San Diego Restaurant Week: 8 Days, 100+ Menus, Infinite Cravings!

by scott leonard

San Diego, your fork’s about to get a workout. Loosen the belt and open the calendar. San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW), an eight-day excuse to eat your way across the county as 100+ restaurants in 30+ neighborhoods—from Oceanside to Chula Vista—roll out fall-forward prix-fixe menus loaded with roasted squash, citrus, sage, and all the cozy aromatics you crave. Don’t miss out on the culinary delights that await you during San Diego Restaurant Week.

HOW TO SDRW LIKE A PRO

1) Pick your vibe. Fancy date night? Elevated lunch between meetings? Patio people-watching? There’s a prix-fixe for that.
2) Filter smart. On the official site, you can sort by neighborhood, cuisine, dining style, and price—so your wish list writes itself.
3) Book it. Many spots fill fast. Make reservations directly through the San Diego Restaurant Week SDRW site (OpenTable is integrated) and arrive hungry.

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WHAT’S ON THE MENU

Expect chefs to lean into fall produce, incorporating it into multi-course menus designed for tasting and sharing during San Diego Restaurant Week.

  • Two-course lunches and three-course dinners start at just $20, so you can try that new hotspot and treat your friends without frightening your wallet.

    Each restaurant prepares special menus just for San Diego Restaurant Week, ensuring you have a memorable dining experience.

  • Options range from fast-casual gems to fine-dining icons, with plenty of pasta twirls, seafood stunners, wood-fired moments, and creative desserts that demand a second spoon.

    Be sure to check out the amazing deals available during San Diego Restaurant Week, making dining out more affordable.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE (Micro-Itineraries)

  • North County Night: Sunset drinks and a seafood-centric prix-fixe in Oceanside → gelato stroll.

  • Downtown Power Lunch: A quick two-course in Gaslamp/Little Italy → espresso to go → afternoon bragging rights.

  • South Bay Date Night: Bold flavors in Chula Vista → nightcap and people-watching under the string lights.

Colorful cocktails on a wooden table during San Diego Restaurant Week

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NEIGHBORHOOD CHEAT CODES

  • Little Italy: If you see “nonna” on a menu, order it. Share pastas; save room for cannoli.

  • North Park: Cocktails first, then a chef-y prix-fixe—walkable blocks = perfect progressive dinner.

  • La Jolla: Time the reservation to golden hour; coastal views turn good meals legendary.

  • Hillcrest: Brunch-leaning lunches, veg-friendly swaps, and lively patios. Bring friends; order the flight.

DEAL HUNTER’S GUIDE

  • Lunch is the sleeper hit. The same kitchen, smaller price point—hello, value.

  • Add-ons are your friend. Many menus offer optional wine pairings or chef supplements—say yes if you can.

  • Dietary goals? Ask about vegan/DF/GF pivots; SDRW spots are surprisingly nimble.

  • Split & sample. With multi-course menus, trade bites so everyone gets a greatest-hits plate.

PRO TIPS

  • Reserve early. Prime slots vanish first.

  • Share smart. If your table permits, divide and conquer for maximum menu coverage.

  • Ask about add-ons. Wine flights, chef supplements, and vegan/DF/GF swaps are often available.

  • Be kind. Tip your servers like the meal changed your life (it might).

QUICK FACTS

  • When: Sunday, Sept 14 to Sunday, Sept 21, 2025

    Mark your calendars for the next San Diego Restaurant Week to enjoy incredible culinary offerings.

  • Where: 100+ restaurants in 30+ neighborhoods (Oceanside ↔ Chula Vista)

  • Hosted by: California Restaurant Association

  • Browse & book: sandiegorestaurantweek.com (filters + OpenTable reservations)

RAGE PICKS & EXTRAS

We’re taste-scouting all week. Flip to our September issue for editor favorites, budget hacks, and where to snag that impossible table. We’ll also drop story highlights and last-minute openings on our socials—come snack with us during San Diego Restaurant Week as we celebrate local chefs and innovative cuisine.