The 15 Best Meals and Deals for San Diego Restaurant Week
From diner favorites to upscale steakhouses, vegetarian restaurants, and more, here are the best San Diego Restaurant Week deals.
Just in time to celebrate spring, San Diego Restaurant Week begins Sunday, March 26, and continues through Sunday, April 2. Nearly 100 restaurants all over the county are participating, from our favorite brunch spots to romantic date destinations, vegetarian restaurants, and more, each offering discounted prices compared to what you'd usually find there. With all those options, choosing where to go can be time-consuming and intimidating, but not to worry. We’ve gathered 15 of our favorite deals to help with the decision. A word of caution: Tables at popular venues fill up quickly, so be sure to make reservations ASAP. And remember, tax, tips, and drinks are not included in the discounted pricing.
As part of its 20th anniversary, San Diego Restaurant Week has chosen to partner with Feeding San Diego. This non-profit organization has a mission to end hunger through food rescue. For every meal ordered during San Diego Restaurant Week, $2 will be donated to Feeding San Diego, up to $10,000, by Chef Works, a Poway-based manufacturer of chef uniforms and chef wear programs within the food service and hospitality industries.
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Liberty Station
The Presley makes the most of its nearly 2,100 square feet of dedicated outdoor dining space with cleverly styled swing loungers, cozy couches, and luminous fire pits. Executive chef Todd Nash’s SDRW menu features classic American fare, along with a playful beverage menu incorporating twists on classic cocktails, including a Dole Whip Mimosa and a Lava Flow slushy.
Order: Brussels and Arugula or Calamari and Shishitos to start, Fish and Chips or the Flat Top Burger, and an ice cream sandwich to finish.
Cost: $30 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Gaslamp Quarter
Come hungry because the parade of food is nearly endless at Rei Do Gado. Dinner options include salads, starters, and hot dishes, plus an array of grilled meats like sirloin, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, lamb chops, pork ribs, ribeye, and tri-tip brought to your table on gigantic skewers. A steamed whole Maine lobster is available as an add-on at a wallet-friendly +$8.
Order: All of it—they will bring out whatever meat or seafood you want.
Cost: $60
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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La Mesa
Smokey and the Brisket has the same three-course SDRW menu for both lunch and dinner, but that won’t make your decisions any easier with starters like brisket burnt ends with jalapeno mac and cheese or loaded fries piled high with pulled pork and house cheese sauce. Entrees include four meat choices and a couple of sides from a list of a dozen options. Add a glass of wine for just $5 (dine-in only).
Order: Brisket Burnt Ends and Jalapeno Mac and Cheese, Prime Brisket or half-rack of spare ribs, and Bread Pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.
Cost: $45 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Tables are available on a first-come basis.
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Downtown
Take this opportunity to indulge in Del Frisco’s hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood in the gorgeous, two-level dining rooms overlooking San Diego Bay. The SDRW menu is a three-course affair with numerous entree upgrades and enhancement opportunities at an extra charge. The heavy hitters are, of course, the steaks, but the seafood game is on point as well. The SDRW menu is available Monday-Friday only.
Order: Blue Cheese Lettuce Wedge to start, Filet Mignon or North Atlantic Salmon, and Belgian chocolate mousse.
Cost: $60 for a three-course dinner; +$4-$25 for upgrades and featured beverages.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Kensington
Rustic beams, exposed stone walls, comfy sofas, and classic French fare have made this cozy bistro a beloved neighborhood favorite for over a decade. Bleu Boheme serves up traditional, affordable plates with influences from all regions of France. The restaurant week menu includes more choices for each course than the typical three or four, as well as several luxurious starters and entrees at additional cost. If you enjoy wine—and who doesn’t?—the wine list has over one hundred to choose from, including 30 served au pichet. Bleu Boheme is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Order: Gnocchi a la Parisienne or Croquette de Crabe to start, Confit de Canard or Boeuf Bourguignon, and Mousse au Chocolat or Brioche au Pommes.
Cost: $65 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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North Park
Treat yourself to “dinner with a side of divination” at The Seventh House, newly landed on University Avenue in North Park. The mystical experience features champagne showers at brunch and evening tarot card readings in a chic, sophisticated atmosphere. The three-course SDRW menu includes surprise elements from the chef, including a game meat of the day.
Order: Oyster Mushrooms or Pork Belly to start, Black Mole Cauliflower or Game of the Day, and Three Cheese Cheesecake or Chef’s Selection for dessert.
Cost: $60 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Carmel Valley
Tucked away in the The Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Glass Box is exactly what it sounds like—a beautiful glass box with a sushi bar inside. Head chef Ethan Yang’s deftly composed menu brings you flavors from the coasts of Asia, incorporating Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean flavors. Sushi, sashimi, and nigiri are highlights, and for a complete experience, try the omakase menu. SDRW showcases a two-course lunch and four-course options for dinner.
Order: Spring Salad and Sushi Sampler at lunch. Yuzu Tofu, Spring Salad, and Grilled Branzino for the three-course menu. Chilled Plate, Shiitake Mushroom Soup, NY Steak Tataki, and Braised Australian Short Ribs or Chef’s Choice Dessert for the four-course dinner.
Cost: $25 for a two-course lunch. $50 for a three-course dinner and $65 for a four-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Carlsbad, San Marcos
Draft Republic brings the action in your face with more than 70 flat screens, pool tables, ping pong, retro video games, golf, and sports simulators that provide ample entertainment, plus great daily specials and a tap list that includes dozens of San Diego’s favorites. The three-course lunch and dinner menu offers the option of a glass of house wine or select draft beer in place of an appetizer, along with the best bites from the regular menu.
Order: Chicken Lollipops or a draft, the Draft Republic burger, and Southern Bread Pudding for dessert.
Cost: $30 for a three-course lunch or dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Balboa Park
Stroll through the gardens, galleries, and museums of Balboa Park, San Diego’s crown jewel, before heading to The Prado for lunch or dinner at nearly half the price you’d regularly pay. Located in the historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers four main dining areas—each with its own distinctive decor and ambiance—including the outdoor terrace, a courtyard overlooking gardens and a fountain, a solarium, and a lounge. At lunch, you can order a glass of wine, sangria, or a margarita in place of an appetizer, and at dinner, everyone gets Prado’s yummy house-made crackers and Chipotle Hummus as a table starter, and a glass of wine, sangria, margarita or sparkling lemonade is included.
Order: Margarita or Spicy Calamari Fries and Fish Tacos at lunch. Baby Beet Salad, Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs, or Mustard-crusted Pork Chop (+$10) at dinner.
Cost: $25 for a two-course lunch. $40 for a three-course dinner. A trio of premium options are an additional $10 each at dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove favorite Giardino specializes in rustic Italian-inspired dishes as warm and comforting as a nonna’s hug. The three-course SDRW menu features customer favorites with your choice of four different starters and two desserts, making it one of SDRW’s best deals.
Order: Lobster Bisque or Meatball Lollipops to start, Crab and Shrimp Ravioli as an entree, and Tiramisu for dessert.
Cost: $50 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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La Mesa
Executive chef and owner Francesco Basile’s popular La Mesa eatery showcases his Sicilian roots and Italian culinary education throughout his multi-regional menu chock full of local, in-season ingredients, all served in a charmingly rustic atmosphere. The three-course menu has a $40 and a $50 option, depending on your choice of entree.
Order: Mascarpone and Gorgonzola Bruschetta or Polpettine to start, Parmigiana Di Melanzane or Northern Halibut as your entree, and Vanilla Gelato Affogato with Amaretti Crumble for dessert.
Cost: $40-$50 for a three-course dinner. Add $20 for optional wine pairings.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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The Headquarters, La Jolla, Mission Valley
San Diegans love their tacos, and for many, visiting Puesto for San Diego Restaurant Week is a must. Both the lunch and dinner menus at all three San Diego locations offer a quartet of guacamoles to choose from, along with two tacos from a mix-and-match slate of seven different fillings. Dinner adds your pick of two ceviches, and both menus offer a Puesto Perfect Margarita for $12, select cervezas for $6, and dessert for $4.
Order: Classic Guacamole, Carnitas and Verduras Tacos for lunch. Nogada Guacamole, Passionfruit & Mango Shrimp Ceviche, and Short Rib Quesabirria or Tamarindo Shrimp at dinner.
Cost: $25 for a two-course lunch. $35 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made for your location online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Harbor Island
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better view at any San Diego restaurant—the cityscape is dazzling day or night at Coasterra, perfect for a romantic date night. It’s especially spectacular from the expansive patio areas, but floor-to-ceiling windows ensure panoramic vistas from nearly every table. The SDRW menu includes chef Deborah Scott’s favorite dishes featuring modern Mexican flavors, including a reasonably priced six-ounce Lobster Tail option for an additional $30.
Order: Ceviche Clasico to start, Char-Grilled Carne Asada or Chef’s Vegetable Tasting, and Pineapple Buttercake with vanilla whipped cream.
Cost: $50 for a three-course dinner; +$30 for the lobster option.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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La Jolla
Duke’s La Jolla pays homage to Duke Kahanamoku, a five-time Olympic swim medalist who popularized surfing on both US coasts and in Australia. Laid back, casual, and brimming with gorgeous ocean views, you’ll love the modern interpretations of flavorful island dishes. Lunch is a two-course affair where you can choose between a starter or dessert (Hula Pie is the correct choice) and an entree, or come for dinner when you can enjoy three courses. A short wine list offers wines by the glass or carafes as an optional additional beverage.
Order: Korean Sticky Ribs or Hula Pie and Duke’s Classic Burger at lunch. Coconut Shrimp in Lilikoi (passionfruit) Chili Water, Sauteed Macadamia Nut and Herb-Crusted Fish or Wild Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli, and Hula Pie at dinner.
Cost: $30 for a two-course lunch. $50 for a three-course dinner. Wines range from $11-15 by the glass or $22-30 for a 13-ounce carafe.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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Mission Hills
Executive chef Alberto Morreale serves farm-to-fork cuisine and a cozy ambiance at Farmer’s Bottega in the heart of Mission Hills. The three-course SDRW dinner menu features a number of signature dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Mary’s Farm Free-Range Chicken with fingerlings and sprouts, and Bread Pudding.
Order: Clam Chowder or House Meatballs to start, Fennel Sausage Cavatelli or Short Rib, and Chocolate Cake or the Bread Pudding of the day for dessert.
Cost: $50 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.