Johnny Costa's Ristorante

About

Since its inception in 1976, Johnny Costa's Ristorante has offered the Palm Springs area exquisite Italian cuisine.

He moved from NY to Hollywood in the 60s and befriended Frank Sinatra. When Costa became Sinatra's personal chef, he dreamed of opening his own restaurant.

When opportunity knocked on Costa's door, he jumped. The chef launched his career with one goal: serving authentic Italian food.

Johnny knew he was on the right path when Frank Sinatra made Johnny Costa's Ristorante his go-to eatery.

While the exquisite food at Johnny Costa's Ristorante attracts guests, the warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service set the bistro apart.

Johnny Costa's Ristorante offers indoor and outdoor dining options. Whether looking for a romantic dinner under the stars or a cozy meal indoors, Johnny Costa's Ristorante promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Johnny Costa's Ristorante has earned a reputation for serving fine Italian cuisine and providing customers with a memorable dining experience. Takeout service is available for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.

Johnny Costa's Ristorante should be on your list when you're in Palm Springs and craving authentic Italian fare. With its rich history, delicious food, and exceptional service, it's no wonder that this restaurant has been a favorite for over four decades.

Vibe

Johnny Costa's Ristorante blends classic Italian charm and Californian elegance, creating a comforting and sophisticated ambiance. While the facade is unassuming, with a modest sign, don't be lulled into thinking you're in for a similar dining experience. Once inside, you are transported to a world of Italian grandeur. The warm, inviting atmosphere welcomes you like family. Its decor is reminiscent of a classic Italian trattoria, with dark wood furnishings, white tablecloths, and soft lighting that creates an intimate and cozy vibe.

The walls are adorned with black-and-white photos of famous patrons, including Frank Sinatra. The overall effect is one of stepping back in time to the Rat Pack era with a dose of Old World charm.

The main dining room is spacious yet intimate, with tables well-spaced for privacy. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating. Diners can savor their meal under the beautiful Palm Springs sky, adding a uniquely Californian touch to the Italian dining experience.

The staff at Johnny Costa's Ristorante further contributes to the welcoming atmosphere. They are attentive and professional, ensuring every guest feels like a VIP.

Whether you visit for a romantic dinner or a more significant celebration, the team at Johnny Costa's makes every effort to create a memorable dining experience.

Johnny Costa's Ristorante: Menu & Drinks

With a history connected to the famed Rat Pack and made-to-order cuisine, diners are guaranteed a unique dining experience at Johnny Costa's Ristorante.

This family-owned and operated restaurant has served the community since 1976, making it a staple in the Palm Springs dining scene.

One of the must-try dishes at Johnny Costa's Ristorante is the Linguini with Clams or Mussels. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with fresh seafood flavor, all tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce.

When you want to taste nostalgia, the perfect choice is Steak Sinatra. Chefs pan-sear a well-trimmed NY Strip steak and then saute it in garlic, mushrooms, green peppers, and red wine sauce. Pasta-of-the-day and your choice of soup or salad come on the side.

As for drinks, Johnny Costa's Ristorante offers a variety of options to complement your meal. A classic cocktail is the Dean Martini, a tip of the hat to Rat Pack member Dean Martin. This libation features Tito's Handmade Vodka, Dirty Sue olive juice, blue cheese olives, and a twist. The restaurant also features a comprehensive wine list from local California wineries and Italian vineyards.

Their homemade Italian sodas are a must-try for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.

Combine classic Italian cuisine with an inviting ambiance, and you'll be in for a pleasant dining experience at Johnny Costa's Ristorante on your Palm Springs vacation.

Local Tips

Johnny Costa's Ristorante is closed on Mondays.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining options.
Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly or through OpenTable.
Parking can be tricky during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
The restaurant's tiramisu has been recognized as the best in Palm Springs, so save room for dessert.
Johnny Costa's Ristorante can accommodate parties of 10 to 120 guests, making it an excellent option for special events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

Fall, winter, and spring are the most popular times to visit Palm Springs due to mild temperatures, outdoor activities, pool season, and a strong calendar of festivals and cultural events.

October is, arguably, the best month to visit Palm Springs. The weather is sunny and warm (but not too hot). And because October is part of the shoulder season, large crowds have not yet descended upon the town. The cost of accommodations is also typically lower during this time than it is during the high season, which runs from January to May.

What's the weather like in Palm Springs?

The average temperature in Palm Springs in the winter (December to February) is 40°F at night to about 75°F during the day.

The average Palm Springs temperature during the summer (July through September) is 101°F during the day and 70° degrees F at night.

In the summer months, you'll want to pack shorts, short-sleeves or tank tops, and of course bathing suits. It's also a good idea to bring a lightweight sweater or top for the evenings or for over-air-conditioned buildings. During the winter months, you may want to add a few long pants and long-sleeve shirts, as well as a jacket for the evenings. Deserts lose heat at night, and so Palm Springs can get surprisingly cool after dark - plus, you’ll want to bring along warmer clothes if venturing up to Mount San Jacinto Peak.

What's the best way to get to Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is only about 2 hours from L.A. or San Diego by car, or around 4 hours if driving from Phoenix or Las Vegas. This makes it a prime southwestern drive-to destination. For those flying to Palm Springs, you may opt to fly directly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or to the neighboring John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County, or LAX. If flying in, consider renting a car as the desert has plenty of space to roam.

Are there hot springs in Palm Springs?

The closest hot springs to Palm Springs can actually be found in Desert Hot Springs, about 20 minutes north of downtown.

Is Palm Springs a good destination for events and longer stays?

With near picture-perfect weather and temps throughout most of the year, Palm Springs is a terrific destination for extended stays, events, and festivals. Our Palm Springs vacation rentals offer a wide selection of long-term and snowbird options for longer stays in this sunny desert oasis. Golf aficionados will surely want to extend their swing and explore why Greater Palm Springs is known as the “Golf Capital of the West”.

Are vacation rentals in Palm Springs close to downtown and major attractions?

Vacation rentals in Palm Springs range in location and size, from luxury condos to sprawling vacation villas, and from iconic mid-century modern homes to contemporary classics that can comfortably fit several families. Palm Springs is a driving town, with accessible routes to major attractions in and around the valley.