The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of September 28, 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.
Kona Kai Luau Party, a celebration of Kai'aina
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Kona Kai’s Luau Brings Polynesian Paradise to Shelter Island
  • Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Summer can’t come fast enough, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than with a proper luau celebration. We’re talking about Kona...
Memorial Day Ceremony for USS Cole Sailors
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Honoring Heroes: Memorial Day Ceremony for USS Cole Sailors
Gather for the Memorial Day Ceremony for USS Cole Sailors at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, where San Diego will pay tribute to the...
Finca’s new cocktail menu
Finca Debuts Full Liquor License & New Cocktail Program
Exciting news for North Park’s cocktail enthusiasts! Finca, the charming neighborhood spot that made waves with its wine and beer offerings, is stepping up its...
La Valencia Spa Director
La Valencia Hotel Welcomes New Spa Director
La Valencia Hotel is turning the page to a new era of wellness, welcoming Lisa Price as the New Spa Director for its soon-to-open Spa...
Vista Stawberry Festival
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Vista’s Strawberry Festival is Back and We’re Ready for Berry Season
  • Downtown Vista
Downtown Vista transforms into strawberry central this May when the annual Strawberry Festival takes over the streets. If you’ve never been, trust us—this is the...
New on View MCASD
Must-See Exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art
We have a love affair with the San Diego Museum of Art, and we want all of San Diego to feel the same way! The...
VIP Arts & Culinary Baja Tour
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Explore Baja’s Artistic Soul: VIP Arts & Culinary Baja Tour
Get ready to dive deep into Baja’s vibrant cultural scene with the VIP Arts & Culinary Baja Tour. This exclusive experience promises a curated journey...
House of Blues history
House of Blues San Diego Celebrates 20 Years of Music, Art, and Legacy
For 20 years, House of Blues San Diego has been more than just a venue—it’s been a heartbeat of culture in the Gaslamp. Tucked inside...
12 of the Best Donut Shops in San Diego by Neighborhood
Donuts may not be the most diet-friendly, but damn they are goooood! In San Diego, where our reputation is more for acai bowls and breakfast...
restaurant interior
Odie’s Pizza Co. Brings Sourdough Pies, Big Flavor, and Good Vibes to Oceanside
Downtown Oceanside is getting a major flavor upgrade. Just two blocks from the iconic pier, Odie’s Pizza Co. is gearing up to open its doors,...
MCASD la jolla
MCASD Unveils ‘New on View: Memories of an American Past’
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has launched a captivating new installation that brings powerful stories of memory, identity, and politics into sharp focus....
Finca North Park wine bar
13 of the Most Charming San Diego Wine Bars
Summertime is just around the bend, and it goes without saying that a sunny afternoon in San Diego is an ideal setting to unwind over...
Indian Princesses La Jolla Playhouse
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La Jolla Playhouse Premieres A Heartfelt New Play About Fathers, Daughters, and Growing Up
  • La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse invites you to step into the summer of 2008 with Indian Princesses, a fresh and funny coming-of-age story that unpacks the tangled...
Little Italy Food Hall reimagined
Big News Brewing in Little Italy: A Bold New Dining Destination is Coming This Fall
Big things are coming to the Piazza della Famiglia, with the Little Italy Food Hall reimagined as a vibrant, multi-concept dining venue launching fall 2025....
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center Makes Its Grand Debut in Chula Vista
There’s a new reason to head south this summer: the long-awaited Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center officially opened its doors today in Chula Vista—and...
San Diego Crawfish Boil
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The World’s Largest Crawfish Boil Returns to Waterfront Park
  • Waterfront Park
The San Diego Crawfish Boil is back and bigger than ever! Presented by the LSU Alumni of San Diego, this legendary Louisiana-style celebration returns to...
Art of Elan Sounds & Swells
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Surf Meets Symphony at Art of Elan’s Sounds & Swells
  • Fleet Science Center
Art of Elan is bringing back its beloved Sounds & Swells series for a two-night run—and it’s set to be one of the most visually...
Best Ice Cream Shop in America
San Diego’s Gelato Champs Are Going for Gold (Again!)
After landing second place in 2023 and snagging the top spot in 2024, An’s Dry Cleaning is officially back in the race—and aiming to be...
World Bee Day At The Japanese Friendship Garden
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What’s The Buzz? It’s World Bee Day at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
  • Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum is hosting a lively and educational World Bee Day celebration—and you’re invited to join the swarm. Held in the...
Dinner On The Diamond In Petco Park with San Diego Padres
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Dinner On The Diamond is Back at Petco Park
  • PETCO Park
One of San Diego’s most unforgettable summer evenings is back—Dinner on the Diamond returns to Petco Park for its fourth annual celebration of community, cuisine,...
18 Unique and Fun Things to Do in San Diego
It’s time to dive a little deeper into all of the unique and fun things to do in San Diego beyond going to the beach...
Where to Get the Best Burgers in San Diego
We asked our readers to tell us their pick for the best burgers in San Diego so we’ll know where to go when we’re in...
Coastal Roots Farm taste of the farm fundraiser
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Coastal Roots Farm Celebrates 10 Years of Community and Sustainability
  • Coastal Roots Farm
Coastal Roots Farm is turning 10—and they’re celebrating the milestone in true farm-to-fork style. Join the nonprofit community farm for Taste of the Farm, a...
Estancia La Jolla tea in the garden series
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Estancia La Jolla Launches Whimsical New Tea in the Garden Series
  • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is debuting its enchanting new Tea in the Garden series—a seasonal high-tea experience held one Sunday a month in...
Upcoming Events
Tacos at Nomada For The Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Nómada in Carlsbad is Throwing a Full-On Fiesta for Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2026
3:00 pm
Cinco de Mayo landing on a Tuesday this year is basically a sign, and Nómada in Carlsbad is running with it. The North County restaurant...
L’Auberge Uncorked: Sip Your Way Through a Perfect Seaside Afternoon in Del Mar
May 3, 2026
1:00 pm
  • L’Auberge Del Mar
Del Mar has always had a way of making everything feel a little more special, and the second annual L’Auberge Uncorked is no exception. This...
La Jolla Historical Society Growing Together Series
Art, Murals, and Good Vibes – La Jolla’s Growing Together Series is Back
May 3, 2026
12:00 pm
  • La Jolla Historical Society
The La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS) is keeping the momentum going with the second installment of its Growing Together series. This is a free, six-event...
MCASD’s Avant Garde Ball
MCASD’s Avant Garde Ball is Back – Larger Than Life and Ready to Move You
May 2, 2026
8:00 pm
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
San Diego’s contemporary art scene has a standout night on the calendar. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is bringing back its Avant...
LJS&C Ensemble for The Heavenly Life
La Jolla Symphony and Chorus is Bringing a Truly Unique Concert Experience to UC San Diego
May 2, 2026
7:30 pm
  • Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego
If you’re looking for a live music experience that goes well beyond the ordinary, this one is worth putting on your radar. La Jolla Symphony...