This week, over 250 DMV restaurants are taking part in Winter Restaurant Week from Monday, January 22  to Sunday, January 28, sponsored by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Prices are set at $22 for lunch and $35 for dinner with pre-fixed menus and, in a lot of cases, options to upgrade for specific items. It’s a great way to explore the ever-growing DC food scene without breaking the bank. Here are our picks for where to make that last minute reservation!

 

The high-end Georgetown restaurant will offer a dinner menu with options including Bucatini with anchovy, garlic confit and parsley; Short Rib, Duck Confit and Salmon as entree choices; and Chocolate Dacquoise or Spiced Panna Cotta to round out dinner. Optional wine pairings available for $55.18 per person. (1226 36th St, NW; 202-965-1789)

 

The downtown Italian restaurant will have both lunch and dinner menus for Restaurant Week—appetizers include Escarole Soup, Fennel and Orange Salad and Lamb Meatballs; for entrees, choose between Ravioli, Grilled Calamari or Chicken Milanese; and dessert includes the signature Tiramisu of Chef Luigi Diotaiuiti, Tartufo or Nutella Semifreddo. (2013 I St, NW; 202-223-3600)

 

In terms of menu options, the contemporary French Brasserie in Alexandria goes above and beyond the typical three choices per course. The RW menu will have five different appetizers in addition to soups and salads to choose from for the first course—try the Escargots & Chorizo, Rock Shrimp Beignet or Beet and Goat Cheese Salad; eight options for the main course which include Bouillabaisse, Mussels, and Steak Frites; and five desserts to choose from such as Creme Brulee, Gateau Chocolat and Profiteroles. (606 N. Fayette St, Alexandria; 703-519-3776)

 

The flexible menu at Cedric Maupillier’s hip French bistro allows guests to choose one item from three out of five categories. Mix and match between “Nibbles” (Escargots in a Blanket, Snakehead Fish Sticks, Potato Chips and Onion Dip and more), First Course items (Burrata, Pulled Turkey Leg, Beef Tartar, and Brandade among others), Second Course options (Lamb Sausage, Bouillabaisse, Rainbow trout, Parisian Gnocchi and more), a Cheese course, and of course, Dessert. Menu is extended through February 4. (801 O St, NW; 202-525-2870)

 

Head to the District’s first winery for both lunch and dinner. Standout options include Crab Beignets for an appetizer, Pastrami Spiced Monkfish as an entree and Caramel Apple (Caramel Cremeux, Cider Donuts and Smoked Vanilla Ice Cream) as the sweet ending to the three course meal. (385 Water Street, SE; 202-484-9210)

 

Visit the Wharf for lunch or brunch at Fabio and Maria Trabocchi’s Spanish-inspired restaurant with a seafood-focused menu including items such as Grilled Wild Squid, Pink Key West Shrimp, and Grilled Branzino. (791 Wharf St, SW; 202-525-1402)

 

Choose between a wide selection of tapas (two tapas, one dessert for lunch or three tapas and one dessert for dinner) including Serrano Ham, Warm Mushroom Soup, Flank Steak with potatoes and chimichurri, EVOO Poached Snapper and Lamb Stew—finish off your meal with sweet treats like Andalusian-style Bread Pudding, Flan, or a Warm White Chocolate Soup with marinated strawberries and honey lavender ice cream. (660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE; 202-930-6955)

 

If you’re indecisive or don’t want the burden of choosing from a set menu, head to Sally’s Middle Name where the menu is already determined for you: Sunchoke and Italian Parsley Salad with creamy anchovy dressing; Braised Short Ribs with smoked parsnips and a red wine reduction; and to end the meal, enjoy a dessert of Brandy Poached Apples and Squash with whipped coconut cream and brittle. (1320 H St, NE; 202-750, 6529)

 

The rustic, Swiss-inspired restaurant on H Street will have European fare including Kassler & Sauerkraut, Braised Lamb Shank with creamy gruyere polenta; Homemade Spaghettini; and warm Cream of Wild Forest Mushrooms with smoked venison carpaccio. (1324 H St, NE; 202-733-4604)

 

The newly revamped menu at the downtown Spanish spot comes just in time for restaurant week. For lunch, choose two tapas, one paella and one dessert. For dinner, choose an extra tapa. Plates include Marinated Octopus, Patatas Bravas, Iberian Ham Croquettes, Fried Calamari and more. Paella options include a traditional Valencian variety with chicken, rabbit, faba beans and seasonal vegetables as well as a vegetarian option with seasonal mushrooms, artichokes and green asparagus. (1776 I St, NW; 202- 429-2200)

 

Enjoy modern, Asian fare at The Source with a three course meal including items like Ora King Salmon Roll, Pork & Cabbage Dumplings, Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, Salt & Pepper Pork Chop and Miso Glazed Doughnuts. (575 Pennsylvania Ave, NW: 202-637-6100)

 

For a meat-centric dinner, look no further than Urban Butcher. For the first course, choose between House Charcuterie, Beef Empanadas or Mixed Greens. Entrees include Steak Frites, Latin Spiced Salmon or the Meat Mountain (add $20) which includes a mixed grill of ribeye, lamb, pork blade steak, chicken drums, butcher’s sausages, charred potatoes, broccolini, chimichurri and horseradish mayo –well worth the upgrade. If you’re still able to eat dessert after conquering Meat Mountain, enjoy the signature donuts with nutella whipped cream. (8226 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring; 301-585-5800)