San Diego Restaurant Week is back this fall, serving up countywide prix fixe menus and a low‑pressure way to sample the region’s chef‑driven dining scene. Mark your calendar for Sept. 13 to 20, when the eight‑day event will span dozens of neighborhoods and promise options for just about every budget.
According to San Diego Restaurant Week, this year’s edition is presented by the California Restaurant Association and will run Sept. 13 to 20, 2026. Participating restaurants will feature two‑course lunch and three‑course dinner prix fixe menus starting at $30, per San Diego Restaurant Week. Local reporting puts the lineup at more than 120 restaurants across 30‑plus neighborhoods, and reservations are highly recommended if you are eyeing a prime table, according to Patch.
Giveback And Seasonal Produce
A portion of participating restaurants’ fees will support Restaurants Care, a nonprofit that provides emergency grants to California restaurant workers. The event is about bringing people together through delicious food, said Joanna Pearce, manager of the California Restaurant Association’s San Diego chapter. The week also continues a collaboration with Specialty Produce to highlight peak‑season, locally sourced ingredients on select menus, according to KPBS.
How To Plan Your Week
Menus and a full list of participating restaurants will be posted on San Diego Restaurant Week, and organizers advise booking ahead since popular spots tend to fill up quickly, according to Patch. Reservations are not required everywhere but are strongly recommended at many venues, and menus typically include pricing and any automatic party gratuity, details that can help you decide whether lunch or dinner is the better play, per Patch.
Whether you map out a progressive tour across neighborhoods or lock in one standout meal, Restaurant Week offers a convenient excuse to explore San Diego’s food scene while backing the workers who keep it running. Keep an eye on the official menus as they are released so you can build the week that fits your tastes and your budget.
