Photo by tvol.

Restaurant Week kicks off today, and everyone has long espoused their opinions about its value and quality. But that’s pretty much old news at this point. While many restaurants are booked, for those who choose to venture forth or attempt to snag a last minute reservation, here are some of our staff picks for the best Restaurant Week values.

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This year, my husband and I are trying out Trummer’s on Main — we’ve been meaning to go forever, and having Restaurant Week there gives us the incentive to finally make the trek out to Clifton, Virginia. We’ll have to venture beyond the $35 per person so we can try out the well-regarded cocktails there.

Some of my closer to home favorites from years past: Dino, Liberty Tavern, Equinox, Kellari Taverna, Taberna del Alabardero, Bombay Club, 2941 and Rasika. I tend to prefer lunch to dinner in terms of value. 2941 is my favorite Restaurant Week lunch spot — it’s never insanely crowded, and the food is always delicious and gorgeous. It feels like a special occasion every time you go there; plus they usually extend the deal beyond the initial week.

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Taberna Del Alabardero: On OpenTable, Taberna Del Alabardero is categorized in the $$$$ price range, meaning a meal will run you $50 or more; so the Restaurant Week price of three courses at $35.11 is quite a steal. But more importantly, the quality of food, excellent service and overall atmosphere of this restaurant makes it a must-try. Try the delicately prepared squid dish, or any of the fish choices. You’ll probably be surprised to find at how well the accompanying vegetables are prepared, and how nicely they compliment the rest of the entree. And make sure you end with the rice pudding, though be warned, you’ll want to lick the bowl.

Acadiana: Acadiana allows you to pick from any of their entrees for Restaurant Week. While you’ll have to add $9 if you choose the jumbo lump crabcakes, it’s still worth it. For an appetizer, consider the turtle soup or the trio of deviled eggs. While you have three choices for dessert, do strongly consider the bread pudding with bourbon creme anglaise.

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The Oval Room: The first thing I do when I find out it’s Restaurant Week is to make a reservation for lunch at The Oval Room. They always bring their A-game in the kitchen. With their limited use of butter and animal fat, the food is perfect for lunch — light enough that you don’t roll back to the office with a lead back in your stomach. And even with a limited menu, they still keeping it interesting: fried confit of duck tater tots anyone?

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Vinoteca: This summer’s Restaurant Week, the U Street wine bar offers a five-course dinner menu. The amuse-bouche, which is a single, bite-sized appetizer, gets the diner’s palate rolling and will vary each night. The first course lists a variety of dishes that take advantage of the summer growing season, including charred heirloom tomato gazpacho and marinated heirloom tomato and rustic bread salad. The most interesting dish is during the second course: the restaurant’s own twist of Peking duck, a braised thigh with baby carrots and ginger, blackberry and balsamic dressing. The menu also includes a glass of wine between the second course and dessert. To get the full wine bar experience, add on an optional wine pairing menu.

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Zola: If Restaurant Week is about value, then you can’t beat having access to the full menu at Zola. In the past, I’ve been impressed with Zola’s well-executed seafood, salads and pastas, served up in a bright, airy space above the Spy Museum. Unfortunately, some of my favorites (rest in peace, chicken liver sliders) didn’t make the cut when the restaurant rolled out their new menu. However, you’ll still find the decadent lobster mac and cheese available at lunch. At $21, it’s literally worth the price of an entire Restaurant Week lunch.

BlackSalt: Restaurant Week lunch at BlackSalt is one of the few reasons to trek all the way out to Palisades in the middle of the day. If you love fish and seafood, it’s hard to beat the fresh selection at BlackSalt, which also doubles as a fish market. The kitchen knows how to treat a fine piece of seafood, using seasonal ingredients and a light touch that lets the quality of the fish shine through. BlackSalt only offers Restaurant Week at lunchtime, a steal with market prices being what they are.

PS 7’s: Didn’t make your Restaurant Week reservations in time and now all that’s left is a table at Melting Pot at 5 p.m.? PS 7’s has you covered. They are extending the special until August 27, and it’s worth getting in on the extension if you can. The menu is somewhat smaller than their normal offerings, but the quality or quantity never suffers under the promotion. Plus, with the money you save, you can order one of Gina Chersevani’s fancy cocktails.