01
Design-lover favorite
The Pink Cabana
Inside Sands Hotel & Spa • Design-Forward Mediterranean Restaurant • Best Overall Pick
A glamorous, palm-framed dining room and breezy patio serving Mediterranean-leaning plates and cocktails that feel made for golden hour.
The Pink Cabana blends midcentury and Moroccan-inspired design with a menu built around bright, shareable dishes and a polished cocktail list. It’s the kind of place where locals book ahead for celebrations and visitors linger over mezze, fresh pastas, and grilled seafood. Try to time a reservation around sunset to get the full resort-in-the-desert atmosphere.
02
Classic night-out pick
The Nest
Highway 111 Strip • Lively Supper Club And Bar • Best For Live Music And People-Watching
A throwback supper club where strong pours, big plates, and a packed piano bar turn dinner into a full evening out.
The Nest has been a desert institution for decades, drawing a mix of locals, snowbirds, and in-the-know visitors for its generous portions and high-energy bar scene. Early in the evening it’s a comfortable spot for classic Continental-style dishes; later, the music turns up, the dance floor fills, and the lounge becomes pure people-watching. If you like your dinner with a side of nightlife, this is the move.
03
Casual crowd-pleaser
Eureka!
Near Indian Wells Tennis Garden • Casual Craft Burger And Beer Spot • Best Laid-Back Local Hangout
Craft burgers, an impressive whiskey and beer list, and a relaxed patio make this an easy go-to before or after tennis.
Eureka! hits the sweet spot between quality and ease, with creative burgers, crispy fries, and plenty of shareable starters for groups. The bar leans into small-batch spirits and rotating taps, so you can drink as well as you eat without anything feeling fussy. It’s ideal when you want something lively and local but don’t need white tablecloths.
04
Old-school favorite
Vicky's of Santa Fe
Indian Wells Village Corridor • Old-School Desert Steak And Seafood House • Best For Classic Special Occasions
A warmly lit dining room, live music, and a menu of steaks and seafood channel the Palm Springs supper-club era in a polished way.
Vicky's of Santa Fe leans into its old-school charm, with plush booths, strong martinis, and a menu that favors prime rib, lobster, and other steakhouse staples. The bar and lounge often feature live music, giving the space an easygoing, celebratory feel without tipping into chaos. It’s a natural choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any night you want a timeless desert dinner.
05
Chef-driven standout
Tia Carmen
At Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort • Refined Southwestern-Inspired Dining Room • Best Chef-Driven Experience
A modern, Southwestern-inspired restaurant where wood-fired dishes and layered flavors feel tailor-made for a destination meal.
Tia Carmen brings a more contemporary, chef-focused perspective to the Indian Wells scene, drawing on Southwestern ingredients and techniques without feeling heavy. Expect thoughtfully plated dishes, polished service, and a room that feels warm and modern rather than stuffy resort formal. It’s a strong bet for food-focused travelers or anyone looking to elevate a night on property beyond the usual hotel restaurant routine.