In the dining doldrums? San Diego Restaurant Week starts Sunday

More and more restaurant weeks seem to be popping up in the fall. Now it’s San Diego‘s turn. Starting Sunday, diners may choose from more than 180 area eateries for a special menu lunch and/or dinner at a fixed price.

The deal: San Diego Restaurant Week offers a two-course lunch from $10-$20 per person and a three-course dinner from $20-$40 per person. Check the website for a list of participating restaurants and menu selections. This might be a good way to sample pricey restaurants more reasonably.

When: The event runs from Sunday through Sept. 23.

Sample savings: Restaurants create special menus for the event, so it’s hard to compare exactly how much you save with the fixed-price menus. Note too that tax and tip aren’t included in the price.

For example, Truluck’s (8990 University Center Lane) has a three-course dinner menu for $40 with a choice of tuna, filet mignon or crab claws as a main course for restaurant week. Entrees usually run $19-$45.

Cucina Urbana (505 Laurel St.) has a two-course $15 lunch with a choice of “any pizza! any pasta! any piatti!”) plus dessert. Lunch entrees generally cost $12-$17 each without dessert.

Info: San Diego Restaurant Week