Philly’s Longest-Running Restaurant Fundraiser, Dining Out for Life, Returns With 40+ Restaurants Supporting HIV/AIDS Services
Philly’s Longest-Running Restaurant Fundraiser, Dining Out for Life, Returns With 40+ Restaurants Supporting HIV/AIDS Services
Philly’s longest-running restaurant fundraiser is back as Dining Out for Life returns for its 36th year on Thursday, April 23, bringing together more than 40 restaurants across the region for a night of dining with purpose.
Hosted by Action Wellness, the annual event invites diners to enjoy a meal at participating restaurants, each donating a portion of their proceeds to support individuals living with HIV. Tickets are available at diningoutforlife.com/city/philadelphia-delaware-valley
The concept behind Dining Out for Life is straightforward: dine out, give back. For one night, participating restaurants—from neighborhood favorites to award-winning destinations—turn their dining rooms into spaces for community impact.
Funds raised help provide life-sustaining services to more than 1,500 clients and their families, with a broader impact across the region where approximately 18,000 people are living with HIV.
This year’s lineup features a wide range of standout restaurants across Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, including:
- Barclay Prime
- Borromini
- Buddakan
- Butcher and Singer
- The Continental Midtown
- The Dandelion
- El Rey El Vez
- Fette Sau
- Frankford Hall
- Franky Bradley’s | B.West
- Gilda
- Giorgio on Pine
- Giorgio on Pine II
- Good Dog Bar
- Jack’s Firehouse
- LMNO
- Leo
- Loco Pez Fishtown
- Loco Pez Graduate Hospital
- Loco Pez West Philly
- The Love
- Morimoto
- P.J. Clarke’s
- Parc
- Pizzeria Stella
- Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
- Rittenhouse Grill
- Rockwell & Rose
- Scampi
- Sophie’s BBQ S
- passo Italian Grill (Media)
- Spasso Italian Grill (Phila.)
- Spring Mill Cafe
- Stina
- Talula’s Garden
- Tortilla Press Cantina
- Urban Village Brewing Company
- Val’s Lesbian Bar
- Villa di Roma
- Wilder
New additions for 2026 include Borromini, Leo, Rittenhouse Grill, Rockwell & Rose, Scampi, and Val’s Lesbian Bar—expanding the event’s reach across neighborhoods and dining styles.
What began more than three decades ago as a simple fundraising idea has grown into a citywide tradition. Since its inception, Dining Out for Life has raised over $5 million for HIV/AIDS services in Philadelphia, while also becoming a staple event for food lovers looking to explore the city’s culinary scene.
The event has also expanded beyond Philadelphia, now taking place in cities across the U.S. and Canada—raising millions annually for organizations supporting people living with HIV.
Over the years, Dining Out for Life has evolved into more than just a charitable initiative. It’s become a night where friends, families, and coworkers gather around the table—whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion—while supporting an important cause.
Each participating restaurant sets its own hours, menu offerings, and donation levels, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
