Café des Beaux-Arts is a Parisian-style French restaurant on the corner of Larkspur and El Paseo in Palm Desert, near Palm Springs. Open since 1993, it has been a neighborhood fixture under the direction of Didier Bloch, whose knowledgeable staff — many with 18 or more years at the restaurant — keep things running with the kind of consistency that builds loyal regulars. The menu features classic French entrées like duckling à l’orange, roasted rack of lamb provençal, and savory crêpes alongside fresh salads and seasonal specials that change throughout the year.

The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and climate-controlled, so it stays comfortable even during the desert’s warmer months. Set on the El Paseo corner, the patio has a genuine Parisian sidewalk-café feel — it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in with a glass of wine, watch the foot traffic along El Paseo, and let your dog relax beside your chair. The pace here is unhurried, which suits both the French dining style and a dog who likes to stretch out during a longer meal. You’ll find linen napkins, proper plating, and an wine list that rewards exploration without demanding expertise.

Inside, the elegant bar area features cozy booths and a U-shaped copperplate bar top, where you’ll find a “small bites” menu and live entertainment two nights a week. But for dog owners, the patio is the real draw. El Paseo is one of the most walkable streets in the desert, lined with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, so you can pair your meal with an evening stroll that your dog will enjoy just as much as you do. The tree-lined street has a relaxed energy that feels different from typical shopping areas.

This is one of the more refined dog-friendly dining options in the Palm Desert area — a place where you can enjoy a serious French meal without having to leave your dog at home, and where the staff’s years of experience means they know how to make both you and your companion feel settled in.