10 Best Breakfast Restaurants to Kick Off Your Day in Palm Springs (2024)

Photo courtesy of Wilma and Frieda's

Nothing will ever compare to the dishes your grandmother used to make for you as a child, whether you were brought up on her top-secret meatloaf recipe or an oh-so-creamy mac and cheese. But you can come dangerously close at Wilma and Frieda's, a Palm Desert breakfast and lunch restaurant that deconstructs classic comfort food dinners to create dishes like griddled meatloaf and eggs and a five-cheese mac and cheese. Serving their own special roast from local java joint Koffi and an impressive presentation of pastries from the in-house pastry chef, Wilma and Frieda's is a must-try when in Palm Desert.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Wilma and Frieda's specializes in hearty comforts to start your day, including a short rib eggs Benedict, an expansive dessert case and locally roasted coffee.

Marissa's expert tip: Check out the butcher paper roll for the daily specials, and don't miss a chance to try Wilma and Frieda's own special coffee roast from the Rancho Mirage Koffi location.

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Photo courtesy of John's Restaurant

Don't let the neon sign on Palm Canyon fool you--this no-frills restaurant does breakfast right, making it one of Palm Springs' best breakfast gems. When you walk into John's, order off the wall menu at the front counter and grab a seat. Settle into a seat and wait for your food to be delivered to your table, and prepare to dig into a generous helping of your favorite breakfast fare. From pancakes and French toast to omelettes and breakfast melts, John's has something for everyone. Be ready for leftovers, as you might not be able to finish the generous portions in a single sitting.

Recommended for Breakfast because: John's Restaurant is a popular diner in Palm Springs, known for serving up favorite breakfast fare in hearty portions.

Marissa's expert tip: Try the breakfast burrito, an oversized local favorite.

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Jumpstart the beginning to your Palm Springs getaway with a caffeinated breakfast at Koffi, a boutique coffee shop in downtown Palm Springs. Whether you need to get a few business matters out of the way, read the latest issue of your favorite magazine or catch up with friends, Koffi is the perfect place to settle in with a cup of quality coffee. The baristas behind the counter take their beans seriously, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a better brew in town. Grab a freshly baked banana muffin, flaky croissant or even an oversized cookie to balance your fresh roast.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Koffi in Palm Springs is your best bet for locally roasted coffee beans, as well as homemade pastries and breakfast bagels.

Marissa's expert tip: Grab your coffee and pastry of choice and head out back to the outdoor courtyard. Here, you'll easily mingle with other patrons while taking in the greenery and warm weather.

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The Parker Palm Springs is one of the city's most revered boutique hotels, famous for its modernist style and chic decor. Its onsite restaurant, Norma's, is equally renowned for its hearty breakfast fare. Morning dishes include banana-macadamia nut flapjacks, a seared rock lobster and asparagus omelet, huevos rancheros, and crepes. High rollers can try the indulgent lobster frittata, which comes in two versions: With an ounce of Sevruga caviar, it's only $100; with 10 ounces of the stuff, the price leaps to $1000. For more affordable options, stick to the more affordable mango-papaya brown butter cinnamon crepes or a customized omelette.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Norma's is an upscale breakfast option in Palm Springs, best known for its zillion-dollar lobster frittata, served with 10 ounces of Sevruga caviar.

Marissa's expert tip: Popular breakfast options include the lobster omelette, smoked salmon and huevos rancheros.

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Photo courtesy of Pinocchio in the Desert

While the Forever Marilyn statue has been getting a lot of attention for celebrating the iconic actress in her most famous pose, this downtown restaurant has long been celebrating with a life-sized statue of the blonde bombshell. With large portions and reasonable prices, breakfast at Pinocchio's in the Desert is one of the best values in town. This local favorite serves breakfast staples like omelettes, buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict. Try a protein heavy breakfast off the egg menu, which combines eggs with your choice of bacon, sausage, corned beef hash, ham steak or pork chops. The extensive eggs benedict menu includes salmon, lox and lobster.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Pinnochio's in the Desert is a Palm Springs favorite for breakfast and brunch, thanks to its bottomless champagne and comfort food classics.

Marissa's expert tip: Pinocchio's in the Desert is famous for its bottomless champagne, the perfect $4 complement for your Palm Springs breakfast.

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For a luxurious breakfast or brunch in Palm Springs, there's no better choice than Spencer's Restaurant. This upscale restaurant is renowned for its outdoor patio, romantic ambiance and classic American cuisine. Start your day off with a special breakfast in a beautiful setting at Spencer's. Enjoy the warm morning air by sitting in the courtyard with a carafe of orange juice and your favorite breakfast plate. The expansive menu includes old-fashioned favorites like potato pancakes, eggs benedict and croissant sandwiches, as well as dishes like spinach and wild mushroom frittatas, Maine lobster and eggs and crab cake benedict. Don't hesitate to try Spencer's "Eye-Openers" menu, which includes morning co*cktails like mimosas, bellinis and melon mojitos.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Spencer's Restaurant boasts an expansive eggs Benedict menu, as well as plenty of old-fashioned favorites to enjoy on the whimsical patio.

Marissa's expert tip: Don't miss the potato pancakes or lobster benedict, two of the most popular breakfast choices.

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Photo courtesy of Don and Sweet Sue's

Hearty breakfast plates and generous portion sizes are the name of the game at Don and Sweet Sue's Cafe. This diner in the heart of Cathedral City specializes in old-fashioned American breakfast fare, a perfect way to start your day in Palm Springs. Come hungry, because you'll find it hard not to finish off your overflowing plate. From waffles and French toast to eggs benedict, chicken-fried steak and corned beef hash, Don and Sweet Sue have you covered. For lighter options, try the hot oatmeal or a la carte buttermilk pancakes. There's no need to rush over to this country-style caf�, either: Breakfast is served all day.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Don and Sweet Sue's Cafe is a Cathedral City favorite for breakfast, thanks to its homestyle cooking and hearty portions.

Marissa's expert tip: Local favorites include the hearty eggs benedict, corned beef hash and blueberry pancakes.

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Photo courtesy of Sherman's Deli and Bakery

Start your day New York-style by dining on the patio of Sherman's Deli and Bakery, a popular Palm Springs restaurant just off the downtown strip. This restaurant is known for its fresh bagels, which make a great breakfast when combined with the restaurant's famous lox. Egg lovers will have a hard time choosing from the extensive omelette and scramble menu, while fish lovers will enjoy the numerous gourmet fish platters served at breakfast. Before you leave, be sure to pick up a few fresh baked treats from the front case. Local favorites include the blueberry muffins and the New York-style cheesecake.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Sherman's Deli and Bakery is a Palm Springs favorite for breakfast, thanks to its hearty menu of omelets and baked goods.

Marissa's expert tip: Don't let the lines deter you--the expert staff will have you seated before you know it. Be sure to try the corn beef hash, one of the more popular menu items.

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Photo courtesy of Cheeky's

On any given morning, there's usually a crowd waiting to get into Cheeky's in Palm Springs. Before you let that deter you from eating here, know that anyone who's eaten at Cheeky's will tell you there's good reason for the wait. As one of Palm Springs' most popular brunch spots, Cheeky's focuses on transforming ordinary breakfast items into extraordinary dishes with creative additions, such as French toast with red currants and mascarpone. The menu at this farm-to-table changes every Wednesday to keep regular diners on their toes and incorporate seasonal produce. Don't mind the line--wait for a table at Cheeky's to discover the best breakfast in town.

Recommended for Breakfast because: Cheeky's is a breakfast restaurant in Uptown Palm Springs that specializes in creative farm-to-table takes on comfort food favorites.

Marissa's expert tip: Do not leave Cheeky's without sampling the bacon flight. This bacon sampler comes with five different flavors of bacon, including applewood, jalapeno, coffee sugar and sweet and sour. Plus, new bacon flavors are added to the rotation every week.

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