Best Restaurants for People Watching in Palm Desert

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO restaurant

1. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

4.3

Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Larkspur Grill!We are now accepting reservations! Experience the ultimate dining destination in Palm Desert, conveniently located near the chic El Paseo shopping district. At Larkspur Grill, we bring a modern twist to classic California cuisine, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Join us on our patio to savor delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails while soaking in the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.For groups of 6 or more, please contact the restaurant directly, and we’ll be happy to assist with your reservation.Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday 6pm-9pm***To maintain the integrity of our live entertainment program an entertainment fee of $6.00 per person will be added to all checks during performance nights.***The entire party must be present to be seated. We kindly request that guests limit the number of checks per table to no more than two.

2. Babaloo Lounge

4.2

Awesome(335)

Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Palm Desert

Booked 3 times today

We are a gastropub specializing in Cuban and Peruvian flavors. While still adhering to age old family recipes, we strive to be innovative and open minded, just as our ancestors were when these flavors were first imagined. Here at BaBaLoo, we want to take on this multicultural challenge by providing the most authentic dining experience that Lake Havasu City and Palm Desert have to offer. Cuba and Peru are rich in history, and nothing tells that tale better than their diverse flavor combinations. We take ideas from cuisines around the world; Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Caribbean, and African flavors have heavily influenced Cuban and Peruvian food throughout history.

A photo of The Fix On El Paseo restaurant

3. The Fix On El Paseo

4.4

Awesome(415)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Palm Desert

Booked 2 times today

We are a California style Bistro serving Breakfast Lunch and Dinner, we take pride in serving only the freshest ingredients. We offer pet friendly al fresco dining. We have the best patio on El Paseo directly across from the Gardens On El Paseo. We will be offering a special pre-fixe menu on Christmas Eve. Please join us!

4. Kitchen 86

4.7

Exceptional(296)

Price: Expensive

• American • Palm Desert

Booked 29 times today

Kitchen 86 is a local favorite for indoor and outdoor dining on El Paseo in the heart of Palm Desert.Featuring a deliciously eclectic menu, exceptional service, and a contemporary vibe.Indulge in our ever-changing menu that includes seafood, steaks, lamb chops, salads, pasta, house-made curry, ramen, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates.We serve breakfast and brunch daily with bottomless mimosas and plenty of delicious menu items including vegan and gluten free options. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, you’re sure to please your palette at Kitchen 86. We use only the freshest ingredients, with many of our menu items being organic and locally sourced.Our Ultra Lounge is the perfect place to gather with friends for happy hour or a late-night cocktail and food until 1am.86 Live, our state-of-the-art entertainment stage, features live music, DJs, and stand-up comedy.

5. The Nest

4.6

Exceptional(3261)

Price: Expensive

• Continental • Indian Wells

Booked 29 times today

The Nest is Indian Wells' most famous restaurant and lounge. We've been serving fine guests, celebrities, golf and tennis legends since 1965. The reasons for our exceptional longevity and acceptance are delicious food, wonderful, warm atmosphere, great entertainment, and generous refreshments, along with the service you would like to receive all the time .... RESERVATIONS ARE FOR FULL DINNER IN THE DINING ROOM ONLY. Reservations for only cocktails, just desserts, or appetizers will be cancelled. The Nest enforces a strict upscale dress code. We do not allow beachwear, gym attire including sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies. Athletic apparel, jerseys, beanies, bandanas, backwards ball caps, oversized or baggy clothing are prohibited. No excessively revealing clothing will be allowed. Clothing emitting offensive odors is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the property.

A photo of Vicky's of Santa Fe restaurant

6. Vicky's of Santa Fe

4.7

Exceptional(2373)

Price: Expensive

• American • Indian Wells

Booked 32 times today

Indian Wells' award-winning Restaurant, noted for its outstanding American cuisine, has been consistently awarded "Best Hot Spot", "Best Live Music Venue" and "Best Bar Scene" by OpenTable. Established 1989. Owner Marc Laliberte likes to say, "It's not just the place. It is the people. Our guests become friends & family." A menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, rack of lamb pair with any number of sides. A walk-in wine cellar features California wines from well-known winemakers to select boutique vintners. At the spacious center bar, signature cocktails shake up. Entertainment in the Lounge Room with a live music program by desert legend John Stanley King. Electrifying performances every night, two sets on Fridays & Saturdays, 7 Sets in 5 Days. No Cover. Please visit vickysofsantafe.com for the Live Music Schedule Now-June 2025. Dinner Reservations required in Dining Rooms and the Lounge. 5pm-9:30pm. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday & Monday in the months of September & October.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage restaurant

7. P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage

4.1

Excellent(434)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Rancho Mirage

Booked 9 times today

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

8. Twenty6

4.2

Awesome(965)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Quinta

Booked 6 times today

When Walter Morgan first opened the La Quinta Hotel in 1926, his dream was to provide a welcoming desert escape for his friends and family. Throughout the ensuing decades, that dream has blossomed, and today TWENTY6 sits at the heart of La Quinta Resort providing the time-honored hospitality that Mr. Morgan so loved. Our focus is chef-driven modern American cuisine, using local, sustainable sources whenever possible. Our passion is providing exceptional service, our hallmark since 1926.

A photo of The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage restaurant

9. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

4.6

Exceptional(3169)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Rancho Mirage

Booked 14 times today

The Steakhouse, recipient of the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, and winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence consecutively since 2007, is this stunning Rancho Mirage resort’s fine dining restaurant. Earning accolades such as the AAA Four Diamond Award, the Palm Springs Life Best of the Best, and the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award. The Steakhouse, is a Wine Spectator award winning restaurant. Guests can now enjoy a private dining room, & inside patio and a gorgeous bar. Sunday Brunch also available 10 am - 2 pm. Featured items include Steak Benedict, Golden Eggs, Prime Rib Eye and Crab Cake Benedict.

A photo of Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West restaurant

10. Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West

4.7

Exceptional(433)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Quinta

Booked 7 times today

Ernie's is an "open to the public" Gastro-Pub located at PGA West, overlooking the famous Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses. The hallmark of Gastro Pub fare is that it takes adventurous twists on familiar food, all made from scratch with palette arousing ingredients. Ernie's offers both a casual and refined atmosphere that welcomes the casual beer drinker, the wine enthusiast or the hipster looking for a cocktail. The restaurant consists of booths, low and high top tables positioned to provide people watching, sports on various TV’s or take in golf course views. The large patio provides both outdoor living room furniture and table dining. Two gas fire pits provide and area to relax, unwind and socialize.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Susan
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The 4 of us ladies had a wonderful dinner with great service while we watched a football game and got caught up on our friendship’s . It’s always a great experience at Kitchen 86!
More info
Kitchen 86Price: Expensive• American• Palm Desert
•
4.7
T
Tina
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
The service and cuisine were very good, However, I didn’t expect the noise level in the dining room. It was so loud that I could barely talk to my husband or hear each other having a conversation. We had to lean in every time talk to one another. Two tables around us, all men at each table, were very boisterous and somewhat obnoxious. It was not we were expecting celebrating my husband’s birthday last night.
More info
The NestPrice: Expensive• Continental• Indian Wells
•
4.6
M
Marilynvip
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •18 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food and service were good. But we went specifically to see the Art of Sax band. The website showed they were going to be there, but were told when we got there that they had “another gig”. Very disappointing.
More info
Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEOPrice: Expensive• American• Palm Desert
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 8, 2024
Great first experience at BaBaLoos. Watched and listened to Woody's and the Retro's, fabulous band.
More info
Babaloo LoungePrice: Expensive• Gastro Pub• Palm Desert
•
4.2
S
Smithers
Utah •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2024
What a great place, we had never been to the Fix, but will definitely go back.
More info
The Fix On El PaseoPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Palm Desert
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Palm Desert

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Palm Desert

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

2. Babaloo Lounge

3. The Fix On El Paseo

4. Kitchen 86

5. The Nest

6. Vicky's of Santa Fe

7. P.F. Chang's - Rancho Mirage

8. Twenty6

9. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

10. Ernie’s Bar and Grill at PGA West

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable