San Diego Restaurant Week is set to return, offering an eight-day culinary celebration from September 14 to September 21.
With over 100 participating restaurants, this event promises a delectable experience in “America’s Finest City,” where attendees can enjoy diverse flavors.
Gather your friends, as sharing delicious meals is a fantastic way to connect and create lasting memories.
This year’s event invites food lovers to either revisit favorite restaurants or explore new dining spots, featuring options for every course.
The spotlight will be on La Mesa and Mission Valley, showcasing a variety of local favorites with their finest menus.
Each participating restaurant will present a prix fixe menu priced between $30 and $60 per person, usually offering a three-course or four-course dining experience.
Some establishments will provide both lunch and dinner menus, while others may focus solely on dinner.
In some exciting cases, cocktails will also be included as part of the courses.
To assist diners in making their selections, special menus for each restaurant will be posted on their websites.
For those craving Mexican cuisine, several standout options await.
Casa Gabriela, located in downtown La Mesa, features a menu crafted by Chef Gabriela, offering unique dishes such as jalapeno and white corn lasagna, pescado a la plancha (adobo-glazed white fish), and crispy carnitas.
Blanco Cocina & Cantina, boasting a fun rooftop setting in the Fashion Valley Shopping Center, will serve an extensive lunch and dinner menu, including shrimp tacos and braised short rib “machaca” tacos, perfect for dining in late summer.
Casa de Pico, a beloved establishment in Grossmont Shopping Center, offers an inviting atmosphere complete with mariachi music, where diners can enjoy options like carnitas, fish tacos, or pico enchiladas suizas.
For fans of Italian cuisine, there are remarkable experiences to indulge in during this event.
Aromi Italian Restaurant in La Mesa invites guests to savor authentic Italian flavors with enticing options like tonnarelli cacio e pepe and spicy rigatoni vodka.
An extra treat for diners is the option to have their pasta stirred in an authentic parmigiana reggiano cheese bowl, creating a memorable tableside experience.
For those not in the mood for pasta, the special menu includes four other options featuring salmon, steak, or chicken.
North Italia, also located in the Fashion Valley Shopping Center, will be offering an extensive selection that includes stromboli and giardino (garden) sandwiches, in addition to pasta, salads, and pizzas.
Antica Trattoria in La Mesa features exquisite seafood and meat dishes from Sicily, further enhanced by the additional option of ordering a drink as part of the meal.
Highlights from the Sicilian menu include mussels, calamari e gamberi (shrimp), and saltimboca (veal scaloppini).
Additionally, gluten-free diners can enjoy a gluten-free pasta option for a slight upcharge.
Those seeking classic American and barbecue favorites will find plenty of delicious offerings as well.
Dels’ Hideout in the Mission Valley/College Area serves BBQ staples like the BBQ sandwich, which allows for a choice of brisket, pulled pork, chicken, hot link, or vegan chicken—paired perfectly with onion rings that warrant their own recognition.
For dessert, indulging in the bourbon apple crisp sounds like an ideal finale to a hearty meal.
Also, Smokey and the Brisket on Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa offers ample portions, allowing guests to choose a protein such as brisket, pulled pork, or spare ribs, along with two side dishes, including mac ‘n cheese, creamy corn, or mashed potatoes.
But the highlight is undoubtedly the caramel churro, which makes for an unforgettable dessert.
If dining in at Smokey and the Brisket, be sure to take advantage of their special pricing for wine or beer.
Japanese cuisine lovers can also look forward to delights at Benihana in Mission Valley, where chefs dazzle guests with their culinary flair.
The three-course offerings include entrees such as Rocky’s Choice, with hibachi steak and chicken, or the signature Benihana delight featuring colossal shrimp and chicken.
Whether you’re on the hunt for great deals, eager to discover new restaurants, or keen to sample trending dishes, San Diego Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity.
Don’t forget to gather your friends, as the joy of good food is best enjoyed together.
For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit the event’s website.
While reservations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended to ensure the best experience during this celebrated culinary event.
image source from：timesofsandiego
