San Diego Restaurant Week Has Arrived!

Bertrand at Mister A's, Crispy braised pork belly with sauerkraut and sausage with white beans.

A bi-annual tradition, in its seventh successful year, the first Restaurant Week of this year is upon us in sunny San Diego. Over 180 restaurants are participating in this upcoming week of deals and steals for fine cuisine. Restaurants range throughout San Diego County, from Encinitas to the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego.

The week begins after the 3-day weekend, starting on January 16^th– 21^th. Diners will enjoy 3-course meals at discounted prices in three price levels: $20, $30, $40.

No passes are required to participate, simply go to the restaurant you wish to dine in. However, the California Restaurant Association San Diego chapter strongly urges that diners make reservations beforehand. Last Restaurant Week in September, over 14,000 people participated. In this year’s event, restaurants are expecting even more diners, so make those reservations in advance!

Cuisines range from seafood, organic, fusion, American or ethnic, there is a restaurant for everyone. Eateries range in style as well, from luxurious, creased-linen upscale restaurants to trendy gastropubs, lounges and watering holes, plus everyday neighborhood bistros and cafés. This is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant or cuisine on a budget.

Some of this city’s five star restaurants are participating in the event, making the price fixed menu a steal—a savings of around 30% off the regular price at high-end restaurants such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, according to Gerry Murphy, General Manager of the downtown steakhouse.

San Diego’s Restaurant Week donates .05 cents of each transactions made by American Express cards to the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Currently, over 20% of high school students drop out of school before 12^th grade. Participating in Restaurant Week will not only satisfy your taste buds but also support a great cause.

If you miss any of these tasty delights, don’t worry, San Diego Restaurant Week returns September 18 – 23, 2011.

For a list of participating restaurants, please visit: http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Image from Mr. Gunn via Flickr.