The 2025 summer edition of “New York City Restaurant Week” (NYC Restaurant Week) officially kicked off this Monday, July 21st and will continue until August 17th. This culinary event, which features over 600 restaurants across the city, offers affordable dining experiences for both locals and tourists, making it a must-attend annual summer event.
Organized by NYC Tourism, this year’s Restaurant Week features two-course lunch and three-course dinner prix-fixe menus, priced at $30, $45, and $60 per person (excluding tax, tip, and drinks) depending on the menu selection. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding, some restaurants are also offering special $16.25 commemorative meals or cocktails.
The lineup for this year’s Restaurant Week is impressive, with participating establishments spread across the city’s five boroughs, ranging from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros. Well-known dining spots like Gramercy Tavern, Cafe Boulud, Momoya SoHo, and Bar Primi are among the noteworthy participants. According to the Michelin Guide, over 70 recommended restaurants, including many affordable eateries with the “Bib Gourmand” certification, are part of this year’s event.
The organizers emphasize that the core concept of Restaurant Week is to promote New York’s diverse culinary culture and help the food industry attract more customers during the traditional summer lull. Throughout the event, attendees can make restaurant reservations via the official tourism website, with some popular restaurants recommending early booking to secure a table. It is important to note that the Restaurant Week discounts are typically valid only from Monday to Friday, as most establishments do not participate on Saturdays, although some may offer special Sunday arrangements.
Since its inception in 1992 to welcome the Democratic National Convention, New York City Restaurant Week has grown into a biannual event held in summer and winter each year. What started as a limited-time promotion has evolved into an eagerly anticipated annual food festival for global food enthusiasts and local residents alike.