NYC Restaurant Week September 2025: Complete Guide & Reservations
One of the most anticipated events on the city’s culinary calendar is back! NYC Restaurant Week is your opportunity to dine at some of the city’s best and most exclusive restaurants for a fraction of the usual price. For a few weeks, participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner, making it the perfect time to try that spot you’ve been dreaming of.
The Fall 2025 edition is set to be one of the best yet. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
What is NYC Restaurant Week?
NYC Restaurant Week is a semi-annual event (winter and summer/fall) where hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs offer multi-course, fixed-price menus. Diners can choose from a 2-course lunch or a 3-course dinner, with prices typically set at tiers like $30, $45, or $60. It’s a celebration of the city’s diverse dining scene and a way to make it more accessible to everyone.
Key Dates for September 2025 (Projected)
While official dates are announced closer to the event, you can expect the following timeline:
- Reservations Open: Early September 2025
- Restaurant Week Dates: Mid-September through early October 2025
Pro Tip: Mark your calendar for the day reservations open. The most popular restaurants get booked up almost instantly.
How to Make Reservations
The official NYC Restaurant Week website, operated by NYC & Company, is the central hub for the event. Once the list of participating restaurants is live, you can:
- Browse and Filter: Search for restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine, or meal (lunch/dinner).
- View Menus: Most restaurants will post their special Restaurant Week menus online so you can see the offerings in advance.
- Book Directly: The site will link you to the restaurant’s reservation platform (like Resy or OpenTable) to book your table. Be sure you are specifically booking the “Restaurant Week” offer.
Strategies for a Great Restaurant Week Experience
- Do Your Research: Don’t just book blindly. Look at the regular menu prices. The best value comes from dining at high-end restaurants where the prix-fixe price is a significant discount.
- Try Lunch: Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus and are easier to book. It’s a great way to experience an expensive restaurant for the lowest possible price.
- Be Flexible: If your top choice is booked, have a few backups ready. Consider exploring a new neighborhood or cuisine.
- Read the Fine Print: Note that the price does not include tax, tip, or drinks. Also, some restaurants may only offer the deal on weekdays (Monday-Friday).
- Tip Generously: Remember to tip your server based on the original value of the meal, not the discounted price. They are working just as hard.
NYC Restaurant Week is a fantastic celebration of the city’s culinary talent. With a little planning, you can enjoy some truly unforgettable meals at an unbeatable price.
