Best Southern American Restaurants in Palm Desert

52 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacifica Seafood Restaurant restaurant

1. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(8866)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 64 times today

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant in Palm Desert is a true gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine, specializing in the freshest seafood delights. Guests rave about the "outstanding food and service," with favorites like the seared scallops and Chilean sea bass often highlighted as the best they've ever had. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness is evident as their seafood is sourced daily from San Diego, ensuring a top-notch dining experience every time. Reviewers consistently praise the "excellent service" and the lovely ambiance, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors seeking premium American seafood dishes. Whether it's the vibrant ahi tower or the creatively crafted cocktails, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant stands out as a culinary beacon in Palm Desert.

A photo of The Hideout Kitchen + Bar restaurant

2. The Hideout Kitchen + Bar

4.5

Awesome(99)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the charming Gardens on El Paseo, The Hideout Kitchen + Bar is a gem in Palm Desert, celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine with a delightful twist. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" food and service, highlighting favorites like the "exceptional" Hideout Pizza and the "delicious" avocado fries. The ambiance is consistently praised as "warm and pleasant," perfect for any dining occasion. With glowing reviews like "great food and great old school service done the right way," it's clear why The Hideout is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in for a casual meal or a special occasion, The Hideout promises a memorable dining experience with its innovative dishes and impeccable service.

A photo of Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO restaurant

3. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

4.4

Awesome(564)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 7 times today

Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO in Palm Desert is rapidly becoming a culinary hotspot, celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine with a modern California twist. Patrons rave about the "California Fresh" menu which highlights the freshest local ingredients, creating dishes that are both flavorful and beautifully presented. The ambiance, enhanced by the scenic San Jacinto mountains, provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying standout dishes like the "excellent" sea bass and the highly recommended Cobb Salad. Guests frequently commend the "terrific food and outstanding service," making it clear why Larkspur Grill is a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch American dining experience. With live music adding to the vibrant atmosphere, it's no wonder visitors are eager to return, describing their experiences as "fantastic" and "always great."

A photo of Daily Grill - Palm Desert restaurant

4. Daily Grill - Palm Desert

4.6

Exceptional(3419)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 39 times today

At Daily Grill in the bustling heart of Palm Desert, burger enthusiasts can savor some of the finest American classics with a gourmet twist. Known for its commitment to quality and freshness, Daily Grill features burgers that are a true homage to American culinary traditions, prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's scratch kitchen ensures every burger is crafted to perfection, promising a mouthwatering experience with every bite. As one of the highlights on the seasonal menu, the burgers stand out for their robust flavors and inventive toppings, making them a must-try for both locals and visitors. Glowing reviews consistently praise the "excellent service" and "delicious" meals, with the ambiance adding to an already delightful dining experience. Make sure to reserve your table to enjoy what many call the best burgers in town!

5. Mole Palm Desert

4.6

Exceptional(274)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 18 times today

Molé Palm Desert in The Shops on El Paseo is a beacon of contemporary Mexican cuisine, offering an extraordinary culinary experience that blends traditional flavors with modern flair. Each dish, from the Guaca-crab "jaracho" to the Colorado lamb shank adobo, is crafted from scratch with an impressive array of ingredients, such as the 32-element molé con pollo, ensuring authenticity and depth of flavor. Guests rave about the "out of this world" food and drinks and the "very unique and different" approach to Mexican dining. The elegant atmosphere and exceptional service complement the innovative menu, making Molé a must-visit for a "different level" of Mexican cuisine. As one review puts it, "The best Mexican Restaurant in Palm Desert! Great food and exceptional service!"

6. Kitchen 86

4.5

Awesome(313)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 21 times today

Kitchen 86 in Palm Desert is celebrated for its eclectic and vibrant vegan offerings, making it a standout destination for those seeking plant-based delights. The restaurant's commitment to freshness and authenticity shines in their vegan menu, which is as diverse as it is delicious. Patrons rave about the variety and quality, with one diner highlighting, "Happy to see that they have several vegan options. More restaurants need to offer the options as plant-based eating is helping to save our planet." Another review praises the extensive brunch/lunch menu, noting the "vegan selections were fantastic." Kitchen 86's dedication to providing a range of tasty vegan options ensures that every diner, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and sustainable.

A photo of Wally's Desert Turtle restaurant

7. Wally's Desert Turtle

4.8

Exceptional(3803)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Rancho Mirage

Booked 34 times today

Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine, offering "The Finest Dining in the Coachella Valley." This celebrated establishment delights patrons with a "refreshed and re-imagined take on Modern California Cuisine," earning rave reviews for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing from ranches, farms, and fisheries. Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its exceptional dishes, such as the perfectly cooked Dover sole and the heavenly soufflés, encapsulating the local flavors and innovative culinary techniques that define Californian dining. The ambiance, highlighted by live music and elegant decor, rounds out the truly Californian dining experience, making every visit to Wally's Desert Turtle "a great night out."

A photo of Grapefruit Basil – Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells restaurant

8. Grapefruit Basil – Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells

4.4

Awesome(548)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Indian Wells

Booked 38 times today

At Grapefruit Basil in Indian Wells, seafood lovers are in for a delightful treat! Known for its "best cioppino west of Mississippi" and "macadamia nut crusted halibut," this restaurant has earned glowing accolades for its fresh, high-quality seafood. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" dishes, such as the "Macadamia crusted halibut" and the "delicious" Ahi tuna. The ambiance, enhanced by live music and stunning views, complements the culinary experience, making each meal memorable. With an emphasis on local ingredients and island-inspired flair, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence and authenticity in seafood cuisine. Whether you're dining under the olive groves or enjoying the lively atmosphere of their patio, Grapefruit Basil is a must-visit for seafood aficionados in Indian Wells.

9. The Nest

4.6

Exceptional(3269)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Indian Wells

Booked 40 times today

The Nest, nestled in the heart of Indian Wells, is a beacon of Mediterranean delight renowned for its exquisite cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Celebrated for its authentic Mediterranean dishes such as stuffed cabbage and moussaka, diners consistently rave about the "delicious" and "fantastic" food. One guest joyfully noted, "The food was great and the service was good, too," capturing the essence of what makes The Nest a must-visit. The restaurant's commitment to quality and service shines, with another reviewer exclaiming, "We always have the best dining experience. It’s our main go-to every time we return to Indian Wells." The Nest's ability to combine stellar Mediterranean fare with an irresistible, fun ambiance makes it a standout destination in the Mediterranean culinary scene.

A photo of Backstreet Bistro Palm Desert restaurant

10. Backstreet Bistro Palm Desert

4.7

Exceptional(986)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Palm Desert

Booked 14 times today

Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds of its patrons. Renowned for its "delicious fresh parmigiana reggiano" and a variety of Italian classics such as lasagna, ravioli, and chicken parmigiana, the restaurant consistently earns rave reviews for both its food and atmosphere. Guests particularly love the charming patio setting, describing it as "quaint and comfortable." The extensive wine list complements the Italian fare perfectly, making dining here a complete delight. As one reviewer put it, Backstreet Bistro is "Palm Desert's best kept secret," where every dish is "cooked to perfection," earning it "5+ stars" and making it a must-visit for an authentic Contemporary Italian experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Explore OpenTable

Palm Desert

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Palm Desert

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

52 restaurants available nearby

1. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

2. The Hideout Kitchen + Bar

3. Larkspur Grill at HOTEL PASEO

4. Daily Grill - Palm Desert

5. Mole Palm Desert

6. Kitchen 86

7. Wally's Desert Turtle

8. Grapefruit Basil – Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells

9. The Nest

10. Backstreet Bistro Palm Desert

Explore OpenTable