Desert Dining: Plant-Based Edition

Looking for the best vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Palm Springs? Or at least a place that features a solid selection of plant-based options on the menu? We've got you covered! Here are some of our favorite places around town with delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Salud!

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen is a super popular vegan cafe with locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Open since 2017, everything at Tanya's is organic, made from scratch and super fresh. You'll find a variety of sandwiches, refreshing salads, and amazing tempeh burgers, made with their own house-cultured tempeh. We love the signature CTK Original Burger, and make sure to try the Crack cashew cheese! Open daily for lunch and dinner, about a 10-minute drive from Santiago. Pick-up and delivery are available.

Another local favorite is Palm Greens Cafe. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu at this health-conscious globally-inspired spot has a tremendous selection of tasty vegan dishes and gluten-free options. But you'll also find grass-fed beef and wild salmon. Start your morning off with one of their organic fresh press juices and a comforting vegan biscuit & gravy or breakfast tacos made with eggs or tofu. For lunch you'll find lots of salads, burgers, bowls, and larger entree options including vegan lasagna. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride from Santiago.

In the mood for Mexican? With two locations to choose from, El Mirasol is another local favorite where you'll find a variety of vegetarian selections, plus tasty margaritas. We highly recommend the Burrito Vegetariano, but everything here is good and they are happy to make accommodations. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The casual South location is about a 15-minute walk away, while the North location is a true hidden gem inside Los Arboles Hotel (dinner reservations recommended, especially during high season).

For a more elevated Mexican vibe, Clandestino is a beautiful choice with many plant-based dishes on the menu. We love the moody bar scene, but the amazing mountain views from the patio aren't bad either! Owned by the same team that runs FARM and Tac/Quila, Clandestino is a new downtown favorite.

Located just north of downtown, 1501 Uptown Gastropub has a fun atmosphere and a few tasty options like a vegan "sheperd's pie" and jackfruit "crab cakes." Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1501 also offers an excellent weekend brunch and has a fantastic patio for outdoor dining.

If a sexy date night is in the plan, look no further than Del Rey. Cozy and elegant, this lovely tapas restaurant is hidden in the back of the Villa Royale hotel, just a 15-minute walk from Santiago. The menu is full of yummy shareable dishes, many of which are plant-based or can be adjusted to your dietary needs without compromising flavors. The intimate dining room is beautiful, and the patio is charming. Reservation are recommended, Del Rey can be very popular in season! Closed Wednesdays.

There are two awesome Vietnamese-influenced restaurants with lots of vegetarian options. They say 'good things come to those who wait' and there's almost always a wait at Rooster and the Pig. Once you snag a table in the small dining room, the vegetarian options here are absolutely delicious. 533 Viet Fusion is much more of a local's spot where you'll find food made with love and plenty of plant-based options. They do take reservations, no waiting needed. Located at Smoke Tree Plaza, just a 5-minute drive from Santiago Resort. Closed Mondays.

Your healthy culinary tour of the desert isn’t limited to Palm Springs. If you find yourself in Palm Desert's El Paseo Shopping District, don't miss Kitchen 86. Known for their eclectic California cuisine, Kitchen 86 has a menu section devoted to vegan options. They're also happy to adjust items to fit you requests, as long as they aren't too busy. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during brunch.

If you're craving Indian, it's worth the 20-minute drive to India Oven in Cathedral City. Almost everything at this tiny little hole in the wall is organic, and they have lots of satisfying vegetarian and vegan dishes to choose from. Closed Mondays. They do take reservations, just give them a call.

Also in Cathedral City, Barrel District Pizza Bar & Kitchen has a surprising large selection of vegan and vegetarian options including tasty cauliflower crust GF pizzas. You'll also find a selection of shared plates, vegan tacos, and entree-sized salads which can all be enjoyed in their casual and relaxed dining room.

Wherever you decide to dine, we are sure that you will have an enjoyable experience at any of these restaurants. Let us know your thoughts when you return to Santiago.

Happy Dining!