Best Restaurants for People Watching in Palm Desert

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodChineseGrillComfort Food

Regions

Palm Springs / Palm Desert

Areas

Indian WellsLa QuintaPalm DesertRancho Mirage

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert restaurant

1. Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm Desert

4.6

Exceptional(4494)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Palm Desert

Booked 81 times today

Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

A photo of Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO restaurant

2. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

4.3

Awesome(606)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 20 times today

Welcome to Larkspur Grill!We are now accepting reservations! Experience the ultimate dining destination in Palm Desert, conveniently located near the chic El Paseo shopping district. At Larkspur Grill, we bring a modern twist to classic California cuisine, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Join us on our patio to savor delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails while soaking in the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.For groups of 6 or more, please contact the restaurant directly, and we’ll be happy to assist with your reservation.Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday 6pm-9pm***To maintain the integrity of our live entertainment program an entertainment fee of $6.00 per person will be added to all checks during performance nights.***The entire party must be present to be seated. We kindly request that guests limit the number of checks per table to no more than two.

3. Babaloo Lounge

4.1

Excellent(350)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Palm Desert

Booked 3 times today

We are a gastropub specializing in Cuban and Peruvian flavors. While still adhering to age old family recipes, we strive to be innovative and open minded, just as our ancestors were when these flavors were first imagined. Here at BaBaLoo, we want to take on this multicultural challenge by providing the most authentic dining experience that Lake Havasu City and Palm Desert have to offer. Cuba and Peru are rich in history, and nothing tells that tale better than their diverse flavor combinations. We take ideas from cuisines around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Caribbean, and African flavors have heavily influenced Cuban and Peruvian food throughout history.

A photo of The Fix On El Paseo restaurant

4. The Fix On El Paseo

4.4

Awesome(436)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Palm Desert

Booked 11 times today

We are a California style Bistro serving Breakfast Lunch and Dinner, we take pride in serving only the freshest ingredients. We offer pet friendly al fresco dining. We have the best patio on El Paseo directly across from the Gardens On El Paseo. We will be offering a special pre-fixe menu on Christmas Eve. Please join us!

5. Kitchen 86

4.3

Awesome(367)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 36 times today

Kitchen 86 is a local favorite for indoor and outdoor dining on El Paseo in the heart of Palm Desert.Featuring a deliciously eclectic menu, exceptional service, and a contemporary vibe.Indulge in our ever-changing menu that includes seafood, steaks, lamb chops, salads, pasta, house-made curry, ramen, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates.We serve breakfast and brunch daily with bottomless mimosas and plenty of delicious menu items including vegan and gluten free options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, you’re sure to please your palette at Kitchen 86. We use only the freshest ingredients, with many of our menu items being organic and locally sourced.Our Ultra Lounge is the perfect place to gather with friends for happy hour or a late-night cocktail and food until 1am.86 Live, our state-of-the-art entertainment stage, features live music, DJs, and stand-up comedy.

A photo of Daily Grill - Palm Desert restaurant

6. Daily Grill - Palm Desert

4.6

Exceptional(3550)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 62 times today

Daily Grill introduces a twist on classic dishes for lunch and dinner. Fresh, flavorful American fare is served in the heart of The Shops on El Paseo, making it a favorite dining destination in Palm Desert. Daily Grill features seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients prepared in a scratch kitchen. Timeless favorites like Chicken Pot Pie and Loaded Mac & Cheese bring back nostalgic memories at the first bite. Creative contemporary dishes like Ahi Tuna Sashimi and Spicy Shrimp & Chicken Pasta will inspire you to explore ever-growing menu selections.

7. The Nest

4.6

Exceptional(3342)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Continental • Indian Wells

Booked 68 times today

The Nest is Indian Wells' most famous restaurant and lounge. We've been serving fine guests, celebrities, golf and tennis legends since 1965. The reasons for our exceptional longevity and acceptance are delicious food, wonderful, warm atmosphere, great entertainment, and generous refreshments, along with the service you would like to receive all the time .... RESERVATIONS ARE FOR FULL DINNER IN THE DINING ROOM ONLY. Reservations for only cocktails, just desserts, or appetizers will be cancelled. The Nest enforces a strict upscale dress code. We do not allow beachwear, gym attire including sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies. Athletic apparel, jerseys, beanies, bandanas, backwards ball caps, oversized or baggy clothing are prohibited. No excessively revealing clothing will be allowed. Clothing emitting offensive odors is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the property.

8. Twenty6

4.2

Awesome(991)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Quinta

Booked 23 times today

When Walter Morgan first opened the La Quinta Hotel in 1926, his dream was to provide a welcoming desert escape for his friends and family. Throughout the ensuing decades, that dream has blossomed, and today TWENTY6 sits at the heart of La Quinta Resort providing the time-honored hospitality that Mr. Morgan so loved. Our focus is chef-driven modern American cuisine, using local, sustainable sources whenever possible. Our passion is providing exceptional service, our hallmark since 1926.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage restaurant

9. P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage

4.0

Excellent(463)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Rancho Mirage

Booked 19 times today

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

10. The Grill on Main

4.6

Exceptional(1267)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 34 times today

The Grill on Main in La Quinta! Come down to the Grill on Main for an exciting new approach to American fare, featuring fresh cuisine with a lively atmosphere. Our menu features traditional American favorites, seafood, steak, pasta and specialty sandwiches and burgers. We also offer microbrews, full bar and a great wine list. Dine inside or on our relaxing, pet-friendly patio.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RonaldVIP
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great experience, food and service! Costly, but the details and quality of the food was outstanding!
More info
Mastro's Steakhouse - Palm DesertPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Palm Desert
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •10 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Always consistent and food selection is versatile. Live the boom boom shrimp and the waiter, Brendan, very attentive and had great recommendations. Our friends in town for the tennis tournament enjoyed the casual atmosphere and good food .
More info
Kitchen 86Price: Expensive• American• Palm Desert
•
4.3
TB
TimB
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This place had a great vibe with outstanding food. We had an enjoyable evening
More info
The Fix On El PaseoPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Palm Desert
•
4.4
S
SteveVIP
San Diego •65 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We had an enjoyable lunch. The service was good and the food was excellent. This was our first visit and we will return.
More info
Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEOPrice: Expensive• American• Palm Desert
•
4.3
M
Mike
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 Mar 2025
Our server Brandon was the best. Totally enjoyed the band and food. Looking forward to going again soon.
More info
Babaloo LoungePrice: Expensive• Gastro Pub• Palm Desert
•
4.1

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