The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of August 31, 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.
San Diego and Oceanside’s local heroes at First Responders Night
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Celebrate Local Heroes at Frontwave Arena’s First Responders Night
Join Frontwave Arena for First Responders Night, a special event honoring San Diego and Oceanside’s local heroes with an action-packed San Diego Clippers game against...
Roseacre
Roseacre to Bring Elevated Dining and Design to La Jolla
Get ready for Roseacre, the highly anticipated dining destination set to open in Spring 2025 at 7766 Girard Avenue. Created by legendary design visionaries Paul...
Imperial Red Trolley
Karl Strauss Wraps Up a Milestone 35th Anniversary Year With Imperial Red Trolley
San Diego’s craft beer pioneer, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, is capping off its 35th anniversary with the release of Imperial Red Trolley, a bold reimagining...
san diego art community
Discover Big Creativity at the Teeny Tiny Art Mart
The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is bringing big creativity to small spaces with the 5th annual Teeny Tiny Art Mart! This beloved exhibition showcases...
Tajima Crown Point
Tajima Brings its Famous Ramen to Crown Point
Tajima Crown Point is the latest addition to San Diego’s beloved ramen scene, officially opened on December 14 at 3782 Ingraham Street. Known for its...
San Diego tradition
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Make Holiday Memories Aboard the Jingle Belle Family Cruise
  • Bahia Resort Hotel
The Jingle Belle Family Cruise is back, bringing festive fun and family memories to Mission Bay! This beloved San Diego tradition is the perfect way...
Wildland in Carlsbad Village
Wildland Brings Rustic Cuisine to Carlsbad Village
Wildland in Carlsbad Village is officially opening its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County. This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from...
Hotel La Jolla's Sea & Sky and Chef Ernest Lopez
Chef Ernest Lopez Joins Hotel La Jolla’s Sea & Sky
Hotel La Jolla’s Sea & Sky has a new star in the kitchen! Executive Chef Ernest Lopez has taken the helm at this breathtaking penthouse-level...
SD Sockers Opening Night
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Experience SD Sockers Opening Night at Oceanside’s State-of-the-Art Arena
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the SD Sockers Opening Night kicks off at Oceanside’s brand-new state-of-the-art Frontwave Arena! The Sockers will take to...
Taylor Swift's birthday
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Celebrate Taylor Swift’s Birthday at Swiftmas Skate
  • Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Swifties, it’s time to celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday in style at Swiftmas Skate at Downtown Skate, San Diego’s first outdoor roller rink! This one-night-only event...
Mission Bay Parade of Lights
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Experience the Mission Bay Parade of Lights
Get ready for a magical evening on the water at the annual Mission Bay Parade of Lights! This beloved holiday tradition lights up the bay...
‘TIS THE SEASUN at Del Mar Highlands Town Center
‘Tis The Seasun at Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Get ready to experience ‘Tis The Seasun at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, where holiday events in Del Mar bring festive fun for the whole...
Juniper and Ivy's new executive chef Jonathan Kinsella
Little Italy’s Juniper and Ivy Welcomes New Executive Chef Jonathan Kinsella
Juniper and Ivy, Little Italy’s trailblazing restaurant, is starting its second decade with a big announcement: Jonathan Kinsella has joined the team as the new...
Best new restaurant in San Diego
A Fresh Chapter Unfolds at La Jolla’s Aldea
Aldea in La Jolla, a 2024 runner-up for San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant,” is setting a new standard for bold Baja-inspired cuisine and elevated...
Santacon at Beach House at Almost Nakey
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Santacon is Back at Belmont Park
  • Belmont Park
San Diego’s ultimate holiday party is back as Santacon returns to transform Belmont Park into the most epic winter playground yet. This electrifying celebration brings...
Balboa Theatre’s Silent Movie Monday
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A Night of Vintage Holiday Charm at the Balboa
  • Balboa Theatre
The Roaring 20’s Holiday event is about to transform Balboa Theatre’s Silent Movie Monday series into the most extraordinary celebration of the season! Get ready...
December events in San Diego
Seasonal Events at Del Mar Plaza
The Del Mar Plaza festive events are about to unleash an absolute tsunami of holiday magic on December events in San Diego. Get ready for...
San Marcos Chamber's Holiday Market
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Enjoy the Best of Local Holiday Shopping at North City
The San Marcos Chamber’s Holiday Market is turning North City into a wonderland where North City local artisans are about to make your seasonal shopping...
San Diego Opera Chorus Making Merry
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‘Making Merry’ at the Balboa Theatre
San Diego Opera’s Making Merry unleashes the powerhouse San Diego Opera Chorus at the historic Balboa Theatre. Voices That Dazzle Picture “White Christmas” reimagined with...
unique multimedia presentation
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Unique Multimedia Performance by the La Jolla Symphony
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus brings us “Luminosity,” a unique multimedia performance where glowing sea creatures dance to the music. The Deep Sea Comes Alive...
holiday food drive by March and Ash
March and Ash to Host Annual Holiday Food Drive
The March and Ash Holiday Food Drive is back and better than ever, joining forces with San Diego County‘s largest hunger relief effort to make...
festive soiree at East Village Holiday Happy Hour
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Holiday Happy Hour Vibes in East Village
This December, the East Village is set to host Holiday Happy Hour at UCSD Park & Market—part of the new First Friday Happy Hour series,...
Spreckels Organ Pavilion's Special Christmas Concert
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Symphony Under the Stars at Spreckels Organ Pavilion
  • Balboa Park
The world’s largest outdoor organ is set to steal the show as the Spreckels Organ Society and San Diego Opera unite for two performances featuring...
Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films
Get Cozy With Fireside Films at Rooftop Cinema Club
San Diego’s most popular outdoor cinema is unveiling something special this winter. Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films is transforming their prime seating area with two-person...
Upcoming Events
Neil deGrasse Tyson San Diego Civic Theatres
San Diego Theatres Presents Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Search for Life in the Universe
February 19, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is bringing The Search for Life in the Universe to San Diego, and if you’ve ever watched him on The Daily...
FREE Lunar New Year Celebration at Mission Valley Mall
February 15, 2026
11:00 am
  • Mission Valley Mall
Mission Valley Mall is hosting a free Lunar New Year celebration that’s perfect for families looking to experience the holiday without committing to a full...
Bagels & Blooms Wellness Event
Estancia La Jolla and Pop Up Bagels Team Up for Bagels & Blooms Wellness Event
February 15, 2026
9:00 am
  • Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is partnering with Pop Up Bagels – La Jolla’s newly-opened bagel spot – for a wellness-focused Valentine’s Day weekend...
shoresaver program
Show Del Mar’s Coastline Some Valentine’s Day Love With a Community Cleanup
February 14, 2026
10:00 am
The Del Mar Village Association and EDCO are kicking off 2026 with their first “Keep Del Mar Green” community cleanup, and they’re timing it with...
Wellness at MCASD
Start Your Valentine’s Day With Pilates, Sound Baths, and Art at MCASD
February 14, 2026
8:45 am
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to follow the usual script. This year, Mornings at the Museum is kicking off 2026 with a feel-good celebration of self-care...