Johnny Costa's Ristorante
A legendary Neapolitan-Italian destination since 1976, famed for its authentic cuisine, Sinatra's legacy, and cozy, nostalgic ambiance.
Highlights
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Johnny Costa's Ristorante
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Neapolitan-Italian destination since 1976, famed for its authentic cuisine, Sinatra's legacy, and cozy, nostalgic ambiance.
"This is hands down the BEST Italian food we’ve had in the state – we will be back!"
Reserve Ahead
The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is recommended.
Try Signature Dishes
Osso Buco, Penne Vodka, and Veal Parmigiana are highly recommended for an authentic taste.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(760) 325-4556
Address
440 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Website
johnnycostaspalmsprings.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nostalgic Ambiance & Sinatra's Favorite
Experience a midcentury Italian vibe with classic music and memorabilia. A favorite of Frank Sinatra!
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Savor time-tested Italian dishes from ravioli to Osso Buco, celebrated as the best in Palm Springs.
Legendary Veal Parmigiana
Indulge in a phenomenal, crispy-exterior, tender-interior Veal Parmigiana that tastes like Johnny Costa himself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is recommended.
Try Signature Dishes
Osso Buco, Penne Vodka, and Veal Parmigiana are highly recommended for an authentic taste.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
For a more relaxed dining experience, visit during non-peak times.
Don't Miss Desserts
Save room for their delicious desserts, with Tiramisu being a standout choice.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is recommended.
Try Signature Dishes
Osso Buco, Penne Vodka, and Veal Parmigiana are highly recommended for an authentic taste.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
For a more relaxed dining experience, visit during non-peak times.
Don't Miss Desserts
Save room for their delicious desserts, with Tiramisu being a standout choice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Johnny Costa's Ristorante is lauded for its authentic Italian cuisine, friendly service, and nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of a midcentury Italian eatery. Diners rave about dishes like Veal Parmigiana and Osso Buco, with many considering it the best Italian food in the state. While most experiences are highly positive, some note that while the food and service are good, the overall experience may not always reach 'great' status.
"Excellent Italian food; terrific desserts and the waiters were very kind and served us royally. A very enjoyable evening and experience. I’ll be going back really soon. Ample parking and handicapped spaces in the restaurant parking lot. They serve delicious cocktails. It had great pictures of Frank Sinatra in the dining room, as well. A must visit for an ultimate Italiano to die for dinner."
Bernadette Reed
"Johnny Costa's. What a great name for a restaurant. Sounds like the name of a main character in a mid-20th century Italian mobster movie, and that's exactly what the vibe in here was. Classic Italian Music, white table cloths, candlelit tables, etc.
I walked in here post heat stroke due to the 105 degree Palm Springs heat and 1 too many vodka lemonades by the pool, so I was in DESPERATE need of some ice water like Spongebob in Sandy's crib. The server refilled my water so quick, and ended up just putting the pitcher by us. CLUTCH.
I got the Veal Parmigiana ($39) that came with a side of the "pasta of the day," which just turned out to be spaghetti and red sauce. I suspect the "pasta of the day" is always spaghetti and red sauce, which I think is kind of a cop out since there are no substitutions. Just say it comes with "spaghetti" rather than "pasta of the day." I don't know, maybe I’m trippin.
After I settled down from pasta-of-the-day-gate, I dug into this veal parm. It was phenomenal. Sensational. It had a crispy exterior and a tender interior with a healthy portion of cheese and marinara sauce on top. Smackin. I felt like Johnny Costa himself eating this.
IG @jnov_
Tiktok @jnov"
Johnny Novo
"Definitely would make this a stop on your trip to Palm Springs it was exceptionally nice the food was really good and the service from Daniel was exceptional"
John P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant offers a cozy and inviting ambiance that can be enjoyed by families, with classic Italian music and friendly service.
While specific vegetarian entrees are not detailed, many pasta dishes and salads can likely be adapted. It's best to inquire with your server.
Signature dishes include Osso Buco, Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Parmesan, and dishes inspired by Frank Sinatra, like Steak Sinatra and Linguine Clams.
The restaurant has a cozy, inviting ambiance, suggesting a smart casual dress code is appropriate.
It features a nostalgic midcentury Italian atmosphere with classic Italian music, candlelit tables, and Frank Sinatra memorabilia.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is popular and often busy.
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Palm Springs Restaurants: A dining Guide of 22 Must-try Places
From the classic Italian music to the candlelit tables, the nostalgic atmosphere at Johnny Costa’s Ristorante will transport you back to midcentury times. It’s no wonder Frank Sinatra was once a regular at this restaurant, which has been honored by Palm Springs Life readers as the city’s Best Italian Restaurant for 13 consecutive years. The Costa family has carried on the legacy of late chef/owner Johnny Costa, who was pals with Sinatra when he moved to Hollywood from New York in the 1960s and a decade later served as the singer’s personal chef at his desert home.
Discover Historic Dining in Palm Springs
Johnny Costa's Ristorante was founded in 1976 by Johnny Costa, a talented chef who brought his passion for traditional Italian cuisine to the heart of Palm Springs. Costa, born in 1937, honed his culinary skills in his family's restaurant in Chicago before moving to Southern California. His goal was to create a dining experience that combined the warmth and hospitality of an Italian home with the sophistication of fine dining.
Palm Springs Pizza and Italian Food
Fresh from the brick oven, by way of old Italia, Johnny Costa’s serves up pizza perfection. With succulent ingredients like Bufala mozzarella, artichoke hearts, and prosciutto, JC is a slice of heaven!. Frank Sinatra frequented this home-cooking haven, and he left a lasting impression; there are still two menu items dedicated to the entertainment icon, one for each of his legendary blue eyes.
Palm Springs Italian Restaurants | Vacation Palm Springs
Johnny Costa, the founder, has been a chef and restaurant owner in the Palm Springs area since 1976. Frank Sinatra himself was a regular at this Italian restaurant, where the chairman's two favorite dishes, the Steak Sinatra and Linguine Clams are still on the menu. Steak Sinatra and linguine clams are still one of the favorites of our diners.
The Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Palm Springs
If you’re looking for some authentic Italian and don’t mind braving downtown crowds, Johnny Costa’s is often a crowd-pleaser. This classically nostalgic restaurant is renowned as a favorite of Frank Sinatra’s. In fact, the crooner’s love ran so deep, he employed the original owner as his personal chef in his Rancho Mirage home.
Restaurants - Palm Springs
Since its inception in 1976, Johnny Costa's Ristorante has offered the Palm Springs area exquisite Italian cuisine. He moved from NY to Hollywood in the 60s and befriended Frank Sinatra. When Costa became Sinatra's personal chef, he dreamed of opening…
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Named after its Italian owner and founder, Johnny Costa's continues to serve Palm Springs with its delicious Italian dishes from thin-crust pizzas to seafood and pastas. Voted as best Italian restaurant for four years...
Restaurants in Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-4556 Dinner only Veteran Neapolitan-Italian destination serving thin-crust pizzas, seafood & pasta in cozy surrounds. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
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