Palm Springs Michelin Guide 2026: Every Michelin Restaurant You Need to Know

Updated July 2026 

Palm Springs has eight Michelin‑recognized restaurants in the 2026 Michelin Guide — including Workshop, Bar Cecil, Alice B, Cheeky’s, Colony Club, Tac/Quila, Boozehounds, and 4 Saints. This guide covers every Michelin restaurant in Palm Springs, what inspectors highlight, and how the city’s dining scene earned its place in the Guide.

Palm Springs first appeared in the Michelin Guide in 2022. It’s a sign that the area has steadily transformed from a resort‑casual dining town into a destination for chef‑driven cooking, design‑forward spaces, and ingredient‑focused menus. That evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Palm Springs and Michelin Stars

That element can be a little confusing to the casual observer. Palm Springs does have eight restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide. That means Michelin’s inspectors has seen them worthy of inclusion. That is a tremendous achievement in its own right. But they haven’t actually awarded a star to anyone in Palm Springs yet.

The fact is that the inclusion of Palm Springs only came very recently (2022) and it still remains an under-covered area. We see that as Michelin has not yet ventured further out into to the Coachella Valley to include the cities of La Quinta, Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert. But the fact that Michelin has finally recognized and listed the city of Palm Springs is evidence that the culinary scens is on their radar and that they are taking notice. And, being listed in the Guide is the first step towards earning a Michelin star.

Why Michelin Recognized Palm Springs

Palm Springs earned Michelin’s attention because its restaurants combine strong technique, local ingredients, and distinct point‑of‑view cooking. Inspectors consistently highlight the city’s use of Coachella Valley produce, its mix of chefs trained in major culinary cities, and dining rooms that feel intentional — from Uptown’s design‑driven spaces to Downtown’s mid‑century charm. The result is a dining scene with clear identity, consistency, and ambition — exactly what the Michelin Guide looks for when expanding into new regions.

Michelin‑Recognized Restaurants in Palm Springs 2026 

Colony Club 

Colony Club brings a refined yet relaxed sensibility to the historic Colony Palms Hotel in North Palm Springs, blending old‑Hollywood charm with a modern approach to American cooking. The dining room and courtyard feel intimate and polished, offering a quieter, more elegant setting. The menu leans seasonal and balanced, with clean flavors and purposeful presentation. The restaurant draws from the property’s heritage while continuing to push the city’s dining scene forward. 

Read: Lunch at Colony Club: A Midday Look at Uptown’s Michelin Gem

Michelin Highlights: The Guide notes the restaurant’s composed cooking, its elegant setting, and its ability to channel classic Palm Springs glamour through contemporary technique. 

4 Saints 

4 Saints is part of the Kimpton Rowan hotel, which is a recent addition to the heart of Downtown Palm Springs. Perched on the rooftop, the restaurant offers one of the most striking dining settings in the city, with sweeping mountain and desert views. The menu leans into bold, contemporary American flavors with creative touches that match the restaurant’s modern aesthetic. Service is polished, cocktails are colorful, and the rooftop atmosphere makes it equally popular for celebrations and refined sunset dining. 

Michelin Highlights: Michelin praises the dramatic setting, confident cooking, and well‑executed dishes that complement the rooftop experience. 

Alice B. 

Alice B. brings a design‑driven, contemporary sensibility to Palm Springs dining, with a menu centered on balance, technique, and modern interpretations of American cuisine. The room feels warm and curated, its art‑forward decor echoing the clarity and restraint on the plate. The kitchen’s approach leans toward artistic flavor construction — dishes built with intention, contrast, and a clear point of view. It’s a newer addition to the city’s dining landscape, yet it already carries the confidence of an established, chef‑led destination. 

Michelin Highlights: The Guide highlights the restaurant’s clean execution, creative touches, and its sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. 

Bar Cecil 

Bar Cecil has become one of the city’s most sought‑after reservations, known for its lively bistro atmosphere, art‑filled interior, and polished American cooking. The restaurant blends glamour with approachability, offering dishes that feel both indulgent and carefully crafted. Cocktails are a standout, and the room’s energy makes it a favorite for nights out and special occasions. You’ll find Bar Cecil at the south end of Palm Canyon, set against the picturesque mountains.

Michelin Highlights: Michelin notes the confident menu, strong cocktails, and the consistency that keeps it among the city’s most popular dining destinations. 

Workshop Kitchen + Bar 

Workshop remains one of Palm Springs’ most influential restaurants, defined by its dramatic concrete interior and seasonal, internationally‑inspired menu. The cooking is ingredient‑driven, highlighting local produce, rare finds, and vibrant presentations. The aesthetic is unmistakable, and the restaurant’s commitment to craft has made it a long‑standing anchor of the city’s chef‑driven dining movement. Workshop also boasts a James Beard award for its interior design. Workshop is a classic example of the revitalization of the Uptown Design’s Districts old Spanish acrhitecture.

Michelin Highlights: The Guide recognizes Workshop for its modernist aesthetic, thoughtful sourcing, and its role as a pioneer in shaping the city’s culinary reputation. 

Boozehounds 

Boozehounds expands Palm Springs’ dining scene further north – virtually up to the Aerial Tramway. It brings a bright, social energy with its dog‑friendly concept, contemporary American menu, and stylish indoor‑outdoor spaces. The restaurant is known for approachable dishes, a welcoming vibe, and a crowd that ranges from locals to visitors looking for a relaxed meal. Its design and atmosphere make it a popular brunch and dinner spot, and the kitchen delivers consistency across a wide‑appeal menu. 

Michelin Highlights: Michelin highlights the approachable cooking, consistent execution, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. 

Tac/Quila 

Tac/Quila is one of the city’s most popular modern Mexican restaurants, offering Jalisco‑inspired dishes in a lively, colorful setting. The menu blends comfort with refinement, bold flavors, generous portions, and a festive atmosphere. During lunch or dinner, it’s a go‑to spot for crowd-pleasing meals and margaritas. Establishments like Tac/Quila have arrived to bridge the path from bustling downtown to the newly revitalized North Palm Canyon.

Michelin Highlights: The Guide notes the polished presentation, bold flavors, and the vibrant dining experience that keeps it consistently busy. 

Cheeky’s 

Cheeky’s was one of the pioneers in Palm Springs’ modern dining scene, sparking the energy of what would become the Uptown dining scene. It’s fully established as a Palm Springs institution, known for its inventive brunch, rotating seasonal menu, and famous bacon flights. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and playful creativity has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Lines are common, but the food’s quality and originality make the wait worthwhile. 

Read: Cheeky’s Palm Springs: The Breakfast Hotspot that Defined the Modern Uptown Dining Scene

Michelin Highlights: Michelin highlights the creativity, consistency, and the restaurant’s ability to turn casual daytime dining into something memorable. 

What Michelin Recognition Means for Palm Springs 

Michelin’s growing presence in Palm Springs marks a shift in how the city is perceived by diners, chefs, and the broader culinary world. The Guide’s selections signal several important trends: 

• Higher Culinary Standards: Consistency, technique, and thoughtful sourcing are increasingly expected — not just appreciated. Restaurants recognized by Michelin tend to emphasize precision and ingredient‑driven cooking. 
• More Chef‑Driven Openings: Palm Springs is attracting talent from Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. The city’s reputation as a serious dining destination is rising, encouraging more ambitious concepts to open in the valley. 
• Tourism Impact: Visitors are planning trips around dining as much as hotels, spas, and architecture. Michelin recognition adds credibility and visibility, especially for travelers seeking curated, trustworthy recommendations. 
• A Competitive Landscape: Palm Springs is now part of the same culinary conversation as Santa Barbara, San Diego, and select neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The Guide’s attention reinforces the city’s place in California’s broader food culture.  

Update Schedule 

This guide is updated annually when Michelin releases new California selections. Restaurants may be added, removed, or reclassified as the dining landscape evolves. PalmSpringsBites will continue to track these changes to ensure readers have the most accurate, up‑to‑date information. 

Read: Where to Eat in Palm Springs: A Local’s Guide

FAQ’s

What restaurants in Palm Springs are in the Michelin Guide?

Michelin currently recognizes eight Palm Springs restaurants for their technique, consistency, and ingredient‑driven cooking: s: 4 Saints, Bar Cecil, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club, Tac/Quila, Workshop Kitchen + Bar, and Alice B. The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge was previously listed.

Does Palm Springs have any Michelin‑star restaurants?

Not yet — but the restaurants listed above have all earned Michelin Recommendations. These are often early indicators that a city’s dining scene is gaining momentum. Palm Springs did not have a section in the Michelin Guide until 2022.

What does Michelin look for when selecting restaurants?

Inspectors evaluate ingredient quality, mastery of technique, the personality of the chef, value, and consistency. In Palm Springs, they tend to reward restaurants that cook with a strong sense of place and a clear culinary point of view.

How often does Michelin update its Palm Springs selections?

The Guide refreshes annually, with inspectors visiting throughout the year. New additions can appear at any time, especially as the city’s dining scene continues to evolve. This feature reflects the updated June 2026 listings.

Which Palm Springs neighborhoods have Michelin‑recognized restaurants?

Most selections are concentrated in the Uptown Design District and Downtown Palm Springs. The majority lay in a vertical line along Palm Camyon.

Is Palm Springs becoming a Michelin destination?

Absolutely. The city’s combination of chef‑driven kitchens, local agriculture, design‑forward dining rooms, and seasonal tourism has created a culinary landscape that continues to attract Michelin’s attention.