Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

SO.PA at L'Horizon Resort and Spa

4.7

4.7 (743)

$50 and over

Californian

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

An ADULTS ONLY destination by Reservation. SO•PA has a NO PETS POLICY.

Decadent, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Join us for dinner in an intimate outdoor setting under the stars as Chef Igor Krichmar presents the seasonally enticing menu. Your elegant, yet relaxed evening includes world class cocktails and a sophisticated, yet approachable wine cellar curated by our in-house Certified Sommelier. You won't want to miss an aperitif or digestif at our exclusive fire pit and poolside bar. VALET is COMPLIMENTARY.

**2024 Winner of Diners Choice Award**
During cooler climate weather, SO•PA maintains its temperate and warm ambience with strategically placed heaters in addition to our intimate alfresco firepit.

Top review

NicoleVIP

Dined today

Perfect as always. Will be back again for fantastic food and the fabulous atmosphere!

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Experience

Wines of the World Series 1 - Vive La France!

Experience

Wines of the World Series 2 - Mountain Stories

Jillian's

4.9

4.9 (1003)

$50 and over

International

Palm Desert

About the restaurant

Romantic. Inviting. Original. Uncompromising quality.
Superb cuisine graciously served in an extraordinary atmosphere, is the unique inspiration of proprietors Jay and June Trubee.
Guests will experience a masterful Eclectic cuisine. Our menus are designed to include seasonal local ingredients, classic Jillian’s dishes and, of course, your preferences. To accompany your meal, we offer an extensive selection of fine wines from around the world.
Whether you choose one of our distinctive dining rooms or the inviting outdoor courtyard, enchanting garden or private terrace, every detail will be attended to, every need met. With everything from the menu selection to the wine pairings and flower arrangements that can be custom-designed for a most memorable occasion.

RESERVATIONS FOR 5 GUESTS OR MORE.......CALL (760) 776-8242

Top review

CarolVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We were in La Quinta to celebrate my husband’s 60th Birthday and Jillian’s was our last night’s dinner. It was the best dinner we had the whole week! Rico, our waiter, was amazing. The owners made us feel like we were old friends. And the food was delicious and perfect. Absolutely nothing could have been better. We will remember Jillian’s and will definitely be back next time we are in the area.

Canopy Wine Lounge

4.9

4.9 (112)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Canopy Wine Lounge is a driving source for wine & community no matter where your palate takes you. To curate this lounge, a partnership formed between longtime Palm Springs local Noah Mamet and the owner of our 15 unique winery properties around the globe. Our decor is a modern take on the popular design of the 1950's, using clean lines, pops of color, and various textured fabrics and fixtures.

To accent our wine bar, we have a custom-built clay amphora where our in-house winemaker will be fermenting and ageing a Californian rosé. Glowing fireplace features highlight our meticulously curated selection of desert plants. Our food bites are meant to be paired with quality-driven wines and lively conversation between friends.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 5 days ago

We were greeted very warmly and the service continued to be friendly and warm. Unique and interesting selections of wine by the glass/bottle. We were here for a glass of wine before dinner elsewhere but liked what we experienced so much we immediately booked dinner for the following night!

Bar Cecil

4.8

4.8 (1672)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

"Your Pleasure is Our Pleasure!"

Please join us at Bar Cecil for a delightful evening. We welcome parties of 5 or fewer guests (limited space for parties of 5). Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate larger parties.

We book tables for 2 hours. Last dinner orders are taken at 9 pm and we close the bar at 10 pm. We've gone cashless and happily accept credit and debit cards.

Due to our small size, tables with separate reservations can not be combined. Please reserve online; if OpenTable is not showing availability, we're fully booked or it is more than 14 days out. We accept reservations up to 30 days out. Our bar is always walk-in and we open at 5 pm (the bar list is usually full around 4:30 pm).

We can't wait to have you as our guests! "Shall we?"

Top review

PamelaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

This is the best restaurant in Palm Springs! French with a California flair….lots of veggie choices. Great cocktails and wine list….beautiful decor…what more could you ask for….oh and a fabulous server, Holly, who made the evening even more special. It’s a fun delicious spot….not stuffy! Loved everything about this restaurant and the experience!

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Popular dish

Smoked Bone-In Pork Chop

Popular dish

Pan Seared Halibut

Popular dish

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Le Vallauris

4.7

4.7 (5111)

$50 and over

French

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Established in the heart of Palm Springs at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Le Vallauris has been one of the highest rated restaurants in the Coachella Valley since its inception in 1973. The exquisite cuisine at Le Vallauris is prepared by Executive Chef, Gabriel Morales, Award winning Angeleno Chef who has replaced the long time Chef Jean Paul Laire as he retired in 2024. The Historic Landmark was built in 1927 as a home for the Roberson family, who managed Palm Springs' first hotel, The Desert Inn. Many grand parties were held in the house for guests such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and many more. Later on, when the restaurant was established it became a favourite place for Presidents and the Hollywood elite, and local socialites.

Top review

HopeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful experience. We absolutely love this restaurant. Great food.

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Popular dish

Chocolate Truffle

Popular dish

MAINE LOBSTER RAVIOLIS

Popular dish

Maine Lobster Salad

Copley's on Palm Canyon

4.7

4.7 (6551)

$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

JenniferVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely historical outdoor space, friendly service and good food. The salad with the brûlée blue cheese and the Barramundi were the hits. Would have loved some live music.

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Popular dish

Asian Spiced Barramundi

Popular dish

Copley's Caesar Salad

Arnold Palmer's Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4733)

$31 to $50

American

La Quinta

About the restaurant

Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant features Progressive American cuisine, including fresh seafood, steaks, and some of Arnie’s great comfort foods. This one-of-a-kind restaurant features many indoor dining options, including multiple private rooms, a beautiful bar and lounge, and an impressive wine room that houses 2,500 bottles with a large table for special events up to 20 guests. The extensive newly remodeled patio (awarded 2022 top 100 outdoor dining restaurants in the country by open table diners) offers live entertainment every night featuring Mark Linford with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and breathtaking landscape.

Top review

YolandaVIP

Dined today

This is “my slice of Heaven” go to place. My favorite server “Caitlynn”, beautiful, sweet.. attention to details! Mark the highly talented guitarist that creates an “unmatched” dinner ambiance that without him… Arnold’s it would not be the same!! Valet staff… upon arrival.. always welcoming and gracious as well as the reception area. It’s evident that the staff are very content to work at Arnold’s…that says a lot!! 🙏🥂🎊

Lavender Bistro

4.6

4.6 (6769)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Quinta

About the restaurant

At Lavender we combine the finest meats and seafood with the freshest organic ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. Dine indoors in a warm, cozy atmosphere or on our stunning tree-lined patio. Lavender Bistro also prides itself on providing superb live music nightly to set a warm and friendly atmosphere.

For every occasion, to change the ordinary into extraordinary, come join us at Lavender Bistro, "where memories are made!"

Closed for Summer Break from the last Sunday in May until the last Thursday in September.
Re-Opening 09/28/2023!

Top review

PatrickVIP

Dined 2 days ago

One of our favorite dining experiences in Palm Springs area; outside dining area is captivating, food quality and prep superb and, one this occasion, our server was polished, professional, urbane and made us feel like we were the only ones in the place!

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Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Popular dish

Dijon & Walnut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

FARM

4.8

4.8 (3897)

$50 and over

French

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

FARM is a traditional Provencial-style restaurant in downtown Palm Springs in the historic Plaza, tucked away from traffic. Chef has taken care to create a menu comprised of traditional European dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats. In true Provencial-style, the prix fixe dinner menu is served at a pace so you may enjoy your evening with us.
Enjoy a meal in our outdoor setting and take in the ambiance of being out of the city and transported magically to the South of France.
*I apologize, but we do not have Vegan menu items. *

Top review

Anna

Dined 5 days ago

If you’re looking for a place that serves delicious French food, look no further. Every dish here showcases quality ingredients thoughtfully put together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both elevated and approachable. The service is excellent, attentive without being intrusive, and adds to the overall experience. Even at $69 per head, the value is undeniable— it’s a fantastic choice for a memorable meal that leaves you satisfied in every way. Highly recommended, but make a reservation, especially for dinner!

Miro's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3521)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Palm Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to Miro’s Restaurant, voted best Mediterranean – Continental fine dining restaurant in Palm Springs. We promise to make your dining experience a comfortable, flavorful and memorable one. Be sure to call us for the daily specials, it might just be that entrée you’ve been searching for. We look forward to meeting you. Also please note that patio is first come first serve. If you wish to sit on the patio tell us here but it is not guaranteed that you will be seated on patio depending on availability.

Top review

BruceVIP

Dined today

Miro's is one of our go to places when guest are in town. Everyone we bring to Miro's rave about all the dishes they had. The wait staff is very doting and really take care of all of their guests.

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