Restaurant Week in NYC with City Cruises onboard the Bateaux
Baltimore / California / Chicago / City Cruises / DC Metro / Eat & Drink / Greater Los Angeles Area / Illinois / Maryland / New York / New York City / San Diego / Special Events & Holidays / Things To Do / United States

A Guide to Restaurant Week 2025 and Its Delicious Celebrations

Restaurant Week is more than just a foodie event; it celebrates culinary creativity, community, and culture. For seasoned food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, Restaurant Week provides the perfect opportunity to explore diverse flavors and enjoy special menus curated by top chefs. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a charming small town, this highly anticipated event offers something for everyone, including specialty dining cruises offered by City Cruises that combine mouthwatering flavors with jaw-dropping views. Here’s a deep dive into how you can make the most of a city’s Restaurant Week and why it’s an event worth marking on your calendar!

What is Restaurant Week?

Depending on the location, Restaurant Week is an annual event during which participating restaurants offer specially curated prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Selections typically include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Some establishments also provide optional wine pairings or special cocktails to complement the meal. Diners can indulge in multi-course meals at a fraction of the regular price, making high-end dining more accessible and allowing food lovers to explore various dishes without breaking the bank.

The idea originated in New York City in the early 1990s to draw attention to the city’s vibrant dining scene. Initially conceived as a promotional event for visitors during a convention, it quickly gained popularity and became an annual tradition. Over the years, the concept has become a staple in the culinary industry, spreading to cities around the globe, each adding its unique flavor to the event.

Waterfront dining in San Francisco with City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / San Francisco Bay Area / Things To Do / United States

Good Eats and Great Views: Waterfront Dining Options in San Francisco

There’s no city quite like San Francisco. This cultural metropolis is full of things to do. It is an exciting destination filled with history, world-famous attractions, museums, distinct neighborhoods, the theater and opera, a wonderful nightlife and dining scene, and a bustling waterfront.

Known as the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco has been sung about by various artists, which is not surprising. You leave your heart there after visiting, and it draws you back repeatedly because of its distinct beauty and charm. From the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars to Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf, this is a place that locals love, and visitors keep coming back to for more.

When in San Francisco, you won’t have to go far to see the breathtaking views of the Bay Area from its unique and popular waterfront. You will find some of the best dining spots along the waterfront, especially for seafood. Start with City Cruises, a top place for dining on the water in this great city.

Enjoy Brunch with City Cruises for Waterfront Dining in San Francisco

The best dining on the water in San Francisco starts onboard a City Cruises yacht. We have just what you need if you are looking for the perfect outing for brunch. Our San Francisco Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise will show you the true meaning of waterfront dining. It begins on the water in our 2-hour elegant cruise on the Bay.

Along with a delicious chef-prepared buffet, you will enjoy inviting cocktails, wine, and beer from our well-stocked cash bar. Free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider will pair perfectly with your meal. Everything on the menu is freshly prepared, including breakfast pastries, Scottish smoked salmon, and French toast for the early risers onboard. Late risers can indulge in Caesar salad, Greek salad, oven-roasted salmon, and more.

Family enjoying waterfront dining in Berkeley
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / San Francisco Bay Area / Things To Do / United States

The Best Bay Area Waterfront Dining in Berkeley

We don’t know if it’s the chic and vibrant atmosphere or the seamless blend of culture and creativity, but there’s something about Berkeley that makes it one of the best places in California to visit. One of the many reasons to check out this Bay Area gem is the selection of top-tier restaurants that allow you to savor this culinary melting pot. Throw in some gorgeous ocean views from the waterfront, and you’ll be dining in paradise. Now, there are plenty of high-quality restaurants to consider in Berkeley (many of them with hard-to-beat vistas), but if you really want to take advantage of the stunning natural beauty of the area—and enjoy some delicious food while you’re at it, you have to experience some of the unbeatable offerings that City Cruises has on deck.

City Cruises is the Top Option for Waterfront Dining in Berkeley

Our state-of-the-art vessels are available for cruises and private events, so you can ring in any celebration with top-of-the-line hospitality and event planning services. Our on-board staff is incredibly friendly and professional, and the seasonal menus, fully stocked bars, and customizable entertainment options make City Cruises the top choice. Ready to learn more about what we have to offer? Let’s dive in.

Waterfront Dining on a Yacht in California

The Sunset Hornblower is the perfect venue for medium-sized groups, with an interior as impressive as the vistas outside. Highlights include round dining tables, polished hardwood columns, and exposed overhead beams that emphasize her charm. New plush, neutral-toned carpets and rich mahogany woodwork round out her fresh and updated look. Her spacious upper deck boasts gorgeous French doors that open to spectacular views to make a stylish backdrop for your event. Picture having a delicious brunch surrounded by your friends and family, with the California coastline as your setting.

Chicago / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Illinois / Things To Do / United States

Lake Michigan or the Chicago River? Two Incredible Waterfront Dining Options

Chicago is a top destination for many reasons. As the third-largest city in the U.S., this multicultural mecca attracts approximately 86 million visitors a year. Known as The Windy City, it is home to 100 neighborhoods, 36 annual parades, 40 film festivals, 74 music festivals, 600 parks, 500 playgrounds, and so much more, according to Chicago.gov. It is a city ingrained in America’s heartland, and while it has a big-city vibe, it is very much in tune with its Midwest roots.

Chicago is known for its appealing architecture and history. It’s a town that Frank Sinatra sang about and for good reasons. From the museums to gangster walking tours, parks, and sports, this city is exciting and has something for all. Chicago is also a great place for dining. Exceptional cuisine is at your fingertips here, and dining at the unique waterfront along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is a pure treat for anyone who wants those skyline views alongside some great food.

According to Chicago.gov, the Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path with four districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The walk takes you right up and close to the Chicago River, offering spectacular sights and a perfect place for dining on the water. As for Lake Michigan, there’s the Navy Pier, which is full of parks, shops, attractions, and great restaurants on the water.

York's River Ouse Waterfront
City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Europe / Things To Do / United Kingdom / York

You’ll Love Dining on York’s Waterfront

As one of England’s most celebrated cities for its beauty, culture, and history, York, UK, features a unique combination of Roman and Viking roots, hidden gems, and innovative experiences for everyone who visits there. Its popular waterfront along the River Ouse also features exceptional dining with unforgettable views. Several restaurants around the area merge spectacular surroundings with delectable dishes. This guide to the top places to eat for waterfront dining in York will feature several options you’ll want to know about, including those from City Cruises. An additional bonus? Our vessels can be used for private waterfront events as well. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Seeking the Ultimate Venue on the Water? Turn to City Cruises
There’s a big difference between eating at a restaurant with waterfront views versus dining on a floating vessel where you are immersed in the stunning surroundings the River Ouse provides. The latter is exactly what makes City Cruises such a popular and appealing option for those seeking a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. In fact, not only do guests gravitate to us for a number of products we offer, but they also book private events with us too. Whether it’s a corporate gathering or personal celebration, York makes a breathtaking backdrop while our premium vessels and top-notch services result in a festive experience designed for good times and good vibes. Our York Private Hire & Group Events page provides all of the information you need to get started when you’re hosting for groups of 20 or more.

Couple dining on Norfolk waterfront
City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Norfolk / Things To Do / United States / Virginia

Gorgeous Waterfront Dining on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk

When it comes to beautiful waterfronts, Norfolk boasts one you won’t want to miss. The unique and popular space along the Elizabeth River serves as the ideal destination for a range of experiences, including dining. In fact, with the spectacular surrounding views, every meal is elevated to unforgettable heights. With several popular restaurants around the area—and City Cruises as the ultimate option for taking waterfront dining—we’ve compiled this guide on the top places to eat with insights to help you discover the best waterfront dining that Norfolk has to offer.

Sail the Elizabeth River with City Cruises in Norfolk

Traditionally, waterfront dining means eating at a restaurant that resides on a shoreline. The benefit to this is breathtaking views and fantastic food, yet the vantage point from this spot isn’t a full 180 degrees. But when you opt to book with City Cruises—whether it’s for a private event or one of our signature products—you get the best of both worlds: top-notch, chef-prepared menus and stunning views of the surrounding area on every side of our stylish floating venues. When you Explore our Norfolk Fleet, you’ll find that our vessels are some of the largest and most luxurious in class, with exceptional, climate-controlled interiors and open-air exterior decks that immerse every guest in the city’s exquisite surroundings.

New York City
Arts & Music / Eat & Drink / History & Architecture / New York / New York City / Things To Do / Tours & Attractions / United States

The Ultimate New York City Bucket List

When it comes to fun and exciting things to do, few places offer more than New York City. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, a seasoned traveler, or a native New Yorker, this vibrant melting pot of culture, history, art, food, and excitement has a never-ending list of adventures just waiting to be explored. This is why having a New York City bucket list is a great idea!

Crafting the perfect bucket list can be challenging in most places. Luckily, the Big Apple makes it even more challenging, as there is so much to choose from. We’ve compiled the ultimate NYC bucket list—a blend of classic attractions, hidden gems, and options from City Experiences that capture the spirit of the city.

City Experiences is the Perfect Partner for Building a Bucket List

City Experiences offers unique ways to discover New York City, from luxurious dining cruises to immersive walking tours. We combine the city’s best features—its history, culture, and iconic skyline—into curated experiences that cater to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, exploring for the first time, or rediscovering your love for the Big Apple, these experiences ensure that the adventures on your bucket list are anything but ordinary.