Located at 73100 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260, Porta Via has been a standout destination since opening in 2022. Great food, a beautiful ambiance, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refined keep us coming back.
The restaurant’s design is a contemporary take on desert modernism by Sophie Goineau, blending earthy materials with a midcentury sensibility. The space transitions effortlessly from indoors to outdoors, capturing the rhythm of El Paseo while offering moments of privacy and calm.
A key architectural feature throughout the project is the use of Tesselle Rotary 11.4" White Breeze Blocks. The breeze block walls introduce texture, filtered light, and airflow, shaping the dining experience without enclosing it. They add structure while preserving openness, an ideal balance for Palm Desert’s climate and lifestyle.
The project came together through a strong collaboration. Brunswick Builders, led by Steve Forbes, served as the General Contractor. The breeze block walls were constructed by Troncoso Masonry, Inc., with Efren Trancoso overseeing the masonry work. Structural engineering for the masonry elements was provided by RA Structural Engineering, ensuring the design performed as beautifully as it looks.
Porta Via is a contemporary California Bistro & Bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Owner Peter Garland and his team regularly source produce from Southern California farmers markets, hand-picking ingredients to maintain a high standard across the menu. Wild-caught seafood and all natural meats arrive daily, and the wine program features nearly 150 selections from around the world, including a private consignment of mature Classed-Growth Bordeaux.
It is a neighborhood restaurant with a world-class feel, and a great example of how thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and quality materials can elevate hospitality spaces.