Restaurant recommendations for an anniversary dinner? (Dallas, Fredericksburg: house, buy, live)

[catriona]

We are celebrating our anniversary this weekend and hubby wants me to pick the place. After searching through the threads and the internet, I came up with these establishments. I would appreciate anyone's reviews or recommendations for these places or any others that serve steak/seafood or Italian. Thanks!


Wildfish Seafood Grille
Roaring Fork
Milano's
Lodge at Castle Hills
Kirby's
Silo on 1604
Ounce
Aldo's

[texasgirl1]

Have you considered Flemings at the Quarry? The food was much better than Silo or Wildfish....although Flemings has more beef selections versus seafood....so depending on what you prefer.

[TXEX06]

Over your list I would pick the Lodge. I would also add Biga on the Banks, tell the manager what you like and the chefs will prepare a multiple course menu with wine pairings. One of the bests meals I've ever had.

[skeet09]

The Lodge at Castle Hills. Excellent! You can also buy a Restaurant.com certificate for savings (I've tried it myself). Have a great evening in whatever restaurant you decide to dine at on your special day!

[RGJ]

I've not eaten at any of the places on your list, but I've always liked Cappy's on Broadway. It's intimate and the food is excellent and it's not too pricey.

[Mom2Feebs]

Chart House is excellent, and you get 360* views of the city. Gorgeous!

[mastercone]

When I pick a restaurant, I usually look for the best wine list. Of the ones mentioned so far in this thread, Aldo's on Fredericksburg Road has the best wine list followed by Biga. Aldo's has an extraordinary Italian menu as well. BUT, there are other restaurants that have been OVERLOOKED and they are:

Grey Moss Inn -- Helotes -- one of the best wine lists in the county. The restaurant is cozy for special settings with something for everyone on the menu.

Aldinos -- this is now on Blanco & 1604 and when it was at Central Park Mall, it was THE place to have lunch or dinner. I have been to the new location twice and it was good BUT I have only heard mixed reviews from others.

Van's Chinese on Broadway -- This is the secret hideout for many of the county's legal establishment who go there for the wine and food. You will be happy with the menu as they have live lobster, crab and plenty of seafood. They can also cook using a Tempora style approach for lobster, crab, and shrimp if you like. When it comes to cooking, they are outstanding. Sit in the back of the restaurant for a more private setting. They have extraordinary steaks. Their wine list is extensive and excellent. The Mango Ice Cream is the most popular dessert.

Piccolo's Italiano Restaurant -- near Evers & Wurzbach. The owners are originally from Albania with Italian ancestry. They have incredible seafood & some of the best Italian food you will ever taste in Bexar County. The building is a remodeled Pizza Hut but don't let that fool you. The food will sweep you away and the wine list is good and reasonably priced.

By the way, each of these restaurants mentioned so far have websites that will allow you to preview the menu, cross-check the wine list at cellartracker so that you don't get stuck with an overpriced or average wine, and ratings that are all based on user experience. Every restaurant mentioned so far will have websites, ratings and contact info if you Google it.

[CateLaw]

My husband and I have tried Wildfish twice and both times the meal was superb. The fish is always fresh and cooked to melt in your mouth.

We ate there just a few weeks ago for my husband's birthday dinner and our waiter took great care of us - too bad I can't remember his name.

I definitely recommend Wildfish - for us it has been consistent.

[Midorigreen]

I would add to your list:

-Boardwalk Bistro on Broadway (great little mediterranean place. Also has a set course menu and wine-tasting menu. Great food and quiet/romantic.)

-The Vinyard (I had the best steak of my life there last year for my birthday!)

-Bin 555 - great little Tapas wine bar. If it's a nice night, you can't beat their outdoor patio. I like that you can order several small dishes and try a variety of things.

[catriona]

Thanks so much for all the recommendations. We decided on steak, and after searching CD, I found Chama Gaucha had some really good reviews. The concept appealed to hubby, who had eaten at a similar restaurant in Dallas. We both enjoyed not only the food, but the ambiance and the service was top notch. Definitely make reservations, because that place was kickin' tonight!
Thanks again!