s Burgers in La Plaza, Gabino’s Creperie on the south end, and The Heyday in Uptown. If you’re downtown and want to sit, On The Mark and Real Italian Deli — order at the counter, sandwich in 15 minutes. Fuzion Five is also quick if you stick to spring rolls or a noodle bowl.
Where should I book for a business lunch?
Zin American Bistro and Lola Rose Grand Mezze — both quiet enough to talk, patios are shaded, and service is steady. Eight4Nine and Juniper Table are my other go-tos downtown. Escena Grill if you want golf course views and plenty of parking.
What’s the best patio for lunch right now?
For downtown people-watching, Zin and Cheeky’s. For mountain views, Clandestino and Crudo Cervicheria — both open completely to the outside. Escena Grill has the biggest patio and it’s dog-friendly.
Where can I get sushi or ceviche for lunch?
Ponzu Sushi does sushi all day — sit at the bar for lunch, black cod and carpaccio are my usual. Crudo Cervicheria is Uptown and built around ceviche — the Chilean sea bass is the starting point. Both are in your Seafood, Asian, and Japanese/Sushi lists for a reason.
Dog-friendly lunch spots?
Boozehounds has a big dog-friendly patio in Uptown, Escena Grill’s patio is also dog-friendly, and Gabino’s has outside tables on the south end. Sherman’s Deli has tables outside too and they bring water.
Best lunch with a view that’s actually worth the drive?
Two. Peaks at the top of the Tram — 8,500 feet, you go for the view first, the Coachella Date Burger second. And Escena Grill — golf course, planes landing, San Jacintos behind it. 1501 Uptown Gastropub also has glass walls on three sides and opens completely.
Explore More Palm Springs Dining
- Best Breakfast in Palm Springs (A Local’s Guide — Updated Summer 2026)
- The Michelin Guide in Palm Springs: Every restaurant recognized in 2026, with notes on what makes each one stand out.
- Where to Eat in Palm Springs: A full citywide dining overview covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and neighborhood favorites.
- The Uptown Design District: A look at how Uptown became Palm Springs’ most exciting dining corridor.
