Restaurant Week Midlands kicks off tomorrow: 11 days of culinary excellence starts October 8
October 7, 2026
The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (SCRLA) announced that Restaurant Week Midlands officially begins tomorrow, October 8, and runs through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
For 11 flavor-packed days, diners across Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and surrounding areas can experience multi-course curated menus, special pricing, and exclusive culinary offerings from the region’s premier dining destinations.
Whether discovering new neighborhood gems or revisiting longtime local favorites, Restaurant Week Midlands invites food enthusiasts to celebrate and support the local hospitality community.
What Diners Need to Know Before Heading Out:
- Explore the Menus: Participating restaurants across the Midlands have crafted special lunch and dinner menus designed to highlight their signature styles and culinary talent.
- Make Reservations Early: Tables fill up quickly throughout the 11-day event. Diners are strongly encouraged to browse participating locations and secure reservations in advance.
- Support Local: Every meal enjoyed during Restaurant Week directly supports the local chefs, staff, and restaurant owners who make the Midlands dining scene thrive.
“Restaurant Week Midlands is a celebration of the incredible culinary talent right here in our backyard,” said Mark Newman, President and CEO of the SCRLA. “Starting tomorrow, diners have 11 days to explore curated menus and experience the rich diversity of our local food scene. We encourage everyone to make their reservations now, try somewhere new, and support our hospitality community.”
Plan Your Dining Experience Today
To view full menus, explore participating restaurants, and book reservations, visit the official Restaurant Week Midlands directory.
The SCRLA extends its sincere thanks to our presenting sponsors – including the City of Columbia, Richland County, and Experience Columbia SC – for their vital support in making Restaurant Week Midlands possible and promoting regional economic vitality.
About the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA)
For more than 80 years, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) has served as the unified voice of the state’s $32+ billion foodservice and lodging industries. As a statewide nonprofit trade association, SCRLA represents thousands of hotel, motel, restaurant, and supplier members. The organization is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the growth and success of South Carolina’s hospitality industry through government advocacy, educational programming, workforce development, and operational benefits. For more information, visit scrla.org.
