Palm Springs, CA

A new culinary destination has arrived in the Coachella Valley elevating the Palm Springs food scene as Bar Issi officially opens its doors at the Thompson Palm Springs, a Hyatt property. The 180-seat restaurant offers a breezy, elevated take on coastal Italian cuisine, blending relaxed desert luxury with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

Rooted in the spirit of European beach holidays and year-round summer escapism, Bar Issi is poised to become a refined yet approachable retreat for both locals and travelers. The menu emphasizes seasonal California ingredients and classic Italian culinary traditions, with standout offerings such as house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a fresh raw bar.

Dinner signature dishes include:

• Oysters (GF) with mignonette – Half Dozen, $28.00
• Gougere with choux pastry, caviar, crème fraîche, and chives – $29.00
• Burrata (V, GF) with sun gold tomatoes, basil, and aged balsamic – $19.00
• Shrimp Linguini with Calabrian chili, parsley, and lemon – $36.00
• Margherita Pizza (V) with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and 24-month parmesan – $22.00
• Skirt Steak (GF) with citrus marinade and chimichurri – $42.00

Beyond the food, Bar Issi’s cocktail program is a highlight, showcasing peak-season produce and flavor profiles reminiscent of chic European locales. Signature drinks include the Issi Spritz and a Blood Orange Mimosa served during brunch, available Friday through Sunday. The wine list offers a curated selection from both Old and New World vineyards, further enhancing the dining experience.

Bar Issi also features a Bar Bites menu, served daily from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the bar. Guests can enjoy a refined mix of light fare, including:

• Wagyu Sliders with caramelized onion, Comté cheese, and Dijon aioli – $21.00
• Squash Blossoms with feta, ricotta, and lemon – $20.00
• Pizzetta Bianca with fontina, taleggio, garlic, basil, and arugula – $14.00

The restaurant’s brunch menu, available Friday through Sunday, brings a sophisticated Italian twist to classic mid-morning fare. Highlights include:

• Smoked Salmon & Eggs with toasted focaccia – $25.00
• Focaccia Benedict with poached egg, hollandaise, and smoked paprika, served with:
  • Italian Smoked Ham – $24.00
  • Smoked Salmon – $29.00
• Steak & Eggs (GF) with 8oz skirt steak, citrus marinade, and chimichurri – $43.00

Bar Issi is open for dinner nightly, with dedicated service for brunch, happy hour, bar bites, and dessert cocktails, making it a versatile dining destination at any time of day. With its fresh, coastal approach and effortless style, Bar Issi brings a new level of culinary sophistication to the Palm Springs dining scene.