Avanti is one of my favorite downtown restaurants. Unfortunately the price is a little higher than will allow me to eat there often, but it's a nice place nonetheless. I believe Avanti has three Dallas area locations, of which I've visited two. Both of the locations I've eaten at have been very nice and the food is awesome. The downtown location at Fountain Place (if you're not familiar with the area) has fountains built into the pavement outside in a pretty courtyard area. I would highly recommend Avanti for a special meal out with a significant other, or perhaps for a business lunch or that sort of thing. They describe the menu for the downtown location as "European" or something, but it's basically a nice eclectic menu with plenty of options.
more