Today is ‘Pay What You Can’ day: See a list of restaurants that participate

Here’s a wholesome story for your heart and belly: Today (August 26, 2026), restaurants from around the world are participating in a pay-what-you-can initiative. Over 100 restaurants are offering up their usual food menu and high-quality service to customers, but with no expectation that diners will cover the bill. Guests are instead asked how much they want to pay and tip, with some visitors even paying in trade such as artwork, a homemade salsa, or exercise classes for the restaurant’s staff. Drinks typically remain at full price. The initiative was started by Saqib Keval and Norma Listman, co-owners and co-chefs of Mexico City-based restaurant Masala y Maiz. They have offered Paga Lo Que Puedes (Pay What You Can) days for over eight years. Last year, they invited other restaurants to join them and had more than 20 participants, including three Michelin-starred restaurants. Now, their “global day of hospitality” is expanding into a movement “about trust, access, and filling dining rooms with community.” Masala y Maiz encourages new restaurants to sign up and shares a playbook for participants that addresses: Service design and pacing Guest communication Team preparation and mora…