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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Desert Moon Palm Springs restaurant

Desert Moon Palm Springs

4.8

4.8 (33)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

## Desert Moon Palm Springs: A Culinary Oasis in the Heart of California Escape to a world of culinary delights at Desert Moon Palm Springs, where California's vibrant flavors come alive on your plate. Our newly reinvented menu is a celebration of diverse influences, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. **Indulge in a symphony of tastes:** * **Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass:** Delicately cooked with a crispy skin, served with fragrant jasmine rice, sautéed spinach, and a tantalizing mushroom-edamame-mirin sauce. * **Blackened Poblano Chicken:** A succulent chicken breast stuffed with creamy cheese, nestled on a bed of mango rice with a vibrant avocado puree and seasonal vegetables. * **8oz Grilled Filet Mignon:** A classic cut of prime beef, cooked to perfection and drizzled with a rich rosemary demi-glaze. Accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and a delightful cranberry-butter sauce. * **Thai Coconut Curry:** A fragrant and flavorful medley of shrimp, scallop, salmon, seabass, red bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, simmered in a creamy coconut broth. **Sweeten your experience:** * **Chocolate Rum

Top review

N

kennNkevin

Dined today

We are enjoying ALL the items in the menu. The specials always look great, but we have already developed some favorites off the regular menu. OssoBuco is perfection! The manager and staff are 100% dedicated to creating a perfect meal and a wonderful experience.

A photo of Wally's Desert Turtle restaurant

Wally's Desert Turtle

4.8

4.8 (3934)

$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

P

PaulVIP

Dined today

Wine was exceptional and people we met were fun Great place albeit a little expensive.

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A photo of Honolulu Tuna Tartare of a restaurant

Honolulu Tuna Tartare

A photo of Eight4Nine restaurant

4.7

4.7 (5277)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Join us for Lunch, Brunch or Dinner. Reservations recommended but not necessary. Lounge and bar open all day long for walk-ins. No reservations for lounge or bar. Open 7 days a week.

Top review

A

Angela

Dined 2 days ago

Very tasty, great service, interesting surroundings. Seated in the larger/central room, therefore unexpectedly loud. Perhaps would’ve been better if seated in one of the side/smaller rooms.

A photo of Copley's on Palm Canyon restaurant

Copley's on Palm Canyon

4.7

4.7 (6728)

$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

D

david

Dined 3 days ago

Cocktails were delish, and the food was fantastic (the empanada has to be called out... stellar). Chad took great care of us. Atmosphere was perfect and the weather was very cooperative.

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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 Chicken & Lemongrass Pot Stickers of a restaurant

Chicken & Lemongrass Pot Stickers

A photo of Bellatrix restaurant

4.7

4.7 (917)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Entertain your guests in style in our elegant Bellatrix Restaurant dining room for dinner under the stars or lunch overlooking our nationally recognized championship course designed by Arnold Palmer and a host site of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Visit with us at our Bellatrix Wine Bar featuring a selection of over 100 wines by the bottle and over 30 wines by the glass along with full service bar.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Server was excellent and the food was very good. We’ll go back!

A photo of Zin American Bistro restaurant

Zin American Bistro

4.6

4.6 (2640)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

For the past 20 years, Zin has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. We offer crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner. We are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating we have a beautiful heated and cooled covered patio for outdoor dining.

Top review

OT

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined today

To start, our waiter Chip was amazing. Such a great personality and helpful. I had the fish of the day - red rainbow trout - HUGE - so glad I shared it. It came out flaming hot and perfect. Other couples had the short rib and steak frites - no complaints. We tried their dessert of the day, but not our favorite. A take on a Dubai chocolate… next time, the brownie! Make a reservation

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A photo of Wild Mushroom Truffle Soup of a restaurant

Wild Mushroom Truffle Soup

A photo of Buttermilk Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A photo of ½ Wedge Salad of a restaurant

A photo of June Hill's Table restaurant

June Hill's Table

4.6

4.6 (1238)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

La Quinta

About the restaurant

We are currently open and available for Indoor and Outdoor Seating as well as Takeout. Open to both Community Members and the public, June Hill’s Table recognizes June Hill McCarroll, one of Coachella Valley’s most renowned and important founding residents. June Hill’s Table serves a variety of seasonal dishes made from scratch using fresh and local ingredients. Live music on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Simply put, the feature dining experience at The Polo Club is set to showcase good food, done well.

Top review

J

JeannetteVIP

Dined 1 day ago

It was another terrific dining experience! Food was very good and fairly priced. The atmosphere wasn’t quiet but a lot fun with a singer & music which people were dancing and singing along to!

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A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant

A photo of Our Famous Butter Cake of a restaurant

Our Famous Butter Cake

A photo of Grgich Hills Estate | Wine Dinner of a restaurant

Grgich Hills Estate | Wine Dinner

A photo of Morgan's in the Desert restaurant

Morgan's in the Desert

4.5

4.5 (3053)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

La Quinta

About the restaurant

Morgan’s in the desert showcases contemporary American cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Coachella Valley. We source the region’s top products – and craft them with traditional cooking methods – to bring you deliciously simple and healthy dishes.

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

Sat in the lounge. Brian behind the bar was a pleasure and made the evening all that much better.

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A photo of 8oz USDA Filet Mignon of a restaurant

8oz USDA Filet Mignon

A photo of Beef Carpaccio of a restaurant

A photo of 16oz USDA New York Strip of a restaurant

16oz USDA New York Strip

A photo of Escena Lounge & Grill restaurant

Escena Lounge & Grill

4.5

4.5 (1784)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Escena Grill is freshly renovated and open for indoor and outdoor dining, with full bar service! Browse or call for updates, hours of operation, specials and menus! (The kitchen closes 30-60 mins prior to the posted closing time.) The best view and outdoor dining patio in Palm Springs. Escena Grill pairs delectable California cuisine with eye-popping design and a playful, retro vibe. Spacious indoor and dog friendly outdoor dining areas frame majestic views of the towering San Jacinto Mountains. Ranked among OpenTable's 2015 Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America, Escena Grill offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Events are welcome. Hours, menus and event schedules vary seasonally; please call or check our website for current information. Escena Lounge + Grill is located within the Escena Palm Springs community and is connected to the stunning Escena Golf Club. Dining & golf open to the public year-round. Enter from Vista Chino 200 yards east of Gene Autry Trail.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 6, 2025

Great place, excellent food and wonderful service.

A photo of 4 Saints restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1596)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

With unparalleled views of picturesque mountains, 4 Saints provides a unique and modern space. Our menu is driven by bright, clean, soulful flavors that are influenced by the seasons. The beverage program provides a concise wine list, local brews, and masterful cocktails.

Top review

H

HeidiVIP

Dined on Mar 4, 2025

We greatly enjoyed our meal on the patio at 5 PM. We were the only ones there and the view was fantastic. Service was attentive, and we were never left waiting. All of the food was delicious.

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A photo of Lobster Ceviche of a restaurant

Lobster Ceviche

A photo of Chilean Sea Bass of a restaurant

Chilean Sea Bass

A photo of Burratta of a restaurant

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