Antonello offers fast prix fixe option

Busy business executives and shoppers can now squeeze in a quick bite without foregoing flavor with Antonello Ristorante’s new prix fixed menu, according to a restaurant news release.

The new weekday lunch menu, 3 for 20 Under 40, offers choice of entree, soup or salad, and desert for $20 and are served in less than 40 minutes.

“There’s a perception that dining at Antonello means spending a lot of money and luxuriating through a long, slow-moving meal,” said restaurant Managing Partner Thad Foret in a prepared statement. “While that mode of dining is desired by some of our valued guests, many others simply don’t have the time or inclination for that kind of experience. They might want to enjoy a great meal, but not have the time or budget for indulgence.”

Diners have a choice of plates including sole piccata in a white wine sauce, petit filet served with Swiss chard, slow-cooked boneless beef short ribs, tomato and beets salad and homemade vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso.

Antonello Ristorante is at 3800 Plaza Drive, in South Coast Plaza Village, and is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

— Sarah Peters

Twitter: @speters01