Good Stuff Cheap: four standout dinner dates for penny pinchers

FOR A CINQ À SEPT
Devoted locavores should head to Beast after work Wednesday through Friday, when former Jamie Kennedy chefs Scott and Rachelle Vivian serve up nose-to-tail small plates—including pig’s head pappar­delle for only $4. Lovely Quebec and Ontario beers for pairing are also just $4; a number of wines are $5 a glass. 96 Tecumseth St., 647-352-6000.

FOR A ROMAN HOLIDAY
When it opened last year, Enoteca Sociale (above), the rustic Italian restaurant, earned an instant and obsessive following. In true Roman tradition, it offers Nonna night on Sundays: that’s three courses, including one of the house’s fabulous fresh pastas, served on heaping family-style platters. $35 per person. 1288 Dundas St. W., 416-534-1200.

FOR DISCOUNTED DECADENCE
After jockeying with Joe Pantalone for a liquor licence, Harbord’s Içi Bistro is finally open. J. P. Challet’s classic French style is surprisingly affordable, with smaller portions at smaller prices. That means diners get discount boeuf bourguignon ($17) and lobster thermidor ($18) and still have coin left over for brut. 538 Manning Ave., 416-536-0079.

FOR RAW HIDES
Sushi Couture, the highest-quality raw-fish destination on sushi-dense Bloor, serves up an excellent $39 omakase menu by master chef Ken Zhang. All told, it amounts to five courses of, among other delicacies, high-calibre tuna, butterfish and mussels—blowtorched, lime marinated, barbecued or hand-rolled into bites. 456 Bloor St. W., 416-538-8618.