Top Must-Try Appetizers in Greater Palm Springs: Expert Recommendations
What's the best way to kick off a meal? (Besides a cocktail, of course!) A delectable appetizer. Discover our curated guide to the most beloved starters across Greater Palm Springs, showcasing local expertise and culinary highlights.
Spicy Tuna Tostada // Sandfish (Palm Springs) and The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge (Palm Desert)
A standout at The Venue in Palm Desert, this dish is now also at Chef Engin Onural’s acclaimed Sandfish in Palm Springs. It features spicy tuna topped with spicy aioli, unagi sauce, chives, feta cheese, and microgreens on a crispy wonton shell.
Deviled Eggs // Heirloom Craft Kitchen (Indio)
At the newly opened Heirloom Craft Kitchen by Chef Andie Hubka of Cork & Fork, the Deviled Eggs small plate shines with applewood bacon, pickled jalapeño, and chive oil.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates // Essence (Desert Hot Springs)
Local dates become an irresistible treat at Essence at Two Bunch Palms, stuffed with gorgonzola, fig chutney, and wrapped in bacon.
Flautas // Las Casuelas Nuevas (Rancho Mirage)
Crispy rolled flour tortillas filled with cheese and shredded beef or chicken, topped with cotija cheese, crema fresca, pico de gallo, and served with chipotle sauce—an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Avocado Flatbread // Juniper Table (Palm Springs)
Elevate beyond avocado toast with Juniper Table's version at the Kimpton Rowan hotel, blending turmeric, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, serrano peppers, and generous fresh avocado.
Crab Cakes // Mélange (La Quinta)
Savor Maryland-style jumbo lump crab cakes on Mélange’s patio overlooking Lake La Quinta, paired with lemon aioli and roasted red pepper sauce.
Cowboy Candy // Justin Eat & Drink (Cathedral City)
Addictive house-made candied jalapeños over cream cheese, served with crostini—try it at Justin Eat & Drink and you'll be back for more.
Seafood Tower // Mastro’s (Palm Desert)
This premier steakhouse shines with seafood too. Build your own chilled shellfish tower from fresh selections on their signature iced display.
Lollipop Corn Dogs // Eureka (Indian Wells)
Two-bite Polish sausage "lollipops" in sweet corn batter, served with spicy porter mustard sauce—a fun, flavorful bite.
Shrimp Cocktail // Mr. Lyons (Palm Springs)
Rarely memorable, but Mr. Lyons' version is unforgettable: large, perfectly cooked shrimp chilled with dill, Old Bay seasoning, and cocktail sauce.
For more dining inspiration, visit our dining in Greater Palm Springs page. Bon appétit!
