⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 Best Sushi in Palm Springs Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is a stylish Palm Springs gem with creative rolls, fresh fish, and a sleek, modern vibe. The cocktails and whiskey list pair perfectly with the inventive menu, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. Overall it’s a top spot for sushi lovers looking for something upscale and unique. ***They have the pickled wasabi which is my absolute favorite and you need to ask for it on the side. They also own the Tailor Shop right down the street for after dinner cocktails!
Overview
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Palm Springs, California. Located at 1556 N Palm Canyon Dr, this gem combines two beloved elements-sushi and whiskey-into an extraordinary fusion that draws locals and visitors alike.
The atmosphere at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey strikes the perfect balance between sleek sophistication and casual comfort. The modern, minimalist interior exudes a relaxed elegance, while the intimate setting invites patrons to indulge in a night of delightful culinary exploration. The ambiance is warm, with soft lighting and a chic bar area where whiskey aficionados can sip their drinks while watching skilled chefs prepare sushi right in front of them.
A standout feature at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is its carefully curated menu, where Japanese flavors meet innovative twists. The sushi is expertly crafted with the freshest ingredients, making each piece a masterpiece. The menu offers a variety of sushi rolls, from traditional favorites like the spicy tuna roll to more inventive creations such as the "Sandfish Special," a signature roll that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. The chefs focus on quality and freshness, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
In addition to its remarkable sushi selection, the whiskey bar elevates the dining experience. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual drinker, Sandfish boasts an impressive collection of whiskey from around the world. The knowledgeable bartenders are always eager to recommend pairings to complement the sushi, and the unique flavor profiles of the whiskeys elevate the dining experience to new heights.
The staff at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey deserves special mention for their outstanding service. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with genuine warmth and professionalism. The waitstaff is attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that your dining experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're visiting for a casual dinner or a special occasion, the team goes above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome.
Not only does the restaurant offer a great dining experience, but it also stands out for its sustainability efforts. Sandfish prioritizes sourcing ingredients responsibly, ensuring that its offerings are not only fresh but also ethical. For instance, the restaurant works with local purveyors and sustainable fisheries to maintain its commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality.
In terms of drinks, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey provides a diverse whiskey list, featuring everything from smoky, peaty Scotch whiskies to smooth, refined Japanese options. For whiskey enthusiasts, there are also curated flights, allowing guests to sample a selection of whiskies and find their perfect match. If you're not in the mood for whiskey, the restaurant also offers a variety of craft cocktails and wines, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The location of Sandfish is another selling point. Palm Springs, with its laid-back yet trendy vibe, makes for the ideal backdrop for a dinner out. After your meal, you can take a leisurely stroll around the nearby shops and art galleries, or relax in one of the many cozy outdoor patios that line the streets. Sandfish’s proximity to the city’s vibrant cultural scene ensures that there’s never a shortage of things to do before or after dining.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the top-notch quality of both the food and service. Guests rave about the sushi’s exquisite presentation, the freshness of the ingredients, and the diverse selection of whiskies available. Many also mention the ambiance, noting how the restaurant’s atmosphere adds to the overall experience. It’s no wonder that Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is regarded as one of the must-visit dining spots in Palm Springs.
For those seeking a combination of great food, exceptional drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is a perfect choice. Whether you’re a sushi lover, a whiskey enthusiast, or someone in search of a memorable dining experience, this restaurant delivers it all.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1120 reviews
We spent Christmas Eve here with friends and family and it was so special. We ate family style and were able to order many different items from the appetizers to rolls to sushi to main courses. Their cocktails are also fantastic. I hope this becomes our tradition.
I did the chef’s tasting menu at Sandfish and honestly… I’m still dreaming about it. From the moment I sat down, I knew I was in for something special. I started with an off-menu cold sake that set the tone beautifully, and by the third course, I was gifted a complimentary pour of Japanese whisky. A lovely table next to me even offered me a taste of their cab which is proof that the vibe here is all about connection and generosity. Now let’s talk about the food. I’m actually speechless. Every dish was curated to perfection, thoughtful, delicious, and gorgeously plated. My favorites? The tostada and the octopus. Unreal. The chef is truly a genius. The ambiance? Impeccable. Music was a vibe. I dined solo and never once felt out of place or uncomfortable. The staff made me feel right at home, encouraged me to take my time, and created an atmosphere that was warm, relaxed, and memorable. I wish I remembered my server’s name (he mentioned his girlfriend Lexie, who happened to be dining next to me!), but I hope he sees this—thank you for everything. If you’re thinking of going, don’t hesitate. Trust them. Let go and let the chef take you on the ride. You won’t regret it.
We were told this was the place for sushi and they were correct. Phenomenal sushi, atmosphere, and service. They have inventive fusion flavors, with traditional options as well. Loved everything about this place.
For our main anniversary dinner my wife and I chose Sandfish and it could not have been a better decision. We had seen the photos and reviews beforehand and the vibe looked perfect. The restaurant feels stylish and inviting and the service from start to finish was outstanding. We started with the tuna tataki tacos and they were incredible. The tuna had amazing flavor with a little hint of citrus and a satisfying garlic crunch. My wife and I were almost fighting over the last taco because it was that good. We also ordered spicy edamame and miso soup which were both excellent. The miso broth tasted fresh and full of depth and set the tone for the rest of the meal. For rolls we followed the recommendations of our server, an older gentleman whose name I wish I remembered because he was fantastic. We ordered the Sandfish, the Experiment, and the Lollipop. My wife devoured the Lollipop which combined crab, tuna, and mango in the best way possible. I had the Sandfish roll which came with spicy tuna, fried potato, teriyaki sauce, green onion, and a touch of black truffle. Every bite was loaded with flavor and I honestly considered ordering a second one even though the rolls are generously sized. The Experiment roll was also delicious and made for a fun mix of flavors. We added a cucumber salad to share and it was light, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Everything about this dinner hit the mark. The fish quality was excellent, the flavors were creative yet balanced, and the service was warm and attentive. Sandfish delivered exactly the anniversary dinner we were hoping for and more. We will absolutely be back and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for exceptional sushi in Palm Springs.
My friends and I are doing a girls trip and decided to try this spot! We were skeptical at first as the reviews were iffy and were in the desert, but we are so glad we came! This place is DELICIOUS!!! It’s pretty small and reservations are recommended. There is seating indoor, at the bar, and some outdoor seating ad well. We went for HH right at 1700 and just walked in. There was only bar seating was available at that time. The service was great, the food was fantastic, and it was a nice cozy vibe. I’d definitely come back again!! Food/drink review: Passion fruit margarita (5/5) Super delicious! It was on the stronger side, but great balance of flavors. Edamame: (5/5) Simple, but delicious! It wasn’t too soggy or too hard. Brussel sprouts: (5/5) These were roasted and had great flavor. I love Brussel sprouts and these were yummy! Crispy salmon balls: (3/5) These were just OK. Ratios were off. There was way too much rice and not enough fish for my taste. Tuna tataki tacos: (5/5) Honestly surprised how much I enjoyed these. The crunch was perfect, sauce and fish paired very well together. If they weren’t on HH menu I wouldn’t order as they are very expensive. Hosomaki rolls: Overall, they were pretty good! Our favorites were the salmon one, ended up ordering two of them. So tasty! The venue and sand fish rolls: (5/5) During HH, you can pick two rolls and get 4 pieces of each. Honestly a great deal for how delicious these rolls were. Again, we got them on HH, regular price is crazy. Salmon/tuna nigiri: (5/5) OMG. The nigiri was melt in your mouth delicious. It was like butter! I could have eaten an entire plate of these.
Amazing happy hour and just amazing in general. We took our servers advice on several items and couldn’t have been happier. Who knew something as common as miso soup could be elevated to that level? My husband’s order of Hamachi Kama stole the show! And just take a look at the brownie in the photo! Our new favorite spot in PS