TRIO Palm Springs

Trio Palm Springs specializes in what owner Tony Marchese calls “Midwest comfort food with a California twist,” recently earning the Coachella Valley hot spot a top spot on TripAdvisor’s list for the fifth consecutive year. It’s also been recognized by Zagat and OpenTable.

Trio opened in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District before it was the posh neighborhood it is today.

A restaurateur from Chicago, Marchese liked the idea of being located in a “fringe neighborhood.”

The name Trio represents “food, art, and music.” Brightorange outdoor décor draws the eye from a distance, while inside a collection of colorful Shag artwork, upbeat tunes, and a fully stocked midcentury modern bar offer myriad reasons to stay. There’s also a dining room with a warm and lively ambiance.

On the menu you’ll find a tantalizing selection of signature cocktails, plus an extensive list of beer and wine to pair with flavorful food options. Marchese’s favorite entree is the Tazmanian Ocean Trout; we’ll take the Scallops Pan Seared Rare — oh, and the Coachella Valley Dates stuffed with blue cheese and a side of Mac N Cheese, please. The real heart of Trio, though, lies in its philanthropic outreach. Ten percent of artwork proceeds go to local charities.

It’s one of the many things that’s made Trio a local landmark. “It’s the place where Palm Springs eats,” says Marchese. “And we’re going to keep that tradition going.”

Photography by Jaime Kowal.