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.
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...
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...
Postino WineCafé weekend brunch
Postino WineCafé Spices Up San Diego’s Brunch Scene
Time to add a new spot to your weekend rotation. Postino WineCafé is finally jumping on the brunch bandwagon, and it’s worth the wait! Starting...
all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ
A Royal Feast Lands in Otay Ranch
We’ve got some sizzling news that’s about to set the South Bay culinary scene on fire. Sura All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ has just fired up its...
Mister A's Summer Menu
Summer’s Hottest Spot: Mister A’s Serves Up Seasonal Delights
We’ve got the inside scoop on where to spend your summer evenings, and you’re going to want to clear your schedules for this one. Mister...
Cellar Hand Weekend Brunch
Cellar Hand Shakes Up Sundays in Hillcrest
Hey, brunch lovers! Cellar Hand, Hillcrest’s newest culinary darling, is about to launch Sunday brunch that’s got us clearing our schedules faster than you can...
Santa Ysabel Mural Project
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Young Artists Paint the Town: Santa Ysabel Mural Project Returns
We’re buzzing with excitement and for good reason! Santa Ysabel Art Gallery is gearing up for round two of their awesome Mural Project, and trust...
Reggae SummerSplash Festival
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Get Ready to Groove at the Reggae SummerSplash Festival
  • Epstein Family Amphitheater
It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes and enjoy a sun-soaked day of reggae bliss. The SummerSplash Reggae Festival is back, and we’re all...
Campfire Carlsbad
Sweet Treats and Smoky Sips: Where to Celebrate National S’mores Day in San Diego
August 10 is National S’mores Day, and San Diego‘s got some seriously mouthwatering ways to celebrate this gooey, chocolatey holiday. From beachside bonfires to boozy...
Annual Taste of Oceanside
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Celebrate a Decade of Flavors at the Taste of Oceanside
  • Downtown Oceanside
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on a mouthwatering adventure through Oceanside’s vibrant food scene. The beloved Taste of Oceanside is back...
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
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North County’s Hidden Gem Turns 25: Alta Vista Unmissable Botanical Gardens’ Gala
Get ready to put on your fancy pants because Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG) is throwing the gala of the year. Can you believe this...
Upcoming Events
The Jingle Bar Christmas pop-up bar
Experience Christmas Magic at the Jingle Bar San Diego
December 4, 2025
5:00 pm
The number one most talked about Christmas pop-up bar is finally opening in San Diego, and if you’ve been following Jingle Bar’s success in other...
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll Returns for Its 9th Year
November 29, 2025
2:00 pm
The Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll is back and ready to kick off the holiday season the right way. This neighborhood tradition returns Saturday, November 29,...
Surfin’ Santa Swaps His Sleigh for a Surfboard at Seaport Village
November 29, 2025
1:00 pm
Santa’s trading his sleigh for a surfboard again, and honestly, it makes way more sense for San Diego. Surfin’ Santa returns to Seaport Village, delivering...
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair Returns With 450+ Vendors
November 23, 2025
9:00 am
The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair takes over Coast Highway 101 this Sunday, and if you’re trying to knock out holiday shopping while avoiding the mall,...
Doggie Street Festival Takes Over Liberty Station
November 22, 2025
10:00 am
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to spend Saturday with your dog doing something more exciting than the usual park loop, the Doggie Street...