San Diego Restaurant Week 2009 is back

San Diego Restaurant Week successfully returns for its fifth year! Following the tremendous response to the Restaurant Week that was held back in January of this year, Restaurant Week returns for a second time this year. This delicious tradition will run the week of September 13-18.

Organized by the California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego chapter in partnership with the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, Restaurant Week gives local food aficionados and visitors an opportunity to enjoy special three-course, prix fixe menus from more than 180 participating restaurants throughout San Diego County. Restaurants will be preparing special three-course menus priced at $20, $30 or $40 per person (tax, beverage and gratuity are not included).

George's at the Cove

The caliber, not to mention the number, of restaurants participating in this dining event is phenomenal. Diners can experience the culinary talents of exceptional chefs at some of San Diego’s premier restaurants. A sampling of restaurants participating include: 1500 Ocean, Bertrand at Mister A’s, Blue Boheme, Blue Point Coastal, Croce’s, George’s at the Cove, Kensington Grill, Island Prime, JRDN, Jsix, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Palm Restaurant, Stingaree, The Marine Room, The Merk, The Shores Restaurant, Truluck’s and Vela Restaurant. (For the complete list of participating restaurants including menus go online to San Diego Restaurant Week.)

The restaurants listed above will all be featuring a menu that is at the $30.00 or $40.00 price point but a few restaurants, like the Boathouse Restaurant in Point Loma, are offering a special $20.00 menu.  Phil’s BBQ and Pizza Fusion are also participating with $20.00 menus as well as a few of San Diego’s most popular Mexican restaurants – Casa de Pico, Café Coyote and Casa Guadalajara.

A newer restaurant on the scene and a newcomer to Restaurant Week is Gio Bistro & Wine Bar, located in La Mesa. General Manager Nolan Cooper claims that Gio is excited to be participating in this year’s event. The restaurant has actually prepared a special three-course menu that should be priced at the $40.00 level but as a way of introducing diners to the new restaurant, they will price their menu at $30.00. Quite the value!

The Marine Room

Restaurant Week was originally introduced as a means of introducing San Diego diners to high-end restaurants while indulging in ‘off-season’ rates. The dining event, now offered twice a year, coincides with what are typically slower seasons in the restaurant business. Restaurant Week provides a boost in local business while providing an affordable opportunity to visit some first-class dining establishments.

There are no tickets or passes required. Food lovers may simply dine out as often as they like during the week at any of the 180 participating restaurants. However, advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the restaurants directly or by going online to San Diego Restaurant Week.

Don’t miss out. Be sure to make your reservations today!