Marissa Hermer wasn’t simply interested in creating a restaurant in Palm Springs. She wanted to curate a vibe. Judging by the buzzy crowds and tough-to-nab reservations, she and business partner Matt Hermer achieved it with Bar Issi, a Mediterranean eatery at Thompson Palm Springs.

“We wanted to transport our patrons,” explains Marissa, who tapped Los Angeles–based Fettle Design to craft the maximalist 180-seat space, decked with wild patterns and feathery pink glass chandeliers. “I grew up in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach,” she says. “There’s this place [in San Luis Obispo] called the Madonna Inn that my parents would take me for a holiday. God knows why, but it left an indelible mark on my mind. It was more is more.”

The Boujis Group co-founder also drew inspiration from late style icon Iris Apfel, the second season of The White Lotus, the Rat Pack, and filmmaker Wes Anderson. “It’s frivolous and irreverent,” she says. “That’s always what Palm Springs has been for me: It feels fun, silly, and to the max. It’s a great spot whether you want to let your hair down, dance down on tables, lift your spirits, or simply escape the world.”

When Thompson Palm Springs owners Kathryn and Craig Hall approached the Hermers — the restaurateurs behind such West Hollywood hot spots as Chez Mia and Olivetta — about opening a restaurant at the property, they jumped at the chance to collaborate with another family-run business. Opened in June, Bar Issi is prepping for the seasonal rush, with plans to throw splashy soirées tied to events like Palm Springs Pride (Nov. 3–5).

Open for dinner, weekend brunch, and happy hour, Bar Issi extends its ostentatiousness to the menu. Wood-oven pizzas and housemade pastas mingle with playful dishes like a Greek salad topped with a single shingle of feta, and French gougère filled with crème fraîche and caviar. “It tastes like a French kiss,” Hermer teases. “It sort of explodes in your mouth and makes you want to order more.”

When the plates clear, the party continues. A DJ spins old-school vinyl, keeping the energy up long after most area restaurants close. “I love to dance — even if I’m sitting at my table having a little shimmy, it feels fun,” Hermer says. “Oftentimes, our patrons and I get up to dance. Why not? How many lives do you have? I have one, so let’s get up and boogie.”

The New Crowd

From matcha to mac-and-cheese melts, here’s what we’re craving.

Buena Matcha

This sleek Palm Desert tea bar puts the spotlight on ceremonial matcha, served hot or iced with flavors and toppings like bananas and cinnamon. 

Coffeeism Co.

Downtown Palm Springs’ newest java purveyor preps specialty lattes and matchas with housemade syrups like mazapan and miso caramel, and tempts with sweet and savory tarts and sandwiches.