Voted “Best Pizza in the Desert” 4 years running, What makes a great pizza? It starts with a great oven! Ours is an authentic wood- fired masonry oven where the fire has burned constantly since the day we opened. Modern gas and electric ovens cannot produce the intense heat needed - over 700 degrees - to achieve the crispy, smoky crust that our oven provides. With dough made fresh daily in-house, our goal is to make the best pizza in the desert! In the mood for something a little fancier? Our famous mini-burgers, Pan seared atlantic salmon, 16 oz grilled Rib Eye steak or matchbox fish and chips? Our chef's dishes are simply and classically prepared! You’ll find our appetizers and entrees well seasoned & hearty, never bland. The challenge? Build an interesting restaurant in an expansive second floor space that includes outdoor seating in historic Downtown Palm Springs! The matchbox experience takes place in an engaging atmosphere designed & custom-built.
"Went here on a recommendation from the place we were staying and it didn't disappoint!! All three entrees ordered at the table were cleaned up and enjoyed. The steak and wedge, the crab sandwich and the salmon with polenta!! We sat outside and it was warm, but the service crew kept our cold drinks refilled without prompting and we lacked for nothing. Great job Matchbox!!"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
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"We ate here one week ago and had the Chicken Sandwich and fries, absolutely the best sandwich I have ever had. Fries were crispy and wonderful. Yesterday we ordered the same thing and it was not very good. Chicken was ok but bread was stale and dry, some other ingredients were not very fresh. Just not the same at all. Also, last week we came for restaurant week and had the prefix menu. Terrible food for more money. In the past we have loved this restaurant but something has changed recently. Too bad. Great location."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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"I have always enjoyed Matchbox restaurant and the food was very good. I dont understand having doors open to the outside when it is over 100 plus degrees outside. Even when I closed them they would not stay closed. Also, the noise level was extremely loud (ladies on cocktails, sorry)"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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"Recently ate here with family members in town for wedding. Got a reservation for 6 on short notice through OpenTable and restaurant was most accommodating on a very busy night. Lots of choices and food was excellent. Great selection for all appetites. Would definitely recommend for anyone visiting Palm Springs and want a little spice of life."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"I made the reservation originally for 1, then a friend joined me so modified the reservation. When we got there they had us on one of the few balcony tables for 2 overlooking the square and main street. I have to say that it was one of the most romantic places to be. The food was great, selection was good and had a nice bottle of Australian wine that was very reasonably priced. All in all, it was a great evening.
My only concern was WHO was serving us. It seemed that the hostess did most of the work, taking our order, getting the wine, etc. We did see the waitress as she did check in on us. The service was attentive without hovering. It was just a little confusing on who was our main server. And in my book that is not a big thing."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"I discovered this little gem of a restaurant a few years ago on a girls weekend. I've been back every time I go to Palm Springs! The Matchbox Chopped salad and the Matchbox Meat pizza are my absolute favorite!! You can't go wrong here! I always book a balcony table for two, very romantic and you can see the sights up high of Palm Springs. A little noisy with the street below, but still very nice."
Dined on 10/13/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"Great birthday experience! It was my 3rd time but the rest of my groups first and it was awesome. Ended up not even leaving when it came to late night drinks, just stayed on the beautiful patio!!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"I picked this spot because it seemed like my family would be able to relax, chat, and catch up. I was right. The food and service were great, but the atmosphere is relaxing and it isn't too noisy to hear your own table's conversation. It was a really perfect place. We will be back for a romantic dinner soon! :)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch, special occasion
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"pizzas were great, thin crust hamburger sliders with thin onion rings were good salads good, too everyone there were hospitable greeting us coming in and wishing us a good day going out"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"I love this restaurant! We make a point to eat here every time we visit Palm Springs! The food is delicious and the service is great! We always reserve the private balcony, great for people watching!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"A truly wonderful experiance! Highly recommended to family and friends."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Pizza was a little burnt for my liking but was good."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Matchbox is thee place to dine and wine while in Palm Springs. It is right in the center of the main street. Their food is delicious and so are their Martini's."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Everything work like clock work I take many Real Estate clients to the great place They all love it and now going back on their oen.
Cid"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We enjoyed everything about Matchbox. Only had pizza, but if we were to travel to Palm Springs again, would definitely go back and try other things. Great atmosphere, view of the street scene, great service, good wine list, very enjoyable evening all around."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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"It was exactly what one would hope to experience when you are looking for a causal place to get a bite to eat. Service efficient and pizza very good."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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"We had a group of eight and had requested an balcony table. We were very happy that they were able to accommodate our request. All of our food was excellent and our waitress was attentive. A perfect evening! Thank you."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view
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"We heard the pizza is good, but we tried other items instead. The crab sandwich was a little too fishy for our liking, and the beet salad was good but could have used a little more flavor. But we loved that it included golden beets."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"Delicious wood-fired pizzas with unusual toppings combined with interesting salads make for an excellent casual meal. The balconies overlooking the Plaza mean you are right in the center of Palm Springs night life. Friendly, capable service. Decent parking options behind the restaurant."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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"Matchbox did not disappoint. We understand now why it was rated one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs. We will definitely come back again and would recommend to anyone who asks for dining suggestions. Exceptional views and a very good location. Food was phenomenal and the waiter was very attentive and open to giving us suggestions."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot
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"Disappointed to be told, after being seated on the "balcony", that it is not considered "patio" and therefore we could not order any of the happy hour specials."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"We loved this restaurant. We had very little time and researched well, only to decide to dine at Matchbox. The food was great, ambiance nice. The only problem was that particular night was very understaffed. We were seated outside and I really do believe we were forgotten about. Twice. Since we weren't in a big hurry it was okay, but I guess we were just shocked after waiting and waiting and....nothing! We had to seek out our server eventually. He explained apologetically that people called in that night and he was a bit overwhelmed, poor guy! Anyway, we would consider coming back in again and hopefully sit inside so we are visible!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Always appreciate the friendly staff and consistent food. The balconies overlooking the courtyard and street are a fun location to people watch while enjoying handcrafted pizzas and professionally crafted cocktails."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We were looking for good thin crust pizza and Matchbox provided it. Best pizza that we have had in Palm Springs. Other places were thick and gloppy pizza."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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"Needed more risotto and a bit more scallops on my dish. Sirloin Steak was good but not impressed with mashed cauliflower in lieu of a potato side. Overall was for what you get, at least on our dishes. Pizza ordered by our companion was good."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"We make it a point to have dinner here every time we visit Palm Springs.
During a week long visit to Palm Springs we had dinner at Matchbox twice. Once dinner was hamburgers and the other was pizza...both are excellent choices. It think the pizza is the best!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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"We always enjoy the food at Matchbox. Especially the pizza! I think our waitress was ready to call it a night before we sat down around 9pm though. Unfortunately, she seemed very distracted and it took a very long time for her to come and even take our drink order. When asked a few questions about the menu, her answer was simply "some people like that". It didn't take away from the night at all though as we entertained ourselves and the balcony seat over Palm Canyon always provides a great experience."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We have been to Matchbox several times and have always had good food and great service. The pizza selection is unique and very good. It is fun to sit outside on the balcony and watch people walk by on Palm Canyon Drive. It is our favorite spot in Palm Springs."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Matchbox is not as good as posted here in other reviews, not even close. The food barely passable. I love pizza, and have enjoyed great pizzas all over the world. This was a sorry excuse for wood fired pizza. The crust was not cooked enough and none of the charred or smoky taste that one gets from a brick oven. It was bland and barely cooked. I chose a pizza with fresh mozzarella and there was barely any cheese on the pie, maybe 1/3 coverage, and again barely cooked so it was lumpy instead of gooey. To top it off the pizza arrived lukewarm. Really lousy.
My wife's salad was okay. The server was nice but service overall sporadic. Hard to get someone. It wasn't particularly romantic, and the vast interior was pretty empty. Avoid."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
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