DAY TRIP RESTAURANT WEEK IN SAN DIEGO

San Diego is known for many attractions, including a world-class zoo, Sea World, popular universities, and simply for its beaches. But four years ago the city wanted to highlight another attraction it felt deserved more recognition — its food.

More than 130 restaurants in the San Diego area participate in the weeklong Restaurant Week, which will happen twice in 2008.

Roughly 200,000 diners ate at participating restaurants in San Diego last year during Restaurant Week.

The courses include appetizers, entrees and dessert. Restaurants offer three choices for each course, exemplifying the best of what they have to offer.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 south to the I-5 south to reach San Diego. From there it depends on which part of San Diego you wish to visit. There are participating restaurants in central San Diego, Coronado, Downtown, East County, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, North County Coastal, North County Inland, Point Loma and South Bay.

COST

At participating restaurants the menus and prices are fixed. A three-course dinner will be served at either $30 or $40, depending on the venue. Beverage and tax are not included. No sharing is allowed.

Tickets or passes are not required. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but not necessary. To make reservations, call the individual restaurant.

RUNNING TIME

Restaurant Week will make its first 2008 appearance from Jan. 21 through Feb. 1 and then come back for an encore performance June 22 through 27.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Beaches

JRDN Restaurant ($40)

Gringo’s Cantina ($30)

Baleen at Paradise Point Resort ($40)

Firefly at The Dana ($30)

The French Gourmet ($30)

Shades Oceanfront Bistro ($30)

Thee Bungalow ($30)

Atoll Restaurant at the Catamaran ($30)

Central San Diego

Casa de Reyes ($30)

Café Coyote ($30)

Casa Guadalajara ($30)

Zocalo Grill, Old Town ($30)

El Agave Restaurant ($40)

Coronado

Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort ($40)

Sheerwater at the Hotel del Coronado ($30)

1500 Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado ($40)

Brigantine Seafood Restaurant, Coronado ($30)

Coronado Boathouse 1887 ($30)

Current at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort ($40)

Peohe’s Waterfront Restaurant ($40)

Downtown/Midtown/Hillcrest

30 participating restaurants

La Jolla and Gaslamp Quarter

More than 20 participating restaurants each

East County

Arrivederci ($30)

Anthony’s Fish Grotto, La Mesa ($30)

SAGE at Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino ($30)

Brigantine Seafood Restaurant, La Mesa ($30)

Casa De Pico ($30)

— Daniel Tedford