In an expensive market like San Francisco, locals truly appreciate a bargain. That’s why the city’s annual restaurant week is always popular. This year is no exception. From Jan. 22-31, you have the chance to try out new restaurants and revisit some classic standbys.

And here’s more good news. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can score a hearty lunch for under $25. That hopefully makes your housing payment feel just a little more doable this month, right? 

Tratto - Downtown SF

Courtesy of Tratto / Instagram

If you need to impress a co-worker in the next week, take them to Tratto in Downtown. For just $15, you can each get a two-course Italian lunch with your choice of entrees like a fried chicken thigh panini or a spiced salami pizza. Then try one their desserts, which include Italian donuts in a bourbon sauce. 

Waterbar - South Beach

Courtesy of Waterbar

You can join the tech giants power-lunching in South Beach on Embarcadero. Highly rated Waterbar is offering a $25 lunch during restaurant week. You’ll have your choice of an appetizer of smoked mussels and grits followed by a blackened yellowtail jack sandwich. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Trace - SoMa

Courtesy of Trace

If you thought a three-course lunch at a San Francisco hotel for just $15 was impossible, think again. Trace is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the W hotel in SOMA with a menu featuring local ingredients. Their restaurant week lunch starts with a choice of creamy tomato soup or a kale salad, followed by a rockfish sandwich and a house-made ice cream sandwich for dessert. The only way it could get better would be for room service to deliver straight to your office (but that’d cost more than $15).

Toy Soldier - Financial District

Courtesy of Toy Soldier

Restaurant week menus don’t always mean you have to settle for whatever is put in front of you. At Toy Soldier in the Financial District, you’ll get your choice of three appetizers like New England clam chowder, meatballs, or a creamy wedge salad. Follow that with your pick of one of four hearty entrees like beef stroganoff or fried chicken. This special menu is being offered on weekdays only from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

The Stinking Rose - North Beach

Courtesy of The Stinking Rose

Craving a late lunch (or early dinner)? Head to the Stinking Rose in North Beach. Their $25 restaurant week lunch is being served each day until 4 p.m. You can enjoy their fresh spaghetti and garlic meatballs or filling lasagna for a bargain price. Just note that this place is well known because every dish on the menu contains garlic, so you might want to pop some breath mints afterward. 

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar - Hayes Valley

Courtesy of Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar in Hayes Valley specializes in cocktails containing the (in)famous alcoholic beverage in their name. But on their restaurant week menu, you can try absinthe that’s been infused into a cassoulet. For $25, you can get that plus pannacotta for dessert. Cocktails (and an Uber ride home) are extra. 

ICHI Sushi - Bernal Heights

Courtesy of Ichi Sushi

If you want to try something new, consider making a stop to ICHI Sushi in Bernal Heights for a Japanese hot dog. Yes, a hot dog may seem like an odd thing to find at a sushi restaurant, but it’s certainly not your typical ballpark hot dog. You can choose from multiple options (kimchi dog, mapo tofu dog, vegetarian dog, or a curry sauce hot dog). For $15, you’ll also get a maki sushi roll and Japanese potato salad to round out the meal.

Pizza Antica - Mill Valley

Courtesy of Privette / Marinscope

Pizza Antica is actually located in Mill Valley. But if you can make a trip up to Marin County during restaurant week, you’ll enjoy a two-course lunch for just $15. The menu starts with broccoli topped with cheese and pancetta. The main course offering is a braised chicken with polenta and mushrooms. Most of the ingredients are locally grown or produced. Call ahead, especially if you want to try to visit on Saturday or Sunday.