San Diego offers travelers a great lineup of restaurants to discover year-round, but if you are looking for the perfect foodie vacation to this town that offers much more than tacos and beer, book your next flight to San Diego during their semi-annual restaurant week, taking place in 2014 from January 19-24.

For six days in January, over 180 restaurants will participate in a feast of culinary senses. Pre fixe menus, special offerings, and unique menu creations will be available to sample in twelve regions throughout San Diego County. Here’s a few of my favorite restaurants, highlighted by region:

Coronado
Peohe’s, located on the bay, is one of my favorite Coronado restaurants. Their fresh fish specials are to die for, and the coconut shrimp is an entree worthy appetizer. 1500 OCEAN and Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge are also participating.

The Fig Tree Cafe at Liberty Station will be serving up a $35 pre fixe dinner. Known for their amazing portion sizes, tasty flavor concoctions, I suggest sampling on the tequila lobster ravioli. You absolutely must finish your meal with their signature Fig Bread Pudding and vanilla ice cream.

A whopping 17 restaurants downtown are participating in the fun, giving you lots of possibilities. Steakhouses, such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Mortons, and Donovan’s  Steak and Chop House can help you satisfy any major meat craving. Prepkitchen Little Italy is upping the Restaurant Week ante by giving guests the chance to select any three dishes off their regular menu for the prefixe price (one appetizer, entree, and dessert). I suggest starting with the bacon wrapped dates served with blue cheese. Everything else is icing on the cake.

Ten restaurants in the La Jolla area will be serving up specialties throughout the week. At NINE-TEN, you might just want to try the Baby Beet Salad served with goat cheese pudding, fennel, smoked orange and pistachio. An array of main courses include salmon, scallops, a lamb loin, duck breast, or roasted mushrooms and marinated tofu for the vegetarian. Don’t have a sweet tooth? Should you want to skip out on dessert, you can substitute for a selection of artisan cheeses.

Restaurants in Mission Bay, South Bay, Uptown, Central County, North County Coastal and Inland are also participating. No tickets or passes are required. Visit;http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/ for more information.

Booking it to San Diego? Grab a cheap flight on CheapOair!

Photo credit: slack12