Popular Greek dishes include warm pita bread and marinated, grilled meats.
Palm Desert, a small city in the Palm Springs area of Southern California, is a popular destination for those escaping the cold winter months in the north. Known for its resorts and golf clubs, the city lies at the center of the scenic Coachella Valley, which makes it also perfect for biking, hiking and eating healthy food. Influenced by the fresh ingredients of Mediterranean cuisines, the contemporary Greek restaurants near Palm Desert use vegetables, olive oils, cheeses, lean meats, yogurts and herbs to invigorate your palate.
Towne Center Cafe
The casual Towne Center Cafe is right in the heart of Palm Desert, and has an extensive homestyle Greek diner menu that offers hearty breakfasts all day. The portions are large and the cafe is usually busy with local regulars. The souvlaki feast includes skewered chicken, pork or lamb marinated in olive oil, lemon juice and oregano, then grilled and served with pita bread, steamed vegetables and your choice of either rice pilaf, zucchini or French fries. End your meal with a traditional Greek sweet such as a melomakaron, a honey cookie, or a kourambiethes, which is almond shortbread cookie.
Towne Center Cafe
44491 Town Center Rd.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-346-2120
townecentercafe.com
Nina's Pita & Pizza
Don't expect to settle in at Nina's Pita & Pizza in Palm Springs; you order at the counter at this Greek and pizza establishment and the food is delivered in takeout containers. But Nina's gyros are worth it. The savory, lean beef and lamb are carved right off the spit after you order, then added to a pita with tomatoes, red onions and Nina's homemade tzatziki yogurt sauce. You can even buy the tzatziki by the pint to take home. Don't forget baklava for the road, a light and buttery pastry with a honey and nut filling.
Nina's Pita & Pizza
555 S. Sunrise Way
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-323-8552
The Fat Greek
The Fat Greek may be categorically a fast food restaurant, but its owner still greets the customers himself and offers Greek, American and Mexican fusion dishes. You can get a gyro burrito, falafel salad or even a BLT pita. Open seven days a week, The Fat Greek also offers coupons on its website for free food with the purchase of drinks.
The Fat Greek
33265 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-797-6018
gofatgreek.com
Tags: Palm Desert, Center Cafe, Nina Pita, Nina Pita Pizza, Palm Springs, Pita Pizza