By Marissa Willman
Tucked inside Drift Palm Springs, Maleza is the kind of restaurant that invites you to slow down. With its modern desert aesthetic, laid-back atmosphere, and breezy patio, it’s an easy place to settle in for lunch, happy hour, or a leisurely dinner after exploring downtown Palm Springs.
Located just steps from Palm Canyon Drive, Maleza embraces Baja-inspired flavors with a menu of approachable favorites, craft cocktails, and fresh ingredients. During a recent visit, I sampled the burrito, street tacos, and the restaurant’s prickly pear margarita.
The burrito was hearty and filling, while the street tacos offered fresh, familiar flavors that paired perfectly with an afternoon cocktail. My favorite of the meal was the prickly pear margarita, a refreshing drink with just the right balance of sweetness and citrus that felt especially fitting for Palm Springs.
While the menu doesn’t necessarily reinvent Baja-inspired cuisine, that’s not really the point. Maleza succeeds by creating an inviting space where good food, creative drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere come together. It’s the kind of restaurant where conversations linger a little longer, another round of margaritas feels like a good idea, and there’s no rush to leave.
Its location inside Drift Palm Springs only adds to the appeal. Whether you’re staying at the boutique hotel or simply looking for a casual downtown dining option, Maleza is within walking distance of Palm Springs’ shops, galleries, and nightlife, making it an easy stop before or after exploring the city.
If you’re looking for bold culinary experimentation, this may not be your destination. But if you’re after a relaxed patio, satisfying Baja-inspired fare, and a great margarita in one of downtown Palm Springs’ most stylish settings, Maleza delivers exactly that.
