Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Chef's Week
What is Arizona Chef's Week?
Arizona Chef’s Week is a celebration of creativity, flavor, and community. Local, independently owned restaurants across the Phoenix area will serve up exclusive, chef-designed, three-course menus, priced at $55 or $66 per person, offering a fresh and innovative dining experience you won’t find any other time of year. It’s your chance to taste something truly special, support your favorite eateries, and discover new ones — all while adding a little extra sizzle to your summer!
When is it?
Arizona Chef’s Week is making its 2026 return on Friday, July 31st, and will continue through Sunday, August 9th.
Who Participates in Arizona Chef's Week?
Arizona Chef’s Week brings together local, independently owned restaurants and their creative chefs from across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our participating restaurants range from neighborhood favorites and hidden gems to well-established dining institutions — all united by a passion for food, flavor, and delivering a truly memorable dining experience.
Is Chef's Week for Phoenix-Area Restaurants Only?
While the majority of Arizona Chef’s Week participants will be located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, we’re excited to begin expanding the event in year two by welcoming a select number of chef-driven restaurants from Northern and Southern Arizona.
As Arizona Chef’s Week continues to grow, our goal is to thoughtfully build a statewide celebration of Arizona’s culinary talent while preserving the curated, high-impact experience that defines the event.
Do Attendees Need a Ticket to Attend the Event?
No tickets are required; however, reservations are highly recommended as restaurants fill up quickly. You will handle payment in restaurant, just as you would a normal meal.
Will The Menus Vary?
Yes — that’s a big part of what makes Arizona Chef’s Week so special! Each restaurant is encouraged to get creative and design a menu that’s a departure from their normal offerings — whether that means featuring a set menu with a single choice for each course or offering multiple options for you to mix and match. Our recommendation is for restaurants to include at least two choices per course (with a combination of innovative, seasonal dishes alongside some classic favorites), ensuring there’s something for everyone. Some may even add a custom cocktail, wine, or beer pair-up to make the experience truly one-of-a-kind. So yes — menus will vary by restaurant, making each dining experience unique!
How does this event differ from Spring & Fall Arizona Restaurant Week?
Think of Arizona Chef’s Week as Arizona Restaurant Week’s more curated, chef-driven counterpart.
While Arizona Restaurant Week highlights a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines across the state, Arizona Chef’s Week is designed to spotlight chef-driven, independently owned restaurants and the creativity happening in their kitchens. Diners can expect elevated prix-fixe menus, seasonal ingredients, limited-time dishes, and unique dining experiences that go beyond the everyday menu.
In short: Restaurant Week is about exploring Arizona’s dining scene. Chef’s Week is about experiencing the chefs behind it.
Does the Menu Include a Drink?
Certain restaurants may offer a drink as part of their prix fixe menu. If they choose to, it will be noted on their menu within their listing page.
Do You Have to Order Off of the Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menu During the Week?
No. All participating restaurants will be offering their standard menus as well. Diners may order á la carte from the standard menu, but to capitalize on the Arizona Chef’s Week pricing you must order from the three-course prix-fixe menu.
Please note, restaurants reserve the right to require all guests at the table to participate in the Arizona Chef’s Week promotion. Also, sharing or splitting will almost always be politely declined by the restaurant.