The most delicious time of the year is officially on the calendar! NYC Winter Restaurant Week 2026 is returning this January, offering New Yorkers a rare chance to dine at world-class establishments without the usual eye-watering bill.
Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-vibe dinner in Manhattan or a hidden gem in Queens, here is everything you need to know to snag a table.
What is NYC Restaurant Week?
A beloved New York City staple since 1992, NYC Restaurant Week was created to celebrate the city’s world-famous dining scene.
During Restaurant Week eager eaters get the chance to sample some of NYC’s top restaurants and neighborhood favorites with prix fixe menus and fabulous dining deals.
When is NYC Restaurant Week?
Despite the name, Restaurant Week actually spans nearly a month! This winter, the program runs from Tuesday, January 20 through Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- Reservations: Now open
- Pro Tip: the “bucket list” restaurants often book up within the first few hours, so don’t wait to make your reservation!
The Deals: How Much Does It Cost?
The 2026 program continues its popular tiered pricing, allowing a wider variety of restaurants to participate. You can expect three distinct price points for prix-fixe menus:
- $30 Lunch/Brunch (2 courses)
- $45 Dinner/Lunch (3 courses)
- $60 Dinner (3 courses)
Note: Drinks, tax, and tip are not included, so be sure to budget a little extra for that celebratory cocktail!
Do Restaurants Offer Deals on Weekends?
This is the most common mistake diners make!
- Saturdays: officially excluded from the program
- Sundays: optional–not all restaurants participate on Sundays, so check the official NYC Tourism listing before you go
- Mon–Fri: the “Golden Zone” where almost every participant offers their deals
How to Find Participating Restaurants
With hundreds of restaurants across all five boroughs, the list can be overwhelming–thankfully, you can filter by:
- Cuisine (from dim sum to dry-aged steaks)
- Borough and Neighborhood
- Amenities (like “outdoor heating” or “great for groups”)
Those that want to participate can simply look online to see what restaurants are offering deals and what those deals are, and then head to the restaurant to enjoy a meal!
Still need some inspo? Some of our favorite participating spots include:
- Pasta Louise – Park Slope
- Fish Cheeks – NoHo
- Fandi Mata – Williamsburg
- Mission Ceviche – UES & Union Square
- The Queensboro – Jackson Heights
- Hupo – Long Island City
- Olio e Più – West Village & Bryant Park
- Cathédrale – East Village
- Le Tout Va Bien – Hell’s Kitchen
Do I need to make reservations?
While not always mandatory, reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular spots. Pro tip: your best bet at finding availability is typically during lunch Monday through Wednesday.
Secret NYC Tips for Success:
To make the most of your meal, follow these insider strategies:
- Look for the “Sunday Steal”: since Sunday participation is optional, the restaurants that do offer it are usually less crowded than Friday nights
- The “Lunch vs. Dinner” Hack: many high-end restaurants offer nearly identical menus for lunch and dinner, but the lunch price point is often $15–$30 cheaper
- Check the Regular Menu: always cross-reference the Restaurant Week menu with the standard menu–you want to make sure the prix-fixe offers real value and isn’t just a smaller portion of their cheapest items
- Explore the Boroughs: some of the best culinary value is found in the Bronx’s Little Italy or Astoria’s Greek row