Inside Scoop: Chicago Restaurant Week runs Jan. 20-Feb. 5 with a variety of affordable prix-fixe menu opportunities in the city and suburbs

Gene & Georgetti

It’s that special time of year again, where you get to treat your taste buds like royalty, as the 16th annual culinary celebration that is Chicago Restaurant Week returns through Feb. 5. That’s 17 days of dining deals to delight even the pickiest of palates.

This year’s version is one the largest ever, with some 362 restaurants involved throughout the city and suburbs.

This much-anticipated event is ideal for sampling a variety of what Chicago’s award-winning gastronomic scene has to offer, featuring special prix-fixe menus starting at $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 and/or $59 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity).

Dry-aged steaks, hearty American comfort food, modern Japanese creations, traditional Italian recipes, Spanish tapas, French delicacies or Thai spices — the world is at your fork at hundreds of downtown and suburban hotspots and cozy neighborhood favorites.

Don’t delay in making your reservations. For more information on the restaurants taking part and menu options, visit ChooseChicago.com