In This Economy? Enjoy 15 of the Best Deals at 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 autumn, the 20th annual San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) begins Sunday, September 24, and continues through Sunday, October 1. Nearly 100 restaurants all over the county are participating, from our favorite brunch spots to romantic date destinations, each offering discounted prices compared to what you would 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 and tips are not included in the discounted pricing.
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 ($40) or Northern Halibut ($50) 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.
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, making it 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 eight-ounce Lobster Tail option for an additional $32.
Order: Ceviche Clasico to start, Char-Grilled Carne Asada or Chef’s Vegetable Tasting, and Tres Leches Cake for dessert.
Cost: $50 for a three-course dinner; +$32 for the lobster option.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
Carlsbad, San Marcos
Draft Republic brings all 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: Chop Chop Salad 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.
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 several signature dishes like Grilled Artichokes, Paccheri with Paccheri with fennel sausage, pomodoro sauce, goat cheese, wild arugula, and Limoncello Cake.
Order: Lump Crab Cake or Grilled Artichokes to start, Duck Gnocchi or Paccheri, and Limoncello Cake 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.
La Mesa, Chula Vista, Little Italy
Focusing on their Sicilian roots, Farmer’s Table specializes in contemporary takes on time-tested recipes. For SDRW, they will be touting what they do best with a three-course farm-fresh dinner that includes choices like their fan-favorite Crab Cakes and NY Steak. Hours vary with location, so check the individual website for details.
Order: Crab Cake or Steak Tartar to start, Rigatoni Lamb Ragu or Stuffed Sole, and Limoncello Cake.
Cost: $45 for a four-course dinner, $6 for premium options.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
La Jolla
George’s at the Cove has stunning panoramic views of La Jolla Cove from nearly every seat in the house—its website even posts each day’s sunset time for your convenience. Now in its 40th year, you’ll enjoy a two-course lunch or three-course dinner from chef and partner Trey Foshee and executive chef Masa Kojima at a fraction of the regular menu prices. You can choose an appetizer and entree or an entree and dessert at lunch.
Order: George’s Famous Soup and Blackened Local Fish Tacos or Corn Risotto for lunch. Crispy Shrimp or Hokkaido Scallop Crudo (+$10) to start, Seared Rare Local Yellowtail
or Bone-in Alaskan Halibut (+$14) as an entree, and Warm Chocolate Cake with strawberry cheesecake ice cream for dessert at dinner
Cost: $25 for a two-course lunch, $60 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
Lemon Grove
Lemon Grove favorite Giardino specializes in rustic Italian-inspired dishes as warm and comforting as a nonna’s hug. The two-course SDRW lunch menu is a wallet-friendly $19, and the dinner menu features customer favorites with your choice of four different starters and two desserts, making it one of SDRW’s best deals.
Order: Soup of the Day and Italian Cuts Panini for lunch. At dinner, Lobster Bisque or Meatball Lollipops to start, Seafood Risotto or Steak Siciliano (+$15) as an entree, and Chocolate Hazelnut Cake for dessert.
Cost: $19 for a two-course lunch. $50 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
Carmel Valley
Tucked away in 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, or for a complete experience, try the omakase menu. SDRW showcases a two-course lunch and three- or four-course options for dinner.
Order: Fall Salad and Sushi Sampler at lunch. Yuzu Tofu, Seared Salmon, or Surf and Turf for the three-course menu. Japanese Steak Tartare and Fresh Tuna Pizza 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.
Hillcrest
Blending American diner chic with a dash of European refinement, Hillcrest's uber popular Great Maple Dinette uses seasonal and sustainably-sourced ingredients in its over-the-top comfort foods, baked goods, and excellent craft cocktails.
Order: Lobster Bisque and House Smoked Tri-Tip Steak Hash for lunch. Baja Poke Corn Tostada, Buttermilk Tarragon Fried Chicken and Huckleberry Mascarpone Cheesecake for dinner.
Cost: $20 for a two-course lunch, $40 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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. A trio of premium options are an additional $10 each at dinner.
Order: Margarita and Spicy Calamari Fries or Fish Tacos at lunch. Baby Beet Salad, Short Ribs, or Mustard-crusted Pork Chop (+$10) at dinner.
Cost: $25 for a two-course lunch. $50 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
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 trio of guacamoles to choose from, along with two tacos from a mix-and-match slate of nine different fillings. Dinner adds your pick of two ceviches, and both menus offer a Puesto Perfect Margarita for $12, select cervezas for $6, and at dinner, dessert for $5.
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.
Gaslamp Quarter
Come hungry because the parade of food is nearly endless at Rei Do Gado. 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.
Order: All of it—they will bring you whatever meat or seafood you want.
Cost: $27 for lunch. $60 for dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made online. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
Hillcrest
RustiCucina’s cozy atmosphere and traditional Sicilian dishes make it one of Hillcrest’s go-to spots for families, date night or just relaxing with a glass of wine. Featuring only organic, locally sourced ingredients, the SDRW menu is chock full of favorites from its regular menu, plus a few surprises from the chef.
Order: Sicilian Artichokes or Grama’s Meatball to start, Brasato di Manzo or Fileto al Chianti (+9) and Cannoli.
Cost: $35 for a three-course dinner.
How to book: Reservations can be made via OpenTable. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.
North Park
Treat yourself to “dinner with a side of divination” at The Seventh House on University Avenue in North Park, a mystical experience featuring 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, such as a tiramisu of the day or chef’s selection dessert.
Order: Oyster Mushrooms or Pork Belly to start, Black Mole Cauliflower or Pescado Zarandeado, and Tiramisu of the Day 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.
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 few sides from a list of nearly 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 meal.
How to book: Tables are available on a first-come basis.