Le Vallauris.

Housed in a restored 1920s landmark, Le Vallauris has anchored the Palm Springs fine-dining scene since 1973. While the interior is a study in classic French elegance—outfitted with Louis XV furniture and Flemish tapestries—the real draw is the outdoor patio. Here, diners eat under a canopy of mature ficus trees in a courtyard that feels more like a village square in the South of France than the California desert. Chef Jean Paul Lair’s menu leans into tradition, balancing Mediterranean influences with seasonal local ingredients across a weekly rotating selection of prix-fixe and à la carte options. Expect staples like Dover Sole Meuniére and Maine lobster ravioli paired with an extensive cellar of French and Californian labels. It is a formal, white-linen affair that remains a favorite for its professional service and old-world atmosphere.