Diners can visit an old favourite or enjoy something new when the event returns on February 20.

Special menus, many including three courses for £20, will be in place at more than 80 eateries across Teesside – including 29 in Middlesbrough and 26 across Stockton-on-Tees.

Some of Middlesbrough’s most popular venues, including Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, Panuozzos, Umi, Olivello and The Oven are all taking part.

Al Forno in Ingleby Barwick, Marshall’s in Yarm, Café Sapore in Hartburn, Jolsha in Norton and Sorriso in Stockton are just a handful of the venues on board in Stockton-on-Tees.

The week-long event is held four times a year, at times which help support local businesses through traditionally quiet times for the hospitality trade.

Supported by Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, restaurant week also helps promote the range and depth of independent businesses in the Tees Valley along with a business support package provided by organisers.

James Watson, owner of Over Ice and one of the men behind Restaurant Week, said: “We have some of the best hospitality businesses you can find right on our doorstep, and Teesside Restaurant Week is a fantastic way to help get the public through their doors so they can see for themselves what’s on offer.

“We put on Teesside Restaurant Week during times of the year when the hospitality trade would historically struggle – and the next one in February is being held at a crucial time of the year when customers might have stayed at home.

“Instead, Teesside Restaurant Week is giving people a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of what our fantastic restaurants have to offer, at a discounted price.

“The event promotes everything that’s good about the restaurant scene in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and across the Tees Valley.

“I would encourage everyone to go out and find their new favourite restaurant.”

Cllr Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy a wonderful meal at an affordable price.

“We have some amazing restaurants in Middlesbrough – and they need our support all year round.”

Cllr Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “In our Borough there are so many brilliant places to eat with every type of food on offer. So, whether you have a firm favourite or fancy trying somewhere new, I’d urge you to support the participating restaurants across our six towns and villages too.

“And if you are a restaurant owner or manager, it’s not too late to take part. Please get in touch to sign your business up to this popular scheme.”

A full list of all the restaurants taking part is available on the Teesside Restaurant Week website www.tsrw.co.uk

Any businesses who would like to get involved can sign up online.