New, Now, Next: Fall 2026 Edition

Global dining destination Zuma has made its California debut in downtown San Diego, bringing its acclaimed contemporary Japanese izakaya experience to the city. The restaurant pairs sushi, robata, and shareable dishes — including marinated black cod, prime tuna maki with Oscietra caviar, and Norwegian king crab — with more than 40 varieties of sake, Japanese spirits, and signature cocktails. Inspired by the Baja California landscape, Zuma’s dramatic design features natural stone and timber, handcrafted details, a wraparound bar, dedicated DJ booth, and secluded garden terrace, creating a sophisticated setting that blends world-class dining with the brand’s signature energetic social scene.

Coronado residents Doug and Lara Hamm, the husband-and-wife team behind Black Swan Hospitality, have opened By The Sea, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant bringing the flavors and relaxed elegance of the French Riviera, Greek Isles, and Amalfi Coast to Orange Avenue. The seafood-forward menu showcases ingredients from leading San Diego farms and purveyors in dishes ranging from Bay Scallop Crudo and Calamari Fritti to Lamb Cavatelli, Linguine and Clams, Grilled Branzino, and a 28-day dry-aged ribeye. Seasonal cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine program complement the cuisine. Designed by Tecture, the light-filled, 6,500-square-foot restaurant unfolds like a private coastal villa, with a lounge and bar, skylit dining room, and eucalyptus-shaded patio accented by natural materials, locally curated artwork, and breezy Mediterranean details.

In La Jolla, Aloha Thursdays at The Shores Restaurant extends the island-inspired summer vibes with live music, tropical cocktails, signature pupus, and sweeping ocean views. Held Thursdays from 5 to 9pm, the beachside evenings invite guests to embrace the aloha spirit — those who arrive in Hawaiian attire receive their first Mai Tide cocktail half off.

Hotel del Coronado welcomes Chef Nobu Matsuhisa for a rare immersive culinary evening on the oceanfront Paseo Lawn on September 11. Guests will mingle with the celebrated chef while enjoying unlimited tastings of signature dishes including black cod miso, yellowtail jalapeño, wagyu dumplings, and hand rolls, along with a whole fish presentation and off-the-menu specialties. A hosted bar, signature cocktails, live DJ, and sweeping sunset views round out the 21+ experience, bringing Nobu’s acclaimed cuisine to the Coronado coast for one memorable evening. 

Belmont Park welcomes the season with the return of Fall Fest, transforming the iconic beachfront amusement park into a family-friendly autumn destination September 10 through October 31. Seasonal festivities include live music, roaming Halloween characters, Sunday trick-or-treating, the annual Trunk or Treat, and festive food and drinks ranging from pumpkin-inspired treats and caramel apples to specialty cocktails. Throughout October, the popular Kids Free October, presented by Ralphs, offers one complimentary child’s Unlimited Ride & Play Wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband, giving families even more reason to celebrate fall by the beach.

San Diego Restaurant Week returns September 13-20, inviting diners to explore more than 120 restaurants across 30-plus neighborhoods throughout the county. Participating restaurants, from acclaimed fine dining destinations to neighborhood favorites, will offer specially curated two-course lunches and three-course dinners starting at $30, with select menus spotlighting seasonal ingredients in partnership with Specialty Produce. The fall celebration also continues its partnership with Restaurants Care, with a portion of participating restaurant fees supporting relief and resources for California hospitality workers facing unexpected hardship. Reservations are highly recommended. 

ArtWalk Carlsbad is back September 19 and 20 for its seventh year, bringing more than 150 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico to an ocean-view setting above The Flower Fields. The free, two-day festival will showcase original works spanning painting, sculpture, glass, fine jewelry, photography, and more, complemented by live music, food and drinks, and interactive family activities at KidsWalk. Guests can meet artists and purchase works directly while strolling the outdoor festival with sweeping coastal views. ArtWalk Carlsbad also supports nonprofit partner ArtReach San Diego and its mission to expand access to visual arts education in K-8 schools throughout San Diego County.

Coronado Junior Woman’s Club’s 17th Annual A Taste of Coronado returns October 7, inviting guests to explore the island’s vibrant culinary scene through a self-guided evening of signature bites, craft beverages, live music, and local shopping. This year’s event will benefit Promises2Kids, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s Guardian Scholars program, which provides current and former foster youth with financial assistance, mentoring, academic support, and resources to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures. VIP and general admission tickets are available.

Busalacchi Restaurants will celebrate 40 years in San Diego with the debut of The Feast, a new annual tradition transforming Little Italy’s India Street into an open-air dining experience on October 11. Inspired by the Italian tradition of gathering around the table, the evening will feature live music, grazing stations, curated food and beverage experiences, and a four-course, family-style dinner by Barbusa served at grand communal tables beneath the neighborhood’s iconic string lights. Envisioned as a celebration of food, family, and connection, the event honors the Busalacchi family’s four-decade legacy while looking toward the future of Little Italy. Proceeds will benefit The Positive Movement Foundation and its programs supporting underserved and at-risk youth throughout San Diego.