Palm Springs is basically a desert of mid-century dreams and very expensive pool tiles. But if you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning wandering through the maze of the Parker Palm Springs, you know the real destination isn't the fire pit or even the pool. It’s the orange-tiled, bright-as-a-citrus-grove dining room of Norma’s.
Most people show up because they heard about the $1,000 omelet. Seriously. It’s on the menu. But honestly, Norma’s at the Parker is more than just a place to watch wealthy tourists drop a mortgage payment on lobster and caviar. It is a weirdly perfect mix of upscale dining and "I just woke up in my bathrobe" energy.
The Parker itself used to be Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort and Spa, and it still feels like a playground for the elite. Jonathan Adler did the interiors, so everything is kitschy, chic, and slightly over-the-top. Norma's fits right into that. It’s an open-air terrace that manages to stay cool even when the Coachella Valley is pushing 100 degrees by 10:00 AM.
What You Are Actually Eating (And Why It Costs So Much)
Let’s get the Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata out of the way. It’s not a gimmick, or well, it is, but it’s a real dish. It comes with ten ounces of Sevruga caviar. Most people don't order it. They order the "Normal" version for a much more reasonable—though still pricey—amount.
But you’re really there for the carbs.
The Waz-Up Waffle is basically a sugar-coated fever dream. It’s stuffed with fruit and topped with enough crunch to make you forget you have a dinner reservation in six hours. Then there’s the Arnie’s Brioche French Toast. It’s thick. It’s soaked. It’s covered in berries. It feels like a hug from a very rich grandmother.
Breakfast here isn't just a meal. It's an event. You’re sitting there, maybe seeing a minor celebrity hiding behind oversized Gucci sunglasses, while a server brings you a "smoothie of the day" that probably costs more than your first car’s oil change.
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Waitstaff at Norma's at the Parker are pros. They’ve seen it all. They know how to handle the hungover wedding parties and the high-maintenance travelers who need their gluten-free toast burnt just right.
The Atmosphere is the Real Secret Sauce
There is no "dinner" at Norma's. It is a breakfast-all-day kind of joint. That matters because Palm Springs is a city that thrives on the brunch-into-pool-party pipeline.
The decor is unapologetic. Orange everywhere. Huge white umbrellas. It feels like 1965 and 2026 all at once. You sit on the deck, look out at the lush greenery—which, let's be real, takes a staggering amount of water to maintain in a desert—and you feel like you've successfully escaped reality.
I’ve spent mornings there where the table next to me was discussing a tech buyout and the table on the other side was a family in matching pajamas. Both felt completely at home. That is the magic of the Parker. It’s "luxury," sure, but it isn’t stuffy. It’s fun. It’s whimsical.
Is it Worth the Wait?
Usually, yes. But here is the thing: don’t just walk in. You’ll be standing in that Jonathan Adler-designed lobby for an hour. Use OpenTable. Or, if you’re staying at the hotel, have the concierge handle it.
The prices are high. You’re looking at $30 to $50 for an entree. Add coffee and juice, and you’re hitting $70 per person before tip. If that makes you wince, Norma’s might not be your vibe. But if you view it as a ticket to a specific kind of Palm Springs experience—the kind where the sun is always shining and the syrup is always real maple—then it’s a bargain.
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People love to hate on "tourist traps," but a trap only works if the bait isn't good. At Norma's, the bait is fantastic. The Potato Pancakes with homemade cranberry apple sauce? They’re legit. The "Norma’s Super Blueberry Pancakes"? They’re loaded. It’s comfort food that went to finishing school.
Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
Skip the basic stuff. Don't go to one of the most famous brunch spots in the country and order two eggs over easy with bacon. You can get that at a diner for nine bucks.
- Go for the Benedicts. The "Benny" list is legendary. The "James's Soft Poached Eggs with Porcini Cream" is rich. Like, "I need a nap immediately" rich.
- The Chocolate Decadence. If you’re leaning into the dessert-for-breakfast thing, the chocolate French toast is the move.
- Drink the Espresso. Their coffee service is top-tier. It's strong, hot, and constantly refilled.
There's something about the desert air that makes you crave sugar and caffeine. Norma’s understands the assignment. They also serve "moms' milk" (don't ask, just order the smoothies) and fresh-squeezed juices that actually taste like the fruit they came from.
Beyond the Plate: The Parker Palm Springs Experience
You can't talk about Norma's without talking about the Parker itself. The grounds are 13 acres of hidden paths, hammocks, and croquet lawns. After you eat, you’re basically required to wander.
Check out the "Lemonade Stand" near the pool. Walk through the herb gardens. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. The hotel was originally the first Holiday Inn in California, then it was the Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, then Merv Griffin's. That history is baked into the walls.
When you're at Norma's at the Parker, you're sitting on layers of California history. It’s where the old Hollywood crowd used to hide out, and where the new Coachella crowd comes to recover.
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Things to Keep in Mind Before You Go
Palm Springs heat is no joke. Even with the misters on the patio, if you’re there in July, try to get an 8:00 AM table. By 11:00 AM, the sun is a literal weight.
Dress code? It’s Palm Springs. "Resort Casual" is the official word, but you’ll see everything from $2,000 caftans to gym shorts. As long as you look like you’re having a good time, nobody cares.
Also, parking. The Parker has valet. It’s easy, but it’s another expense to factor in. Don't try to find street parking nearby; it’s a residential area and a headache you don't need before your first cup of coffee.
The Verdict on Norma's
Is it the best food in the world? Maybe not. Is it the best breakfast experience in the Coachella Valley? Almost certainly.
It’s about the colors, the service, and the feeling that you’re part of something exclusive for ninety minutes. You aren't just paying for eggs; you’re paying for the Parker vibe. You’re paying for the ability to tell people you survived the "Zillion Dollar" menu even if you just ordered the granola.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book Your Table Early: Reservations open weeks in advance. If you’re planning a weekend trip, book the moment you confirm your hotel.
- Study the Menu Online: It’s massive and overwhelming. Decide if you’re doing "Savory" or "Sweet" before you sit down to avoid ordering everything on the page.
- Check the Weather: If it’s over 105 degrees, ask for an indoor table. The terrace is iconic, but heat stroke isn't.
- Bring Your Camera: Between the "Drugs" sign in the lobby and the orange doors of the restaurant, you’re going to want photos. Just be cool about it—don't be the person standing on a chair for a flat-lay of your pancakes.
- Budget for the "Extra": Expect to spend about $150 for two people if you're doing it right with drinks and sides.
Norma's at the Parker remains a staple for a reason. It hasn't changed much over the years, and in a town that constantly reinvents itself, that consistency is a relief. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s delicious. Go hungry.