Birthday dinner for 2 foodies

[yvonne.c]

I'm new to posting on ChowHound, but I've been avidly following posts for some delicious gustatory adventures in Austin. Thanks for the many great suggestions and opinions!

Now the matter at hand: my boyfriend's birthday is coming up, and we need a place to celebrate it properly. I've been reading up on some old posts, and these places seem to be popular recommendations: Wink, Trio, Jeffrey's (though it seems more hit-and-miss and has attracted only average reviews on Yelp), and Zoot.

We're big fans of:
--delicious food: that comes first in any dining experience; and not too heavy. Sushi is always welcomed, and he also enjoys a good steak (but he's hard to please in that area).
--knowledgeable and friendly serving staff

Not big fans of:
--loud surroundings (I don't want to have to raise my voice just to be heard over the table)

Indifferent to:
--wine selection (i'm a wine drinker, but he's not so much)
--price (it'll just be the two of us; no family of 10 to feed--thank goodness)

Old favorites (just to eliminate what we've already tried and loved):
Uchi, Chez Nous, Vespaio, Austin Land & Cattle

I'm leaning towards Wink, simply because it seems, on average, to offer the best in terms of what I've listed above. If I'm going to be paying a pretty penny, I don't want to gamble with my dining experience (though I suppose it's a gamble every time you eat out). If all else fails, I will gladly go back to Uchi.

Got a place you think exceeds Wink and Uchi (but no place can be better than Uchi!) and what to order there?
Thanks!

Will update after the dinner to reveal our choice and chronicle the experience (or add on to pre-existing posts).

[sweet100s]

Restaurant Jezebel.

Enjoyed the food; loved the experience. (the music, the art, the service)

I've enjoyed Jezebel much more than Wink in terms of food, atmosphere, and service.

http://www.restaurantjezebel.com/

[amykragan]

I totally agree with sweet.

Plus if you're both foodies no better way to celebrate a special occassion than with the chef's tasting menu. They'll customize a special meal just for you and you can do it with or without wine.
Very intimate setting with exceptional service.

[ssouth]

I'll 3rd the rec. Wife and I and a very nice anniversary dinner recently at Jezebel. We had the 4 course tasting menu and were very impressed.

Also, while I've enjoyed several nice meals at Wink, it is very loud. Since that is one of your main criteria, I might look elsewhere.

[yvonne.c]

Thanks for the replies! Wow, Jezebel is making a strong case here. I just might have to ditch the Wink idea. Got more suggestions? Please keep 'em coming! :)