Dine Out Boston saw its inaugural run March 16-21 and 23-28. Pictured, spicy Cambodian red sauce over rice noodles at Elephant Walk.

The French-Cambodian restaurant proves a chef’s creativity need not be compromised by price. Pictured, Elephant Walk's passion-fruit mousse in a crisp almond pastry crust.

At Cinquecento in the South End, the Dine Out menu included pan-roasted chicken with wild mushroom panzanella and rosemary sugo.

The $28 dinner seems designed for places like Cinquecento. Pictured, bresaola with figs, balsamic, and arugula.

Cinquecento’s chocolate panna cotta with Amarena cherries.

Head to the South End’s other end at lunchtime, where $25 Dine Out offering lets you sample signature tapas without the evening crowds. Pictured, dates with ham.

Dine Out Boston is a step in the right direction. It offers consumers a markdown and lets lower-priced restaurants participate, both good things. Pictured, Toro’s bone marrow dish.