Bar Cecil takes its name from Cecil Beaton, the British artist known for blending classical polish with a rebellious streak, and the restaurant is built as a tribute to that mix of elegance and irreverence. It sits in Plaza del Sol on South Palm Canyon Drive, in a compact dining room.
The kitchen is led by partner-Executive Chef Gabriel Woo, who previously ran the kitchens at Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House in Palm Springs before joining Bar Cecil. Lead partner John Janulis also owns Villa Royale/Del Rey in Palm Springs and Lightning Bar Collective in Portland, while partners Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock are majority owners of Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House.
Bar Cecil has been named to the Michelin Guide's Selected list for Palm Springs in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, and was included in Time Out Palm Springs' 2026 best-of list.
The kitchen is led by partner-Executive Chef Gabriel Woo, who previously ran the kitchens at Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House in Palm Springs before joining Bar Cecil. Lead partner John Janulis also owns Villa Royale/Del Rey in Palm Springs and Lightning Bar Collective in Portland, while partners Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock are majority owners of Sparrows Lodge and Holiday House.
Bar Cecil has been named to the Michelin Guide's Selected list for Palm Springs in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, and was included in Time Out Palm Springs' 2026 best-of list.