Spring Restaurant Week Opens Today

This Sunday marks the opening of the fourth annual , which has been extended over two weeks, offering deals for diners at 22 establishments.

The event runs from Sunday through Thursday, April 7, and continues Sunday April 10 through Thursday April 14.

Three new restaurants are participating for the first time — , Lakay Island Restaurant and  — making this the biggest restaurant week yet.

Ben Bouchard, assistant director of the , said the event is intended to "welcome residents back downtown," after the slow winter months.

Patrons at most participating restaurants will be offered a prix fixe three-course meal for $25. Five restaurants offer a prix-fixe two-course meal for $15, while is offering both options.

"Part of the popularity is that people are looking to dine out and are looking for a good value," Bouchard said.

Salem Restaurant Week, also offered in the fall, highlights the blossoming downtown restaurant scene, which Bouchard said is the best on the North Shore.

"I think downtown Salem is the dining destination north of Boston," Bouchard said. 

With more than 40 restaurants, people can "park downtown and just walk around to see where [they] want to eat," he said.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and links to specially selected menus, visit the Salem Chamber of Commerce website.