Here are 10 top-rated Joshua Tree Restaurants, spanning charming cafés, hearty diners, and vibrant dining experiences with a local desert flair:
Highlights & Recommendations
1. La Copine (Flamingo Heights / Yucca Valley)
- Why go: A culinary gem blending Southern California produce with influences from the American South, North Africa, and the Middle East. Famous for standout dishes like fried chicken, mussels Dijonnaise, and dreamy seasonal desserts. La Copine offers both thoughtful cuisine and a queer-friendly atmosphere. NJ IN LABon AppétitVoguela-copine-kitchenDrives and Detours
- Best for: Brunch or lunch when you’re craving elevated, creative fare in a stylish setting.
- Only open from Thursday – Sunday so call ahead
- Located about 20 minutes from Joshua Tree
- Phone Number: (760) 289-8537
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for La Copine is 5 Stars on most social media platforms for unique cuisines and creative concepts.
2. Crossroads Café (Joshua Tree)
- Why go: A dependable local favorite for breakfast and lunch, known for hearty dishes and generous vegetarian/vegan options. Expect it to fill up fast on weekends. Visit Joshua TreeDrives and Detours
- Best for: Comfort food with local vibes, especially to fuel up before a day outdoors.
- Open everyday
- Located in the heart of Joshua Tree; Crossroads Cafe brings healthy food options and nice enriching atmosphere.
- Phone Number: (760) 366-5414
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for Crossroads Cafe is almost always good, the food is great and the restaurant itself is very Joshua Tree.
3. Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (Pioneertown)
- Why go: Legendary for its mesquite-barbecue, Tex-Mex menu, and live music under desert skies. It’s rustic and vibrant, beloved by locals and travelers alike. Visit Joshua TreeCondé Nast TravelerWikipediaDrives and Detours
- Best for: Dinner and entertainment, especially if you want to soak up desert nightlife and good food.
- Open Thursday – Monday, call ahead to ask for information on events.
- Located in Pioneer Town which is about 20 minutes from Joshua Tree.
- Phone Number: (760) 228-2222
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for Pappy N Harriets is mostly positive, people love the western cowboy town atmosphere.
4. Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn (Twentynine Palms)
- Why go: Charming and quieter, serving farm-to-table dishes sourced from its own Faultline Farm. A relaxed spot away from the crowds. Drives and Detours
- Best for: A peaceful meal with quality ingredients, when you prefer calm over buzz.
- Open on select days only, call ahead.
- Located in 29 Palms which is about 20 min from Joshua Tree
- Phone number: (760) 367-3505
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for the 29 Palms Inn Restaurant are 5 stars on most social media platforms.
5. Sam’s Indian Food & Pizza (Joshua Tree):
- Why Go: Surprisingly strong Indian food and fusion pizzas, a hidden gem. Drives and Detours
- Best for: A home style environment in a small restaurant, quiet and friendly with local vibes, food is great.
- Open everyday, but they may close early, usually open till 8pm
- Located by the post office in Joshua Tree
- Phone number: (760) 366-9511
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza gets mixed reviews, mostly cause the service might be slow, but it’s worth the wait cause the food is great.
6. The Copper Room: (Yucca Valley): Historic establishment, been around since the 1950s, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack used to go to The Copper Room along with many celebs such as Gram Parsons. High class lounge type environment with great food.
- Why Go: Hidden secret restaurant that everyone wants to say they’ve been too. It’s very classy and feels like a high class vegas restaurant. Has a nice bar looking out towards the Yucca Valley airport so you can watch small planes take off and land. Good food with a classy vibe.
- Best for: The Copper Room is great for couples that want a romantic meal at a nice place, singles that want to meet up and have a cocktail, and families and groups that want to go to a nice place and get some food.
- Open after 3pm on most days
- Located at the Yucca Valley airport which is about 15 minutes from Joshua Tree
- Phone Number: (760) 228-0607
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings are never bad, always gets a 5 Star rating at The Copper Room, usually with good commentary.
7. Kitchen in the Desert (Twentynine Palms): Caribbean-inspired dishes and outdoor ambiance—recommended by some, though wait times and inconsistent service have been noted. Drives and DetoursRedditVogue
- Why Go: Desert vibes with a western look, Kitchen of the desert did a great job at creating a western atmosphere at their restaurant, with both an indoor and outdoor areas. Feels great being there, feels like you are at a special desert environment, plus the food is fantastic.
- Best for: Great for couples, singles, and groups. Kitchen of the Desert is very accommodating to all, very large restaurant with plenty of room, a special place to go for dinner.
- Open everyday till 9pm
- Located in 29 Palms which is about 20 minutes from Joshua Tree
- Phone number: (760) 865-0245
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for Kitchen of the Desert are always good, the food is good, the atmosphere is great, and the service is awesome.
8. The Saloon Bar and Restaurant:
9. Sky High Pie: Decent pizza by local reports—worth a casual stop. RedditYelp
10. The DEZ Fine Food (Downtown Joshua Tree)
- Why go: A cute café offering espresso (Stumptown coffee!), gelato, paninis, charcuterie, and pastries—all served in a cozy, stylish environment. Ideal for breakfast or light bites. The DEZ Fine Food
- Best for: A casual café stop for a snack, morning coffee, or a small meal with charm.
- Open everyday from 7am to 6pm
- Located in downtown Joshua Tree
- Phone number: (760) 974-9747
- Joshua Tree Restaurants online ratings for The Dez can be mixed but mostly due to the fact that it’s not a restaurant, it’s a small coffee shop with limited seating, but the sandwiches and coffee are great.
