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Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Canopy Wine Lounge restaurant

Canopy Wine Lounge

4.9

4.9 (100)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Canopy Wine Lounge is a driving source for wine & community no matter where your palate takes you. To curate this lounge, a partnership formed between longtime Palm Springs local Noah Mamet and the owner of our 15 unique winery properties around the globe. Our decor is a modern take on the popular design of the 1950's, using clean lines, pops of color, and various textured fabrics and fixtures.

To accent our wine bar, we have a custom-built clay amphora where our in-house winemaker will be fermenting and ageing a Californian rosé. Glowing fireplace features highlight our meticulously curated selection of desert plants. Our food bites are meant to be paired with quality-driven wines and lively conversation between friends.

Top review

M

Melissa

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful little spot for great food and good wine. My new favorite spot in Palm Springs

A photo of Le Vallauris restaurant

4.7

4.7 (5061)

$50 and over

French

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Established in the heart of Palm Springs at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Le Vallauris has been one of the highest rated restaurants in the Coachella Valley since its inception in 1973. The exquisite cuisine at Le Vallauris is prepared by Executive Chef, Jean-Paul Lair, who has graced the restaurant for over 25 years. The Historic Landmark was built in 1927 as a home for the Roberson family, who managed Palm Springs' first hotel, The Desert Inn. Many grand parties were held in the house for guests such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and many more. Later on, when the restaurant was established it became a favorite place for Presidents and the Hollywood elite, and local socialites.

Top review

D

Danitza

Dined 1 day ago

We loved the bartender, he came up to our table asking us what drinks we’d like and recommended a delicious drink !

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A photo of Chocolate Truffle of a restaurant

Chocolate Truffle

A photo of MAINE LOBSTER RAVIOLIS of a restaurant

MAINE LOBSTER RAVIOLIS

A photo of Maine Lobster Salad of a restaurant

Maine Lobster Salad

A photo of Wally's Desert Turtle restaurant

Wally's Desert Turtle

4.8

4.8 (3764)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Rancho Mirage

About the restaurant

"The Finest Dining in the Coachella Valley" Offering a refreshed and re-imagined take on Modern California Cuisine. And the local response has been "Amazing"!

An Official California Dining Destination, Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage proudly supports local Ranches, Farms and Fisheries committed to the smart-stewardship of the planet through sustainable, earth-friendly and ocean-friendly practices.

The finest local ingredients, impeccable service and exceptional surroundings always make for "A Great Night Out" at Wally's Desert Turtle.

Top review

G

Georgevip

Dined 6 days ago

We dine out often. Wally’s is One of the finest restaurants in the country!

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A photo of Honolulu Tuna Tartare of a restaurant

Honolulu Tuna Tartare

A photo of Cinnamon Carrot Cake of a restaurant

Cinnamon Carrot Cake

A photo of Thanksgiving at Wally's Starting at $85 per person of a restaurant

Thanksgiving at Wally's Starting at $85 per person

A photo of Cuistot restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2853)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Cuistot offers fine California/French cuisine and is located at the Southwest intersection of Highway 111 and El Paseo. Cuistot has consistently earned top ratings in the Zagat Survey and was named one of six restaurants in the United States to score a perfect 100 for food by the Conde Nast Traveler. Dine under the stars on our beautiful terrace overlooking a desert water oasis or in one of our elegant dining rooms.

Top review

S

Scottvip

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful evening on the patio, exceptional service and great food - all 7 of us loved it!

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A photo of Pork Tenderloin Medallions of a restaurant

Pork Tenderloin Medallions

A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant

A photo of Spinach Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Lavender Bistro restaurant

Lavender Bistro

4.6

4.6 (6681)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Quinta

About the restaurant

At Lavender we combine the finest meats and seafood with the freshest organic ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. Dine indoors in a warm, cozy atmosphere or on our stunning tree-lined patio. Lavender Bistro also prides itself on providing superb live music nightly to set a warm and friendly atmosphere.

For every occasion, to change the ordinary into extraordinary, come join us at Lavender Bistro, "where memories are made!"

Closed for Summer Break from the last Sunday in May until the last Thursday in September.
Re-Opening 09/28/2023!

Top review

T

Tracyvip

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent butternut squash risotto for a vegan option! It’s wonderful when a restaurant can cater food for everyone! Loved the vegan Parmesan crisp! And, the ambience is magical.

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A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Dijon & Walnut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass of a restaurant

Dijon & Walnut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

A photo of Copley's on Palm Canyon restaurant

Copley's on Palm Canyon

4.8

4.8 (6437)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Please Note - Copley's is now open 7 days a week through June 2025.
Copley’s is an award-winning restaurant serving American cuisine infused with hints of tropical and European flavors. Located in part of the former Cary Grant estate in the heart of Palm Springs, guests experience an upscale and inviting dining experience either outside on the patio with stunning mountain views or by enjoying the friendly atmosphere indoors. Executive Chef Andrew Copley has an extensive 20-year culinary background at five-star restaurants and hotels across the world, and is well known for innovative dishes such as Asian Spiced Barramundi, Charred Berkshire Pork Chop and creative nightly specials. Come and see why we were voted Top 100 Patio Dining in America!

Top review

O

Owingsvip

Dined 1 day ago

The three main dishes we had (duck, tofu and short ribs) were all absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. Our server Carlos was helpful about menu choices, attentive and friendly (all the table servers/runners were attentive), making the evening even more delightful. We love the patios at Copleys — which deserve a 5 — we just weren’t in the best location this time. Always worth a visit

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A photo of Asian Spiced Barramundi of a restaurant

Asian Spiced Barramundi

A photo of Copley's Caesar Salad of a restaurant

Copley's Caesar Salad

A photo of Bar Cecil restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1634)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

"Your Pleasure is Our Pleasure!"

Please join us at Bar Cecil for a delightful evening. We welcome parties of 5 or fewer guests (limited space for parties of 5). Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate larger parties.

We book tables for 2 hours. Last dinner orders are taken at 9 pm and we close the bar at 10 pm. We've gone cashless and happily accept credit and debit cards.

Due to our small size, tables with separate reservations can not be combined. Please reserve online; if OpenTable is not showing availability, we're fully booked or it is more than 14 days out. We accept reservations up to 30 days out. Our bar is always walk-in and we open at 5 pm (the bar list is usually full around 4:30 pm).

We can't wait to have you as our guests! "Shall we?"

Top review

I

Igor

Dined 5 days ago

We had been worried because we needed to take our 5 and 7 year old boys with us but the staff helped us make it a fantastic experience. Even the kids loved it! (Although there was a long intermission between super speedy appetizers and the mains). Food was exquisite and not too terribly expensive. The sole white fish was fantastic that we all can’t stop talking about that dish and may need to go back soon for it.

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A photo of Smoked Bone-In Pork Chop of a restaurant

Smoked Bone-In Pork Chop

A photo of Pan Seared Halibut of a restaurant

Pan Seared Halibut

A photo of Bucatini Cacio e Pepe of a restaurant

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

A photo of The Pink Cabana - Sands Hotel & Spa restaurant

The Pink Cabana - Sands Hotel & Spa

4.7

4.7 (1922)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Indian Wells

About the restaurant

The Pink Cabana is an ingredient-driven restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a Moroccan influence. Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the Pink Cabana is designed to be a fresh modern take on the great tennis and racquet clubs of the 50’s and 60’s in Palm Springs.

The Pink Cabana also specializes in elevated libations, featuring unique wines from Mediterranean climates designed to pair with all of our culinary offerings. We also feature a variety of craft and seasonal cocktails influenced by the Great Spice Route. With a wide range of specialty aperitifs and digestifs, the Pink Cabana is a highly curated wine and spirit destination.

Top review

L

Lisa

Dined 1 day ago

I enjoyed the chickpea and lentil soup with the Autumn salad, and it was delicious.

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A photo of Cabana Benedict of a restaurant

Cabana Benedict

A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant

A photo of Moroccan Club of a restaurant

A photo of FARM restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3831)

$50 and over

French

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

FARM is a traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. Chef has taken care to create a menu comprised of traditional European dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats. In true Provencial-style, the prix fixe dinner menu is served at a pace so you may enjoy your evening with us.
Enjoy a meal in our outdoor setting and take in the ambiance of being out of the city and transported magically to the South of France.
*I apologize, but we do not have Vegan menu items. *

Top review

L

Linvip

Dined 1 day ago

Our dinner was delicious. The service was outstanding. We will be making this an annual event.

A photo of The Purple Room restaurant

The Purple Room

4.7

4.7 (1850)

$31 to $50

American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club. The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s.

Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era: an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails, world-class cuisine and the best in live entertainment seven nights a week. Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room — where Palm Springs plays!

Tuesday-Thursday enjoy acclaimed jazz entertainers from 6:30 to 9:30, No cover.

Tuesday through Thursday is the best Jazz Happy Hour in Valley from 4:00 to 6:00

Friday through Sunday join us for dinner and a show (tickets required) featuring nationally-known entertainers.

The Purple Room has been voted #1 on TripAdvisor and one of the top 100 restaurants in the country by Open Table.

Top review

A

Allison

Dined 7 days ago

Iconic gem that did not disappoint! Brilliant music, beautiful menu, kind and thorough staff, all shined at this Palm Springs staple drenched in history.

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A photo of New Years Eve 2024 5p/7:30p of a restaurant

New Years Eve 2024 5p/7:30p

A photo of New Years Eve 2024 10p of a restaurant

New Years Eve 2024 10p

A photo of Thanksgiving Jazz Dinner of a restaurant

Thanksgiving Jazz Dinner

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