M will offer 3 courses for just $35

It’s wintertime and, if you’re anything like me, your wallet is a little thin post-holidays and you’re trying to eat better and start an exercise routine.

But that doesn’t mean depriving ourselves entirely. We just need to make better choices – like where to eat at a bargain during the upcoming Restaurant Week, Jan. 17-22.

Forty-eight restaurants are participating this time during Restaurant Week Columbus , presented by 614 Magazine. All are offering three-course meals at a fixed price, ranging from $15-$35 per person. (Tax, beverages and gratuity not included.)

Here’s a sampling of restaurants at each price point:

$15 – The Olde Mohawk and Cabo Cocina

$20 – Columbus Brewing Company and Figlio

$25 – Bon Vie and Michael O’Toole’s

$30 – Cameron’s American Bistro and Lindey’s

$35 – The Refectory and Rigsby’s (more…)

Photo: Barcelona Restaurant & Bar

Ok, so after the holidays, maybe going out to dinner is not your first thought. But, getting out of the house and trying out a new place does sound pretty good. And, getting a deal on your meal makes it totally worthwhile to brave the elements.

Check out the 40 restaurants that are a part of Restaurant Week Columbus, Jan. 18-23.

Some of my favorites are Figlio Wood Fired Pizza , Cameron’s American Bistro , Barcelona , Mezzo and the Upper Arlington Hyde Park location, the original in Columbus.

Each restaurant is offering a fixed-price, three-course meal for between $15-$35 per person. Most give you the choice among two or three selections each for an appetizer, main course and dessert. For example, at Figlio you can have Peasant Salad, Beef Tenderloin Medallions and Chocolate Silk Pie for only $20 per person.

Pick a place you’ve never been and make your reservation now. Some restaurants will fill up. For a list of participating restaurants, visit RestaurantWeekColumbus.com . The event is presented by (614) Magazine .

Where will you be dining?