Every year I like to do a round up of my favorite restaurants in the Desert of all different cuisines. From family friendly atmosphere to fine dining here are my personal favorites and a few I know many of my fellow locals love too; in no particular order. Enjoy!

1.  Backstreet Bistro on El Paseo, west of 74/Monterey behind the old Vons and Tweeter. We absolutely loved the service and menu. Our server was terrific as was each course of our meal. We dined in the patio and thoroughly appreciated the casual yet elegant experience.

2.  Nearby the Backstreet Bistro is Chef Tanya’s vegan cuisine. This is an adorable quick bite to go or sit down venue for health enthusiasts, vegans, and just anyone wanting something different. They also have a location in Palm Springs and you can purchase a wide selection of their items for a healthy fast food alternative at Tower Markets throughout the Coachella Valley. I eat them all the time when on the road for work!

3. I mention Fresh Agave every year because they are still my favorite Mexican food in the central CV. The service is always wonderful as is the food and it’s great for the whole family. My kids always scarf down their plates. It’s a very reasonably priced establishment and terrific small business bustling for years. We love it!

4.  Don Diego’s is another favorite we love. It’s in Indian Wells behind Eureka and IW Coffee where the big fountain is next to CVS. Great food, service, prices, restaurant, and location. Completely wonderful every time we go.

5. Both locations of Wilma and Frieda’s for breakfast welcomed us with cool decor, friendly staff, delicious food and drink, reasonable prices, and views! Located on the upper level of El Paseo and downtown. Be sure to take home one of their stunning pastries before leaving. Must visit!

6. Kaiser Grille in downtown or 111 and Portola in Palm Desert are great for family get togethers. My family came in town to visit and we had such a blast on the patio in Palm Springs. Everyone enjoyed their steaks, entrees, drinks, and a couple desserts to take home. Even the kids said everything they ate was so good!

7.  Manhattan in the Desert on 111 in Palm Springs is such a great spot for simple American classics at great prices for the entire family. We bring our kids often and they can never choose just one dish. They get pancakes and burgers together and almost eat both! So many great options for everyone with the nicest staff ever and prices that can’t be beat. Don’t forget to take home dessert from the bakery!

8. I put Casa Mendoza and El Ranchito at a tie, in La Quinta, because I basically flip a coin to decide which one I want for lunch with my colleagues. They both always welcome our group and accommodate when we bring a crowd from our office across the street. We’re a vibrant bunch but so are they! The patio dining at both is  my favorite. Prices are good, food is perfect, atmosphere is adorable, and location is excellent near Old Town. Fantastic Mexican food at both!

9.  Aspen Mills Bakery for fresh baked bread that beats the supermarket any day and for the same price. They make huge croissants, muffins, coffee and juice, and other pastries. Near Sunrise and Ramon by Native Foods in Palm Springs, in Clark’s in Rancho Mirage, or off Washington south of 111 near Marvin’s Magical Theater in La  Quinta. We buy our bread from them multiple times per week and the kids are crazy about their giant croissants and muffins!

10. Fresh smootie bar in La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert is so good when you need a refreshing and healthy pitstop for smoothies and plant based snacks. We stop in there a lot and in the summers it’s the best way too cool down while getting nutrition in too. Delicious and great staff in all locations.