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.
Tea by the Sea
All done
Enjoy Tea by the Sea and Support St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
  • The Marine Room
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) invites you to the 12th annual Tea by the Sea, a heartwarming event that combines elegance, creativity, and community impact....
San Diego and Oceanside’s local heroes at First Responders Night
All done
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
All done
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
All done
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
All done
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
All done
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...
Balboa Theatre’s Silent Movie Monday
All done
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
All done
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
All done
‘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
All done
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
All done
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
All done
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
Carmen at San Diego Opera
San Diego Opera Brings Carmen Back to the Civic Theatre – and She’s as Irresistible as Ever
March 27, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
If you’ve ever wanted to experience opera at its most dramatic and electric, this is the one. San Diego Opera is closing out its 2025-26...
Yasmina El-Abd Headlines Soirée en Égypte at the 5th Annual Soirée Francophone
March 26, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Tower Beach Club
San Diego has a way of hosting events that feel like they belong somewhere much grander – and the 5th Annual Soirée Francophone from the...
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Free Virtual Screening of The Six Triple Eight for Women’s History Month
March 25, 2026
2:00 pm
  • Virtual Event
For Women’s History Month, Foundation for Women Warriors is hosting a free virtual screening of The Six Triple Eight, a powerful documentary honoring the only...
Grange Garden Farm-to-Coast Dinner Series
Grange Garden Launches Its Farm-to-Coast Dinner Series in Solana Beach
March 21, 2026
5:00 pm
There’s something special about a long, farm dinner with soft light and shared conversation. Grange Garden is bringing that spirit to the coast with the...
Giulio Cesare Shiley Theatre
Giulio Cesare Brings Baroque Drama and Ballet to USD’s Shiley Theatre
March 21, 2026
3:00 pm
If we’re looking for a cultural afternoon plan that feels a little elevated, Cinballera Entertainment is bringing Handel’s Giulio Cesare to the Shiley Theatre –...