Savor Healthy, Delicious Dining: A Weekend Guide to Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs masterfully blends health, luxury, and rejuvenation, showcased through its exceptional dining scene. Tucked behind nearly every palm tree, you'll discover restaurants offering thoughtfully prepared, innovative dishes. Spend a weekend exploring Desert cities for diverse tastes at beloved local favorites—all crafted to delight your palate while supporting your wellness goals.
Friday: La Quinta
Breakfast: Fuel up at Chula Artisan Eatery (reopening in September) with farm-to-table dishes and local Joshua Tree Coffee. This energizing start powers your hike in La Quinta Cove. For more adventure, visit nearby Indio's Shield’s Date Gardens for a garden tour and an educational film on date palm pollination.
Lunch: Satisfy your hunger with a fresh salad at The Café at Shield’s Date Gardens, or drive a few miles down Highway 111 to Pokehana in La Quinta for premium poke bowls rich in omega-3s. Gluten-free and vegan options abound; additional locations in Palm Desert, with Rancho Mirage possibly soon.
Dinner: Join a class at Cooking with Class or stroll Old Town La Quinta's shops, then head to locals' happy hour spot The Grill On Main. Chef Brett Maddock, a road biking enthusiast, delivers memorable flavors. Linger for live music and evening dancing.
Saturday: Palm Desert and Cathedral City
Breakfast: Opt for a light start at Fresh Juice Bar with protein shakes, fresh-pressed juices, or pitaya bowls topped with berries and gluten-free granola (agave optional) before your Hike to the Cross.
Lunch: After browsing spices at Savory Spice Shop and luxury shopping on El Paseo, refuel at Wildest Greens with house-brewed kombucha and organic courses. Owner Denise Dubarry Hay welcomes all diets: raw, vegan, paleo, gluten-free.
Dinner: Indulge in umami-rich eastern Mediterranean fare at Beyond Balisage in Cathedral City. Chef Daniel sources local, organic ingredients and pairs them with organic wines in a cozy, homey setting you'll want to revisit.
Sunday: Palm Springs
Breakfast: In iconic Palm Springs, dine at modern Lulu California Bistro overlooking Palm Canyon. Savor their award-winning brunch or gluten-free menu; try the surprisingly delicious gluten-free baguette for a carb treat.
Coffee Break: Visit Koffi for locally roasted, organic coffee with milk alternatives or their famed homemade whipped cream. Locations in Palm Springs (two) and Rancho Mirage.
Lunch: At newcomer FARM Palm Springs, enjoy daily breakfast/lunch (dinner weekends) of fresh, made-to-order southern French dishes in a quaint, countryside-inspired ambiance.
Dinner: Don't miss 533 Viet Fusion for authentic Vietnamese with flair, homemade sauces, and local ingredients—gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Recommended: chicken lemongrass “martini” meatballs. Next door, Native Foods offers vegan desserts.
Other Recommended Restaurants:
- Palm Springs, Nature's Health Food and Cafe—Vegan and vegetarian grab-and-go
- Palm Desert, El Paseo Grill—Gluten-free and paleo-friendly
- Palm Desert, Luscious Lorraine’s Organic Juice and Food Bar—All organic, vegan-friendly
- Indio, Heirloom Craft Kitchen—Casual, from-scratch meals
- Indio, June Hill’s Table at Trilogy at the Polo Club—Public access, seasonal, organic
- Indian Wells, Grove Artisan Kitchen at Miramonte Resort—Farm-to-table, organic
- La Quinta, Morgan’s in the Desert at La Quinta Resort—Award-winning farm-to-table special occasion spot
Foodie Activities:
- Desert Tasty Tours: 3-hour tasting tours of local restaurants
- Certified Farmers Markets
- We Care Spa: Juice fasting and detox programs
Healthy Snack Shopping:
- La Quinta, Palm Desert, Cathedral City: Trader Joe’s
- La Quinta: Sprouts
- Palm Desert: Harvest Health Foods
- Palm Desert, Whole Foods Market
- Rancho Mirage, Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Food Market
