This is where Austin’s modern-day downtown began. These guys moved into a barren area and attracted other restaurants, bars and coffeehouses to follow. And the trendiness continues, in the patrons, the attitude and the food. New spins on classic Italian cuisine include such things as sage gnocchi with duck confit, wild mushrooms and white truffle essence; angel hair pasta with lump crab, diced tomatoes, capers and basil in a trebbiano wine essence and bacon-wrapped halibut with shrimp and risotto cake, sauteed spinach and charred pepper coulis. Leave room for classics such as tiramisu, creme brulee and gelato for dessert. While Mezzaluna has a trendy reputation, the coolly lit interior with rich furnishings creates an intimate, elegant feel. Buon appetito. -- Lynett Oliver (Photo: Seabrook Jones)