Where should we eat in late April?

Question

Staying in Rancho Mirage, but plan on exploring the whole area. Last time we visited we got great ideas here for meals (I recall Pacifica for dinner and Shields for breakfast). Anything similar to Pacifica to suggest for dinner? We love great seafood, and we will need breakfast, maybe closer to Rancho Mirage.

Any really good poke places for lunch?

Many thanks for the tips!

Answer

Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley have excellent dining options, especially for seafood lovers and those looking for quality breakfast spots. Since you’re staying in Rancho Mirage, you have easy access to both fine dining and casual eateries across Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and La Quinta.

Dinner recommendations similar to Pacifica (seafood focus):

Trio Restaurant (Palm Desert) – Upscale American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, great service, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Johnny Costa’s Ristorante (Palm Desert) – Italian-American with fresh seafood options, intimate and high-quality experience.
Le Vallauris (Palm Springs) – Classic French cuisine with seafood specialties, beautiful outdoor patio dining, perfect for a special dinner.
Mitchell’s Fish Market (Palm Desert) – More casual but excellent seafood, good variety, and reliable quality.

Breakfast spots closer to Rancho Mirage:

Shields Date Garden – Since you loved it last time, it’s still a top choice for fresh, hearty breakfast and their famous date shakes.
Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe (Palm Desert) – Creative breakfast menu, great coffee, and friendly vibe.
Koffi (Rancho Mirage / Palm Desert) – Light breakfast, pastries, and excellent coffee if you prefer a quick start to your day.
Pancake House (Palm Desert) – Classic breakfast diner, casual and reliable for pancakes, omelets, and comfort food.

Poke and casual lunch spots:

Poke Bar Palm Desert – Fresh, customizable poke bowls, perfect for a light lunch before an afternoon outing.
Poke One N Half (Palm Desert) – Good selection, high-quality ingredients, and kid-friendly options if needed.
Sushi Mido (Palm Desert / La Quinta) – Not strictly poke, but offers fresh sashimi bowls and sushi for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Urban Plates (Palm Desert) – Casual, healthy lunch options including seafood salads and bowls if you prefer something beyond poke.

Additional tips:

Many of the top dinner spots require reservations, especially in late April, which can be busy with tourists.
Breakfasts at smaller cafes and B&B-style spots are usually first-come, first-served, so consider going early to avoid waits.
If you’re exploring different areas each day, Palm Desert and La Quinta have the densest selection of lunch spots, while Palm Springs is ideal for dinner and evening outings.

With these recommendations, you can enjoy a mix of high-end seafood dinners, convenient and tasty breakfasts near Rancho Mirage, and fresh poke or casual lunches while exploring the Coachella Valley.