5 Restaurant Week deals worth the money

The upcoming Center City Restaurant Week is an exciting time for those of us both obsessed with restaurants and with watching our budgets. For two weeks, from Aug. 2-9 and Aug. 9-14, over 100 restaurants in Center Citywill be serving up three-course dinners for just $35, and some offer $20 lunches too. On average, for two people ordering dinner that’s a savings of at least $20, and at some places a lot more. Here’s where to make a reservation, stat.

Zahav
237 St. James Place
215-625-8800
Zahavrestaurant.com
Chef Michael Solomonov’s gem in Old City is a darling among locals, tourists and critics alike. The Israeli cuisine is exceptional on a regular night, and the Restaurant Week menu looks like it won’t disappoint. The hummus and salatim are complimentary starters. Run to OpenTable because reservations get snapped up quickly.

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Petruce et al.
1121 Walnut St.
267 225-8232
Petrucephilly.com
In a section of Center City teeming with dining options of all varieties, the Petruce brothers Justin and Jonathan stand out. The wood-fired oven is at the center of making Petruce et al.’s American cuisine a success in a city that is beginning to consider house-made pasta and fresh local veggies standard.

Amada
217 Chestnut St.
215-625-2450
Philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com
Jose Garces’ original splash in Philly is offering a Restaurant Week menu for both lunch and dinner. There’s a long list of options at this tapas spot, so choice wisely. Fortunately the kitchen is keeping things simpler for dessert, with just two selections: Spanish custard or a dark chocolate tart (can we get both?).

Barbuzzo
110 S. 13th St.
215-546-9300
Barbuzzo.com
All Valerie Safran and Chef Marcie Turney’s lauded eateries are participating in Restaurant Week deals — and yes, the gnocchi is on the menu, as well as the revered Salted Caramel Budino as a dessert option. Or try to snag a table at the brand new Bud and Marilyn’s, Safran and Turney’s latest offering to the food gods.

Butcher & Singer
1500 Walnut St.
215-732-4444
Butcherandsinger.com
Stephen Starr’s high-end, throwback steakhouse puts out a Restaurant Week menu that is narrowly tailored: entrée options consist of an 8 oz. filet mignon, pork chop or Trout Amandine. The atmosphere in the restaurant feels like Old Hollywood, especially when combined with one of their champagne cocktails and swanky jazz. The Salted Chocolate & Caramel tart makes its return for a decadent dessert choice.