Restaurant.com has quickly become a favorite destination of many Tri-Valley residents that are looking to try out restaurants and save money on a great meal at the same time. Here’s how it works:

1. You can start search for restaurants by zip code with a search radius of anywhere from 1 to 30 miles. Refine search results based on anything from Cuisine to Atmosphere to Entertainment.
2. Select gift certificate options ranging in value from $10 to $100 with discounts ranging anywhere from 60% to over 90% depending on restaurant and discount code.
3. Add the gift certificate to your cart and check-out. Some usage restrictions typically apply based on restaurant.

So why would restaurants sell gift certificates for pennies on the dollar? They get new customers that may not otherwise have tried their restaurant, traffic during their off-peak period (depending on the restrictions), and some profit since there is usually a minimum purchase amount that is two-times the gift certificate value.

Here are a few local restaurants that are currently offering gift certificates on Restaurant.com:

• Danville – Forbes Mill Steakhouse – $25 gift certificate for $10. Admittedly, this will get you little more than an appetizer and a beverage, but what better reason to try out one of the best restaurants in the area?
• Dublin: Extreme Pizza – $10 gift certificate for $4 or a $25 gift certificate for $10.
• San Ramon – Giuseppe’s Pasta & Grill – $25 gift certificate for $10
• Pleasanton – Gira’sole – $10, $25, and $50 gift certificates discounted by 60%.

Restaurant.com frequently offers additional discounts ranging from 70-80% that can add to the savings.