Sunday specials

Sunday evening might signal the end of the weekend. But that’s no reason to despair, especially when you can indulge in one of these Sunday night only specials.

Rocca

Apparently spaghetti and meatballs is something of an American bastardization. On Sunday nights, a.k.a. “Il Ragu” nights, you can get a taste of the authentic Neapolitan dish: First comes the pasta in a soulful braising sauce made with red wine, San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and onions. The second course is the meat, which has been stewing in that sauce for hours.

* Il Ragu, $27 per person; 1432 4th St., Santa Monica; (310) 395-6765.

The Belvedere

The new “half plates/half bottles” menu offered Sunday nights only at this pretty, civilized hotel dining room allows you to order smaller portions of a dozen or so dishes such as tempura fried soft-shell crab with lemon aioli as well as the restaurant’s signature macaroni and cheese with crushed truffles. * Soft-shell crab, $18; macaroni and cheese, $14; 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 788-2306.

Ciudad

The all-tapas menu offered Sunday evenings at this stylish pan-Latin eatery is so appealing, it’s bound to become a foodie favorite. And there are plenty of under $10 choices, including lamb meatballs with minted chimichurri, and spinach empanadas with pine nuts and raisins.

* Lamb meatballs, $6; spinach empanadas, $5; 445 S. Figueroa St., downtown L.A. (213) 486-5171.

Lucques

Last Sunday it was a glazed leek tart with a cornmeal crust followed by a choice of white sea bass or slow-roasted Niman Ranch beef, and for dessert, brown sugar ice cream with caramel nut tart and a shot of hot chocolate, all for $35 a person, at one of the best restaurants in town. No wonder the prix fixe Sunday suppers often sell out.

* Sunday supper, $35; 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; (323) 655-6277.

The Grill on the Alley

On Sunday evenings, the chefs prepare prime rib, and each order includes a whopping 24 ounces of meat, a baked potato, Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach and a side of whipped horseradish sauce. Some regulars call in advance to request their preferred done-ness or cut.

Prime rib dinner, $37.75; 9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills; (310) 276-0615.