Palm Springs, CA

Some of the criticisms of the greater Palm Springs food scene is that there are not enough food choices of different types of cuisines for the discerning palettes of people visiting or living in our desert oasis.

It’s hard to disagree with that assessment. Although the Coachella Valley is certainly not a food desert, there are always rumblings from local residents craving more options for quality cuisines such as Chinese, Cuban, Indian, Vegetarian and Vegan, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, Korean, Columbian etc that many have had in former lives in former cities and towns across America. (Hint Hint, Coachella Valley Creative Chefs!)

That’s why Ponzu, a Japanese Sushi Bar, is a welcome addition for those who salivate over sushi, and it’s stylish to boot. Ponzu is now located in the former location of Stout steps away from Palm Springs Downtown Park.

Ponzu’s Sushi Bar

The menu has an interesting mix of common and creative sushi rolls, Japanese beers and sake, and traditional and unique appetizers such as gyozas, brussels sprout chips and more. I got to experience one of the standard bearer appetizers “Vegetable Tempura,” and capped it off with two sushi choices, the “Palm Springs Roll” and the “Are You Kidding Me Roll.” All three dishes were impeccably presented and hit the spot. The newly designed atmosphere felt both casual and comfortable, yet upscale.

Pictured: Palm Springs Roll
Inside : shrimp tempura + snow crab + shrimp salad + avocado
Top : mixed spicy tuna + shrimp + scallop ( seared ) + crunchy
Sauce : spicy mayo + special ponzu sauce + eel sauce

Pictured: Are You Kidding Me Roll
Inside : Scallop + Snow Crab + Asparagus Tempura
Top : Seared Blue Fin + Fried Onion, Spring Mix
Sauce : Truffle Ponzu Sauce

For greater Palm Springs residents and visitors looking for a stylish sushi spot in a great location in Downtown Palm Springs filled with interesting menu options, Ponzu Sushi is worth a shot.

Ponzu is located 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way UNIT 130, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 699-7001.