Maleza: An Exquisite Mexican Dining Experience in Palm Springs

Maleza is a bigger gem! Drinks, food and service was impressive! A few Margaritas with the Hamachi was exactly the appetizer I’d recommend. Fresh hamachi with a bountiful of flavor with the right heat. I could eat like five helpings! Anthony was our server and he was knowledgeable about the new menu. He was very charismatic with the right eye to come and check in. Milanesa and porkchop for the entree BUT the star was the braised beans! Definitely heading back to this place and going to stay for dessert! The chef here is outstanding!

This place is incredible. We were greeted at the door by the friendliest staff. The vibes were dim, cozy, Cali chic and romantic. Our waiter Anthony could not have been friendlier and made us feel so special and taken care of. The food was exceptional and so unique we even ordered desert. They are a tequila/mezcal bar and had a great selection of cocktails- both very refreshing and garnished beautifully. I can’t compliment it enough.This place does not get enough credit. I will absolutely be back! 10/10.

We went to Maleza for dinner in Palm Springs and ohh boy!!! At first, when we arrived, the restaurant was completely empty—which I didn’t mind at all (actually liked it!). Since it was already 7 pm, we thought we might be the only ones there, but within no time the place filled up quickly and was packed—we loved seeing that energy. We ordered wine, starters, and then dinner, and everything was absolutely delicious. We also finished with a really good dessert to top it all off. Maleza is definitely a spot we’d recommend!

Great vibes and a beautiful atmosphere. Overall, the food was very good, though unfortunately they were out of the steak which was the one thing my husband was hoping to order, so that was a bit of a bummer. The oysters were delicious. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful, and the pre-meal bread was a unique touch. The duck confit flautas were tasty, though more of a shareable appetizer than a full meal. The gem salad had a strong anchovy-forward dressing that wasn’t quite for me, but the pork chop and chicken were both generously portioned and well prepared. For dessert, the churros were fine, but the ice cream and cajeta were really the stars. The persimmon bread pudding was also a standout and a huge hit. Service was friendly but a bit slow, with our second round of drinks arriving after we had already finished our meal.

We are currently enjoying our stay at the Drift Hotel during a girls’ getaway, and the experience has been nothing short of wonderful. While we’ve been delighted by Maleza, the hotel’s standout restaurant, the true highlight of our stay has been Aaron. Aaron was exceptionally attentive, knowledgeable, and kind—going above and beyond in every interaction. Our group of six was genuinely impressed by his professionalism and the level of care he showed us throughout our five hours at the pool. His presence truly elevated our experience. I cannot recommend the Drift Hotel highly enough and would absolutely return, thanks in large part to the outstanding service we received.

I met up with friends here for drinks and it’s an excellent spot to pregame. A solid outdoor atmosphere and a great place for an adult beverage over a fireplace. Next time I’ll have their food because the quality in the drink I had was great. I had the guava mama and it was delicious. A good amount of tequila but not too much.

Walked in, didn't appear to be super busy on a big weekend in downtown PS. Sat at the bar. Service was a tiny bit slow, but they were so very friendly. Loved sitting at the bar! Near closing time (9), they got very busy though. The shrimp ceviche was the best i have ever had. OUTSTANDING. The mussels were also delicious. The sauce was a standout! Drinks were creative and thoughtful. Absolutely well done.

So glad we tried this newer restaurant our last night in Palm Springs. Chatted with one of the founders who was working the bar that night and heard the story of this family-started hotel and restaurant group. They brought in so many original recipes and furniture pieces, etc. directly from Mexico and it is unique, exciting Mexican cuisine in an amazing setting. The branzino absolutely mind blowing. !!!! Will definitely come back next time we’re here!