Del Rey: A Hidden Gem Inside Villa Royale
A Restaurant You Could Easily Miss
Del Rey is one of Palm Springs’ hidden gems – quite literally. I’ve passed it many times without ever knowing it was there. It’s tucked inside the Villa Royale, an intimate mid‑century Spanish‑designed resort that isn’t visible from the street. And once you’re in the hotel, you’ll still need a little guidance to find the restaurant.
A Speakeasy Vibe in the Desert
Stepping into Del Rey, you still get that clandestine feel. A curtain hides the host stand, before you move through a dimly lit room toward the bar or one of the intimate booths. It’s a quintessential speakeasy vibe that sets the tone for some of the area’s finest tapas.
A Menu Rooted in Spanish Tradition
The menu had already piqued my interest before I arrived. The dishes are boldly Spanish in style, dish names printed in capitalized Spanish, and ingredients that blend classic European elements with subtle California touches.
Our server gave us an enthusiastic and detailed walkthrough of the menu, highlighting favorites and recommending two dishes per person to share.
Conservas: A Signature Start
The menu opens with “CONSERVAS,” a nod to the Old World tradition of premium tinned seafood served as a delicacy. Options included spiced calamari in ragout sauce, pulpo in garlic sauce, and spicy tuna pate, each served with grilled sourdough, parsley butter, red onion, capers, lemon, pepinillos, Maldon sea salt, and even hard candy. Our server described the Conservas as their signature charcuterie boards.
Happy Hour Highlights
We started with the happy hour menu (available daily from 5 to 7). First up were the Gambas Pintxo – shrimp grilled with a perfect light char and seasoned with lemon, parsley, and espelette. It’s a smaller, lighter version of the Gambas al Ajillo, a perfect amuse‑bouche to begin the evening.
Next came the Nachos Españoles, delivered with a bit of tongue‑in‑cheek charm: a bag of black truffle potato chips sliced open and dressed with jamón serrano, guindilla peppers, shaved manchego, and Arbequina olive oil. We admired the playful presentation and the genuinely delicious combination of flavors. At $12 each, we were off to a frugal but gourmet start. The Conservas were also discounted during happy hour ($20–$24 vs. $29–$32 on the dinner menu).
Standout Tapas From the Main Menu
From there we moved into the regular menu, starting with the Patatas Bravas. This version stood out from others I’ve had, playing on the duality of its sauces. The silky aioli added a creamy top layer, but the brava sauce underneath is what made it sing – a smoky tomato‑pimentón salsa with a bright, tangy zip.
The Albondigas arrived next — three oversized pork‑and‑beef meatballs that were already full‑flavored and juicy on their own. But the real lift came from the layers around them: the nutty manchego, the sweet, tangy agridulce glaze, and a silky preserved‑lemon ricotta that tied everything together. It’s a rich, balanced dish that exceeded my expectations.
Then came the Croquetas de Langosta. The crisp shells give way to a rich, lobster‑studded béchamel, with saffron aioli on the outside adding a savory, aromatic contrast. If anything, I found myself wanting a little more lobster‑to‑béchamel ratio — maybe smaller croquettes with a tighter filling — but the dish was still undeniably tasty.
A Dessert Worth the Trip
And finally, the Torta de Queso. A month ago, I didn’t know much about Del Rey beyond the name and I’d asked a friend for a dessert recommendation. He didn’t hesitate: “The Basque cheesecake at Del Rey.” That suggestion became the origin story for this visit. The cheesecake arrived in true crustless form, with a high‑heat, lightly caramelized top and a soft, fluffy soufflé-like interior. A drizzle of Arbequina olive oil added a delicate savory contrast to the sweetness. My friend was right — it was delightful.
An Evening That Delivers
This was a perfect dining experience from start to finish. The menu is a showcase of flavor, and the tapas format allows for contrast and variety. Dishes were well sequenced and perfectly timed, each one sparking conversation. The atmosphere added depth to the evening. I was there on a date night, and it made for an idyllic setting, though the group tables around us were clearly enjoying themselves as well. The bar is also a great option, especially with the small bite‑sized dishes that pair naturally with their creative craft cocktails and generous happy hour.
Great Value for a Memorable Night
After six dishes, I was pleasantly surprised by the check. For the quality, the flavors, and the setting, the cost felt extremely reasonable — even affordable compared to similar dining experiences. Happy hour certainly helped, and we skipped the pricier skewers, but the value was undeniable.
A Hidden Gem Worth Sharing
We ended the night with a casual stroll around the pool and property, the kind of quiet moment that lets a great meal settle in. Del Rey delivers on everything I love discovering — thoughtful food, unique flavors, and an unpretentious, atmospheric setting. It’s firmly on my list of Palm Springs’ hidden gems, and exactly the kind of place I’m excited to share.
Del Rey at Villa Royale
Website: Website: villaroyale.com/del-rey/
Address: 1620 S Indian Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Hours: Daily 5 pm – 10 pm (Happy Hour 5–7 pm)
