Restaurant Week seems to grow every year with more participating locations and this year is no exception. Over a hundred different restaurants are set to participate in 2026's Restaurant Week!
Fried Goat Cheese Squash Blossom Popover at the Great Maple
What are the Top Restaurants Participating in 2026?
With so many fantastic restaurants with such talented chefs taking part in this year's event, it's tough to say which ones are the best or top choices. A lot of it really comes down to what you like, types of food, and personal preference.
I can say from my experience (or what I've heard from my friends and family) that many of the restaurants that are part of the event are the best in San Diego!
Restaurants taking part in 2026 include beloved local favorites like Oceana Coastal Kitchen located right in the border of Mission Bay and Pacific Beach, and Balsamico Italian Kitchen located near Imperial Beach just south of Coronado, which our Go Visit San Diego team loves!
We also really enjoy Brisa in Little Italy and IL Posto in South Park.
Bali Hai Restaurant with a Classic Car on Shelter Island
Featured Restaurants for San Diego Restaurant Week 2026
While more than 100 restaurants participate in San Diego Restaurant Week each year, listing every single option can be overwhelming and not very helpful.
Instead, we've curated a selection of standout restaurants based on reputation, location, cuisine variety, and overall value during Restaurant Week. These are places we'd confidently recommend to visitors and locals who want a great experience without overthinking the decision.
Bali Hai Restaurant - Point Loma & Shelter Island · Hawaiian & Seafood · Lunch $25 / Dinner $45
The Prado - Balboa Park · Spanish · Lunch $30 / Dinner $55
Coasterra - Harbor Island · Mexican · Dinner $55
Ember & Rye - Carlsbad · Seafood & Steaks · Lunch $39
Pacific 333 - Oceanside · Seafood & Steak · Dinner $65
The Smoking Goat - North Park · California & French · Dinner $50
Great Maple - Hillcrest & University Heights · Contemporary American · Lunch $28 / Dinner $48
Puesto at the Headquarters - Downtown · Mexican · Dinner $40
Cafe Coyote - Old Town · Mexican · Lunch $25 / Dinner $35
Puerto La Boca Argentinean Restaurant - Downtown & Little Italy · Argentine Steakhouse · Lunch $30 / Dinner $50
Solare Ristorante - Point Loma · Italian (Gluten-Free Friendly) · Dinner $48
One Door North - North Park · California American · Dinner $50
Bellamy's Restaurant - Escondido · Contemporary California · Dinner $60
Cori Pastificio Trattoria - North Park & South Park · Contemporary Italian · Dinner $55
Tidal - Mission Bay · California Seafood · Dinner $60
Amaya - Chula Vista · American & Italian · Dinner $40
Birria Tosada at Tahona Bar in Old Town San Diego
What Types of Food Can I Expect?
Options from these diverse menus include upscale dining like steak and sushi, vegetarian meals, and of course, fresh-caught seafood.
Alongside American and Californian staples, you'll find restaurants serving up cuisine from cultures all around the world, including Mexican, Greek, French, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes.
Are There Options for Special Diets?
Yes! Options for those that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and nut free will all be offered at select restaurants.
I suggest that you call ahead to your preferred restaurant to make sure they have what you are looking for and can accommodate your dietary needs.
Will There Be a Prix Fixe Menu During Restaurant Week?
Yes, many of the restaurants will have special chef created, prix fixe, multi-course set menus showcasing seasonal ingredients, incredible flavors, and the best the restaurant has to offer.
It's also true that most of the restaurants will offer their regular menu if you'd rather not take part in the prix fixe option.