Who needs a celebrity chef when a culinary destination is teeming with excellent restaurants helmed by local chef heroes? In Rancho Mirage, the dining scene is off the charts thanks to brilliant minds in the kitchens of outstanding restaurants that are virtually packed any night of the week. While Rancho Mirage may be known for its luxury resorts, award-winning golf courses and buzzing attractions, the highly acclaimed dining scene raises the bar on exceptional culinary experiences and is worth the visit alone!
Si Bon
Si Bon proves you don’t have to go over the top with interior design to be a top restaurant contender in Rancho Mirage. The minimalist—yet still visually engaging—bistro is low on frills with decor, which gives so much emphasis on its excellent French-Belgian menu. Diners can enjoy all the restaurant’s European flavors at breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the evening menu highlights some of the bistro’s best culinary adventures, heaping portions of hearty classics are served at breakfast, and Si Bon is known for its ever-famous open-faced sandwiches and delicious salads at lunch.
Shame on the Moon
The fact that Shame on the Moon has been serving up memorable dining for more than 30 years is a true testament to the fine-dining establishment. The award-winning restaurant has become a magnet for locals and visitors alike thanks to its elegant atmosphere, classic American dishes and all around friendly service, not to mention heaps of originality in decor and menu. Rightfully an institution, Shame on the Moon is known for its upscale take on gourmet comfort food as well as its selection of perfect martinis (we're talking healthy pours here) that conjure the Mad Men era. Some of the staff have been here for decades, as well as diners who have dined here since the Reagan years, so it feels like a neighborhood Cheers, Rancho Mirage-style of course.
The Edge Steakhouse
The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz- Carlton, Rancho Mirage is not a restaurant as much as it’s a total dining experience. The glammed-out and refined signature restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that are quite literally a lens into the sprawling desert landscape and signature purple-spun sunset. The million-dollar view awaits. The enthusiastic wait staff is suited up, and diners dress to the nines for this special-occasion steakhouse that pulls its cuts from its own dry-aging room. Saddle up at the bar, which, unlike the tables, gives the illusion that you’re floating in the skies. The Edge quite literally has the edge on fine-dining experiences, setting the standard on memorable, highbrow dining.
Wally’s Desert Turtle
The city’s impressive culinary scene is a huge gift sent from the universe, and in another galaxy every restaurant has a fun name like Wally’s Desert Turtle—which, in Rancho Mirage, is simply out of this world. A premiere dining destination that exceeds expectations, Wally’s is a landmark classic, as well as a recipient of myriad accolades (including the distinguished AAA Four Diamond Award). Diners can expect fancy silverware and fine china, an elegant atmosphere and wonderful, farm-fresh California coastal cuisine with excellent dishes like calves liver and pan-fried Lake Superior whitefish. Diners come dressed to impress and truly experience a top-notch culinary adventure.
Roy’s
Nothing is more exciting than two types of cuisine harmoniously merging. It’s true innovation, especially when masterfully accomplished, and Roy Yamaguchi takes the creative concept to the next level at his namesake restaurant in Rancho Mirage. This perfect Asian-meets-European restaurant for foodies and gourmands alike is lively in atmosphere, contemporary in design and excellent with service, though the main attraction is obviously the food. With fresh ingredients and careful plating, the dishes here are like pieces of art. Expect Asian-inspired entrees and even a well-executed dessert menu!
