One of the most pleasant surprises about visiting La Quinta is the food. The Coachella Valley has quietly built a dining scene that rivals cities three times its size, and the best part is that nearly every restaurant comes with a patio, a mountain view, and zero pretension.
Old Town La Quinta: Start Here The heart of La Quinta dining is Old Town, a walkable village square with a handful of restaurants that locals genuinely love. Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill has been a neighborhood anchor for years, serving wood-fired pizzas and generous salads in a casual patio setting. For something more refined, Lavender Bistro offers French-California fusion in a lush garden courtyard — their rack of lamb and crème brûlée are consistently excellent. On warm evenings, request a table under the string lights.
Date Night Spots When the occasion calls for something special, the valley delivers. Arnold Palmer's Restaurant at the PGA West clubhouse pairs classic American steaks and seafood with sweeping fairway views — sunset here is a full experience. In nearby Palm Desert, Mastro's and Sullivan's Steakhouse offer that upscale, white-tablecloth energy. For something more creative, Copley's on Palm Canyon in Palm Springs occupies Cary Grant's former estate, and the courtyard dining is unforgettable.
Casual Family Restaurants Traveling with kids does not mean settling for fast food. Fisherman's Market & Grill in Palm Desert serves fresh seafood in a relaxed, family-friendly space. Shame on the Moon in Indian Wells is a local favorite with a diverse menu that keeps everyone happy. And for breakfast or brunch, Wilma & Frieda's at The Gardens on El Paseo does creative morning fare with a menu that changes seasonally.
The Desert Brunch Culture Brunch in the desert is an institution. Weekend mornings here revolve around long, leisurely meals on sunlit patios. Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs runs one of the best bottomless brunches in the valley. Closer to La Quinta, The Grill on Main in Old Town does a solid weekend breakfast with huevos rancheros and avocado toast that draws a steady local crowd.
Farm-to-Table and Local Flavors The Coachella Valley is surrounded by agriculture, and several restaurants lean into that. The weekly farmers markets in Palm Desert and La Quinta showcase local dates, citrus, and produce. Shields Date Garden — open since 1924 — offers date shakes that are a mandatory desert experience. Several farm-to-table spots throughout the valley build their menus around what is freshest and closest.
Pro Tips for Dining Make reservations during peak season, January through April, especially for weekend dinners. Many restaurants offer early-bird specials before 6 PM. And do not skip the local date shake — every visitor says it's the thing they remember most.
