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.

A romantic dinner awaits at this elegant Mediterranean-style villa, where you can dine fireside or on the patio underneath the stars. The award-winning menu features such tempting entrees as medallions of pork sauteed with apple brandy and fresh dates, and salmon in parchment with creme fraiche, zucchini, mushrooms, and fresh dill. You'll also find pastas, steaks, and fresh seafood.

INDIAN WELLS. This renowned French restaurant is elegant and contemporary, featuring crisp linens, fresh flowers, and lamps adorning each table and banquette. At brunch, the ambience is romantic, and the three-course menu is a temptation that's hard to resist. Among the selections are pear and feta salad, wild mushroom soup, Gulf shrimp cocktail, seared crab cakes, eggs benedict, leg of lamb, and pan-seared ahi tuna. Desserts range from sorbets to chocolate lava cake.

Although it's located in a historic ranch-style house near the hubbub of Palm Canyon Drive, this restaurant seems a world away from the fray. The magical interior features priceless tapestries and Louis XV furniture, and the outdoor patio boasts lush trees, fragrant flowers, and tables adorned with crisp linens, fine china, and candles. The five-star, award-winning restaurant serves delicacies like a veal chop flavored with calvados, Maine lobster ravioli with basil bisque, and roasted rack of lamb with thyme, rosemary and garlic. Considered by most to be the town's finest restaurant.

RANCHO MIRAGE. This popular chain's New American menu features a broad array of dishes, from avocado egg rolls and Mexican chicken pizza to Jamaican shrimp and shepherd's pie. However, desserts really steal the show, and it's easy to see why once you've taken a gander at Linda's fudge cake, white chocolate raspberry truffle, chocolate mousse cheesecake, and coffee Heath Bar Crunch cheesecake. A perfect place for a late-afternoon respite, accompanied by gourmet coffee, good conversation, and, of course, one of 40 delectable cheesecakes.