You know that moment when you’re halfway through your third mimosa and realize the only thing more unpredictable than Palm Springs weather is brunch expectations? Yeah, we’ve all been burned by bland pancakes or “innovative” avocado toast that tastes like regret.
But let’s not pretend we haven’t also been completely swept off our feet by a dish that hits every mark, flavor, surprise, and that tiny twinge of jealousy when your best friend ordered the better plate.
This is your cheat sheet. en brunch masterpieces, no filler, just pure hype, the kind of lineup that makes Palm Springs a true California brunch capital.
1. Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata at Norma’s
You ever want to feel like you’re on a Bravo reality show, minus the manufactured drama? Just order the Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata at Norma’s. Ten ounces of White Sturgeon Reserve caviar and lobster: it’s the brunch plate people post on Instagram, not just for the likes but for the right kind of envy.
Yes, it’s a splurge. Yes, it’s completely absurd. But if you’re going to have a midlife crisis over eggs, this is the way to do it, preferably while people-watching under the Parker’s lemon trees.
Norma’s has been serving this fever dream of a dish since opening in the early 2000s, and there’s a reason it hasn’t left the menu. Even if you opt for their French toast or famous pancakes, you’ll still leave knowing you’ve experienced Palm Springs brunch at its most unapologetic. Treat yourself once. Laugh about the bill forever.
2. Blackberry Custard French Toast at Wilma & Frieda’s
Some foods just taste like Saturday morning cartoons and staying in pajamas until noon. That’s this Blackberry Custard French Toast at Wilma & Frieda’s, the culinary equivalent of a hug from your coolest aunt.
It’s somewhere between bread pudding and classic French toast: thick, soft, and unapologetically drenched in house-made blackberry sauce. The fresh berries on top aren’t just for show, either; they actually burst with flavor, not just color.
The restaurant’s been a downtown anchor since 2013, always buzzing with locals and tourists alike. You could try their Short Rib Eggs Benedict if you’re feeling savory, but this French toast is pure, sticky nostalgia. Order it when you need to remember that life’s still sweet, even if you forgot to answer emails again.
3. Avocado Poke Toast at Boozehounds
I know what you’re thinking: another avocado toast? But Boozehounds’ Avocado Poke Toast is a plot twist. Imagine silky bluefin tuna, passionfruit zing, spicy mayo, and furikake crowding that humble slice until it’s practically a party.
The plate looks almost too good to eat, but you do anyway, and then you end up texting someone about “the toast” for days. The cucumber and microgreens actually do something here, not just hanging around for the selfie.
Boozehounds opened in 2021 and instantly became the place to brunch, pets or no pets. This isn’t your starter avocado toast; it’s the one that makes you wonder what you’ve been settling for. Next time you want to look effortlessly cool and well-fed, bring a friend (and maybe a dog) here.
4. Brioche French Toast at The Colony Club
You know the phrase “treat yourself”? The Brioche French Toast at The Colony Club is that, physically manifested. It’s thick, rich, and unapologetically sweet, with cream cheese frosting that could double as cake icing.
But it’s the strawberry compote and hazelnut chocolate sauce that keep this from being just another sugar bomb. Each bite swings between tangy, nutty, and decadent in a way that makes you forget you ever doubted brunch as a meal.
The Colony Club, nestled in a historic 1930s building, has always had a flair for glamour without the attitude. So go ahead and have dessert for breakfast, someone else can order the fruit plate. You’ll be glad you didn’t.
5. Shakshuka at The Pink Cabana
Ever wonder why some brunches actually make you want to book a flight just for breakfast? The shakshuka at The Pink Cabana is that dish. Warm, spiced tomato sauce with eggs poached just right, and it arrives bubbling in its own skillet, begging for Instagram (and spoonfuls).
Each bite tastes like someone actually cared about waking you up gently. The Moroccan spices add a little fire, while the herbs make it feel fresh, not heavy.
Nestled in the Sands Hotel since 2018, The Pink Cabana serves a brunch that’s both elegant and relaxed. Order the lamb burger if you want, but shakshuka is the real star when you need a reminder that weekends should feel like little vacations.
6. Short Rib Eggs Benedict at Wilma & Frieda’s
Some brunches are built for gossip, others are built for healing. The Short Rib Eggs Benedict at Wilma & Frieda’s is strictly comfort food, it listens without judgment. Picture tender short rib over a pillowy English muffin, all draped with buttery hollandaise.
The yolks run just enough to mix with the meat, and every bite feels like the culinary equivalent of your best friend texting “You up?” at brunch hour. This isn’t just Benedict; it’s therapy on a plate.
Wilma & Frieda’s has built its reputation since 2013 on moments like these: familiar, welcoming, never trying too hard. If you want to feel grounded and a little spoiled at the same time, go for this. Save the green juice for Monday.
7. Chilaquiles at El Mirasol
There are two kinds of chilaquiles: the ones that taste like last night’s regret, and the ones that taste like redemption. El Mirasol’s version? Redemption, every time. Crisp chips slathered in tangy red sauce, crowned with fried eggs and lots of queso fresco.
It’s not shy with the avocado either, as if it knows you need a little extra self-care after a late night. A bite here is like being invited to family brunch, messy, warm, and a bit spicy.
El Mirasol has been a Palm Springs staple since 1985, and their brunch crowds prove it’s still beloved. When you crave something soulful, a little chaotic, and deeply satisfying, order the chilaquiles. No judgment if you lick the plate.
8. Date Pancakes at FARM
Palm Springs is basically the capital of date trees, so why not put them in pancakes? FARM’s Date Pancakes do exactly that. Each fluffy bite hides sticky-sweet Medjool dates, the kind you buy for a snack and then finish the whole container.
It’s the kind of breakfast that makes sunshine taste even better, especially if you’re sitting on FARM’s secret garden patio. The powdered sugar and honey on the side push it from “yum” to “where has this been all my life?”
FARM opened in 2013 and brought a taste of Provence to the desert. These pancakes are a local love letter, and you won’t find them anywhere else in California. Bring someone you like, split the stack, and see who gets the last bite.
9. Breakfast Burger at Cheeky’s
If you’ve ever wished you could eat a cheeseburger before noon without judgment, Cheeky’s breakfast burger says, “Go for it.” A juicy patty, cheddar, bacon, an over-easy egg, and arugula, all stacked between a toasted brioche bun. It’s messy, but worth it.
Half the fun is watching people try to take the first bite without it falling apart. Pro tip: just embrace the chaos and grab extra napkins. Every burger comes with a side of perfectly crisp fries, because brunch calories clearly don’t count in Palm Springs.
Cheeky’s has been flipping expectations (and pancakes) since 2008. The breakfast burger is for anyone who still believes brunch should feel a little rebellious. Get it, and feel like a rule-breaker, just for the morning.
10. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Eight4Nine
Some mornings, you want food that feels like a pep talk. Eight4Nine’s Lemon Ricotta Pancakes deliver: fluffy, tangy, and subtle enough to make you think you’re eating something sophisticated. They’re the pancakes you serve on birthdays, or after you’ve survived a week you’d rather forget.
The ricotta makes them rich but not heavy, while the lemon zest cuts through just enough to wake you up. A generous pile of berries and maple syrup on the side bring it all together without trying too hard.
Eight4Nine has stood out in the Palm Springs brunch crowd since 2015, serving dishes that balance comfort and style. These pancakes are for when you need encouragement and carbs in equal measure. Order them, and everything feels possible, the perfect ending to a California morning.
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