Grapefruit Basil, Jimmy B's and more: October restaurant openings in the Coachella Valley

Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun
Updated ·3 min read
Grapefruit Basil at the newly renovated Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., is the resort’s new signature restaurant and bar
Grapefruit Basil at the newly renovated Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., is the resort’s new signature restaurant and bar
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Several restaurants opened in the Coachella Valley recently, just ahead of the busy tourism season.

One of these eateries was announced almost three years ago, while several others are supposedly opening later this fall. Also in local restaurant news: the future of a popular Palm Springs Chinese restaurant is uncertain two months into its closure.

Here is a list of restaurants that have opened in the desert recently, as well as several that are reportedly coming soon.

Restaurants that opened in October

  • Crudo Cevicheria - This new Latin American seafood restaurant in Palm Springs features a menu of oysters, ahi, scallops, shrimp and more. Dishes include a sweet potato waffle, poky tower and Mexican style shrimp cocktail.

  • Grapefruit Basil - Located in the lobby at the newly renovated and branded Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, this new island-inspired restaurant features seven-day brunch service and a dinner menu with selections such as spaghetti squash, angus short rib, California halibut and more.

  • Jimmy B's Grill, Cocktails and Steakhouse - The former Ruby's Diner in Palm Springs that became Sam's Place is now Jimmy B's Grill, Cocktails and Steakhouse, which is owned and operated by Jim Bellino. The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner including a vibrant cocktail menu.

  • Sonny's Bar and Grill - The Arenas district in Palm Springs has a new restaurant that opened in October at the former Bongo Johnny's spot almost three years since the owners announced the restaurant on its Facebook page. As of Tuesday, the restaurant's website wasn't online and neither was a menu.

Restaurants opening soon

  • Alice B - Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have announced a new Palm Springs restaurant, Alice B, planned to open during the fall. Details are limited, but visitors to the restaurant's website can sign up for updates.

  • Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse - In January, Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse was announced for Palm Springs at 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive. The opening is planned for the fall.

Other desert dining news

Celebrity chef Andre Carthen will be featured at the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, Nov. 11-12, 2023.
Celebrity chef Andre Carthen will be featured at the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, Nov. 11-12, 2023.

  • Wang's In The Desert - After Hurricane Hilary, Wang;s In The Desert announced on its Facebook page that it was closed due to "repairs and make new changes to the restaurant and format," adding it would reopen at a later date under new management. It's been over two months and the restaurant has yet to reopen or post anything on its website or social media pages, leading some desert foodies to discuss on Facebook whether the establishment is coming back or not. The Desert Sun is continuing to seek information about the restaurant's future.

  • Looking for some quality wings? Snag your $50 ticket to the fastly approaching Wingfest 2023, which will be held 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at the Palm Springs Air Museum. There's something for everyone at this event, so whether you like your wings sweet, tangy or spicy, you'll find a local vendors that meets your preferences. Don't miss your chance to vote for your favorite wings, which will be competing for the coveted People Choice Award.

  • The Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, which will be held Nov. 11 and 12 at Palm Springs Stadium Pavillion, recently added a new chef to its roster. Chef Joe Sasto, best known for his win on The Food Network’s "Chopped" and his time competing on NBC’s "Top Chef" and "Top Chef All-Stars," will offer cooking demonstrations alongside colleagues such as Martin Yan of “Yan Can Cook,” Susan Feniger of “Two Hot Tamales” (and the aforementioned restaurant Alice B’s), Tanya Holland of “Tanya’s Kitchen Table,” and chefs Michael Hung and Andre Carthen of Kathy Ireland Worldwide.

  • In the mood for some BBQ? Mark your calendar for the Indio CA BBQ Festival, which will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The Lights at Indio Golf Course. Admission is free, and you can sample various BBQ from pitmasters competing for the title of best BBQ.

A previous version of this article included incorrect information for El Asado Mexican Grill and has been corrected.

Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 4 new restaurants to check out in the Palm Springs area