AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) has kicked off Amherst Restaurant Week, which takes place 7-13. This year’s event features 16 restaurants and eateries across downtown Amherst, offering an opportunity for residents, families, and visitors to explore the area’s vibrant dining scene.

From globally inspired kitchens to beloved local favorites, participating establishments will offer a range of special promotions throughout the week, including prix fixe menus, exclusive deals, and specially featured dishes that highlight the eclectic and diverse flavors downtown Amherst has to offer.

This year, diners can also take part in a giveaway running throughout the week. The more restaurants visited, the more chances there are to win gift cards to participating downtown eateries. Check-ins can be logged through the Brightr app or via a printed map, available for pickup at the Amherst Visitor Information Center.

Restaurant Week arrives at a natural pause in the Amherst calendar, just after the energy of commencement season, making it the perfect moment to rediscover downtown at a more relaxed pace. Whether one is a longtime local or new to the neighborhood, Restaurant Week is an ideal time to try somewhere new, revisit an old favorite, or simply enjoy a meal in the heart of the community.

“Downtown Amherst is home to an incredible array of restaurants representing flavors from around the world, and Restaurant Week is our invitation to come explore all of it,” said John Page, executive director of the Amherst BID. “Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, there’s a seat at the table for everyone.”

A full list of participating restaurants and their featured offerings is available at amherstdowntown.com/restaurantweek and on the Amherst BID’s social media channels.

AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) announced the launch of Amherst Restaurant Week, taking place Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12 in downtown Amherst. With more than a dozen participating restaurants and eateries, this weeklong event invites residents, students, and visitors alike to explore the diverse food scene that makes Amherst a standout dining destination.

Building on the legacy of the Taste of Amherst, which last ran in 2019, this reimagined event brings the focus back to the restaurants themselves. Diners can enjoy special offers, prix fixe menus, and exclusive deals at a wide range of local favorites, from casual cafés to upscale taverns; global flavors to homegrown comfort food.

“Amherst Restaurant Week is all about celebrating the incredible talent and variety we have right here in downtown,” said Robert Allingham, Marketing & Communications manager for the Amherst BID. “We want to make it easy and exciting for people to visit multiple restaurants, support our local businesses, and discover something new.”

To kick off the week, downtown Amherst will come alive on June 8 with free entertainment and local flavor. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., local band Prone to Mischief will perform a lively outdoor set downtown, creating an ideal atmosphere to stroll, dine, and enjoy the evening. At the same time, chef Bill Collins will host a free cooking demo at the White Lion Brewing patio, preparing asparagus marsala for attendees to sample and learn how to make themselves.

Participating locations will be marked with ‘Restaurant Week Participant’ window decals and table signage inside, and additional details — including each restaurant’s specific offer — can be found at amherstdowntown.com and by following @AmherstDowntown on Instagram.