Restaurant Week
Dine out for less during Restaurant Week! Cities across America host restaurant weeks featuring prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Experience upscale dining at affordable prices while supporting local restaurants and discovering new favorite spots.
About Restaurant Week
Dine out for less during Restaurant Week! Cities across America host restaurant weeks featuring prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Experience upscale dining at affordable prices while supporting local restaurants and discovering new favorite spots.
History & origins
Restaurant Week began in New York City in 1992 as a promotional dining event tied to the Democratic National Convention, and it is widely credited with popularizing the modern restaurant-week format in the United States. The original New York program was built around discounted prix-fixe lunches, with Joe Baum and Tim Zagat often cited among the people behind it. From there, the idea spread to other U.S. cities and became a recurring way to spotlight local restaurants during slower business periods.
Why it matters
Restaurant Week gives diners a chance to try higher-end restaurants at lower fixed prices, which can make new cuisines and neighborhood spots more accessible. It also helps restaurants fill seats, build awareness, and stimulate traffic during off-peak weeks, which matters in an industry with tight margins. For many cities, it has become a useful boost for local hospitality and a discovery event for residents.
How to celebrate
Make reservations at participating restaurants. Try restaurants you've wanted to experience. Explore different cuisines. Share your Restaurant Week experiences. Support local dining establishments.
Facts
- NYC Restaurant Week started in 1992
- Most cities now have bi-annual restaurant weeks
- Typical prix-fixe menus are $20-$50 for multiple courses
- Restaurant Week helps drive traffic during slow periods
- Some cities extend it to two weeks due to popularity
Frequently asked questions
When is Restaurant Week in 2026?
Restaurant Week in 2026 is observed during the week of Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
What is Restaurant Week?
Restaurant Week is a dining promotion where participating restaurants offer special fixed-price menus, often called prix-fixe menus. It is designed to make restaurant dining more affordable while encouraging people to try new places.
Who started Restaurant Week?
Restaurant Week is generally traced to New York City in 1992. Joe Baum and Tim Zagat are commonly credited with helping launch the idea, though later city programs were developed independently.
How do you celebrate Restaurant Week?
The easiest way is to make reservations at participating restaurants and choose a prix-fixe menu. It is also a good time to explore a cuisine you have not tried before and support local dining spots.
Is Restaurant Week an official holiday?
No, Restaurant Week is not a formal holiday. It is an informal promotional event created by restaurants, tourism groups, or local organizers.
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