Alexandria’s second annual Restaurant Week will feature 15 more eateries than last year with a significant increase in those offering dinner for two. Commencing this Friday, the city’s top culinary minds will offer their finest preparations through Sunday, January 24.

This year’s list of 50 participating restaurants includes 18 offering dinner for two, up from five last year, and two, Artfully Chocolate and Bittersweet, presenting special desert items at $3.50. 

“Our addition of the Sweet Treat’ category enables Artfully Chocolate and Bittersweet, which are not full-service establishments, to participate,” said Merrie Morris, director of public affairs for the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. 

The specialty shops will offer special hot chocolate named after movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe to help draw customers.

Restaurants offering three-course, prix fixe dinners and dinner for two have a set price of $35, not including tax and gratuity.

“This has really caught on,” Morris said. “We have a lot more restaurants participating and we are definitely suggesting that people make reservations, either with the restaurants directly or online.” 

Some 2010 additions to the restaurant list include Hank’s Oyster Bar, Austin Grill, Seagar’s, Sapore Italian Ristorante, Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant, Columbia Firehouse, and Cheesetique, according to Morris. 

Menus, event details and online reservations are available at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com or by calling 703-746-3301.