In Los Angeles, Restaurant Week is a semi-annual dining event. For two weeks every January and July, hundreds of Los Angeles-area restaurants offer fixed-price menus that allow diners to explore new choices or dine at otherwise-unaffordable places for a lower-than-normal, fixed price.

When Is LA Restaurant Week?

The event occurs twice a year: in mid-July and mid-January. Restaurant week includes Saturdays and Sundays, creating a real temptation to indulge in culinary delights throughout the weekend.

Los Angeles Restaurant Week: An Introduction

You’ll find a complete restaurant list at the LA Restaurant Week website, where you can narrow choices by meal (lunch or dinner), type of cuisine, location, and price. By visiting the site, you can explore their Restaurant Week menus and reservations — doing this as soon as possible is highly advisable, especially for popular locations.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by numerous options, check out the guidelines below to help narrow down your choices.

LA Restaurant Week Prices

The essence of the week relies on fixed-price (prix fixe) menus. Restaurants are categorized into tiers based on price, which is accessible on the website. These prices are exclusive to the meal and do not cover beverages, tax, or gratuities.

Reasons to Try LA Restaurant Week

At its best, LA Restaurant Week offers a chance to visit that special restaurant you might not otherwise afford, try a new place with less financial risk, or experiment with items you’re uncertain about. Lower prices during Restaurant Week can be an additional incentive for many diners.

Why LA Restaurant Week May Not Be for You

While some restaurants excel year-round, they may not deliver the same quality during Restaurant Week. Several factors contribute to this inconsistency:

• Limited menus may be challenging for picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions. It’s prudent to check restaurant menus online or call and inquire if uncertain.
• The fixed pricing model can pressure some restaurants to offer simpler dishes, potentially excluding more extravagant options.
• Crowded venues may affect service quality during these busy events.
• Smaller establishments might struggle to balance their regular offerings alongside a Restaurant Week menu.
• You might be disappointed to discover that some of the top restaurants you’ve been wanting to visit are not participating.

How to Choose Where to Go

A straightforward method for approaching LA Restaurant Week is simply to pick an interesting spot and go. This approach may work well for many diners. However, for more dedicated food enthusiasts seeking the best experiences, following specific tips can be beneficial:

Leverage various resources for restaurant insights, including Yelp. However, keep in mind that the site can sometimes be cluttered with unrelated complaints and reviews, so proceed with caution.

For more curated insights, consider checking professional reviews from outlets like the LA Times or Eater LA.

Searching for a specific restaurant alongside the word “reviews” in your search engine can yield valuable information.

Additionally, looking up “best restaurants LA Restaurant Week” may reveal curated lists of recommendations.

Tips

For those serious about maximizing their dining experience during LA Restaurant Week, consider these helpful tips:

• Procrastination is Your Enemy: The most popular spots fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
• Flexibility is Your Friend: Reservations are often easier to secure on weekdays than on weekends. Selecting lunch options may also provide a more affordable and accessible experience.
• Check, Check, Check: Ensure you have all accurate information regarding restaurant offerings and hours by visiting the Restaurant Week website or by calling the establishments directly.
• Beware the Add-Ons: Restaurant Week prices are primarily for food. Additional items like wine can increase costs significantly, so consider opting for tap water when appropriate.
• A Tip About Tipping: Continue to tip based on the quality of service you receive; most servers depend on tips to supplement their income. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so be sure to remain informed.
• More Ways to Save: If you’re aiming to save money during your visit, be on the lookout for regular, fixed-price offerings or early bird specials at restaurants outside of Restaurant Week.

Questions and Answers

What is LA Restaurant Week?

Restaurant Week in Los Angeles is a biannual event. During each two-week span, participating restaurants present special fixed-price menus for both lunch and dinner, typically priced lower than their regular offerings.

Is LA Restaurant Week a Food Sampling Event?

Unlike other foodie events where guests sample small portions from various establishments, Los Angeles Restaurant Week emphasizes experiencing the entire dining atmosphere, including decor, service, and atmosphere, along with the food.

Is LA Restaurant Week a Good Deal?

To determine if it’s a good value, compare prices with the restaurant’s typical offerings. Many places may have regular promotions that match or even exceed the benefits of Restaurant Week.

Which Restaurants Participate?

Annually, over 300 restaurants participate in LA Restaurant Week spanning across Los Angeles and the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. The Restaurant Week website lists all participants.

Which Restaurants Are Best?

Most participating restaurants receive high ratings from diners. Ultimately, the best choices depend on personal preference and desired location. While some research can yield the best deals, consider if the time spent justifies the potential savings.