Palm Springs, CA
Maleza brings vibrant Mexican flavors to life, infused with the laid-back charm of Palm Springs. Whether you choose to dine indoors, enveloped in an inviting atmosphere, or savor the refreshing outdoor ambiance, the menu features shareable favorites crafted by Chef Ysaac Ramirez. Complementing these dishes is an exceptional selection of mezcal and tequila, perfect for exploration and discovery.
With a unique blend of Baja vibes and Palm Springs warmth, the innovative small plates create an intimate and welcoming setting for gatherings. Unlike typical hotel restaurants, Maleza fosters a cozy environment where every detail is attended to with care. The attentive staff is committed to ensuring your experience is exceptional, responding to your questions and requests with genuine warmth and hospitality.
Enjoy live music in the bar area, adding a vibrant backdrop to your meal, and explore the curated wine list, which features selections from around the globe. The cocktail menu highlights the rich diversity of agave spirits, showcasing beloved classics like margaritas, palomas, batangas, Oaxacan negronis, old fashioneds, and martinis—all expertly crafted to enhance your dining experience.
For a true culinary journey, indulge in several small plates, transforming your meal into a delightful playground of flavors. After selecting two or three small plates to kick off your dining experience, you might find it tempting to forgo the main course entirely, reveling in the delicious simplicity of the entire selection. Consider enjoying two now and saving others for your next visit—there’s always something new to discover.
Highlights of the small plates include the refreshing shrimp ceviche, infused with spicy coconut milk and salsa macha, served alongside airy, crispy crackers that beautifully enhance the dish. These versatile crackers also pair wonderfully with the scallop crudo, featuring togarashi leche de tigre, tomatillo, citrus, rice chicharrones, and cilantro oil. Another standout is the grilled maitake mushroom, a vegetarian’s dream, paired with a smoky blanco BBQ sauce, salsa macha, smoked trout roe, and fresh chives. And don’t miss the panela cheese topped with chile crisp, accompanied by grilled broccolini drizzled with tangerine olive oil and lemon, served with warm flour tortillas—a delightful combination of subtle cheese and the inviting crunch of broccolini.
If you make it to the main plates, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed menu offering all four protein options—pork, chicken, fish, and beef. Each dish is a harmonious composition where every ingredient complements the star of the plate. While the proteins are cooked to perfection, it’s the accompanying ingredients that truly create a culinary adventure: savor the vibrant salsa verde with bronzino, the rich mole rojo with half chicken, the robust pork demi accompanying carnitas, and the aromatic garleek chimichurri that elevates the prime flat iron steak.
Chef Ysaac Ramirez masterfully links ingredients across dishes, utilizing elements like salsa macha, cilantro oil, serrano peppers, mustard, lemon, and garleek to create a cohesive dining experience that invites exploration and delight.
For those seeking delicious sides, Maleza offers enticing options that enhance your meal. Indulge in braised cranberry beans with bacon, mirepoix, and queso; crispy fried baby Yukon potatoes dusted with togarashi; and fluffy poblano rice, each playing a supporting role that elevates your dining experience.
As your meal draws to a close, don’t miss our equally enticing dessert selections. Treat yourself to a luscious guava tart topped with meringue, indulge in churros served with rich Oaxacan chocolate and creamy coffee ice cream, or savor the decadent chocolate tres leches cake, adorned with whipped cream, pistachio, brown butter powder, strawberry gelato, and vibrant marigold petals.
At Maleza, every aspect of your dining experience is crafted to create lasting memories, making it the perfect destination for sharing great food and wonderful moments with those you love.
Maleza is an upscale restaurant at the Drift Hotel serving Baja-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and Mexican spirits. Located at 284 S Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Maleza is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and offers a happy hour menu. In the spirit of AirBnB/resort-style vibe, the Drift Hotel offers day passes for access and use of the pool and cabana areas. For more information, malezapalmsprings.co.
According to Forbes: “The tranquil, all-white patio with views of the crystal blue lap pool in the distance feels like you’re on a private island in the Mediterranean, not a roadside hotel in the desert.”
Maleza Fall Cocktails
Maleza is located at 284 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and can be reached via telephone at 760-549-9528. They are online here.