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

OpenTable

Updated February 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 Wally's Desert Turtle restaurant

Wally's Desert Turtle

4.8

4.8 (3902)

$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

E

EricVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our Valentine's Day dinner at Wally's Desert Turtle was our first visit there and we were not disappointed - everything was fantastic! The pricing is high... but it's totally worth it, especially for special occasions. I had a filet mignon, my wife had the lamb, and both were delicious; the zucchini with toasted almond soup was incredible and the deserts were out of this world. In general, service was excellent, but the delivery of cocktails was a bit slow - understandable perhaps, because the place was packed! This is now one of our top five favorite restaurants in the entire Palm Springs area, and we will be back again for certain!

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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 (5220)

$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

D

Deborah

Dined today

Excellent food, service and outdoor dining. A+++.

A photo of Copley's on Palm Canyon restaurant

Copley's on Palm Canyon

4.7

4.7 (6666)

$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 today

Great food and ambience. Our reservation was at sunset and we were outside.

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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 Melvyn's at the Ingleside Estate restaurant

Melvyn's at the Ingleside Estate

4.6

4.6 (4238)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

A timeless Palm Springs classic specializing in traditional American Fare with a modern twist. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, in the famous Ingleside Inn, Melvyns Restaurant also features a full bar, dancefloor and piano lounge on a first come first serve basis.

Top review

J

JosephVIP

Dined today

We're loving this place! You are in one of the prettiest, warmest dining rooms you can imagine, rich in Palm Springs history. The staff is so congenial and welcoming. Last night I opted for the sea bass - I'm addicted to the Steak Diane - but wanted a change. It was rich, tender and delicious .

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A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Steak Diane of a restaurant

A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant

A photo of Zin American Bistro restaurant

Zin American Bistro

4.6

4.6 (2623)

$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

J

JamesVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always a great choice and this time didn't disappoint. Service is wonderful, the food is always on point. Fresh, creative and also some basic comfort food. Something for all. The patio is a great dine for people watching and energetic vibe. Check out the excellent wine list.

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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 Morgan's in the Desert restaurant

Morgan's in the Desert

4.6

4.6 (3038)

$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

J

Julie

Dined 1 day ago

Really good food and service! We enjoyed our sunset dinner. It felt like it was a great value..

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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 Bellatrix restaurant

4.7

4.7 (903)

$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

K

KristinVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Eating outside on the patio is a not to miss experience. Service was good, food was slow to come out as was crowded. Not the fault of the wait staff. Will continue to come back, many times a season!

A photo of Escena Lounge & Grill restaurant

Escena Lounge & Grill

4.6

4.6 (1775)

$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

M

Maria

Dined 2 days ago

Most spectacular view in Palm Springs if you can handle the bad service, but there are a couple of very good servers!! 👌 Scarlet on the front desk is awesome!

A photo of June Hill's Table restaurant

June Hill's Table

4.6

4.6 (1225)

$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

C

CharlesVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We sat outside on the patio and it was great. Our service from Anthony was great and enjoyable. My girlfriend and I shared a wedge which was very good and a different presentation. We also had the children penne which was excellent. I also wanted to thank Christophe, the General Manager who was very helpful and took the time to explain the wines that my friends had with their three course meal and since he knows that I like wine also gave me a taste. Thanks again

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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 4 Saints restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1581)

$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

T

TomVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Hostess and wait staff were extremely helpful - food was excellent.

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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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