The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink – Week of May 18, 2026

The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
Magic in the Stars
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Disney On Ice Magic in the Stars Comes to San Diego
  • Pechanga Arena San Diego
Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars, an all-new production coming to Pechanga Arena. With 56 of your favorite Disney characters, the show features...
wildfires in Los Angeles
Support L.A. Wildfire Victims With Oxford Social Club and Temaki Bar
San Diego, it’s time to come together to support L.A. wildfire victims and aid recovery efforts from the wildfires in Los Angeles. Clique Hospitality’s Oxford...
Lunar New Year Celebration
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Celebrate Lunar New Year With a Lion Dance at Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library
Ring in the Year of the Snake with an exciting Lunar New Year celebration at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library! Gather with the community to...
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
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The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is Rolling Back Into San Diego!
  • Fashion Valley
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making its way to Fashion Valley, bringing Hello Kitty exclusive merchandise and sweet treats to fans of all ages....
Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
San Diego Restaurants Unite for Disaster Relief
San Diego is stepping up to help Los Angeles wildfire victims through a special campaign, Dining for Disaster Relief. Eight local bars and restaurants have...
Gaslamp Quarter
Pendry San Diego Brings the Excitement This Season
Pendry San Diego has you covered this season with a lineup of can’t-miss events and happenings, from romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to game-day celebrations and...
Feeding San Diego fundraiser at Callie
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Support a Great Cause With a Stunning Dinner at Callie
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, and giving back as Feeding San Diego and Chef Travis Swikard team up for the...
Cellar Hand executive chef
Meet the Chef Behind Cellar Hand’s Mediterranean-Inspired Magic
Cellar Hand’s Executive Chef, Ashley McBrady, is putting her stamp on San Diego’s dining scene with a hyper-local, Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates the region’s farmers...
Oceanside’s newest destination
The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill Opens at The Brick Hotel
Soak up the vibes at The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill, Oceanside’s newest destination for rum-forward cocktails, playful island-inspired cuisine, and moody retro tiki vibes....
San Diego Midnight Lion Dance Show
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Celebrate Lunar New Year With the San Diego Midnight Lion Dance Show
San Diego, get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable evening of culture, tradition, and celebration! Hosted by the San Diego...
Pop-up for LA wildfire relief
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Pop-Up for LA: A Culinary Fundraiser for Wildfire Relief
  • Herb and Wood
Pop-Up for LA is a foodie fundraiser bringing together the most beloved chefs in San Diego to support wildfire relief. This incredible event is happening...
SDFC single-match tickets
Single-Match Tickets for San Diego FC’s 2025 Season are Now Available!
Soccer fans, the wait is over! SDFC single-match tickets for the 2025 MLS Regular Season are officially available, giving you the chance to catch all...
Fox Point Farms Stories from the Soil
Experience “Stories From the Soil”: A Monthly Farm-to-Table Culinary Journey
Fox Point Farms, San Diego’s first agrihood, recently launched “Stories from the Soil”—a monthly farm-to-table dinner series that brings together celebrated chefs and the principles...
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz
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An Evening With Fran Lebowitz: A Night of Wit and Insight
  • Balboa Theatre
Prepare for an unforgettable night of wit and wisdom as one of the most insightful social commentators of our time comes to the Balboa Theatre....
The Whiskey House anniversary
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Celebrate 10 Years of Whiskey Bliss at The Whiskey House!
  • The Whiskey House
Raise a glass and toast to a decade of excellence at The Whiskey House anniversary, a celebration of top-notch whiskey, live music, and unforgettable memories....
Granger Hotel
The Granger Hotel is Now Open in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
The Granger Hotel has opened its doors in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, redefining what it means to stay in San Diego’s downtown district. As one...
US Coffee Championships
San Diego Coffee Pro Heads to US Coffee Championship Nationals
San Diego coffee pro, Chris Dennis, General Manager at Ox Coffee, is making waves in the coffee world, securing a spot in the US Coffee...
award-winning brewer Kyle Fjalstad
Award-Winning Brewer Kyle Fjalstad Now With Original 40 Brewing
North Park’s beloved The Original 40 Brewing Company has named award-winning brewer Kyle Fjalstad as its new Head Brewer, marking an exciting new chapter for...
Mainly Mozart’s Sommelier Series
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Mainly Mozart Uncorks Sommelier Series
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Mainly Mozart’s “Sommelier Series: The Concertmasters” returns to showcase the exquisite magic of music and wine. This one-of-a-kind event...
Comedy Magician of the Year, The Magic of Eric Eaton
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Eric Eaton Brings Comedy and Magic to San Diego
  • Mic Drop Comedy
Enjoy an evening of jaw-dropping illusions and side-splitting comedy as The Magic of Eric Eaton comes to San Diego! Known for his unforgettable performances on...
Cow by Bear x InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Cow by Bear x InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package
Indulge in the ultimate getaway with the Cow by Bear + InterContinental San Diego Weekend Package, a collaboration that pairs unforgettable dining with the comforts...
Putting & Pilates with Club Pilates
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Start 2025 With Putting & Pilates at Lakehouse Resort
  • Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
Kick off the new year with Putting & Pilates with Club Pilates, part of the Wellness at the Lake series hosted by Lakehouse Resort in...
America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant
Civico 1845 is Officially America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant
San Diego’s Civico 1845 has been honored as America’s Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in the 2024 VegNews Restaurant Awards, a prestigious recognition celebrating its exceptional hospitality...
Tour de Tapas
Tour de Tapas Brings a Taste of Southern Europe to Downtown La Mesa
Downtown La Mesa has a delicious new addition—Tour de Tapas, a restaurant offering Euro small plates and sips inspired by the culinary traditions of Spain,...
Upcoming Events
Encinitas dia de los muertos
Celebrate Life and Remembrance at Encinitas Día de los Muertos Festival
October 25, 2025
12:00 pm
There’s something special about the way Día de los Muertos honors those who’ve passed – not with sadness, but with color, music, and celebration. For...
City Heights Day of the Dead Celebration
City Heights Day of the Dead Celebration Marks 29 Years of Community Tradition
October 25, 2025
11:00 am
The City Heights Día de los Muertos celebration is hitting its 29th year, and what started as a school project has grown into one of...
Masterchef All-Star Live Harrah's Resort SoCal
MasterChef All-Stars Live Hits Harrah’s Resort SoCal
October 24, 2025
8:00 pm
  • Harrah’s Resort SoCal
The culinary world just got a whole lot more exciting for San Diego foodies with MasterChef All-Stars Live making its highly anticipated debut. Harrah’s Resort...
Lions tigers and bears
Camp With Big Cats at Lions Tigers & Bears’ Spooky Campover
October 24, 2025
3:00 pm
  • Lions Tigers & Bears
Most camping trips involve distant wildlife sounds – maybe a coyote howl if you’re lucky. Lions Tigers & Bears is offering something considerably more intense:...
Art of Marketing Conference San Diego
The Art of Marketing Conference Returns for Its Fourth Year
October 24, 2025
8:00 am
If you’re in marketing, brand strategy, or anything adjacent, the Art of Marketing Conference has become one of those events that’s actually worth blocking out...