For those of you that remember the not-so-old days when good restaurants were few and far between in Palm Springs; when getting a meal past 8:30 pm was virtually impossible and when “big food” (a lot of food for little money) was the key….you might be surprised to know that Palm Springs is rapidly become a foodie haven. So as not to offend any of our many long and recent term establishments, we thought we’d highlight some of the new restaurants opening in Palm Springs.

Most recently is Sandfish Sushi & Whisky Bar. Sandfish by Engin Onural is located across from the Arrive Hotel. Onural is considered one of the top 30 sushi chefs in the world after qualifying for the annual World Sushi Cup in Japan. His also the owner of Venue Sushi in Palm Desert. If you go to either place, you must try the Venue Roll. This is where spicy tuna, salmon and tobiko come together like a symphony. Spicy tuna, cucumber and gobo topped with seared salmon, spicy aioli, teriyaki sauce, micro greens and tobiko!

It’s no coincidence that Arrive Hotel owner Chris Pardo has created this uptown mecca of fine dining with Reservoir, the Draughtsman and now Sandfish.

This past November saw the opening of 4Saints. It’s located atop the incredible Rowan Hotel. New York, Chicago, Panama, Beirut, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, and Amsterdam: these are just some of the far-flung locales that have influenced Chef Stephen Wambach’s nearly 20-year culinary career. He cut his teeth in the competitive Manhattan restaurant scene, with stints at 44, BLT and the Michelin-starred Marc Forgione, where he was Chef de Cuisine.

One of my personal favorite newcomers is Evzin Palm Springs. Like Venue, Evzin started in Palm Desert. Hmm….is this a trend? The owner John Tsoutis is Greek, but this is a Mediterranean restaurant, but you’ll notice some heavy Israeli spice influences. It’s located inside the Caliente Tropics hotel in South Palm Springs.

We are loving the fact that international cuisine is another new trend for our area. Azucar’s approachable menu is comprised of local farm to table ingredients.  Small plates to share as well as full course items with a focus on wellness with Spanish & Mediterranean influences. It’s located in the newly renovated La Serena Villas boutique hotel and is absolutely beautiful.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the restaurants to return to the area like a firestorm. Jerry and Barbara Keller’s triumphant return to The River in Rancho Mirage with Acqua California Bistro was met with joy from valley locals and tourists, alike.

The new restaurant is a successor to Acqua Pazza — the Keller’s beloved restaurant once at the same location — combined with all the glitz, glamour and food that patrons have come to know of their Palm Springs restaurant, Lulu California Bistro.
The menu is extensive and has something for every taste. What’s even better is that you’ll find the restaurant host to some charity event almost every week. If you happen to be at their sister restaurant Lulu in Palm Springs check out the Destination PSP merchandise for sale!

There seem to be new places opening all the time, and if you’re lucky enough to participate in the Palm Springs Lifestyle at one of our many poolside cocktail parties and events you’ll find these restaurants and many others coming up with most exciting catering offerings you’ll ever see. As the ad says, Dine.Sip.Play!