Sunnyside Restaurant Week returns with deals at over 50 local eateries

Empanadas from I love Paraguay Restaurant (Photo: Instagram @iloveparaguayrestaurant)

April 22, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The annual Sunnyside Restaurant Week officially kicks off Tuesday, April 22, featuring deals at more than 50 local restaurants to showcase the neighborhood as a true culinary destination.

The two-week culinary celebration, running through Sunday, May 4, allows Sunnyside residents and out-of-towners alike to try new restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Three-course meals are available for $35.

A wide variety of restaurants are participating in the event, offering everything from Latin American and South Asian fare to European bistros and classic American comfort food.

Photo: Instagram Bar 43

Participating favorites this year include Ariyoshi, a beloved Japanese mainstay; Bar 43, a neighborhood hub for hearty American bites; Bliss 46 Bistro, serving French-inspired plates; Cardamom Indian Cuisine; De Mole, a go-to for authentic Mexican dishes; and Soleluna, offering classic Italian flavors.

Other establishments, such as bakeries and ice cream parlors, are taking part in the event by offering special offers and deals throughout Restaurant Week.

Sushi and sashimi from Takesushi restaurant. Photo credit: Takesushi

Dirk McCall de Palomá, executive director of Sunnyside Shines, said the event plays a critical role in allowing restaurants and businesses to meet new customers in the neighborhood at a time when owners are faced with rising costs and challenges.

“Times are harder than ever,” McCall de Palomá said. “Costs are going up, times are harder, and it’s not that easy. Owners definitely want more people in seats, and they want more people coming through the door.”

He added that there is also a sense of optimism among local businesses now that summer is on the horizon and outdoor dining has returned. However, he said Sunnyside Shines is “determined” to get as many people through the doors of local businesses as possible.

Masa Madre storefront. Photo: Shane O’Brien

McCall de Palomá said Restaurant Week provides a particular opportunity for businesses that have opened their doors in the last 12 months, since the 2024 event, including Cousin Larry’s, Masa Madre, and Curley’s Bagels, which are all participating in the upcoming event.

Earlier this year, Sunnyside Shines collaborated with Woodside on the Move for the inaugural Restaurant Week of the Sides, offering deals at dozens of Sunnyside and Woodside establishments.

However, McCall de Palomá said it was not difficult to convince Sunnyside restaurants to sign up for a second Restaurant Week of 2025 due to the popularity of the event among local businesses and its success in raising the profile of local restaurants.

He said he is “excited” for the upcoming event, stating that Restaurant Week showcases Sunnyside as a culinary destination by highlighting “how many different options there are, and how affordable things are, and how close everything is to each other.”