Sacramento, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017) – Starting New Year's Day and continuing throughout the month of January, hundreds of California restaurants will set their tables for diners looking to get a taste of the Golden State during the 8th Annual California Restaurant Month.

 

The promotion returns for its biggest year yet, Jan. 1-31, with eateries across the state rolling out prix fixe menus paired with exclusive dining promotions and experiences. This year's celebration includes 37 participating destinations from across the state – the most in the event's history.

 

“We're excited to kick off 2018 with California Restaurant Month, a celebration that highlights the depth and breadth of California's culinary diversity,” said Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta. “Destinations throughout the state are celebrating local flavors from seafood and wine to garlic, pomegranates and even cheeseburgers, showcasing culinary experiences that are exclusive to the Golden State.”

 

Below is a listing of culinary happenings during California Restaurant Month 2018. For destination updates and a list of all participating destinations, visit: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/california-restaurant-month

 

Northern California/Bay Area

 

• Alameda – Alameda Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-21)

Alameda's up and coming restaurant scene is gaining attention with Michelin recommendations, Zagat ratings and other culinary accolades. Wine and dine in Alameda, take a stroll down one of its historic business districts and catch a film at the historic Alameda Theatre.

 

• Berkeley – Berkeley Restaurant Week (Jan. 18-28)

Berkeley, the epicenter of California Cuisine and birthplace of the farm-to-table movement, is proud to announce the sixth annual Berkeley Restaurant Week with special-value prix fixe lunch menus for $20, and dinners for $25 or $35.

 

• Calistoga – Calistoga Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-28)

During California Restaurant Month, and in conjunction with Napa Valley Restaurant Week, participating Calistoga restaurants will offer a week of specially-priced lunch and dinner menus.

 

• Concord – Concord Comfort Food Restaurant Week (Jan. 19-28)

During the First Annual Concord Comfort Food Week, each participating restaurant will provide a featured menu item reflecting comfort with Concord's culinary diversity. No tickets necessary – just ask for the Concord Comfort Food Restaurant Week menu!

 

• Downtown Benicia – Downtown Benicia Restaurant Week (Jan. 20-27)

Downtown Benicia celebrates California Restaurant Month with a dining passport that offers a 15% discount at participating eateries (conditions may apply).

 

• Downtown Sacramento – Dine Downtown (Jan. 12-21)

Dine Downtown, Sacramento's premier restaurant celebration, returns for another ten-day dining extravaganza. Enjoy prix fixe three-course dinner specials from the central city's top restaurants.

 

• Mendocino County – Mendocino County Crab, Wine & Beer Festival (Jan. 19-28)

The 10-day countywide Crab, Wine & Beer Festival allows an opportunity to partake in fine seafood, wine and beer while enjoying the cool weather and good company. Take part in the Crab Cake Cook-off & Wine Competition, family style cioppino and crab feeds, gourmet winemaker dinners, wine and crab pairings, beer tasting, outdoor adventures, lodging specials, arts and performances.

 

• Napa Valley – Napa Valley Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-28)

Napa Valley Restaurant Week allows locals and visitors to dine and delight throughout the valley and experience its legendary food and wine culture throughout January. Through multi-course prix fixe menus for lunch ($20) and dinner ($36 or $46), guests can try out the latest culinary hot-spots or revisit old favorites all week long.  

 

• Oakland – Oakland Restaurant Week (Jan. 11-21)

Experience Oakland's trendy culinary scene during Oakland Restaurant Week. For 11 days, participating restaurants will offer special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at various price points.

 

• San Francisco – San Francisco Restaurant Week (Jan. 22-31)

San Francisco Restaurant Week is a celebration of San Francisco's world-class dining community. More than 100 restaurants around San Francisco will offer special priced, multi-course lunch and dinner menus.

 

• San Jose - #SanJoseEATS (Jan. 15-28)

Celebrate San Jose's incredible diversity through an extensive array of culinary genius during #SanJoseEATS. Guests can sip premier wines and craft cocktails and savor uniquely delicious dishes throughout California's third largest city.

 

• Sonoma Valley – Sonoma Valley Delicious! (Jan. 1-31)

This event is a celebration of all things epicurean in California's premier wine country destination, Sonoma Valley.

 

• Suisun City Waterfront – Suisun Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-21)

Experience some of the best wine, beer and food in Solano County at a value unavailable at any other time of the year in Suisun City's Waterfront District.

 

• Vacaville – Vacaville Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-21)

Vacaville restaurants will come together with the community this January and celebrate a week of fabulous dining. Restaurant Week gives all local foodies and families the opportunity to enjoy special pricing and specialty menus from participating restaurants throughout Vacaville.

 

Central California

 

• Camarillo – Camarillo Restaurant Week (Jan. 22-28)

In its inaugural year, Camarillo Restaurant Week will give visitors a chance to take a culinary tour of the local offerings and unique flavors of this city. With over ten participating restaurants, diners can choose from the latest chic bistros, delicious craft burgers, delectable eateries and old favorites all with prix fixe menus.

 

• Gilroy – Gilroy Restaurant Week (Jan. 14-28)

During Gilroy Restaurant Week, local restaurants will offer unique garlic-laced dishes for diners to enjoy as part of the California Restaurant Month celebration. Participating restaurants are located in historic downtown Gilroy as well as other areas of town featuring the world-famous pungent herb on special menus created specifically for this event.

 

• Oxnard – Oxnard Dine, Wine & Beer Week (Jan. 19-28)

Visitors and locals can experience Oxnard's culinary scene during Dine, Wine & Beer Week, featuring everything from Oxnard's farmers' markets and chef tastings to progressive dining options, including local wines and craft beer specials. Each participating partner will feature individual special discount offerings.

 

• San Luis Obispo County – SLO CAL Restaurant Month (Jan. 1-31)

January is Restaurant Month in SLO CAL! Participating restaurants will offer special prix fixe menus as well as other unique offerings throughout the month. In addition to enjoying some #SLOCALEats, visitors can venture out into SLO CAL wine country to take advantage of local wine deals as well.

 

• Santa Barbara – 2018 Official Drink of Santa Barbara Cocktail Competition (Postponed from original date)

Visit Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Independent have teamed up again for the 2018 edition of “The Official Drink of Santa Barbara” competition during which local restaurants, bars and lounges are challenged to craft their libation interpretation of Santa Barbara's one-of-a-kind sense of place. Mixologists must incorporate locally distilled Cutler's Artisan Spirits in their creations that celebrate the distinctive attributes of The American Riviera® in a glass. The winning adult beverage will be available throughout 2018. Due to recent wildfires, this event has been postponed from its original date, please check the website for udpates.

 

• Santa Maria Valley – Santa Maria Valley Restaurant Week (Jan. 14-20)

The Santa Maria Valley is starting 2018 right with $20.18 specials from participating restaurants, wineries and breweries. Visitors can expect everything from wine pairings to tastings and special menu items, all for $20.18. The Santa Maria Valley is an acclaimed wine-growing region, and home to the 150-year old Santa Maria Style barbecue tradition. Experience #SantaMariaStyle and #eatdrinkdomore.

 

• Santa Ynez Valley – Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-27)

During the 2018 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week more than twenty restaurants – from the region's up-and-coming establishments to long-time favorites – will offer special three-course tasting menus for only $20.18. A number of Santa Ynez Valley wineries will also be offering wine and small bite pairings for $20.18, and special lodging deals are available at numerous properties throughout the Valley.

 

• Stockton - Stockton Restaurant Week (Jan. 19-28)

Stockton Restaurant Week gives local foodies and families the opportunity to explore unique fixed-price specialty menus from participating restaurants throughout the city.

 

• Madera County – Yosemite Madera County Restaurant Month (Jan. 1-31)

Madera County Restaurant Month is an incredible opportunity to experience some of the best wine, beer, spirits and food in the destination at a unparalleled value.

 

• Turlock – Turlock Restaurant Week (Jan. 19-28)

Turlock is hosting a 10-day Food Extravaganza highlighting some of the city's best restaurants. Participants can expect weekly deals, such as discounted menu items, special three-course meals, drink specials, and more. Diners are encouraged to snap a photo during the 10 days and use the hashtags #trw2018 and #turlockeats.

 

Southern California

 

• Alhambra – Taste of Alhambra (Jan. 22-28)

Discover the many and diverse restaurants in Alhambra and enjoy special offerings and deals.

 

• Dana Point – Dana Point Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-27)

Participating restaurants in Dana Point will provide a $15, $20 or $25 prix-fixe menu.

 

• Escondido – Dine Out Escondido (Jan. 28-Feb. 3)

From craft beer and wine pairings, to local farm-to-fork delights, chef-owned culinary experiences, international flavors, high tea and home cooking, Escondido's restaurants have something for everyone. With more than 30 restaurants participating, visitors will find amazing California cuisine as well as French, Italian, Salvadorian, Mexican and more.

 

• Garden Grove – Garden Grove Restaurant Week (Jan. 20-27)

This year, Garden Grove Restaurant Week is all about the desserts! Local eateries, including restaurants, cafés, and bakery shops, will be showcasing their best dessert for savvy diners with a sweet tooth.

 

• Greater Palm Springs - DineGPS Presents The Chef's Table (Jan. 1-30)

Visitors and locals can enjoy a culinary journey through Greater Palm Springs with renowned chefs during The Chef's Table presented by DineGPS. Experience local flavors, innovative cuisine and one-of-a-kind chef's favorites all served in an intimate setting hosted by the chefs themselves.

 

• Lancaster – The BLVD Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-27)

Restaurant week on the BLVD in downtown Lancaster is the perfect opportunity for foodies, residents, and visitors alike to dine local and eat globally. Indulge with American classics, Mediterranean, Italian, El Salvadorian, Chinese, Brazilian cuisine and more.

 

• Los Angeles – dineL.A. (Jan. 12-26)

As part of Discover Los Angeles, dineL.A. produces its eponymous dining event that takes place twice a year and showcases the city as a premier dining destination. dineL.A.'s programs are designed to stimulate business and introduce new customers to restaurants located in the many neighborhoods throughout L.A. County.

 

• Newport Beach – Newport Beach Restaurant Week (Jan. 15-28)

Newport Beach Restaurant Week offers diners a wide variety of culinary experiences. Participating restaurants offer a value on special prix fixe menus during Restaurant Week, with lunches available for just $10, $15, $20, or $25, and dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50.

 

• Pasadena – Cheeseburger Week in Pasadena (Jan. 7-12)

Celebrate the birth of the cheeseburger in the home of the cheeseburger. Forty of Pasadena's burger joints, restaurants and lounges honor Lionel Sternberger who, in 1924, was the first to put cheese on a hamburger and serve it to a customer at the Rite Spot in Pasadena. All week long, restaurants, lounges and local burger joints will serve special cheeseburgers or offer discounts or additions.

 

• Redondo Beach – Redondo Beach Restaurant Week (Jan. 12-26)

The two-week long event will showcase Redondo Beach as a diverse dining destination where participating restaurants will offer specially priced prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner and special discounts.

 

• San Diego – San Diego Restaurant Week (Jan. 21-28)

The 14th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns with a feast for the senses at over 180 participating restaurants. For one week only participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and/or two-course prix fixe lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20 per person.

 

• Santa Monica – Santa Monica Restaurant Week (Jan. 8-14)

Santa Monica Restaurant Week will highlight participating restaurants tasked with crafting healthy, custom dishes, all centered around a single ingredient. The 2018 ingredient is the pomegranate. Throughout the week, restaurant-goers will be invited to enjoy delicious dishes at restaurants throughout the city.

 

• Temecula Valley – Temecula Valley Restaurant Month (Jan. 1-31)

Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country will celebrate Temecula Valley Restaurant Month with “Temeculafied” specialty flatbreads made from local farm-fresh ingredients at restaurants in Old Town Temecula, Temecula Valley Wine Country, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Promenade Temecula, and throughout the destination.

 

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About Visit California
Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, spending by travelers totaled $126.3 billion in 2016 in California, generating 1.1 million jobs in the state and $10.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to www.media.visitcalifornia.com.