Restaurant Week, Sidewalk Saturdays to overlap this weekend in New Haven

New Haven Restaurant Week continues this week and concludes with the city’s second annual “Sidewalk Saturdays” promotion, an open-air market for retailers in the Broadway Shopping and Chapel Street Historic districts, on Saturday.

Downtown vendors will move their merchandise outdoors into the fall air from noon to 4 p.m., and visitors will have the opportunity to shop and dine at their choice of 22 participating restaurants.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Sidewalk Saturdays’ back to downtown this year,” said Bruno A. Baggetta, interim director and marketing and communications director for Market New Haven, Inc. “This activation is the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals alike to explore this vibrant part of the city, share a meal indoors or outdoors, and support small businesses all at the same time — it’s a win for everyone.”

The prix-fixe Restaurant Week menus include a two-course lunch for $21, and/or a three-course dinner for $42. Prices do not include drink, tax or gratuity.

A portion of restaurant sales will be donated to Connecticut Foodshare, formerly the Connecticut Food Bank.

“Connecticut Foodshare is thankful to Market New Haven, Inc., Citizens and all participating restaurants during New Haven Restaurant Week,” said Jason Jakubowski, the organization’s president and CEO. “In Connecticut, nearly 490,000 people, including 131,000 children, are struggling with food insecurity. We are grateful for the continued support from our community as we serve our neighbors in need across the state.”

Now in its 13th year, New Haven Restaurant Week in 2020 moved up from November to September to accommodate more outdoor dining options during the coronavirus pandemic. It was also expanded into a two-week event, including a full weekend to overlap with the Sidewalk Saturdays promotion.

Two hours of free parking is available at two parking lots, 56 Broadway and 255 Crown St., with a purchase of $25 or more from participating retailers and restaurants.

Per New Haven city guidelines, all persons are required to wear a mask while indoors regardless of

vaccination status.

COURANT FILE PHOTO IF YOU GO: New Haven Restaurant Week continues through Saturday, with two-course lunch menus for $21 or three-course dinners for $42. Participants include 116 Crown, Atelier Florian, Barcelona Wine Bar, Basta Trattoria, Caffe Bravo, Camacho Garage, Claire’s Corner Copia, Elm City Social, Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Goodfellas Restaurant, Harvest, L’orcio, Olives and Oil, Pacifico, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, Soul de Cuba Cafe, South Bay, The Anchor Spa, Tre Scalini, Villa Lulu, Zaroka Bar & Grill and Zinc New Haven. Menus and info: infonewhaven.com/dining/nhrwinfo.