PALM DESERT. You have to see this place to fully appreciate it. The airy, two-story restaurant features a winding metal, glass, and cherry staircase, along with concrete floors, black carpets, animal skin prints, and striking artwork. Its French menu features tempting creations like Chilean sea bass and grilled spicy shrimp with chayote squash slaw and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. An extensive wine cellar offers the finest French vintages. Closed summers.

PALM SPRINGS. A little more upscale than most coffee shops, Billy Reed's has a reputation for reasonable prices, good American basics, and all-day breakfast fare. Local folks especially favor it, not least of all for its generous portions and friendly waitresses. Scrumptious desserts get lots of buzz and are a delicious pick-me-up on their own; they also serve as a terrific cap to Billy's signature chicken pot pie.

PALM SPRINGS. This health-oriented cafe features an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan breakfasts and lunches, all served with freshly squeezed juices. Meatless dishes include burgers, burrito and taco plates, and flavorful "chicken" that will have you questioning whether it really is just soy.

PALM DESERT. With an expansive, all-weather patio that affords fantastic people-watching, this charming cafe is a standout for morning fare and easy-going dining. Choose to sit indoors and browse the changing artwork, or stake a claim on the patio and prepare to be indulged. Although morning fare isn't served throughout the week, it's a treat worth savoring, as indicated by wonderful crepes, perfectly prepared eggs and frittatas, and other delicacies. Lunch and dinner bring classics like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and quiche Lorraine. The cafe is closed seasonally in July and August.

PALM SPRINGS. This upscale CPK franchise is the brainchild of former attorneys Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield. The place specializes in 9-inch wood-fired pizzas with every sort of topping imaginable. Voted as having the best pizza in the desert by the Palm Springs Life's readers' choice poll. Also located on El Paseo in Palm Desert.