PHILADELPHIA, PA — Center City’s most anticipated culinary tradition is back this winter as dozens of restaurants prepare to launch limited-time menus for Center City District Restaurant Week, running January 18–31. The two-week celebration is expected to draw thousands of diners downtown in what officials describe as a crucial economic spark during the slowest retail stretch of the year.
Participating restaurants will offer three-course dinners starting at $45, with select venues featuring $60 premium menus. Many locations will also serve two-course lunches for $20, catering to both returning office workers and weekday visitors. Diners can enhance their meals with optional cocktail pairings featuring Hornitos Tequila and Knob Creek Bourbon, this year’s beverage partners.
Reservations are strongly encouraged, with organizers urging diners to review menus and dietary options on ccdrestaurantweek.com before booking. Hours and offerings vary by restaurant.
Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of the Center City District, said the tradition remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s winter season. “The ritual of gathering around a table to share a meal reminds us that Center City is where our community comes together,” Gupta said. “Our restaurant scene doesn’t just feed people—it creates moments of togetherness and connection that remind us why downtown matters.”
To support the hospitality workforce, CCD is inviting participating restaurants to nominate staff members for a chance to win a $500 “tip.” Five winners will be selected at random, and every nominee will receive a gift in appreciation of their work.
Restaurant Week diners will also have access to discounted parking — $10 or less — at partnering garages including LAZ, BexPark by Brandywine, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Discounts apply from 4:45 p.m. to 1 a.m., with some garages requiring a digital voucher or advance reservation.
The event’s impact continues to grow. Last January, weekends during Restaurant Week saw a 19% increase in visitors between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. and a 9% increase across the full day compared with surrounding weeks, signaling renewed confidence in Center City’s dining and business core.
CCD is also reviving its “Dinner for a Year” sweepstakes, awarding four winners a full year of restaurant gift cards. Entries can be submitted online, with no purchase required.
Prominent participants this year include Amada, Double Knot, Ocean Prime, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Osteria, Buddakan, Via Locusta, Barbuzzo, Fork, Little Nonna’s, Pizzeria Vetri, Wilder, Harp & Crown, and dozens more across every cuisine category. Venues offering $60 premium menus are marked accordingly.
A complete list of restaurants and menus is available at ccdrestaurantweek.com, with updates posted throughout the promotion.
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