Take a date to Quattro Gatti in downtown Austin for an Italian meal in the shadow of the Capitol building. Its ambiance is intimate, yet cheerful. Bright yellow walls are offset by an antique wooden bar, and tables are topped with romantic candles. Many regulars come for the thin crust pizza. Try the Montanara, a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and two cheeses.

Quattro Gatti's menu also offers formal Italian dishes, including plenty of pasta and main course items. Try the Rigatoni aella Nonna, replete with tomato sauce eggplant, mozzarella, and basil or the Lombatina di Vitello, a grilled veal chop seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. Customers find the prices reasonable for the generous portions.

Quattro Gatti
908 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-3131
http://www.quattrogattiaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quattro-gatti-austin

Seeking a sweet, frozen treat in South Austin? One top pick might be Lick Ice Creams. Go there to sample of few of their innovative flavors, before you choose a couple that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their flavors are based on what’s fresh and local and all of their milk and cream is sourced from nearby dairies. They love to mix tastes in unique ways, combining fruits, herbs and even vegetables in the mix. In summertime you’ll find flavors like Blackberry, Lime & Basil, Mexican Marigold & Blueberry Swirl, Strawberry Basil, Lemon Lavender, and Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary. Year-round flavors include Fresh Mint & Chocolate, Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean, Caramel Salt Lick, Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey and Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. Open every day.

Lick Ice Creams
2032 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 363-5622
http://www.ilikelick.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lick-ice-creams-austin

Austin foodies with a love of French cuisine are flocking to Arro, the trendy sister restaurant to Easy Tiger Bake Shop. The seasonal menu features a mix of traditional French cuisine (Duck Confit) and more unusual items (Grilled Antelope). If you're new to French cuisine, the three-course menu for $25 is a great way to experience Arro. Diners can choose from several options, and favorites include the Lobster Bisque to start, Mussels and Fries as a main course, and the Lemon Goat Cheese Tart for dessert.

A full bar offers sophisticated cocktails and French wine. Renovations to the restaurant's warehouse setting have preserved the building's open, industrial feel, and large windows offer great urban views of 6th street. Arro's ambiance is ideal for a classy, yet casual, date.

Arro
601 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 992-2776
http://www.arroaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arro-austin