Lunch Spots in Palm Springs We Send Our Own Guests To

The best lunch spots in Palm Springs sit downtown on and around Palm Canyon Drive. Our short list: FARM for crepes in a garden courtyard, Cheeky's for a late breakfast that counts as lunch, Sherman's Deli for pastrami, Fuzion Five for pho, and Tyler's Burgers when you need something fast. Every one is minutes from The Muse by car, so lunch slots right into a Palm Springs weekend getaway. For dinner, see our guide to where to dine in Palm Springs.

What are the best lunch spots in Palm Springs?

Hours change with the season, and summer can mean shorter weeks. Check before you drive over.

FARM

A French-inspired restaurant in La Plaza, just off Palm Canyon Drive, with a garden courtyard that makes you forget you're downtown. Crepes, sandwiches and salads, plus a lavender lemonade people talk about.

Cheeky's

At 622 N Palm Canyon Drive. Known for its bacon flight, and it doesn't take reservations, so go early or bring patience. Order something you'd never make at home.

Sherman's Deli and Bakery

At 401 S Palm Canyon Drive. Classic deli: bagels and lox, corned beef hash, pastrami. The bakery case is a trap. Walk into it anyway.

Fuzion Five

Vietnamese and Lao cooking in The Vineyard Shopping Center on South Palm Canyon Drive. Pho, banh xeo and plenty of fresh herbs. It's the lunch for the friend who's had enough fries.

LuLu California Bistro

At 200 S Palm Canyon Drive, with a big menu of salads, sandwiches and entrees. It's open for lunch every day and handles mixed groups well, which matters when eight people can't agree.

Quick and casual lunch in Palm Springs

• Tyler's Burgers: Walk-up burgers and fries in the La Plaza courtyard, with outdoor seating.

• Fisherman's Market and Grill: Counter service on South Indian Canyon Drive. Fish and chips, fish tacos, grilled seafood.

• Thai Smile: Noodles, curries and soups on South Indian Canyon Drive, and it's been serving since 1991.

• The Sandwich Spot: Big sandwiches on freshly baked bread. Order for the pool.

• Aspen Mills Bakery: Fresh breads and baked goods from the same bakery behind breakfast at The Muse. Read our Aspen Mills story before you go.

Where to have lunch with a patio

Las Casuelas Terraza has been a Palm Springs institution since 1958, and its big patio is made for margaritas at an hour your coworkers would question. El Patrón brings Baja-inspired tacos and cocktails to a downtown patio. Zin American Bistro is a wine-focused spot on Palm Canyon Drive with outdoor tables. Upstairs in the Mercado Plaza area, Wilma and Frieda's does creative comfort food and a serious brunch menu. If brunch is the real plan, see our Palm Springs brunch guide.

Lunch for groups: out or in?

Lunch is easier to book than dinner, even for a big group. Call ahead for eight or more, and pick a spot with a large patio or counter service so nobody waits on one check.

Or skip the restaurant. Most suites at The Muse have kitchens, and the four yard suites (Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor) have full kitchens and private fenced yards. Grab sandwiches downtown, fire up the courtyard BBQ grill, or have Stock the Fridge handle it before you arrive. Lunch at the pool requires zero reservations.

Tips for lunch in Palm Springs

• Go early on weekends. Popular spots fill fast between late morning and early afternoon from October through May.

• Sit inside in summer. Summer afternoons often top 100 degrees, so save the patio for spring and fall.

• Pair it with a morning plan. An early hike, then lunch, then the pool. Our easy hikes guide has the trails.

• Use a rideshare. Downtown is a short trip from The Muse, and lunch may involve a margarita.

Lunch spots Palm Springs FAQ

Easy to get to. Hard to leave. Check your dates and plan lunch around the pool.