A New Yorker's Guide to NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2026
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What is NYC Restaurant Week?
The city’s most anticipated culinary marathon has returned. Running from January 20 through February 12, 2026, NYC Restaurant Week offers a unique window into the world-class kitchens of the five boroughs without the usual financial gymnastics.
Born in 1992 as a one-time lunch deal for visiting journalists during the Democratic National Convention, the event has ballooned into a twice-yearly citywide celebration. Restaurant Week acts as a high-visibility "audition" that allows local eateries to convert budget-conscious explorers into long-term regulars by showcasing their signature flavors and culinary creativity during traditionally slower seasons.
For 2026, nearly 600 restaurants are participating, offering curated, multi-course menus at standardized prices.
The winter program features a tiered pricing structure:
$30: Typically covers a two-course lunch.
$45: Can be a two-course lunch or a three-course dinner.
$60: Reserved for premium three-course dinner experiences.
The Strategy: How to "Win" Restaurant Week
For our readers, the secret to a successful Restaurant Week isn't just about where you eat, but how you plan.
1. Seek Out the Giants The best value is found at "destination" restaurants where a single entrée normally costs as much as the entire three-course prix-fixe. In 2026, heavy hitters like Gramercy Tavern (offering a $60 lunch/brunch), Le Pavillon, and Francie in Williamsburg are among the top-tier options.
2. Watch the Calendar The most important "unwritten rule" is that Saturdays are excluded from the program. While Sundays are optional and vary by restaurant, the most reliable days to find the deals are Monday through Friday.
3. Do the "Menu Math" Some restaurants create special menus featuring "cheaper" proteins like chicken or salmon specifically for this event. To find a true deal, compare the Restaurant Week offerings against the standard à la carte menu. If the total of the courses on the regular menu is only a few dollars more, you might be better off ordering exactly what you want on a quieter night.
4. Tip on the True Value Hospitality is the heart of this event. Remember that your server is providing the same high-level experience regardless of the discount. Customary etiquette is to tip on what the full menu price would have been, not just the discounted total.
Notable Participants for 2026
From the Upper West Side to the heart of Brooklyn, the variety this year is vast. Highlights include:
Manhattan: Café Boulud (French), Crown Shy (American), and the iconic The Stand.
Brooklyn: Lore (Contemporary Indian-infused) and Tanoreen (Middle Eastern).
Queens & The Bronx: Look for neighborhood anchors like Palo Santo and specialized waste drop-off events often held in conjunction with city-wide winter outings.
How to Book
Reservations are officially open on the NYC Tourism website. With tables at top-rated spots filling up weeks in advance, the "Wire" recommendation is to book your shortlist immediately and check back on January 30 for any last-minute restaurant additions.
