The latest addition to Palm Springs’ fast-evolving culinary scene comes with serious L.A. credentials. Marissa and Matt Hermer, the hospitality power couple behind hotspots Olivetta and Chez Mia, have officially opened Bar Issi, their newest restaurant and their first venture outside Los Angeles. Now open for brunch, dinner, and drinks inside the Thompson Hotel Palm Springs, the new concept blends old-money Italian coastal flavors with a free-spirited California sensibility—and a whole lot of style.
Bar Issi debuted June 6 with a bold, maximalist design by Tom Parker of Fettle, awash in Italian reds, blues, greens, and rich earth tones. Marissa Hermer says the layered, cinematic look was inspired by Season 2 of The White Lotus, set in Sicily, as well as the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, famous for its wild floor-to-ceiling patterns and theatrical design. The vibe here leans into that same energy: indulgent, escapist, and fun.
The restaurant’s roots trace back to Issima, a short-lived concept the Hermers launched in West Hollywood inside the La Peer Hotel. Though that space eventually evolved into Ladyhawk, the original Issima spirit—elevated yet approachable coastal fare, Mediterranean produce, and a stylish crowd—has been reborn in the desert, this time feeling more lived-in and fully realized.
That philosophy carries through Bar Issi’s menu. Think: crisp squash blossoms stuffed with feta and ricotta, a refreshing Sun Gold tomato gazpacho, or hamachi carpaccio dressed with truffle, yuzu, and ponzu. Pastas and pizzas are both featured prominently—shrimp linguini with Calabrian chile and lemon, and a wood-fired pepperoni pizza with 24-month parmesan are instant crowd-pleasers. Other pies, like the roasted mushroom with fontina, taleggio, and thyme, bring a cozy richness to the table. Larger plates include citrus-marinated skirt steak, lamb chops, and roasted salmon with peas and yogurt—all plated to share, all easy to love.
While we usually wait a few weeks to review a new restaurant to allow the kitchen to find its rhythm, we were too intrigued by Bar Issi’s stylish buzz to hold off. We first visited on its second night of service and were impressed by how smoothly the evening went, despite the expected early hiccups.
Initially seated in a tucked-away lounge area just off the bar—cozy and with a nice view of the mountains—we quickly realized that the chic swivel chairs, though stylish, sat uncomfortably low against the table. Hoping for a livelier experience, we asked to be moved to the main dining room. The hostess was accommodating, and the new seating offered a much more festive view of the room, including the energetic DJ spinning 80s dance and new wave remixes that set the perfect tone.
Our evening began with two appetizers: the Burrata with Sun Gold Tomato, Basil, and Aged Balsamic, and the Tuna Tartare. Both arrived promptly and were excellent. For entrées, we chose the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe—slightly undercooked but still flavorful—and the USDA Skirt Steak, marinated in citrus and topped with chimichurri. The steak was a highlight, cooked to perfection and paired with golden, freshly-fried French fries that stole the show. Nearby diners raved about their pizzas, which we made a note to try next time.
Cocktails were equally impressive. The Melon Daisy was so delicious that my dining companion ordered a second without hesitation. Other standout dishes we spotted our first visit ncluded the Branzino, Roasted Salmon and Lamb Chops—all of which seemed to be leaving guests equally satisfied.
While the kitchen showed a few signs of being overwhelmed—a common occurrence during a restaurant’s soft opening—management was gracious and attentive. The overall experience was upbeat, stylish, and celebratory, reflective of the immersive world the Hermers and their team have created.
A Second Visit Seals the Deal
Wanting to give Bar Issi a fair shake after its grand opening, we returned several weeks later—this time with a party of four—and found the restaurant firing on all cylinders. The place was buzzing with energy, and although there was a short wait of about 15 minutes, the experience began on a high note with exceptional cocktails at the bar.
We were eventually seated in a plush corner booth—worth the wait—and dove into a lineup of new dishes. We started with the wood-fired mushroom pizza, which lived up to the hype: hot, crisp, and deeply flavorful with fontina, taleggio, and thyme. A true standout. We also sampled the house-made Puccia bread, baked to order and served with three distinct butters—each one better than the last.
The tomato salad was fresh and well-composed, but once again, the much-anticipated Agnolotti was unavailable—perhaps a testament to its popularity, though slightly disappointing for us. Still, the entrées made up for it: the roasted Mary’s Chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, and the lamb Bolognese was hearty, savory, and satisfying.
For dessert, the soft-serve pistachio ice cream with raspberry sauce struck a sweet and refreshing balance to the meal. All in all, the second visit proved even more impressive than the first. With the kitchen now fully settled in, the experience felt seamless, polished, and consistently delicious.
It’s clear: a new star has arrived in Palm Springs, and its name is Bar Issi. Whether for a lively night out, an indulgent brunch, or just a killer cocktail and pizza combo, we highly recommend it.
