DOWNTOWN. On paper, a restaurant that serves Austrian specialties along with Asian-inspired dishes might raise suspicions; in actuality, it's one of the area's best. Chef Johannes Bacher has a sure hand with all things culinary, and his restaurant is a gold mine of flavor and appeal. Bacher's wiener schnitzel is, by all accounts, extraordinary, but so, too, are crispy Atlantic salmon and Australian rack of lamb. Dressed with herbs, citrus, and other agents, entrees are surprising but unfailingly delicious. Desserts are similarly mouthwatering. European wines and beer are available, along with a martini menu.

RANCHO MIRAGE. Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant's menu is a skillful fusion of European and Asian cuisines. Here, Roy's standards are joined by dishes created by the resident chef, and the place has a reputation for lively ambience, attentive service, and incredible food. A devotion to impeccably fresh ingredients and a penchant for artistic presentation characterizes the menu, full of temptations like Hawaiian-style misoyaki butterfish, tri-peppercorn-crusted ahi, and ginger-steamed Chinese chicken. There's also steak, lamb, pasta, pork, and duck. Nightly specials make an appearance too, and the signature chocolate soufflé is absolutely sinful.

PALM SPRINGS. You won't find pricey decor and a designer-clad clientele at this unassuming eatery, but you will be treated to some of the desert's best Thai cuisine. The family-owned place gets lots of repeat business from locals, who can't say enough good things about the kitchen's accomplished dishes. Choose from pad Thai, pla lard prik (deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce), curries, and plenty of seafood options, including spicy variations on shrimp and scallops. Early-bird dinners from 4pm till 6:30pm up the ante on affordability.