Top 3 Restaurants you MUST eat at in Palm Springs
Rooster and the Pig
Top spot, numero uno, the grandame of them all. This little haunt in a strip mall setting is some of the best Vietnamese food you will find outside of Southeast Asia. A truly special gem out in the desert, but be prepared to wait, I promise it is worth it though! Pre-covid there was no way to make reservations or do takeout, instead you walked up and put your name on a list, and waited in the blistering 100+ degree weather in a battle of wills with the 30 other people submitting themselves to this torture. Alas, it is all worth it though. As soon as you finally get into that AC, order a cold beer and take your first spoonful of congee, at that point alone you have finally arrived in paradise. The bowls of rice congee from this kitchen are the type of comfort, soul warming food you dream about years down the line. I would drive from LA to Palm Springs for this soup alone. It is that serious. And the best part is…its Free? Yes, they serve it in traditional vietnamese bowls as a Welcome to anyone who sits down, but feel free to order more! Beyond the congee, everything is spectacular, order as much as you can possibly eat. The varieties of fresh spring rolls are all top notch, and all the rice and noodle dishes are flavor bombs that will leave you as satisfied as ever. If you have 1 meal in the desert, it needs to be here.
FARM
Like you are sitting on the back patio of your best friends villa in the south of France, or maybe tucked in the rolling hills of Napa Valley, no matter where this magical dining space transports you too, the experience is sure to be exquisite. Female owned and operated by one of the valleys legendary restaurateurs, Liz Ostoich. The short rib and baked brie are both a must, and are a perfect accompaniment to the ambiance…cheese, wine, live acoustic music on the veranda with hanging vines that add that perfect touch of charm and whimsy. The gal singing the night we were there was really something, a sultry and smooth jazz style voice, we were in heaven listening! All around the food was wonderful and thoughtful.
One of our favorite little random bits was that they use beautiful colored glassware that are all uniquely their own, no two alike; so every table looks similar but different. I am not sure if they are done by a local artisan but nonetheless this simple little idea again creates a wonderful feeling of whimsy! This spectacular setting, tucked away in a what feels like a secret garden really creates a special environment and is no doubt the perfect place for a great date night!
Tac/Quila
Last but not least is another spot by Liz Ostoich. Her more casual but equal quality spot is always busy and is always good. One of the more inventive spots up and down the main strip here in Palm Springs, if you are a food person who wants an elevated experience at a normal price, this is your go too. Though there are a lot of restaurants in the area, Tac/Quila is always better than its counterparts. Grab some tacos, tempura avocado bites, ceviche, enchiladas and a Mezcal or Tequila cocktail and you will find yourself in that wonderful mexican food happy place. Note: You can do a tasting of 5 of their margs which was definitely a fun added part to this great overall experience!
Honorable mention: Chula Artisan Eatery in La Quinta (20 mins down Valley from Palm Springs). This little unassuming spot is cranking out consistently delicious south of the boarder/farm to table food, and they have a badass female chef/owner