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.
food at 31thirtyone restaurant
Drew Deckman to Open His First U.S. Restaurant in San Diego: Here’s a Sneak Peek!
Culinary trailblazer Drew Deckman is officially bringing his eco-friendly ethos stateside! Deckman is chef and co-owner of Deckman’s en el Mogor, a zero-kilometer, sustainable restaurant...
La Jolla Playhouse Your Local Theater Presents
La Jolla Playhouse Serves Up a Double Dose of Drama: From Tiki Bars to Tinsel Town
Who’s up for some world-class theater right in our backyard? La Jolla Playhouse is rolling out two shows that promise to be the talk of...
Howl-O-Scream to Return to SeaWorld San Diego
Howl-O-Scream Unleashes ALL-NEW Nightmares and Performances at SeaWorld San Diego
The ultimate Halloween extravaganza is back, and it’s bigger, badder, and more bone-chilling than ever. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego is gearing up to turn...
PROPER NYE NYD 2024 lineup by FNGRS CRSSD
Dance Your Way Into 2025 at FNGRS CRSSD’s PROPER NYE/NYD at Petco Park
It’s time to start planning your New Year’s Eve because FNGRS CRSSD just dropped a bombshell. Their PROPER NYE/NYD event is back at Petco Park,...
Outdoor Adventure Bundles
Dive Into New Experiences With Birch Aquarium’s Outdoor Adventure Bundles
It’s time to break out those water shoes and binoculars because Birch Aquarium is taking us on a wild ride beyond their tanks. They’re rolling...
Wilma's Carousel Bar
Giddy Up, San Diego! Wilma’s Carousel Bar is Ready to Take You for a Spin
Hold on to your drinks, folks! There’s a new spot in town that’s sending the San Diego bar scene for a spin—literally. Wilma’s Carousel Bar...
Liberty Station and Rock Church celebrate Military Heroes Festival
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Superheroes Unite! Liberty Station’s Tribute to Our Military Heroes
  • Ingram Plaza
It’s time to dust off those capes and get ready for a super-powered celebration! Liberty Station and Rock Church are teaming up once again to...
italian dishes
A Slice of Sicily in Kensington: Trattoria da Sofia Brings Italian Magic to Adams Avenue
We’ve got a new spot in town that’s serving up some serious Italian vibes, and we’re all about it. Trattoria da Sofia has swung open...
Sorrento Valley's newest culinary hotspot
Mercato Food Hall Brings New Gathering Spot, Craft Cocktails, and Dining to Sorrento Valley
Say hello to Mercato Food Hall, the new gathering spot that’s bringing a whole new flavor to Sorrento Valley! Similar to the popular Skydeck concept...
Cherryfish Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach Gets a Taste of Luxury With Cherryfish
Sushi lovers, get ready to roll! Cherryfish, a swanky Japanese fusion spot, is about to make waves in Pacific Beach this September, and we’re already...
San Diego FC Season Tickets
San Diego FC Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now!
San Diego FC, our very own Major League Soccer team, has just opened the floodgates for season ticket sales. This is more than just a...
Thomas Family Day at San Diego Model Railroad Museum
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All Aboard for Thomas Family Day at San Diego’s Train Paradise
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
We’ve got some exciting news for all the little locomotive lovers out there! Thomas Family Day is chugging back into the San Diego Model Railroad...
North Italia
Summer Sizzles at North Italia With Tropical Aperitivo Twist
We’re all about that summer feeling, and North Italia is bringing the heat with their new “Aperitiki” concept. It’s like they’ve taken our favorite Italian...
California Wine Month
Sip Into California Wine Month in Temecula Valley
Hey, wine lovers! It’s time to raise a glass (or several) to California Wine Month in Temecula Valley. While we’re still soaking up the summer...
Savages Bee-Ches
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Sweet Treats and Buzzing Bees: Old Town’s Sweetest Celebration
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and support local businesses, San Diego! Old Town is about to become the epicenter of all things delicious...
Food Challenge Relay Race El Chingon San Diego
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El Chingon’s Insane Food Challenge Relay Race
  • El Chingon
Who says you can’t play with your food? Not us, and definitely not El Chingon! This badass Mexican joint in the heart of the Gaslamp...
Stacked Stone Zen Garden
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Zen Out at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens’ Coolest New Garden Spot
Vista’s latest chill-out zone is about to become your new favorite escape. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is unveiling their Stacked Stone Zen Garden, and everyone’s...
The Desmond on the Roof Winemaker Dinner
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Sip and Savor Under the Stars: The Desmond’s Rooftop Wine Dinner
We’ve got the inside scoop on San Diego’s most exclusive wine event! The Desmond is joining forces with the San Diego Food + Wine Festival...
James Hubbel House in Santa Ysabel
Experience the Wonder of James Hubbell at the Ilan-Lael Fall Tours
The Ilan-Lael Foundation’s 2024 Fall Tours is your chance to step into the enchanting world of the late James Hubbell, a true San Diego icon....
Fit Athletic anniversary
Five Years of Fit Mission Beach: An Oceanfront Community Gem!
Can you believe it’s been five years since Fit Athletic Club Mission Beach burst onto the scene? This iconic beachside gym has become our go-to...
Poolside Saturdays at Techo Beso
Soak up Summer at Techo Beso’s Poolside Saturdays
We’ve found the perfect spot to beat the heat and soak up those summer vibes. Techo Beso, that swanky rooftop oasis perched atop the AC...
American Pie Movie Night at Rooftop Cinema Club
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Flashback to ’99: American Pie Screening and Epic Reunion Bash at RCC
  • Manchester Grand Hyatt
Remember the days of dial-up internet, boy bands, and questionable fashion choices? Well, Rooftop Cinema Club is bringing them back with their American Pie Movie...
Helena Westra
Up-and-Coming Visual Artists Awarded Studio Space in ARTS DISTRICT
Hey San Diego art lovers! We’ve got some exciting news that’s about to paint our local art scene with fresh, vibrant colors. The NTC Foundation,...
Dose of Laughter at Ginger's
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Cocktails and Chuckles: A Match Made in Ginger’s
  • Ginger’s
We’ve just stumbled upon the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Saturday night, and we’re itching to let you in on the secret. Ginger’s, that cozy...
Upcoming Events
The Mental Bar is hosting the Cars Coffee & Unity Cruise
Cars Coffee & Unity Cruise Revs Up Community at The Mental Bar
June 21, 2025
8:00 am
Car enthusiasts and coffee lovers, your perfect Saturday morning awaits. The Mental Bar is hosting the Cars Coffee & Unity Cruise, combining automotive passion with...
bro-am beach fest
Bro-Am Beach Fest 2025 Brings Grammy Winners and Good Vibes to Encinitas
June 21, 2025
7:00 am
  • Moonlight Beach
Summer kicks off with purpose and serious fun at Moonlight Beach. Bro-Am Beach Fest 2025 returns as a free, all-ages celebration that combines Grammy Award-winning...
Summer Solstice Sound Healing experience at San Diego Botanic Garden
Summer Solstice Sound Healing at San Diego Botanic Garden Creates Magic in Encinitas
June 20, 2025
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Botanic Garden
Something truly extraordinary is happening at the San Diego Botanic Garden this Friday evening. The longest day of the year calls for a celebration that...
Grand Social's Surf & Tiki Night
Grand Social’s Surf & Tiki Night Brings Island Vibes to Your Friday
June 20, 2025
5:00 pm
  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Escape to the tropics without leaving San Diego. Grand Social’s Surf & Tiki Night transforms Friday evenings into an island getaway where surf rock energy...
EO Rise San Diego
Take Your Business to the Next Level at EO Rise on the USS Midway
June 19, 2025
6:00 pm
  • USS Midway Museum
San Diego’s entrepreneurial spirit is getting a serious boost this summer with EO Rise—a premier learning and networking event designed for ambitious business owners who...