If you are being more careful with your dining dollars this New Year, here are some tips: Many ethnic-type eateries are reasonably priced; give them a try. Chinese, Asian, Mexican, South American, Central American, all can be quite tasty and satisfying. Italian-American family style pizza and pasta joints are included. Tavern menus are a good bet. Brunches, lunches and Indian buffets are a less expensive option too. Also, check coupon mailers and Web sites, and keep a watch on your local newspaper for incentive deals.

The economic climate has prompted restaurants to create better deals for every palate right now, and while there will always be splurge spots to drop your dining bucks if you so desire, you can eat more affordably  at many good spots in 2010. Here are a few examples:

La Riserva, 2382 Boston Post Rd., Larchmont, 914-834-5584

Chef /proprietor Michael Vivolo has been serving the "Italian classics" for over 30 years and the handsome atmosphere and friendly ambiance keep it a treat. A new four-course lunch menu served Monday thru Friday is just $11.95. The meals comes with soup of the day, crisp house salad and bruschetta. Choice of entrees include: a personal Margherita pizza, pork chop Milanese in a mushroom sauce with vegetables, or capellini Caprese with meatballs. Special Tuesday thru Thursday evening winter dinners are $17.50 per person plus tax & tip and include soup of the day, fresh house salad, fresh baked bruschetta and choice of such changing entrees as: filet of sole francese; eggplant rollatine stuffed with ricotta; farfalle Romana, bowtie pasta with chicken, fresh tomato, mushrooms and asparagus; and salmone vecchia romagna, with zucchini and sundried tomatoes in a creamy brandy sauce. Open seven days a week. Free parking.

Gusano Loco, 1137 W. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck, 914-777-1512

For a tasty south-of-the-border meal there's nothing like 'the crazy worm.' Guadalajara-bred Manuel Garcia, veteran proprietor of bustling Gusano Loco Mexican Restaurant, is currently serving a festive new 10th Anniversary menu of authentic regional specialties and is featuring reasonably priced recession specialties for the whole family.

Every Tuesday there is an all-you-can-eat menu for $15.95 per person plus tax & tip. Many of their signature dishes are included, such as enchiladas suizas, puerco en coloradito, combination platters and tilapia en salsa ajillo. The meal also comes with soup and nachos, believe it or not. The special menu is available for eat-in customers only.

Every Thursday Gusano also offers three-course fixed price dinners for $20.95 per person, including soup and nachos. Choice of main course includes: carne arrachera; fresh red snapper Veracruz; N.Y. Steak carne asada; and pollo al mole poblano. Happy hours are held daily with specially priced drinks from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gusano Loco is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. There is free parking at the rear of the Equinox fitness center.

Rani Mahal, 320 Pillips Park Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-9066

Proprietor Abdul Jalil is marking the winter season with a new Sunday dinner buffet along with enchanced dining room decor. Mr. Jalil's flavorful new menu covers the regional cooking styles of north and south India.

Customers can enter from Mamaroneck Avenue and come down a flight of stairs, or from the main entrance on Phillips Park Road. At this entry, a cozy bar and lounge is to the left, while two separate dining rooms are straight ahead.

One of the prettiest Indian buffets in the county beckons daily. There are ample suggestions for non-vegetarians, and vegetarians and patrons can make their choice as to mild, medium or spicy on most dishes. The new Sunday night all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is $17.95 per person. The daily luncheon buffet is $9.95 per person Monday thru Saturday; Sunday brunch: $12.95. Open seven days a week.  Free and municipal parking.  www.ranimahalny.com

La Piccola Casa, 410 W. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck, 914-777-3766

Chef/owner Walter Ricci is originally from Peru and had an Italian grandfather. He has worked many popular kitchens through the years, including the former Umberto's in Rye and Giorgio's in Port Chester. Last May he moved his cozy 14-year-old restaurant into handsomely refurbished quarters in the landmark DeLancey House where author James Fenimore Cooper lived for a time (across from lovely Orienta Bay along Rt. 1).

Value can be found here right now in the fixed price dinners served Monday and Tuesday evenings. They come with fresh soup or salad, choice of pasta, choice of main course, coffee or tea. Cost is: $19.95 per person. At lunch you can get a crisp house salad and choice of pasta for $9.95. Walter's sauces are a treat! And if you're so inclined, Martini nights are Sunday thru Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m.; pick your favorite for just $5. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Free parking.

Fratelli Ristorante & Enoteca, 237 E. Main St., New Rochelle, 914-633-1990

Just down Route 1, this charmer has long since grown out of its "neighborhood pizzeria" satus and now draws a steady clientele of regional Italian food lovers from all over the area. Let talented Chef/owner Salvatore Cucullo create a delightful meal for you. Take note of how the kitchen likes to play with your palate- a touch of truffle oil here, a touch of hot peppers there. It all works in delicious fashion.

If those delectable baby lamb chops are on the menu, grab them! They're a real treat. New fixed price three-course dinners are served Sunday thru Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and cost $24.95 per person plus tax & tip.

The dinner special includes choice of appetizer, choice of pasta and such changing main courses as chicken parmigiana, Dijon salmon, grilled boneless center cut pork chop and pan seared tilapia. A sandwich menu is available at lunch.

Julie DePiano is a wonderful host at the cozy bar. Great wine selection. Friendly service. Open seven days a week. Free and municipal parking. www.frattellinewrochelle.com

Post Road Ale House, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, 914-633-4610

Chef Brian MacMenamin, formerly of MacMenamin's Grill & Chef Works, is now bringing his talents to bear at this new spot and it's hot! The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch highlighting modern American tavern fare with most entrees priced under $20. Plenty of delicous finger foods too.

Signature dishes include: Maryland crab cakes with Mediterranea tossed green salad & remoulade sauce; juicy Black Angus burger served on Kaiser roll with grilled onions and cheddar; Tuscan grilled filet mignon with grilled shrimp and bearnaise sauce; and lamb shank osso buco with creamy polenta. Additional features include a fresh daily raw bar; salads prepared tableside; specialty wines and beers; and a chef's table near the kitchen. Hefty steaks and chops were recently added to the bill of fare. High ceilings with exposed wood beams and pipes, cherry wood floors, and newly installed banquets highlight the dining room and bar. Free and municipal parking. Facebook.com/Postroadalehouse

Barnacle BBQ and Fish Shack, 181 E. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck, 914-777-6610

This bustling spot offers a comforting selection of BBQ and fish shack specialties. According to owners Mike Fenwick, Colman McCarthy and general manager Barbara Kavanagh, the menu is reasonably priced and geared to the entire family. There's a special rotisserie Wednesday prefix that includes soup or salad and a rotisserie pit meat of the week, such as turkey, cornish hen or pork loin, with dessert  and coffee included. Cost is $14.95 per person. Most entrees here are priced under $20. Addicting sides include mac & cheese, baked beans with smoked pulled pork and creamed corn surprise. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Free parking. www.barnaclebbq.com.

Le Provencale, 436 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, 914-777-2324

Chef/proprietor Derrick Dikkers and his wife Mieke have imbued this bustling French bistro with European charm. A long-running popular special here is the mussels a volonte served Sunday thru Wednesday that include your choice of fresh mussels preparation, such as steamed mussels with with white wine and herbs with bread for dunking into that delicious broth for $22 per person. Sides are specially priced at $5. A two-course prix-fixe menu is also served Sunday thru Wednesday for $29.95 per person. Included are choice of appetizer and choice of such entrees as hearty beef stew Bourguignonne, or classic Coq au Vin. Open seven days a week. Municipal parking.

Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net.