By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego Restaurant Week, presented by the California Restaurant Association, returns January 25 through February 1 with eight days of unbeatable dining deals and a renewed commitment to supporting the people behind San Diego’s vibrant food scene.
This year, San Diego Restaurant Week introduces a partnership with Restaurants Care, a nonprofit fund that provides relief grants to California’s restaurant workers, with a portion of every restaurant’s participation fee benefiting cooks, servers, dishwashers, and hospitality professionals in need. More than 100 restaurants across San Diego County will offer specially curated two-course lunches and three-course dinners starting at just $30, inviting diners to explore and support the region’s diverse culinary landscape.
For the January edition of Restaurant Week, San Diego’s most beloved chefs and rising culinary talents will spotlight winter flavors – think comforting dishes, fresh coastal seafood, and creative takes on classic favorites. Continuing the organization’s longstanding partnership with Specialty Produce – which proudly maintains the world’s largest database of fruits and vegetables – participating restaurants’ menus will feature peak-season ingredients, enforcing the organization’s mission that “every fruit has a story.”
“There’s something special about starting the year gathered around the table,” said Joanna Pearce, CRA San Diego Chapter Manager. “The January edition of San Diego Restaurant Week gives everyone a delicious reason to reconnect after the holidays, support local restaurants, and share memorable meals with the people we love as we begin 2026 together.”
Participating restaurants span more than 30 neighborhoods, including Downtown, La Jolla, Central San Diego, Mission Bay and Beaches, East County, North County Inland and Coastal, Point Loma/Harbor Island, South Bay, and more. From long-time favorites to exciting newcomers, the 2026 winter lineup showcases the diversity that defines San Diego dining.
San Diego Restaurant Week not only offers value to visitors, but it also provides support to local restaurants. Each meal enjoyed helps sustain the chefs, staff, and small businesses that shape San Diego’s thriving food culture.
This year, the event is deepening its community impact through a meaningful partnership with Restaurants Care, a nonprofit fund powered by California Restaurant Foundation, which provides relief grants and essential resources to restaurant workers across California. Since 2017, Restaurants Care has supported thousands of cooks, servers, dishwashers, and hospitality professionals during moments of crisis, helping cover basics like rent, groceries, and utilities when they need it most.
“We’re thrilled to join San Diego Restaurant Week to support the incredible people who bring the city’s culinary scene to life,” said Alycia Harshfield, President of the California Restaurant Foundation. “This partnership is about lifting up the hardworking individuals behind every great meal and, through Restaurants Care, being there for them when life takes an unexpected turn. When our community comes together to enjoy the culinary experiences we love, we strengthen the hospitality family we all care about.”
This partnership brings deeper purpose to San Diego Restaurant Week: as diners explore and enjoy the region’s vibrant culinary scene, their participation helps uplift the people who make it all possible. A portion of every restaurant’s participation fee goes directly to Restaurants Care, allowing guests feel good knowing their meals are supporting the hardworking workers behind San Diego’s favorite dining experiences.
Reservations aren’t required to enjoy this foodie-favorite week, but they are strongly recommended to guarantee seating. A complete list of participating restaurants, along with photos and tempting menus, is available online, with new additions appearing daily.
