Winter Restaurant Week: The Cure For The Cold, The Cabin Fever & The Holiday Overindulge
Yes, it’s cold. Yes, the holidays may have been a lot. And yes, the couch is calling. But winter is actually one of the best times of year to go out to eat, and Winter Restaurant Week is the reason why. Restaurant Week is your permission slip to support local restaurants and finally try those places you’ve been eyeing but maybe put off because of price. It’s also an important moment for the industry. January is historically one of the toughest months for restaurants, and Restaurant Week helps bring energy, diners, and much-needed revenue back into dining rooms across the region. So bundle up, make the reservation, and remember: winter dining is a vibe:
BEFORE YOU BOOK — A QUICK PSA
So here are your Restaurant Week Do’s & Don’ts:
-DO your homework, check menus and prices before you go.
-DO leave a generous tip, staff is hustling hard.
-DO your homework, check out menus online.
-DON’T show up without a reservation.
-DON’T be unkind—staffing shortages are still very real. Like attracts like.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
January 19–25, 2026
More than 200+ restaurants across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia will participate in Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Expect three-course brunch and lunch menus priced at $25 or $35, and dinner menus at $40, $55, or $65, with optional beverage pairings, including cocktails, wine, and zero-proof selections. The roster spans casual favorites, upscale dining, and fine-dining standouts, making this the region’s most wide-ranging Restaurant Week. Diners can browse menus, explore participating restaurants, and make reservations at RWDMV.com
MORE AREA RESTAURANT WEEKS
Charles County Restaurant Week
January 9–18, 2026
Local restaurants roll out special menus, prix-fixe options, and limited-time deals celebrating the county’s diverse culinary scene.
Baltimore County Restaurant Week
January 16–25, 2026
A 10-day promotion designed to bring diners back to neighborhood restaurants while showcasing the county’s local flavor.
Fredericksburg Restaurant Week
January 16- January 25, 2026
An opportunity to get a taste of the unique food scene that is an integral part of the ‘Burg, and is the perfect opportunity to sample those flavors of the city.
Howard County Restaurant Weeks & Craft Beverages
January 19 – February 1, 2026
A two-week celebration of local food, craft beverages, and community.
Baltimore City Restaurant Week
January 23 – February 1, 2026
The region’s oldest and largest Restaurant Week, featuring approximately 100 restaurants offering multi-course prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
January 23 – February 1, 2026
A family-friendly, 10-day celebration of Falls Church’s remarkably diverse food culture, spanning Afghan, Bolivian, Chinese, Greek, Iranian, Italian, Jamaican, Japanese, Mexican, Peruvian, Salvadoran, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. A fantastic chance to discover hidden gems and neighborhood favorites alike.
Alexandria Restaurant Week
January 23 – February 1, 2026
More than 80 restaurants participate across Alexandria neighborhoods, offering special menus for in-person dining with dinner price points at $30, $40, or $50.
Charlottesville Restaurant Week
January 26 – February 1, 2026
One of Virginia’s most food-forward cities shows off with three-course prix- fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45, making it an ideal time to explore C-Ville’s dining scene.
Savor Bethesda
February 19 – March 1, 2026
Participating restaurants offer deals at $10, $20, and $35, with select locations also accepting takeout orders.
Annapolis Restaurant Week
February 21 – March 1, 2026
With more than 30 restaurants participating annually, this is the perfect opportunity to try that spot you’ve been meaning to or indulge in local favorites without breaking the bank.
Fooduary at the Harbor
February 22–28, 2026
A celebration of food and entertainment at National Harbor featuring prix-fixe menus, chef and bartender demos, and plenty of reasons to make a day (or night) of it.
Warrenton Restaurant Week
February 23 – March 1, 2026
A charming winter edition returns alongside a second Restaurant Week later in August.
Richmond Black Restaurant Week
March 8–15, 2026
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this week highlights and supports Richmond’s Black-owned food businesses through dining and cultural storytelling.
Winter Restaurant Week is your reminder that cold weather doesn’t mean
hibernation, it means good meals, and supporting the restaurants that feed us all year long. Make the reservation. Try something new. And don’t forget to tip well.
