WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. One of Austin's best restaurants, Aquarelle is ideal for a leisurely gourmet meal in elegant surroundings. In fact, you can easily linger two and a half to three hours over dinner. Starters may include pan-seared foie gras with an apple beignet and escargots in puff pastry. Inventive main course dishes showcase seasonal produce in dishes like duck breast with butternut squash ravioli, and red wine-braised lamb with fennel sausage. Dessert options range from profiteroles au chocolat to black plum and almond cream tart. About 20 wines by the glass; many more by the bottle.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Painted brick walls, tiled floors, pressed-metal ceilings, and schoolhouse pendants lend a charming, casual quality to this much-loved brasserie. Gather with friends for a delicious, well-crafted meal that features house-special mussels, steak frites, duck confit, a croque monsieur, or grilled lamb T-bones. Daily specials also include options like coq au vin and a braised pork shank. Even better, three-course prix fixe menus are terrifically affordable, as is Sunday brunch. If you're up late, a satisfying selection of fare makes for a comforting, tasty repast.

DOWNTOWN. The owners of Chez Nous are transplanted Parisians, but in their cozy restaurant, you'll think you've been transported to the City of Light. Tables are dressed with flowers in wine bottles, lace curtains hang at the windows, and many servers have retained their French accents. Every dish, from appetizers to desserts, is prepared fresh daily, and savvy locals really appreciate the menu du jour, which is considered one of the best fine-dining bargains in town.

6TH STREET. This elegant restaurant is adorned with dark woods and polished brass, and features handcut steaks, cut to size. Fish, chicken, ribs and sauteed mushrooms are also featured, as well as a nice selection of wines.

NORTH AUSTIN. Great things sometimes come in unassuming packages ­ such is Fonda San Miguel. Located in an ordinary neighborhood in south-central Austin, it offers an interior and food that are nothing short of extraordinary. The decor transports you to an Old World Mexican hacienda, decorated with colonial Mexican antiques, Talavera tiles, and hand-thrown pottery. The beautiful courtyard is alive with flora and splashing water. Authentic interior Mexican cuisine is the draw, and traditional Yucatecan and Veracruzano dishes are deliciously savory but not unnecessarily hot.