Winter transforms Palm Desert into the perfect dining destination. When cooler temperatures arrive and clear desert skies set the stage for comfortable outdoor meals, the local restaurant scene truly comes alive. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dinner after a day of golf or a relaxed brunch in the sunshine, Palm Desert offers dining experiences that feel just right for the season.
This guide highlights five of the best restaurants in Palm Desert to visit during winter. Each one brings something special to the table, from fresh seafood with mountain views to farm-to-table California cuisine and authentic French bistro fare. These aren’t just places to eat—they’re destinations that make your winter getaway memorable.
What Makes Winter Dining Special in Palm Desert
Winter weather in Palm Desert creates ideal conditions for dining out. Daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s, while evenings cool down just enough to make outdoor patios inviting rather than uncomfortable. Many restaurants feature climate-controlled outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy your meal under the stars without the intense desert heat of summer months.
The winter season also brings peak tourism to the area, so restaurants are at their best. Menus feature seasonal ingredients, service is attentive, and the overall dining atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming. Plus, you can easily walk between restaurants and shops along areas like El Paseo, making an evening out feel effortless.
1. Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Farm-to-Table Excellence
Location: Palm Springs (nearby, worth the short drive)
Cuisine: Modern California, Farm-to-Table
Best For: Special occasions, date nights, food enthusiasts
Workshop Kitchen + Bar stands out as one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the greater Palm Desert area. This Michelin-recognized restaurant combines award-winning design with exceptional cuisine, creating an experience that feels both elevated and approachable.
Why Visit in Winter
Winter is the ideal time to experience Workshop’s beautiful courtyard dining. The mist-cooled outdoor seating becomes perfectly comfortable when temperatures drop, and the historic El Paseo Building’s Spanish-style architecture creates an intimate atmosphere under the stars. The cooler weather also makes the wood-fired dishes especially appealing—there’s something deeply satisfying about enjoying warm, grilled flavors on a crisp desert evening.
What to Expect
Chef Michael Beckman sources ingredients from nearby Coachella Valley farms and maintains an herb garden right behind the kitchen. The menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes like flatiron steak au poivre, cooked over wood-fired grills,flat iron steak au poivre cooked over wood-fired grills and creative small plates showcasing peak-season produce. The restaurant earned a James Beard Award for best restaurant design, so you’ll dine in a modernist space that’s as visually impressive as the food is delicious.
The bar program deserves special mention—house-made ginger beer and creative cocktails complement the food perfectly. Whether you choose the dramatic concrete banquettes inside or the courtyard seating beneath a 70-year-old olive tree, the setting enhances every course.
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2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant – Coastal Flavors with Desert Views
Location: El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cuisine: Fresh Seafood, Steaks
Best For: Seafood lovers, patio dining, sunset dinners
For over 15 years, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant has been the go-to destination for fresh seafood in Palm Desert. Located on El Paseo with mountain views from its second-story patio, Pacifica offers a dining experience that feels both upscale and welcoming.
Why Visit in Winter
The outdoor patio becomes the star attraction during the winter months. While summer heat can make second-story outdoor dining uncomfortable, winter temperatures transform the space into the perfect spot for lingering meals. You can watch the sunset paint the surrounding mountains in warm colors while enjoying fresh oysters or perfectly prepared fish.
The restaurant also offers sunset specials during the winter season, making early-evening dining especially appealing. The combination of cooler air, beautiful views, and value-focused menu options creates an ideal winter dining experience.
What to Expect
Pacifica’s menu focuses on fresh seafood flown in regularly, though they also offer excellent steaks and chicken for non-seafood eaters. Signature dishes include sugar-spiced salmon, Chilean sea bass, and their famous mustard catfish. The appetizer menu shines with options like Pacifica ceviche, baked oysters with spinach and lemon-Parmesan cream sauce, and fresh oysters on the half shell.
The restaurant maintains a bustling bar with daily happy hour specials and an award-winning wine list. The International Vodka Bar offers creative cocktails that pair well with seafood dishes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, the attentive service and upbeat atmosphere make every visit feel special.
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3. Chez Pierre Bistro – Authentic French Country Dining
Location: Highway 111, Palm Desert
Cuisine: Traditional French
Best For: Romantic dinners, French cuisine enthusiasts, special celebrations
Chez Pierre Bistro brings the warmth and flavors of the French countryside to Palm Desert. Chef Pierre Pelech, who trained at prestigious restaurants along the French Riviera, has created a dining destination that feels both authentic and welcoming. Named one of the best French restaurants in the valley year after year, Chez Pierre has earned recognition from Zagat, OpenTable Diners’ Choice, and Palm Springs Life Magazine.
Why Visit in Winter
Winter evenings create the perfect atmosphere for French bistro dining. The cozy interior feels especially inviting when temperatures drop, and the intimate setting encourages conversation and leisurely meals. Unlike the hot summer months when heavy French sauces might feel too rich, winter weather makes dishes like Duck à l’Orange and braised veal sweetbreads feel just right.
The restaurant is open for both brunch and dinner during the winter season (they close during the summer), making it easy to fit into your vacation schedule. Weekend brunch features classic French preparations like delicate crêpes and golden Eggs Benedict, while dinner service offers the full range of Chef Pierre’s rustic yet refined cuisine.
What to Expect
The menu at Chez Pierre celebrates traditional French cooking. You’ll find bistro classics done exceptionally well—escargots simmered in garlic-herb Burgundy butter, frog legs sautéed with Provençale herbs, and hanger steak with shallots and Cabernet sauce. Fresh, wild-caught fish appears daily on the specials board, prepared with Chef Pierre’s signature sauces.
Desserts shouldn’t be missed. The crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and warm apple tarte with vanilla ice cream all showcase French pastry technique. The wine list emphasizes French selections, though you can also bring your own bottle (corkage fee applies).
Service at Chez Pierre feels personal—Chef Pierre often visits tables to ensure guests are enjoying their meals. The small dining room creates an intimate atmosphere that works beautifully for romantic dinners or small celebrations.
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4. Mitch’s on El Paseo – Sophisticated Sushi and Steaks
Location: El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cuisine: Japanese, Steaks, Seafood
Best For: Sushi lovers, climate-controlled patio dining, business dinners
Mitch’s on El Paseo offers an interesting blend of Japanese cuisine and American steaks, making it a local favorite. Located at the corner of Portola and El Paseo, the restaurant provides both refined indoor dining and a climate-controlled outdoor patio that stays comfortable year-round.
Why Visit in Winter
The climatized patio makes winter dining particularly enjoyable at Mitch’s. You get the benefits of outdoor dining—fresh air and people-watching along El Paseo—without worrying about temperature extremes. Winter evenings bring a lively yet comfortable atmosphere as the area fills with seasonal visitors.
The location is perfect for a winter evening in Palm Desert. You can enjoy dinner at Mitch’s, then take a short stroll along El Paseo to browse shops or simply enjoy the pleasant weather. This convenience makes it easy to create a complete evening experience without having to drive between locations.
What to Expect
Mitch’s menu combines fresh sushi and specialty sake selections with prime steaks and seafood. This variety makes it easy to satisfy different preferences when dining with a group—some can enjoy traditional nigiri and sashimi while others opt for a perfectly cooked steak.
The sushi bar showcases quality fish and creative rolls, while the kitchen excels at preparing both Japanese-inspired dishes and classic American favorites. Daily happy-hour specials and nightly features offer good value, and the bustling bar creates an energetic atmosphere without feeling overwhelming.
Service at Mitch’s strikes a balance between attentive and relaxed. The staff knows the menu well and can guide you through sake pairings or suggest dishes based on your preferences. Whether you’re planning a business dinner or a casual night out with friends, the atmosphere adapts well to different occasions.
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5. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar – Island-Inspired Casual Elegance
Location: The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired American
Best For: Relaxed lunches, tropical cocktails, shopping breaks
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar brings laid-back island vibes to Palm Desert. Connected to the Tommy Bahama retail store at The Gardens on El Paseo, this restaurant offers a polished yet casual dining experience that perfectly complements a winter day in the desert.
Why Visit in Winter
The breezy outdoor patio at Tommy Bahama feels ideal during winter months. While their tropical-inspired menu might suggest a summer destination, the reality is that winter provides the most comfortable outdoor dining conditions. You can enjoy umbrella-shaded tables and fresh air without the intense desert heat, making long lunches or afternoon cocktails especially pleasant.
Winter also brings more energy to The Gardens shopping area, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The restaurant’s location makes it perfect for a shopping break—you can browse the stores, settle in for lunch on the patio, then continue exploring the area.
What to Expect
Tommy Bahama’s menu features Caribbean and American dishes with tropical influences. Think fresh fish tacos, coconut shrimp, and island-style burgers alongside salads and sandwiches. The preparations are lighter than traditional heavy winter fare, which actually works well in the desert climate, where even winter days can be warm and sunny.
The bar program emphasizes rum-based cocktails and tropical drinks. These refreshing beverages pair naturally with the menu and create a vacation atmosphere even if you’re just taking a break from shopping. Beer and wine selections round out the drink menu.
The atmosphere at Tommy Bahama is intentionally relaxed. The restaurant captures that easy island feeling through its décor, music, and service style. It’s not trying to be fancy or formal—instead, it offers quality food and drinks in a setting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
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Where to Stay for Easy Access to Great Dining
Your accommodation location can significantly impact your dining experience in Palm Desert. Staying in a central location puts you within easy reach of the best restaurants while providing a comfortable home base for your winter vacation.
Emerald Desert RV Resort offers the perfect solution for travelers looking to explore Palm Desert’s dining scene. Located in the heart of Palm Desert, the resort provides convenient access to all five featured restaurants—from El Paseo’s upscale options to casual favorites throughout the area.
Why Choose Emerald Desert RV Resort
Whether you’re traveling in an RV or prefer the comfort of a fully-equipped villa, Emerald Desert RV Resort delivers an exceptional winter getaway experience. The resort combines prime location with top-tier amenities, making it easy to enjoy everything Palm Desert has to offer.
RV Sites: Spacious, well-appointed sites provide all the hookups and conveniences you need for a comfortable stay. After a day of dining and exploring, return to your home-on-wheels in a resort setting that feels like a vacation destination itself.
Resort Villas: If you prefer a more traditional accommodation, the resort villas offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. These well-appointed spaces provide room to relax between dining adventures, with amenities that make longer stays comfortable and enjoyable.
Resort Amenities That Enhance Your Stay
Emerald Desert RV Resort features amenities designed to complement your dining-focused vacation. Start your mornings with coffee by the pool, spend afternoons relaxing between restaurant visits, and enjoy the resort’s attractions when you’re not exploring Palm Desert’s culinary scene. The central location means you’re never more than a short drive from exceptional dining options.
The resort works particularly well for weekend getaways or extended winter stays. You can easily plan different restaurants each evening without spending excessive time driving, and the comfortable accommodations provide a welcoming retreat after enjoying Palm Desert’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Book Your Winter Dining Getaway
Ready to experience the best restaurants in Palm Desert this winter? Book your RV site or resort villa online at Emerald Desert RV Resort and secure your spot in the heart of Palm Desert’s dining district. With easy access to all the featured restaurants and top-tier resort amenities, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the desert.
The combination of excellent dining nearby and comfortable accommodations at Emerald Desert RV Resort creates the ideal winter vacation experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or an extended stay to explore the area’s diverse restaurant scene, the resort’s central location and quality amenities make every aspect of your trip more enjoyable.
Make the Most of Your Winter Dining Adventure
Winter in Palm Desert offers an exceptional opportunity to explore diverse, high-quality dining options in comfortable weather. From elegant French bistros to fresh seafood with mountain views, these five restaurants represent the best of what the area has to offer during the cooler months.
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Make your reservations early, dress comfortably but appropriately, and don’t be afraid to try different cuisines. The variety available in Palm Desert means you can enjoy something different each night of your stay.
Most importantly, embrace the relaxed pace that winter in Palm Desert encourages. These restaurants aren’t just about the food—they’re about the complete experience of dining in a beautiful desert setting where the weather cooperates, and the atmosphere invites you to linger just a little longer over that final glass of wine. Be sure to visit Discover Palm Desert online for more local attractions.
Your winter dining journey awaits in Palm Desert. Each of these five restaurants brings something unique to your vacation experience, creating memories that will have you planning your return visit before you even leave.
