Oakland Restaurant Week Draws Diners Across the Bay Area

More than 135 restaurants, including 23 led by women chefs, are participating in the 10-day culinary celebration.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:38am

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Oakland Restaurant Week is back, bringing diners from across the Bay Area and beyond to one of the country's top-rated food destinations. The 10-day event features over 135 participating restaurants, including 23 led by women chefs, many of whom are also restaurant owners. The event aims to drive a significant increase in dining momentum that helps fuel business year-round for the local restaurants.

Why it matters

Oakland has long been recognized as a top food destination, and Restaurant Week provides a high-profile opportunity to showcase the city's diverse culinary offerings. The event also highlights the growing presence of women chefs and owners in the male-dominated restaurant industry.

The details

Oakland Restaurant Week runs from March 13-22, 2026. The event features over 135 participating restaurants, 23 of which are led by women chefs, many of whom are also restaurant owners. The event typically drives about a 5% increase in dining momentum that helps fuel business year-round, and this year the organizers are aiming to double that growth.

  • Oakland Restaurant Week runs from March 13-22, 2026.

The players

Michele McQueen

A chef participating in Oakland Restaurant Week who said the event provides valuable exposure and an opportunity for diners to try different restaurants.

Visit Oakland

The organization that runs Oakland Restaurant Week, which said the event typically drives a 5% increase in dining momentum that helps fuel business year-round, and this year they're aiming to double that growth.

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What they’re saying

“It's exposure. So, where a lot of people may not have tried you before, now they are hyper focused on enjoying restaurant week and enjoying different restaurants.”

— Michele McQueen, Chef

The takeaway

Oakland's vibrant food scene continues to draw diners from across the Bay Area and beyond, with Restaurant Week providing a high-profile platform to showcase the city's diverse culinary offerings, including the growing presence of women chefs and owners in the industry.