10 Best Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs
The 10 best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs are Il Corso, Il Giardino, Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, Palmina by Puglia, Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill, Birba, Al dente Trattoria, Kalura Trattoria, Riccio’s Steak and Seafood, and Nicolino’s. The Italian food culture in Palm Springs, California is inseparable from its history as a desert playground for Hollywood's elite. This legacy created a foundation for classic supper clubs and nostalgic dining rooms in this city in the Sonoran Desert, exemplified by Johnny Costa's Ristorante, which was founded by Frank Sinatra's personal chef. This old-school glamour coexists with modern establishments like Il Corso, which offers a sophisticated and contemporary take on regional Italian cuisine.
Italian restaurants are aplenty along Palm Canyon Drive in the downtown and Uptown Design District areas. The kinds of Palm Springs Italian restaurants here vary, from historic Rat Pack-era establishments to chic eateries and garden-like patio restaurants. The atmospheres range from the dimly lit, nostalgic dining rooms of classic supper clubs to the lively, open-air settings of trendy pizzerias.
Among the best Italian restaurants Palm Springs has to offer, Il Corso stands out as the definitive overall experience for its authentic regional menu, sophisticated modern setting, and high-quality imported ingredients. For a journey into the city's past, Johnny Costa's Ristorante provides a unique fine-dining experience steeped in mid-century history. For a trendy vibe, locals head to Birba, with its all-patio design and inventive pizzas.
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs are listed below.
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1
Il Corso Palm SpringsIl Corso is a contemporary Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The menu focuses on authentic, regional Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and high-quality meats and seafood. The decor is modern and sleek, with an open kitchen and a large bar.- Item Prices 91
- Average Item Price $22.32
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Regional Italian
Signature Dishes:Pappardelle al Cinghiale (Wild Boar Ragu)Cacio e PepeBistecca alla FiorentinaPolpo alla Griglia (Grilled Octopus)
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Location:111 N Palm Canyon Dr #180, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant features a glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room that displays an extensive collection of Italian and Californian wines. A large patio offers views of the main downtown square.
What Makes It Special:Il Corso is known for its commitment to authentic Italian preparations and its use of high-quality, imported ingredients. The sophisticated, modern ambiance appeals to those seeking an upscale experience.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a truly authentic, region-specific menu with a chic, modern design and a prime downtown location makes Il Corso a standout for sophisticated Italian dining.
Operating Hours:Daily: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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2
Il GiardinoIl Giardino is an intimate, family-run restaurant that serves rustic Northern Italian and Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet courtyard, offering a romantic and secluded dining experience. The menu is traditional and focuses on simple, well-executed dishes.- Item Prices 131
- Average Item Price $10.89
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Northern Italian, Sicilian
Signature Dishes:Veal Osso BucoSand Dabs with Lemon and CapersGnocchi with Meat SaucePasta e Fagioli
Location:333 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant's hidden garden patio, adorned with fountains and bougainvillea, is its main draw, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. The establishment is cash-only.
What Makes It Special:Il Giardino is known for its authentic, from-scratch cooking by the owner-chef and its intensely personal, old-world service, making it feel like a discovery.
What Sets It Apart:Its secluded, hard-to-find location, its cash-only policy, and its reputation for providing a truly intimate and authentic Italian dining experience make Il Giardino unique.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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3
Johnny Costa's RistoranteJohnny Costa's Ristorante is a historic, family-owned restaurant that has been serving classic Italian-American cuisine since 1976. The establishment is known for its connection to Frank Sinatra, as founder Johnny Costa was his personal chef. The decor is old-school and nostalgic, with celebrity photos lining the walls.- Item Prices 64
- Average Item Price $18.88
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Italian-American
Signature Dishes:Steak Sinatra (New York strip with peppers and wine sauce)Linguine with Clam SauceVeal SaltimboccaJohnny's Lasagna
Location:440 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant's historical connection to Frank Sinatra is a key feature, with several dishes on the menu listed as his personal favorites. The ambiance preserves a mid-century, Rat Pack-era feel.
What Makes It Special:Johnny Costa's is celebrated for its authentic, old-school Italian-American recipes passed down through the Costa family and its status as a Palm Springs landmark.
What Sets It Apart:Its direct historical link to Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, combined with its nearly 50-year history of unchanged family recipes, makes it a unique and nostalgic dining destination.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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4
Palmina By PugliaItalianPalmina by Puglia is an Italian restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of the Puglia region in Southern Italy. The menu highlights fresh seafood, handmade orecchiette pasta, and other regional specialties. The restaurant has a modern, minimalist design with a bright and airy feel.- Item Prices 97
- Average Item Price $30.18
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Pugliese, Southern Italian
Signature Dishes:Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Pasta with broccoli rabe)Tiella (Layered rice, potatoes, and mussels)Fritto Misto di MareBombette (Grilled pork neck rolls)
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Location:2500 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant has a dedicated focus on the specific and less-common cuisine of Puglia, offering dishes that are not widely available elsewhere.
What Makes It Special:Palmina is celebrated for its culinary authenticity and its dedication to showcasing the unique flavors and traditions of a single Italian region.
What Sets It Apart:Its exclusive focus on Pugliese cuisine, from its signature orecchiette to its traditional seafood preparations, provides a distinct and educational dining experience.
Operating Hours:Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PMWednesday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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5
Sammy G's Tuscan GrillSammy G's Tuscan Grill is a long-standing restaurant in downtown Palm Springs, offering a menu of Tuscan-inspired Italian cuisine. The establishment features a lively atmosphere with a piano bar, a main dining room, and an extensive, shaded patio for outdoor dining.- Item Prices 91
- Average Item Price $16.80
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Tuscan-Italian
Signature Dishes:Sand Dabs PiccataOsso BucoLasagna BologneseCioppino
Location:265 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its vibrant piano bar, which features live music nightly and a popular happy hour. The large, tree-covered patio is a central feature for al fresco dining.
What Makes It Special:Sammy G's is recognized for its energetic social scene and its role as a downtown hub for both dining and entertainment. The combination of classic food, live music, and a prime location makes it a popular destination.
What Sets It Apart:Its prominent piano bar and consistent live entertainment program distinguish Sammy G's from more traditional, quiet Italian restaurants, creating a high-energy dining experience.
Operating Hours:Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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6
BirbaBirba is a modern Italian restaurant located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, California. The Birba menu features...- Item Prices 52
- Average Item Price $13.18
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian, Pizza
Signature Dishes:Birba Pizza (Prosciutto, honey, chili oil)Spicy Salami Pizza with Goat CheeseGnocchi with PestoRoasted Cauliflower with Anchovy and Breadcrumbs
Location:622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant's design is entirely open-air, creating a lively, garden-party atmosphere. The space is known for its stylish decor, string lights, and fire pits.
What Makes It Special:Birba is known for its inventive flavor combinations, particularly on its pizzas, and its vibrant, see-and-be-seen social atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:Its unique, all-patio setting and its modern, inventive take on Italian classics distinguish Birba as one of the most stylish and popular spots in Palm Springs.
Operating Hours:Thursday – Monday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMTuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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7
Kalura TrattoriaKalura Trattoria is a family-owned restaurant serving rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on Sicilian flavors. The menu features a mix of classic pastas, pizzas, and traditional entrees. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with a casual dining room and a small front patio.- Item Prices 71
- Average Item Price $21.20
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Sicilian, Italian
Signature Dishes:Busiate alla Norma (Twisted pasta with eggplant)Gamberi Fra Diavolo (Shrimp in spicy tomato sauce)Pollo alla ScarparielloPizza Capricciosa
Location:124 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant is owned and operated by a native Italian family, which ensures the authenticity of the recipes and the welcoming, hands-on service.
What Makes It Special:Kalura is recognized for its authentic, homestyle cooking that reflects the true flavors of Southern Italy and Sicily, served in a friendly, no-frills environment.
What Sets It Apart:The direct involvement of its Sicilian owners and the focus on authentic regional dishes, such as the Busiate pasta, provide a genuine and personal dining experience.
Operating Hours:Wednesday – Monday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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8
Riccio's Steak and SeafoodRiccio's is a classic supper club-style restaurant serving a menu of steakhouse fare and traditional Italian-American dishes. The restaurant has a retro, dimly lit ambiance with leather booths and a piano bar, evoking the feel of old Palm Springs.- Item Prices 81
- Average Item Price $17.64
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Steakhouse, Italian-American
Signature Dishes:Veal ParmesanFilet MignonShrimp ScampiClams Casino
Location:495 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant's supper club atmosphere is a key feature, with live music from the piano bar creating a nostalgic, old-school vibe.
What Makes It Special:Riccio's is known for its classic, throwback dining experience, combining the traditions of a mid-century steakhouse with a menu of familiar Italian-American favorites.
What Sets It Apart:The hybrid concept of a classic American steakhouse and a red-sauce Italian joint, set within a retro supper club environment, provides a distinct and timeless dining experience.
Operating Hours:Daily: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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9
Nicolino's Italian RestaurantNicolino's is a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been operating in Palm Springs since 1983. The establishment serves classic Italian-American comfort food, including pizzas, pastas, and submarine sandwiches. The atmosphere is casual, family-friendly, and nostalgic.- Item Prices 35
- Average Item Price $8.88
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian-American
Signature Dishes:The Garbage SaladLasagna"The Grinder" Submarine SandwichNicolino's Special Pizza
Location:440 S El Cielo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its signature "Garbage Salad," a large chopped salad with greens, cheese, salami, and a zesty Italian dressing. It is located near the airport, away from the downtown core.
What Makes It Special:Nicolino's is a beloved local institution, known for its consistent, no-frills food, large portions, and its role as a go-to spot for family dinners for nearly four decades.
What Sets It Apart:Its long history, its off-the-beaten-path location, and its famous Garbage Salad make Nicolino's a unique and enduring fixture in the Palm Springs dining scene.
Operating Hours:Permanently closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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10
Al dente TrattoriaAl dente Trattoria is a charming Italian restaurant situated in a courtyard setting in downtown Palm Springs. The menu offers a straightforward selection of classic Italian dishes, from pasta and risotto to traditional veal and chicken entrees. The atmosphere is quiet and romantic.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Classic Italian
Signature Dishes:Veal PiccataSpaghetti with ClamsGnocchi with Gorgonzola SauceCalamari Fritti
Location:491 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Special Feature:The restaurant's main dining area is its secluded, tree-lined patio located in a quiet courtyard, offering an intimate al fresco dining experience away from the street noise.
What Makes It Special:Al dente is recognized for its consistent, traditional Italian fare and its romantic, peaceful ambiance, making it a popular choice for couples and quiet dinners.
What Sets It Apart:Its serene courtyard location is its primary distinction, providing a tranquil and intimate setting that contrasts with the more bustling restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive.
Operating Hours:Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs Famous?
Italian restaurants in Palm Springs are famous for their connection to the city's mid-century history and Rat Pack-era glamour. This legacy established a culture of supper club-style dining, where classic Italian-American food was served in an atmosphere of nostalgic elegance. Establishments like Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, founded by Frank Sinatra's personal chef, directly embody this heritage. This historical context sets the local Italian food Palm Springs apart, blending traditional recipes with an old-school, desert-resort sophistication. The result is a dining experience that combines classic dishes with the unique social history of the city.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs features a range of Italian restaurant types that reflect its identity as a historic resort destination. The offerings include everything from classic supper clubs to trendy, modern eateries, with a few common styles detailed in the list below.
- Classic Italian-American Restaurants: These establishments, often with decades of history, serve traditional red-sauce Italian-American fare in a nostalgic setting. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante and Riccio’s Steak and Seafood are examples, with dimly lit dining rooms, leather booths, and menus featuring dishes like Veal Parmesan.
- Modern and Regional Italian: These restaurants offer a more contemporary or authentic regional experience. The focus is on high-quality ingredients, handmade pasta, and specific culinary traditions. Il Corso and Palmina by Puglia represent this style.
- Patio-Focused and Casual Dining: A significant number of Italian restaurants in Palm Springs are designed around al fresco dining to suit the desert climate. These spots offer a more relaxed, social atmosphere. Birba, with its entirely open-air garden setting, and Al dente Trattoria, with its secluded courtyard, are prime examples.
Does Palm Springs Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Palm Springs has authentic Italian restaurants, focusing on regional and traditional cooking, including Il Corso, Il Giardino, and Palmina by Puglia. Il Corso demonstrates authenticity with its menu of regional specialties like Pappardelle al Cinghiale and its use of high-quality imported ingredients. Il Giardino, a family-run establishment, proves its authenticity through its rustic, from-scratch dishes from Northern Italy and Sicily. Palmina by Puglia offers a uniquely authentic experience by dedicating its entire menu to the specific and less-common cuisine of the Puglia region.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs?
The best Italian restaurants in Palm Springs are known for signature dishes like Steak Sinatra, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Osso Buco, and the Birba Pizza. A description of these notable dishes, which range from historic classics to modern creations, is presented in the list that follows.
- Steak Sinatra: A historic dish from Johnny Costa’s Ristorante. This New York strip steak is prepared with bell peppers and a wine sauce, a recipe made famous by the restaurant's founder for his employer, Frank Sinatra.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale: A signature dish at Il Corso. This dish of fresh, wide pasta with a rich wild boar ragu showcases the restaurant's commitment to authentic, regional Italian cuisine.
- Osso Buco: A classic Northern Italian specialty of braised veal shank. This dish is a fine-dining staple and a signature offering at restaurants like Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill and Il Giardino.
- Birba Pizza: An inventive, modern pizza from Birba. It features a unique combination of prosciutto, sliced red onion, honey, and chili oil, representing the restaurant's contemporary approach to Italian flavors.
- Linguine with Clam Sauce: A quintessential Italian-American dish perfected at historic establishments. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante is particularly known for its traditional preparation of this classic pasta dish.
Does Palm Springs Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, an appreciation for Italian food is evident in Palm Springs, supported by the cuisine's historical significance and widespread presence. The durability of family-operated restaurants like Johnny Costa’s, open since 1976, and Nicolino’s, since 1983, confirms a lasting, multi-generational appeal. Italian cuisine fits the city's culture of relaxed, social meals, with many establishments featuring large patios and active bars. The food is a core component of the Palm Springs dining identity, spanning from historic supper clubs to modern trattorias.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Palm Springs have vegan options at establishments such as Birba, Il Corso, and Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill. Birba offers several vegetable-based small plates and can prepare its wood-fired pizzas without cheese. Upscale restaurants like Il Corso and Sammy G’s can accommodate vegan diners by modifying pasta dishes with vegetable-based sauces or creating custom entrees. Many traditional restaurants can also prepare a simple pasta with marinara or aglio e olio sauce upon request.
Do Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Palm Springs offer gluten-free options, with places like Birba, Il Corso, and Johnny Costa’s Ristorante providing choices for diners. Birba offers a cauliflower pizza crust substitute for its wood-fired pizzas. Fine-dining restaurants such as Il Corso and Johnny Costa’s provide gluten-free pasta and have numerous entrees, like grilled fish and steak, that are naturally gluten-free. These establishments are accustomed to handling dietary requests to ensure a safe dining experience.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Palm Springs?
The cost for an Italian meal in Palm Springs varies, with prices from $20 to over $100 for one person. Budget-conscious options at casual spots like Nicolino’s are in the $20 to $40 range. Mid-tier restaurants such as Al dente Trattoria or Kalura Trattoria cost between $35 and $60. A meal at a fine-dining establishment like Il Corso or Johnny Costa’s starts at $50 and can go beyond $100.
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