Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week runs May 31 through June 9, and along with it comes a bevy of delicious meals created by innovative chefs. Presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, expect alluring poolside bites, dreamy cocktails, and sublime sunset meals. Prix fixe menus and exclusive special offers abound, too, offering locals and visitors 10 days of exceptional dining experiences throughout a nine-city oasis. Plan ahead. Be sure to check dineGPS.com for menus. Do lunch with friends on some days, then enjoy bigger dinner meals on other days. 

Breakdown of costs: Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch (2+ Items) run $15, $25, $35, or a special offer. Dinner (3+ Items) are $39, $49, $59, or a special offer. Meals exclude beverages, tax, and gratuity, so plan accordingly. In the meantime, dig into the following list of new restaurants worthy of your attention. Bon appétit!

Cathedral City

Barrel District Pizza, Bar + Kitchen

Relish the week and if you happen to find yourself here on Wednesdays, all the better. The venue’s Wine Wednesdays offer half off most bottles of wine. In the meantime, dive into the great menu: from Urban Smashed Toast and a Brunch Burger (for brunch) to wildly fun pizzas. There’s Brunch Pizza (two eggs mingle with bacon, sausage, onion, jalapeños, and onions. Or, how about a Crabby Cake Caesar, featuring, well, crab cakes? Hipster Toast goes all out with smashed avo on your choice of bread. Vegan pancakes are also a plus. We expect nothing less than stellar combinations here for Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. 

Info: 35939 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, 760-537-7431, barreldistrictpizza.com.

Brunch 101

Owners Oscar Vazquez and Natasha Garcia’s love for exceptional dining experiences translates into remarkably creative menus here. Let’s start with the Hangover Omelet. Generous helpings of serrano peppers, green onions, and sour cream top a three-egg wonder loaded with bacon, sausage, ham, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Yummy. The Fried Avocado is a great twist for a meal, too. Pork belly hash, anyone? It’s all here—hearty, delicious, and inspiring. There’s more—from acai bowls and cinnamon French toast to salads and specialty tacos. 

Info: 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr. STE 101, Cathedral City, 760-507-8464, brunch101.com.

Desert Hot Springs

Delicias Mexican Cuisine

If fried yellow peppers stuffed with shrimp and melted Monterey cheese, chipotle aioli, and soy sauce on the side tempt you, you’ll be just fine. Between its tasty appetizers and specialty burgers, enjoy unique egg dishes or pancakes. Take note: The Mexican-style scrambled eggs, cooked in with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and avocado, and served with black beans are a delight. Other seafood, salad dishes, and sandwiches round out the menu. But save room for dessert where a marvelous flan, among other offerings, awaits. There are some authentic meals to savor here. Enjoy.

Info: 66121 Pierson Blvd, Desert Hot Springs, 760-894-3400, ilovedeliciasmexicancuisine.com/menu.

San Jacinto Restaurant at Mission Lakes

“Casual elegance” is yours, and so are the lovely views of the San Jacinto Mountains. And those nighttime views of Palm Springs! Divine. You’re treated to an impressive array of remarkable seafood and steak dishes filled with fresh ingredients here. Luscious appetizers—from Mango Fish Tacos to a stunning charcuterie board for two—are a good first round. Move onto something as groovy as a Whiskey Burger, Truffle Mushroom Ravioli, or prime rib for a main course. It’s Restaurant Week, so no doubt this popular venue will keep guests in mind with all of their unique pairings and offerings. Save room for the Chocolate Lava Cake.

Info: 8484 Clubhouse Blvd, Desert Hot Springs, 760-329-6481 ext. 122, missionlakescountryclub.com.

Indian Wells

Grapefruit Basil at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort

You will want the Lobster Frittata but wait, there’s so much more. And all of it is downright inventive. The venue is perfectly designed for resort guests and desert locals, and the goal is to offer guests a taste of the island life. Expect island-inspired menus with al fresco dining on the patio. The menu is inspired by local, on-property ingredients and paired with Tommy Bahama's island-inspired sensibility. A memorable oasis of culinary excellence awaits—and with a variety of craft cocktails to boot.

Info: 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, tommybahamamiramonte.com.

Indio

Jackalope Ranch

Unforgettable and an institution at this point, Jackalope Ranch is an all-encompassing dining destination. Your experience includes mouthwatering cuisine, lively ambiance, and the essence of the Wild West. That said, except for some of the finest steaks and meat dishes in the region. You can’t go wrong with Baby Back Ribs in this venue. Smoked and infused with a special recipe, it’s a stand-out. Ultimate Mac and Cheese, Wagyu Burgers, hand-cut Prime Steaks, Coastal Catches, and Smokehouse Chickens are just a handful of the many—oh, so many—inventive culinary offerings here. Enjoy.

Info: 80400 CA-111, Indio, 760-345-2300, jackalope-ranch.com.

La Quinta

DSRT Club

Yet another one-of-a-kind dining experience in Greater Palm Springs. When the owners began conceptualizing a sister restaurant to their RD RNNR, they set out to create a social club atmosphere that drew inspiration from the lore of Desert nostalgia. There’s plenty of that here, and the menus are impressive. Shareable plates like Chicken Pops and Poppyseed Crusted Albacore work their way into larger offerings, such as a robust meatloaf, lamb chop, special burger, or scallops. Specialty pastas and side dishes like a golden potato mash are nice touches. Enjoy the drink menu items. Vics Mai Tai should do the trick.

Info: 78075 Main St STE 105, La Quinta, 760-777-7424, desertclublq.com.

The Sandbar Restaurant

Four decades of culinary mastery come to life under one roof. Expect one of the finest wine lists in the area combined with exceptional menus. Crispy Battered Green Beans and Calamari Tempura are lovely ways to begin the culinary journey. An array of meat dishes go far and beyond. For instance, Veal Calves Liver and the Boneless Beef Short Ribs offer unique flavorings, making them far above average. Steve’s Brown Butter Sole and Mediterranean Chicken Penne are highlights from the seafood and pasta menus, respectively. Worthy of your time and attention all around. 

Info: 78120 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, thesandbarlq.com.

Palm Desert

Shorebird

One of the more memorable dining experiences all around, Shorebird will leave you truly satiated on so many levels. This coastal eatery concept offers a modern take on classic Americana flavors with influences from traditional seafood and steakhouses. Good news: there’s a wood-fired grill and rotisserie here. Consider signature dishes such as Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples. Perhaps Faroe Island’s Salmon Mignon with a cauliflower purée? Shareable plates caught our attention: From Avocado Fries with a green goddess dressing, to Twice Fried Chicken Wings with a chipotle gastrique. The “Raw Bar” here is the perfect way to begin the meal.

Info: 73061 El Paseo #172, Palm Desert, 760-404-0455, shorebirdrestaurant.com.

Molé

With acclaimed Chef Roberto Madrid and restaurateur Heinrich Stasiuk at the helm, Molé Comida offers the finest of modern Mexican cuisine by combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques and presentation. Freshly made guacamole and Pork Chicharrón are good ways to begin the culinary adventure here. For the latter: maple and mezcal glazed pork belly, roasted cauliflower-pea mash, and house-pickled jalapeños. Can you stand it? Brilliantly inventive enchiladas dishes and a rotating round of entrees make this place a true dining destination.

Info: 73130 El Paseo Suite M, Palm Desert, 760-636-1269, molecomida.com.

Restaurante Los Primos

You will appreciate the nice array of Eggs Benedict here—from Cajun to classic styles. Clever takes of delicious burgers and egg dishes will tempt you further. Specialty dishes such as Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burritos, Breakfast Quesadilla, and Carne Asada Green Chilaquiles are fine offerings, too. We’d suggests the Carne Asada Torta sandwich or any one of the pancakes/French toast offerings. You’re in fine hands here.

Info: 73030 El Paseo #103, Palm Desert, 442-282-1148.

Palm Springs

Alice B. 

You can’t go wrong with two James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs. Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken make Alice B a destination meal. Expect a stellar combination of Southern Californian cuisine with exceptional Mediterranean flavor. Executive Chef Lance Velasquez’s creative is on the mark, of course. From inventive small plates like Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits to large plates like Plancha Seared Beeler’s Pork Shoulder or Mendoza Farms Spiced Cauliflower and Eggplant, the experience is one of a kind. Classic and signature cocktails are a plenty. Take note: the concept here is Inspired by the life of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude Stein, therefore culinary excellence, art, and community merge into something quite fabulous here. 

Info: 1122 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, 760-537-4311, aliceb.com.

Amala at the Palm Springs Surf Club

Dive into the vibrant and delicious experience at Amala, located in the lively Palm Springs Surf Club. Whether you choose cozy indoor seating or alfresco dining with stunning views of the surf pool and mountains, you're in for a surf and turf treat. Chef Mondragon's meticulously crafted artisanal menu will tantalize your taste buds. Sip on curated craft cocktails at our open-air bar, catch the latest game on TV, and explore our extensive wine list. The fun doesn't stop there—enjoy live music on select dates and discover the versatile event space, perfect for hosting unforgettable private parties and special events. Must-try menu items include the hummus quinoa salad, signature vegan black bean burger, steak tacos, chicharron esquite, and pistachio-crusted Mahi-Mahi.

Info: 1500 South Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, palmspringssurfclub.com.

Minerva's at Life House

We can totally get behind a plant-forward bar and restaurant Inspired by the mysticism of the desert terrain. To that end, California pizzas, an inventive club sandwich, and other offerings—plus specialty cocktails—fill up the lunch offerings. Dinner highlights include shared plates, featuring eggplant bruschetta, and large plates such as Cauliflower Muhumarra—roasted pepper spread, hazelnut Dukkah, Coachella Valley dates, and farmer’s market chickpeas. It isn’t all vegetables, however. An exquisite Basque-style braised chicken and roasted branzino are part of the dinner menu, so expect some innovative offerings during Restaurant Week.

Info: 1700 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, lifehousehotels.com.

Low Desert / Modern Mexican

Zucchini bites featuring jalapeño cream cheese and a pineapple medley. Cauliflower Corn Mix starring cotija cheese, jalapeño mayo, and panela cheese. From these stunning starters, consider exploring main course palate pleasers such as the venue’s unique take on street tacos—Portobello and shitake mushrooms, squash, tofu, chayote, green zucchini, Mexican zucchini, tomatoes, onions, panela cheese, and corn tortilla fill up one option, in fact. Something worthy of your time: Quesabirria, which features beef, Oaxaca cheese, red salsa, and pickled onions with consommé. Specialties like burrito bowls, Mahi Mahi Tostada, and more give you plenty of options here, too. You won’t leave hungry after experiencing these flavors.

Info: 775 E Palm Canyon Dr #405, Palm Springs, 760-656-0231, lowdesert.net.

Rancho Mirage

Willie's Modern Fare

You truly cannot go wrong here. You get the elegance of fine dining combined with exceptional customer service. Host Willie Rhine and General Manager Veronica Cavazo have been recognized for their other top restaurants, EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge and 1501 Uptown Gastropub. Expect classic cuisine with a modern twist. Creative cocktails and a noteworthy wine list are part of the experience as Executive Chef Richard Perez plans to impress. One starter caught our attention: Asparagus Egg features grilled asparagus, poached duck egg, whipped boursin cheese, truffle dressing, pink peppercorn, and American black caviar. Lovely. Main fare options range from exquisite duck, short rib, seabass, beef stroganoff, prime rib, and much more. Thoroughly satisfying all around.

Info: 69830 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, 760-501-0167, williesrm.com.

Slice Italia

They had us at Baked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. That’s a good place to start, but to be sure, all the appetizers here shine. We’ve never seen a place offer such a great twist on our favorite combos, so here, one must consider the Original Famous Pizza Fries. Great spins with zucchini, calamari, chicken, garlic bread, and other pastas give you something to truly contemplate while ordering. One of the most inventive menus all around.

Info: 72775 Dinah Shore Dr #107, Rancho Mirage, 760-202-3122, theslicepizza.com.