San Diego Restaurant Week returns January 11-16, and for the first time it will offer three-course, prix fixe menus for $20, $30, or $40, depending on the restaurant. “Now in its fifth year, San Diego’s reputation as a dining destination that brought 250,000 diners to 150 restaurants last year has made us restaurant week central,” notes Ingrid Croce, event chairwoman. No tickets are required — food enthusiasts may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like all week long. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online or by calling the restaurants directly.
Participating Restaurants By Region:
La Jolla Apollonia, A.R. Valentien, Crab Catcher, George’s at the Cove, The Grill, Humphrey’s Grill, Jai at the La Jolla Playhouse, The Marine Room, Nine-Ten, Oasis Bar & Grill, Roppongi, Roy’s, The Shores, The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla, Tapenade, Trattoria Acqua, and Vigilucci’s Seafood. 
North County Coastal 
333 Pacific, Amaya at The Grand Del Mar, Blanca, BlueFire Grill, The Brigantine, The Chart House, Firefy Grill & Winebar, Firenze Trattoria, Iris Food and Spirits, Jake’s Del Mar, Kitchen 1540, Market Restaurant + Bar, Pacific Coast Grill, Pacifica Del Mar, Pamplemousse Grille, Paradise Grille, Savory, Vigilucci’s Osteria, Vigilucci’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse, and Wild Note Cafe. 
Rancho Santa Fe & Santaluz Cavaillon, Cin Cin Simply Italian, Delicias, La Bastide Bistro, 
The Restaurant at Rancho Valencia, Tango Restaurant & Wine Bar, and Zocalo. (www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com)  JANE SHIOMI