California’s desert regions may be best known for epic scenery and starry skies, but they’re also home to a handful of stellar restaurants. From Joshua Tree to Tecopa, these towns offer top-notch dining experiences. Whether you're coming off a trail or road-tripping through Death Valley National Park, you'll find a range of food choices, and many of these establishments have indoor and outdoor seating. 

These are some of the best restaurants across the California deserts:

The Dez (Joshua Tree)

Perhaps one of the most beloved eateries in the heart of Joshua Tree, locals and visitors alike were thrilled when The DEZ expanded and opened a second location, The BIG DEZ. The original DEZ is still the perfect spot for a latte and pesto breakfast panini to-go, but The BIG DEZ has an even broader menu and plenty of seating, plus beer and wine. The BIG DEZ has healthy fare like salads and organic rice bowls, all kinds of savory treats (meat pies, quiche, and vegan sausage rolls), nearly a dozen types of hot and cold sandwiches, and of course, a case filled with decadent desserts. This locally owned eatery has something for every craving, and you’ll likely leave with a snack for later. The DEZ (located on the east side of Sunset Road) has takeout only, while The BIG DEZ (located on the west side of Sunset Road) offers indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome on the patio. 

The DEZ is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and The BIG DEZ is also open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Lauren and Andre Lee

Mas o Menos (Joshua Tree)

Mas o Menos is perhaps one of the most unique spots in the high desert, as it is one-half airy coffee shop, the other half low-key desert watering hole. “The Mas o Menos concept was to bring all types of people together,” says owner Christian Bradford. “Whether you are a night owl or an early riser, I wanted to create an atmosphere that was inviting to everyone. We have a great mix of locals and tourists who are simply looking to enjoy the best part of the desert: the beautiful outdoors.” On chilly winter nights, you’ll be cozy inside, but most folks order a cocktail and gather by the heaters outside. In the summer, shade canopies and live music on the venue’s brand-new stage make for the perfect night out. What are the dining options in the evenings? Mas o Menos has you covered, as they bring in several local food pop-ups, including I Fall to Pizzas, Friendo (serving smash burgers), and Citlali Tamales. Their weekly food and event schedule can be found on their website and Instagram. Mas o Menos has indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome on the shaded patio. 

Mas o Menos is open Monday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday  8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Karlie Kahl

29 Palms Inn (Twentynine Palms)

For an upscale yet unfussy eatery ideal for a romantic dinner date, look no further than the restaurant at the 29 Palms Inn. Located around the Oasis of Mara, the grounds are a patch of desert paradise with colorful adobe bungalows and an organic garden, which produces fruits and vegetables year-round. The “Inn Between” menu offers happy hour cocktails and delicious fare ranging from panko-crusted heart of palm cakes to pulled pork sandwiches, and that’s just the beginning. The dinner menu features many of the same items, plus favorites like sautéed mushrooms, and entrees like lamb chops, garden squash shrimp, and mesquite curry. The cocktail list is just as eclectic as the food menus, and the restaurant has a fantastic wine list, too. 29 Palms Inn has indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome on the patio. Reservations are recommended.

29 Palms Inn is open Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. 

Photos courtesy of 29 Palms Inn

Kitchen in the Desert (Twentynine Palms)

From an indulgent brunch menu to dinner dishes with a serious kick of flavor, Kitchen in the Desert is truly a hidden gem. Inspired by the equatorial regions of the world, the laid-back eatery offers a creative and tantalizing twist on tropical new American fashion. “Robust spices, overnight marinades, and an abundant use of peppers and herbs make up Kitchen in the Desert’s unique flavor profile,” notes owner Everton Gordon. Brunch favorites include pear pancakes topped with Chantilly cream and maple syrup, and the breakfast bowl, which includes coconut rice, red beans, kale, and a fried egg with thyme sauce and braves. Dinner dishes are designed to be shared; four to five plates are recommended for a party of two. The popular and spicy Dan Dan noodles go well with the flavorful yet tamer market vegetables, and the curry chana and lamb pops are a hit, as well. Kitchen in the Desert has indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome outside. Reservations are recommended.

Kitchen in the Desert is open for brunch every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for dinner every day from 5 to 10 p.m., with the bar open until 11 p.m. Happy hour is Friday through Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Kitchen in the Desert

Tiny Pony Tavern (Yucca Valley)

The Tiny Pony Tavern is the perfect balance of funky, chill, and charming, with a food and drink menu that will make your mouth water. The decor immediately stands out: numerous paintings of cats, horses, and other creatures hang on the avocado green walls, and from a photo booth to a pool table, this locally owned venue has all the ingredients for a lively night on the town. The outdoor seating area has plenty of tables and umbrellas, making it the perfect stop for a boozy weekend brunch. It’s not exactly marketed as a high-end gastro pub, but it should be. The brunch menu includes hot items like the breakfast burger and fried avocado tacos, and evening menu highlights include the duck confit nachos and the wild boar sloppy Joe. There are also several vegan and gluten-free options, including cauliflower wings and chickpea avocado salad. The kitchen is open until closing time, and the tavern features both indoor seating and a dog-friendly backyard patio.

The Tiny Pony is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Photos courtesy of the Tiny Pony

Copper Room (Yucca Valley)

Established in 1957, the Copper Room offers a fine dining experience with a decidedly retro vibe. Once frequented by Frank Sinatra and pals, the venue has a rich history, having changed names and ownership multiple times over the last seven decades. Located next to the Yucca Valley Airport, the panoramic windows provide diners with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the runway, and the vintage-inspired décor includes wood-paneled walls and red booths. The menu features cleverly named dishes like the Pilot's Burger and Louisiana Gulf shrimp, and signature cocktails include the "Gram-arita" margarita, a tribute to musician Gram Parsons. You’ll be treated to live music on most nights, usually jazz, blues, and funk, depending on the events schedule. Indoor seating only, and reservations are recommended. 

The Copper Room is open weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m., and weekends from noon to 10 p.m.  Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.  

Photos courtesy of the Copper Room

Red Dog Saloon (Pioneertown)

A stop at the Red Dog Saloon feels like a trip back in time, thanks to the western decor and historic buildings along Mane Street in Pioneertown. Originally built in 1946 as part of a film set for Westerns, the saloon was also fully operational, providing a place for actors and crew members to kick back. These days the saloon is the perfect spot for tasty Tex-Mex cuisine and/or a stiff cocktail, so not much has changed. The chilaquiles are hands down the most popular breakfast dish, and the menu features six different varieties of tacos for lunch and dinner (beef brisket and vegan mushroom asada, to name a few). The Bronco burger is another popular order, and there are plenty of sweet treats on the menu, including churros, chocolate tacos, and corn lime cookies. Beer options range from draft to craft, and if you’re seeking something spicier, consider ordering the lightning margarita, made with tequila, jalapeño-infused agave, cucumber, and lime. The Red Dog Saloon has indoor and outdoor seating, with a dog-friendly patio for leashed, friendly canines. 

The Red Dog Saloon is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Photos courtesy of Red Dog Saloon

Red Ocotillo (Borrego Springs)

Just minutes from the entrance to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Red Ocotillo has a wide selection of American eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beyond classic menu items like scrambles, sandwiches, salads, and steaks, the restaurant has plenty of hearty dinner entrees, including meatloaf and chicken marsala, plus a full bar and a handful of yummy desserts. The atmosphere is colorful and casual, making this eatery ideal for a post-hike meal or an evening out on the town. Red Ocotillo has indoor and outdoor seating, with a dog-friendly patio. 

Red Ocotillo is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Photo courtesy of Red Ocotillo

Steaks & Beer (Tecopa)

With just five tables, chef Eric Scott focuses on quality, not quantity. While Tecopa is perhaps best known for its hot springs, Scott’s restaurant is slowly putting the remote town on the map as a foodie destination. The menu is short, and most online reviews recommend the five-course prix fixe menu, created for two people. This includes a cheese plate, soup, salad, your choice of filet or ribeye, plus dessert. I was impressed with the berry goat cheese, smoked gouda, truffle pecorino, fresh berries, and fig compote, but the toasted croissants that accompanied the cheese plate were truly the pièce de résistance. The soup and salad came in perfectly sized portions, leaving plenty of room for the filet and mashed potatoes. Dessert was a colossal slice of berry cheesecake, and yes, there is a solid wine selection as well. For those seeking a five-star dining experience in the middle of nowhere, this desert gem is perhaps one of the best you’ll find in California. Dinner guests are seated indoors, though outdoor seating is available for those enjoying a cocktail and live music. Reservations are recommended; please call to book a table.

Steaks & Beer is open Friday through Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Kit Fox Cafe (Tecopa) 

Tucked on the corner of Old Spanish Trail Highway and Tecopa Hot Springs Road, the Kit Fox Cafe serves phenomenal breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Be sure to try their breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit, and arrive early to claim a cinnamon roll. The cafe has a selection of creative plant-based items, including vegan buffalo wings and BLT sandwiches with house-made coconut bacon, plus healthy dishes like salads and soups. In the evening, their wood-fired pizza is a hit among locals and tourists alike, especially with Death Valley Brewing right next door. The Kit Fox Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, and dogs are welcome on the shaded patio.

The Kit Fox Cafe is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., from October to May.

Toll Road Restaurant (Death Valley)

The Toll Road Restaurant, located in Stovepipe Wells Village, is a relaxed dining experience for those exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and other attractions on the west side of Death Valley National Park. The menu features sandwiches, burgers, and pizza with vegan and gluten-free options, plus a handful of more unique options like elk chili with cornbread and arugula and date salad. The dessert menu is short and sweet, with treats like chocolate brioche bread pudding with salted caramel sauce and a seasonal berry tart. Next to the restaurant (and operating under the same lunch and dinner hours), the Badwater Saloon shares the restaurant’s food menu, plus a full bar, offering an alternatively casual location to dine and drink.

Toll Road Restaurant is open from 7 to 10 a.m. for buffet breakfast and from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for lunch and dinner. 

Last Kind Words Saloon (Furnace Creek) 

Among the standout dining options at the Oasis at Death Valley, the Last Kind Words Saloon is a visitor favorite. The Western-themed restaurant is decorated with vintage posters, antique firearms, and taxidermy, and with a simple yet satisfying menu. In addition to fresh fare like salads, salmon, and steak, the half-rack BBQ ribs with whiskey sauce are top-rated. The saloon has wine, beer, and mocktails, and the prickly pear margarita is perhaps one of the most popular specialty cocktails on the menu. 

Last Kind Words Saloon is open daily from 5 to 9 p.m., with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to its popularity, arriving early is advised to secure a table.

Photo courtesy of Xanterra Travel Collection

Lone Star Bistro (Lone Pine)

Lone Star Bistro is the perfect stop for travelers exploring the 395 corridor, with nearby attractions including Alabama Hills and Death Valley National Park. The bistro offers a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, plus breakfast options like bagel sandwiches and fresh-baked doughnuts. Their sandwiches are incredible, and most folks opt to build their own. In addition to assorted snacks and a fridge full of cold drinks, this locally owned gem also serves ice cream and shakes. When the weather is nice, guests can enjoy their food on the large patio, and the bistro also has a section packed with souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, and even cold weather accessories like gloves and hats.

Lone Star Bistro is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Seasons Restaurant (Lone Pine)

Seasons Restaurant is indisputably the best spot for dinner in Lone Pine. Whether it’s pasta loaded with fresh vegetables or elk medallions in port wine sauce, Seasons blends comfort food, gourmet dining, and healthy options on their menu. The ambiance in the dining room is exactly what you’d expect from a sleepy mountain town, and the restaurant also boasts a full bar. Reservations are recommended.

Seasons Restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.