What is Boston Restaurant Week?:
Boston Restaurant Week, held twice each year in the winter and summer, is an opportunity for Boston residents and visitors to sample prix-fixe menus at some of the city's best restaurants at a price that usually represents a significant savings.
When is Boston Restaurant Week?:
The next Restaurant Week in Boston is actually two weeks: March 18-23 and March 25-30, 2012.
Why is Boston Restaurant Week a Bargain?:
During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants serve three-course (appetizer, entree and dessert), prix-fixe meals for $20.12 at lunch and $33.12 at dinner. These prices represent quite a value in a city where dining out can be very expensive, and most of Boston's top restaurants participate in the twice-annual promotion. The price per person does not include beverages, tax or a gratuity.
Also in 2012: Diners with lighter appetites (or wallets) can opt for a two-course (entree and appetizer or dessert) lunch menu priced at $15.12 at participating restaurants.
Which Restaurants Participate in Boston Restaurant Week?:
For Winter 2012, more than 200 restaurants throughout Boston, Cambridge and other outlying towns are participating. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau will offer a detailed list of participating restaurants and their menus on the Restaurant Week Web site when participating restaurants are announced. You can also search restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine or name.
Are Reservations Necessary During Restaurant Week?:
There is extraordinary competition to score a seat at many of Boston's best restaurants during Restaurant Week, so yes: Do make reservations in advance. Reservations for many participating restaurants can be made online via OpenTable.com. You may also call participating restaurants directly. Because the menu offerings are quite limited during Restaurant Week, you may also want to call ahead to inquire about the prix-fixe menu that will be available if you have food allergies or preferences.
American Express Cardmembers: Register your card, and receive a $20 gift card when you dine at three or more restaurants during Restaurant Week and spend a total of $100 or more.
Are There Any Getaway Packages for Boston Restaurant Week?:
Yes! Several Boston-area hotels are offering Restaurant Week hotel packages. Stonehedge Inn & Spa in Tyngsboro has one of the best deals: overnight lodging and a three-course Restaurant Week dinner at the inn's Left Bank restaurant for $212 for two.
The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau has information on a variety of other winter hotel packages in the city that may save you money or include extra amenities during your Restaurant Week stay. You may also compare rates at Boston hotels with About.com's travel partner, Kayak.com or find special rates at Boston hotels when you book direct at Expedia.
