Waterbar offers a $24 lunch prix fixe.
photo: Kevin Bond
Having a multicourse lunch at an affordable price is always a welcome treat, and never more so than in these turbulent economic times. We've compiled a list of some of the best deals in the Bay Area – all of these prix fixe lunches are $25 or less, and some are a lot less. So the next time you're thinking of going out for lunch, you might want to try some of these bargains.
44 Belden Pl.; 415-986-6287
At this festive Catalan Downtown, an appetizer, a main course and a dessert will run you $22 for lunch.
1849 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; 510-849-2155
Have an afternoon liaison at this Berkeley bistro, where a soup, a main and a beverage costs $16.95, or $20.95 if you add dessert.
56 Gold St.; 415-433-6300
A three-course lunch will only run you $25 at this Downtown "speakeasy."
1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; 510-548-5049
At the house that Alice Waters built a lunch prix fixe will cost you $25.
5484 College Ave., Oakland; 510-653-5484
Hungry Oaklanders can get a soup or salad, an entree and a dessert for $21 at this Cal-French.
347 Presidio Ave.; 415-563-8841
5356 College Ave., Oakland; 510-595-4000
At either location of this upscale Cal-Med spot, an appetizer, entree and dessert at lunch will cost you around $15.
1347 Main St., St. Helena; 707-963-3799
This St. Helena comfort-fooder offers two deals: $12.95 for soup, sandwich of the day and a cookie and $22 for an appetizer, a main course and dessert.
303 Second St.; 415-543-2928
For a bill with Andrew Jackson on its face, diners at this SoMa Mexican can have an appetizer, an entree and a sorbet along with a beverage; N.B. some of the more expensive items on the menu are not included in this deal.
704 Sutter St.; 415-771-0803
A lunch box that includes a daily special, miso soup, fried rice, steamed broccoli and three pieces of California roll will only run you $9.95 at this Downtown sushi spot.
333 Santana Row, San Jose; 408-246-6320
At Chris Yeo's San Jose Pan-Asian, a starter, entree with rice and sorbet costs $14.95.
231 S. Ellsworth Ave., San Mateo; 650-347-7231
Treat yourself to an affordable lunch at this San Mateo "fine-dining champ"; a main course along with a choice of soup or salad runs $20.
724 Allston Way, Berkeley; 510-644-4412
This Berkeley Indian offers heaping lunch plates with sides that vary in price depending on your choice of protein: $5.75 for vegetarian, $6.25 for chicken and $6.35 for seafood.
399 The Embarcadero; 415-284-9922
The actual lunch special varies everyday at this Embarcadero seafood hot spot but it always includes an appetizer, an entree and a dessert and costs $24.
San Francisco Int'l Airport, Terminal 3; 650-821-8938
If you're looking for a filling lunch before your flight, it's hard to beat the deal at Bradley Ogden's seafood spot where a cup of chowder or a half Yankee salad with the daily fish sandwich and fries costs only $13.50.