Guide To Boston Restaurant Week

Twice every year, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau presents Boston Restaurant Week, a period during which patrons can enjoy some of the finest restaurants in the city at discounted prices.

These dates, held in March and August, are a great way to sample some establishments that may otherwise be out of your price range. With the next Restaurant Week fast approaching, here are some things to keep in mind.

When: The next Boston Restaurant Week will be held Aug. 9-14 and Aug. 16-21. A select few restaurants are also offering the opportunity to partake on Saturday night, Aug. 15.

The deal: At participating restaurants, diners will have the opportunity to purchase two-course lunches for $15.09, three-course lunches for $20.09 and three-course dinners for $33.09. Price is per person, and does not include beverages, tax, or tip.

Where: More than 200 restaurants throughout Boston, Cambridge, and beyond will be participating. According to the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, this past March set a record with 227 restaurants offering the program. For a complete, alphabetical listing of restaurants, click here. To sort by neighborhood, click here.

Reservations: Reservations are highly suggested, particularly for many of the finer establishments. Call the restaurant directly, and make sure you inquire about participation in Boston Restaurant Week, just to make sure. Lunches tend to be the hardest reservations to make, thanks to the further discount made available. OpenTable.com is another convenient way to secure a table online. A complete listing of participating restaurants is also available at OpenTable.com, with price ranges for each.

What’s available: Menus will be served on a prix fixe basis, so be aware if you want to take this opportunity to sample a particular meal you’ve heard so much about that it may not be available. The best way to avoid any disappointment would be to call the restaurant directly and inquire about what may be offered on any particular afternoon or evening.