Dining in Austin
 

New Yorkers, living part time in Dallas, taking a road trip from Dallas to Austin. Looking for a romantic dinner out, what do you suggest?

I went to college in Austin, and due to some generous recruiting dinners, I was able to try most of the nice restaurants there. However, that was 7 years ago so there are likely a ton of new great choices. My all time favorite is Castle Hill Cafe, but keep in mind they don't do dinner reservation for small parties. The food and service have always been incredible though. Vespaio is a delicious and cozy Italian restaurant in South Congress area, which you should definitely see. A very cool sushi place is Uchi. Its a little house and I think the chef has won some big awards. When I was there, Jeffrey's was probably the nicest spot in town and was always very good, but the owners also had Shoreline Grill at the Four Seasons which has a view of Town Lake. I think the CitySearch recommendations for Austin are usually pretty reliable. Good luck!

Truluck's for steak and seafood; Eddie V's if you don't need the steak. They do have steak in Dallas, don't they?

Had a world class meal at Jeffrey's with a bottle of Albarino (tilde) on 9/11.
Love Vespaio, but no res after 19:00.
M (NYC in the 60's; 25 years in D; SMdA, Gto.)

I'd second Castle Hill! Gumbo's downtown is nice, too.

I like Roaring Fork, and my daughter who lives in Austin loves Vespaio (I haven't eaten there yet).

Sorry to disagree with all my fellow Texans, but while all those restaurants are very good, they are not what I would call "romantic". For instance while Vespaio may be one of my favorite restaurants there, it definitely is not romantic as the tables are busy and close together. There is a place in the Arboretum area just off of Capital of Texas Highway. I think it would qualify for quality and setting, but I just can't come up with name. I am not from Autin. How about some of you Austinites coming up with the name. Actually it may be another outpost of Eddie V. If I can think of it I will post it later.

I love Jeffrey's and Uchi, but it is hard to get into Uchi unless you go early.

I have to agree with Larry. For romantic I would choose one of these:

Siena (on N. Capital of Texas) - this may be the restaurant Larry is referring to.

La Traviata - downtown.

The Driskill Grill - downtown also.

You might try Reeds Jazz and Supper Club in the Gateway shopping center (360 and 183).

Upstairs is a nice, quiet romantic restaurant with good food and downstairs is the Jazz club, which can get a bit crowded on Fri/Sat nights, but lights are turned down low and the music is good.