Fremont Restaurant Week Kicks Off March 5
The annual Fremont Restaurant Week is set to begin on March 5 and will run through March 15. The event will feature 70 local restaurants, including Massimo’s and Papillon, offering special prix fixe menus and deals.
This year's event marks the fourth installment of what has become a celebrated tradition in Fremont, originally launched in 2023 to support local eateries recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. The first event featured 40 restaurants and proved to be a significant boost, with a majority of participants reporting at least a 25% increase in revenue. The event has steadily grown, with over 60 restaurants participating in 2025 and 70 slated for the 2026 celebration. This year's restaurant week is a collaboration between the City of Fremont's Economic Development Department, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, and Yelp. In 2025, the event generated 1.7 million impressions on the I-880 digital billboard and saw 95% of participating restaurants reporting increased foot traffic and revenue. A new feature for 2026 is a partnership with DoorDash to introduce "Dot," the company's autonomous delivery robot. These all-electric robots, manufactured in Fremont, will make their inaugural delivery at the Restaurant Week kickoff event on March 5. Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan noted that the collaboration "reflects Fremont's leadership in advanced manufacturing and robotics innovation while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability." The initial rollout will feature up to three robots for testing and community engagement purposes, operating at low speeds on sidewalks and in bike lanes in the Downtown, Centerville, and Irvington areas. This pilot program is designed to support local businesses by making it easier for residents to dine locally. Among the 70 participating restaurants are long-standing local favorites. Massimo's, a Fremont destination for modern Italian cuisine, has been operating since 1976. For restaurant week, they will offer a three-course prix fixe menu with options like Bucatini alla Vodka and Braised Short Rib. Papillon, a fixture in Fremont's Niles district for over four decades, will also offer a special three-course prix fixe menu. Recognized as the Best French Restaurant in the 2024 Best of Fremont awards, Papillon is known for its classic French dishes and elegant dining experience. Diners can also participate by picking up a "Restaurant Week Passport" at any participating eatery. Each visit to a different restaurant earns a sticker, and more stickers increase the chances of winning prizes from a drawing sponsored by Fremont Bank, DoorDash, and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce.
