SO.PA Restaurant
An alfresco oasis in Palm Springs, SO.PA offers a romantic, enchanting dining experience under the stars with creative New American fare.
Highlights
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SO.PA Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An alfresco oasis in Palm Springs, SO.PA offers a romantic, enchanting dining experience under the stars with creative New American fare.
"This was a total wow experience! Everything about SO.PA was incredible."
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended to ensure a table at this popular dining spot.
Dine at Dusk
Visit in the early evening to best enjoy the enchanting outdoor setting under the amber lights.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Phone
(760) 323-1858
Address
1050 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Website
hermannbungalows.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enchanting Outdoor Ambiance
Dine under a canopy of twinkling lights and trees, with fire pits creating a magical, romantic atmosphere.
Inventive New American Cuisine
Experience unique dishes like lamb saddle and creative chocolate mousse 'cigars' prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Exceptional Service
Attentive and knowledgeable staff, including servers and sommeliers, enhance the dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended to ensure a table at this popular dining spot.
Dine at Dusk
Visit in the early evening to best enjoy the enchanting outdoor setting under the amber lights.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are knowledgeable about the menu; trust their recommendations for a delightful meal.
Dress Code
While upscale, the atmosphere is relaxed. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended to ensure a table at this popular dining spot.
Dine at Dusk
Visit in the early evening to best enjoy the enchanting outdoor setting under the amber lights.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are knowledgeable about the menu; trust their recommendations for a delightful meal.
Dress Code
While upscale, the atmosphere is relaxed. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
SO.PA Restaurant is highly praised for its enchanting outdoor ambiance and inventive New American cuisine, with many diners highlighting unique dishes and the romantic, amber-lit setting. The service is frequently commended as exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in service, with a few experiencing condescending attitudes from management and occasional issues with food preparation or menu limitations.
"This was a total wow experience! From the amber-lit outdoor setting to the knowledgeable and attentive staff to the outstanding food and drinks—everything about SO•PA was incredible.
My husband and I are foodies, and we love to be delighted. SO•PA delivered with unique preparations that made each course exciting to try! The menu changes from time to time, but I absolutely loved the lamb saddle, and my husband couldn’t get enough of the roasted heirloom chicken roulade. We also indulged in a couple of first courses until we thought we couldn’t eat another bite… but then our server described the chocolate mousse “cigars.” How could we resist? The presentation in a wooden box was so creative, and the “cigars” were light, luscious, and the perfect way to end our meal.
Don’t let the 4.1-star rating deter you—this was a solid 5-star experience. We can’t wait to return!"
Rebecca Wierda
"As others have mentioned (& I should have heeded their warning) while Sop.pa is a lovely outdoor restaurant the condescending attitude that permeates the staff is baffling and makes for a very unpleasant experience. So many other reviews on here have mentioned that, one might think management would take notice and perhaps do some training - especially for the prices they charge. The manager made it clear from the minute we checked in that the restaurant was designed for hotel guests and we were lucky to be eating there (even warned us not to disturb the other guests). What a way to start a meal, so awkward. Our server was quite friendly, but we found each of the dishes to be very average. The fish was overcooked, the roasted chicken was dry and the basque cheesecake far too sweet. We have no problem paying high prices for good food and service - but nothing delivered here.
Why don’t they open the restaurant to hotel guests only? And if they opt to open to the general public, then don’t treat your guests like a nuisance. We’re very experienced in fine dining and have found if anything the service is much warmer and hospitable the nicer the restaurant. So.pa is in desperate need of a change. For the money, I’d eat at Workshop instead"
Mishel Fletcher
"If you’re 6ft and taller and rich, these are your people. It’s expensive and that keeps the riff raff out. A bunch of tech execs and a staff that’s trying to be a class above. When will they learn you don’t teach in front of the guest to place silverware down. You started reaching behind me then switched and almost wiped my nose placing my new fork down. But the best was Kelly explaining that Ruinart is famous for its Chardonnay grapes and that’s what drives this rose wine. And then states it’s 55% Pinot Noir. Table settings were nice, but please clean the tree dandruff. And no there’s no misters, so summer early evenings will be warm."
Chris Freeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
SO.PA offers a magical alfresco dining experience with twinkling lights, fire pits, and lush trees, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially during peak times.
SO.PA serves seasonal New American cuisine with creative preparations and often continent-crossing influences.
Yes, the menu includes options that are marked as vegan (v) and gluten-free (gf), such as the Vegan Impossible Meatloaf.
The restaurant has an upscale ambiance, but guests typically wear smart casual attire. Comfortable yet stylish is recommended.
While the description mentions that breakfast, lunch, and dinner were initially only available for registered guests, current information suggests the restaurant is open to the public with reservations.
Mentioned in
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18 Best Restaurants in Palm Springs to Check Out Fall 2023
A post shared by SO.PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs (@so.pa.palmsprings). This gorgeous, breezy restaurant at L'Horizon serves up continent-crossing fare. We’re talking prawn croquettes with XO sauce, market salad with Korean cucumbers, confit duck leg with maple and scotch egg, and scallops with jicama, chili oil and saffron cream.
L'Horizon Resort & Spa – Hotel Review
Come nighttime, sleek firepits and a unique al fresco concept make dinner at So-Pa a memorable affair. The menu is eclectic—I enjoyed every bite of the corn risotto. If you prefer to nest in the privacy of your bungalow, you can also have room service delivered to your door.
PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY GUIDE
Those who can’t stay at the epically chic L’Horizon hotel, dine at the L’Horizon hotel – close enough. Their signature restaurant SO.PA offers a stunning outdoor space, beautiful cocktails, and one seriously fabulous and fancy-ass menu. At night with the twinkling dim lights in the trees, the music setting the mood, and the literally delicious everything… this is hands down the most romantic dinner spot in the desert.
Palm Springs Restaurants | Palm Springs Dining
Dramatic, refined, and intimate, SOPA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in an intimate outdoor setting. Finished with fire pits, fountains, Lindsey Adelman chandeliers and home to Michelin Stared Chef, Giacomo Pettinari, who honed his craft at the legendary El Bulli, Sopa Restaurant is a very distinctive gourmet Palm Springs restaurant.
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SO.PA is a gorgeous, breezy restaurant that serves continent-crossing fare. The menu features prawn croquettes with XO sauce, market salad with Korean cucumbers, confit duck leg with maple and scotch egg, and scallops with jicama, chili oil, and saffron cream. The restaurant is perfect for those who are looking for a bright and chipper breakfast or some upscale outdoor dining.
Best Dinner in Palm Springs
This romantic al fresco eatery at Steve Hermann’s L’Horizon is the perfect spot for a memorable meal whether you prefer an intimate candlelit experience for two, or making new friends at the communal table under a canopy of trees. Dinner rolls out as Parisian gnocchi with fava beans, caviar and bone marrow toast or bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with farmers market succotash.
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are only available for registered L’Horizon Hotel guests 21 and older. They offer both an intimate alfresco dining experience and a family-style dining experience at the 26-foot live edge walnut communal table. Enjoy eggs cooked your way, thick-cut bacon, avocado toast, or pancakes with seasonal berry compote and maple syrup for breakfast.
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I’m starting to think I should change the title of this post from best restaurants in Downtown Palm Springs to “dreamiest courtyards”. There’s something about Palm Springs and gorgeous courtyards, and So.Pa is no exception. When I’m in Palm Springs and escaping Vancouver rain, I’m all about that patio life so no complaints here.
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This gorgeous all-day restaurant located at L’Horizon offers delish dishes with a Middle Eastern vibe. SO.PA is an upscale outdoor dining destination that allows you to dine under trees while you enjoy the desert air. Comfy booths and a live-edge communal table offers a California vibe to the alfresco setting.
Modern luxury. Timeless style.
Elegant dining in a lovely open-air courtyard garden inside the L’Horizon Resort & Spa. The menu from Michelin Star-awarded Chef Michael Hung includes unique combinations like crispy confit duck leg on a salad of summer green beans and blackberries. Open Thursday-Sunday, by Open Table reservation only.
And the Winners Are
In the restaurant industry, there is no higher distinction than a Michelin star. The shimmer of one such star was still gleaming on Giacomo Pettinari when he was the founding head chef of SO.PA. This is the extravagant dining room tucked pleasantly within L’Horizon hotel.
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We had a large group dinner at So.Pa inside the L’Horizon hotel. It’s definitely the prettiest restaurant in Palm Springs that I’ve been to. The fire pits, lighting and gorgeous chandeliers instantly set the mood.
25+ Fine Dining Jobs, Employment in Palm Springs, CA October 16, 2024| Indeed.com
The Colony Club and SO.PA Restaurant (both a part of Steve Hermann Luxury Hotels) are seeking professional fine dining Line Cooks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit