We hope you’re hungry — over the last several months, thousands of votes were cast in our Readers’ Choice Best Restaurants ballot. The results have been tabulated, and we’re thrilled to announce this year’s winners. A selection of repeat favorites have held court, while a number of newbies have made the list for the first time. Duckaroni or Claircakes, anyone? Bon appetit!   MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA

Best Steakhouse (Tie): Donovan’s Steak & Chop House & Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Mesmerize your palate with a great steak and a bottle of red at Donovan’s, a repeat readers’ favorite. How about a Cajun Rib Eye and some hand-layered Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyere Cheese? (858/450-6666, www.donovanssteakhouse.com)

A thick and juicy USDA Prime steak is affordable and delicious at Ruth’s Chris. A tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern Filet Mignon on a searing hot plate paired with a Blue Cheese Wedge salad truly hits the spot. (www.ruthschris.com)

Best Seafood (Tie): The Oceanaire Seafood Room & Pacifica Del Mar
The Oceanaire is a popular downtown mainstay renowned for using sustainably-caught seafood in seasonal preparations including Fried Red Chili Calamari, Nova Scotia Whole Lobster, and Fijian Tombo Tuna with caramelized onions and blue cheese butter. (619/858-2277, www.theoceanaire.com)

Delight in the freshest seafood bounties in the main dining room or belly up to the newly installed raw bar at Pacifica Del Mar. Must-haves are the Lemongrass-Kaffir Lime Mahi Mahi or the Cast Iron Seared Barramundi. (858/792-0476 www.pacificadelmar.com)

Best American Food: Urban Solace
This restaurant has quickly become a favorite in North Park’s restaurant row. Chef Matt Gordon continues to wow guests with his homemade comfort food concept. Crowd pleasers include the Duckaroni or the Roasted Pork-Loin Sandwich. Stay tuned for details on the opening of Solace and the Moonlight Lounge in the heart of coastal Encinitas. (619/295-6464, www.urbansolace.net)

Best Burger: The Counter
Your imagination, a clipboard, and an extensive list of fresh mouth-watering ingredients allow you to build your own gourmet burger at The Counter, located in The Forum at Carlsbad. The secret is in the sauce, especially the Ginger Soy Glaze or Basil Pesto. (www.thecounterburger.com)

Best Pizza: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
With a gazillion places to eat pizza around town, readers recognize that consistency and flavor are at the very core of Sammy’s. Choose from a large selection that’s always tasty, always fresh. (858/456-5222, www.sammyspizza.com)

Best Italian (Tie): Cucina Urbana & Vigilucci’s
At Cucina Urbana, whimsical Italian classics of antipasti, insalate, pizza, pasta, and desserts are coupled with the use of the freshest local produce. Organic and sustainable offerings at or below $20 keep crowds coming back for more. (619/239-2222, www.cucinaurbana.com)

With seven local restaurants, Vigilucci’s continues its rich quintessential tradition of cucina Italiana with savory pasta, chicken, veal, and fish specialties. My personal favorite is the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, a homemade meat sauce sautéed with fettuccine-style noodles. (www.vigiluccis.com)

Best Mexican Food: Fidel’s Little Mexico
A consistent list topper, walk into Fidel’s and you’ll feel a celebration of the spirit of Mexico. I adore the authenticity of the food, especially the albondigas soup, chile relleno, and the carne asada. (858/755-5292, www.fidelslittlemexico.com)

Best French Food: Mille Fleurs
Savor the lighter side of French at Rancho Santa Fe’s Mille Fleurs. Chef Martin Woesle will pamper you with delicious entrees comprised of the freshest fruits and vegetables that he picks daily from Chino Farm. (858/756-3085, www.millefleurs.com)

Best Asian Food & Best Gluten-Free: Del Mar Rendezvous
A winner in two categories this year, enjoy a taste of Chinese fusion cuisine at Del Mar Rendezvous. A vast menu of noodles and rice, meat, seafood, and gluten-free options keep guests coming back for more. Don’t miss the Pungent Crispy Chicken or the Shrimp Pad Thai. (858/755-2669, www.delmarrendezvous.com)

Best Sushi: Harney Sushi
Our readers know sushi. A Ranch & Coast winner two years in a row, Harney Sushi has also won the Chef of the Fest contest the last two years at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival.  (www.harneysushi.com)

Best Mediterranean Food: The Mediterranean Room
Overlooking the La Jolla Cove, the atmosphere and cuisine by executive chef Lance Repp will have you feeling like you are really dining on the Mediterranean, especially if you dine al fresco on the
casual patio. (858/454-0771, www.lavalencia.com)

Best Tapas: Café Sevilla
Want a night out with friends to share some amazing Spanish tapas? If you can’t decide, try the tapas combination platter, but don’t head over there just yet — the San Diego location will reopen this spring in its new location on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp. (619/233-5979, www.cafesevilla.com)

Best Vegetarian Food: Sipz Fusion Cafe
Enjoy meatless Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai entrees comprised of tofu and soy meats. Pick and choose from soy chicken, beef, shrimp, or all vegetable. Try the Thai Curry Chicken! (858/279-3747, www.sipz.com)

Best Breakfast: The Mission
More than a café, pair your coffee with a hefty, scrumptious breakfast at an affordable price. The big draw is the Mission French Toast made with fresh-baked cinnamon bread on a palette of berry purée. (858/488-9060, www.missionsoma.signonsandiego.com)

Best Bakery: Bread & Cie
Bite into a seedy sourdough or a jalapeño & cheese loaf and you’ll be hooked. The crowds who visit daily waiting in line for cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, almond croissants, and cookies can’t be wrong! (619/683-9322, www.breadandciecatering.com)

Best Dessert: Extraordinary Desserts
Featured on this month’s cover — how sweet it is! Owner Karen Krasne transforms cakes, pies, cookies, tarts, and more into sensual works of art that are too beautiful to eat, but do it anyway! (www.extraordinarydesserts.com)

Best Eco-Friendly & Dog-Friendly: Claire’s On Cedros

A winner in two categories, Claire’s On Cedros is good for the earth and good for the animals, and also an excellent choice for your palate. Of course, Fido wouldn’t mind a bite of some award-winning cinnamon Claircakes with maple syrup, either. Or perhaps the garden wrap with fresh herbs from the on-site eco garden accompanied by sweet potato fries with homemade blue cheese dressing. (858/259-8597, www.clairesoncedros.com)

Best Fast Food: In-N-Out
Always made fresh to order, this is also one of my favorite burger joints. The special sauce is unsurpassed and the beef is free of additives, fillers, or preservatives of any kind. The chocolate milkshake is a must-have! (www.in-n-out.com)

Best Wine (Tie): Dolce Pane E Vino & Wine Steals
From light to full or dry to sweet, Dolce offers a wine list that’s set in a progressive format. My personal favorites include whites from around the world and the Italian, Spanish, and Rhone varietals. (858/832-1518, www.dolcepaneevino.com)

Who needs a long trip to wine country with Wine Steals’ four locations sprinkled throughout San Diego? A wide selection at low prices makes these wine bars a great place to try something new or savor an old favorite. (www.winestealssd.com)

Best Cocktails: Flavor Del Mar
Bartenders are constantly changing it up at this chic and stylish hot spot that offers equally extravagant cocktails. The newest addition is the Salt and Pepper with Grey Goose, orange bell pepper, lime, and agave syrup. (858/755-3663, www.flavordelmar.com)

Best Beer: Stone Brewing Co.
A lush one-acre beer garden is the ideal setting for the beer connoisseur. Choose from 32 craft and specialty beers on tap, 120 bottled varieties, or one or two beers on cask that change daily. (760/294-7866, www.stonebrew.com)

Best Casual Bar: Zel’s Del Mar
Sit on the patio or in the bar and enjoy great food, especially the flatbread pizzas or a juicy burger and a beer. Live music and great servers at this downtown Del Mar restaurant will make your experience a memorable one. (858/755-0076, www.zelsdelmar.com)

Best Happy Hour: Andaz
Three venues, including Quarter Kitchen, Ivy Rooftop, and Ivy Wine Lounge, offer happy hour Monday through Friday from 5-8pm. Sip on affordable specialty cocktails, wines by the glass, and mouth-watering appetizers including the Fresh Burrata with Mint Walnut Pesto and Grilled Country Bread. (619/849-1234, www.sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com)

Best Gastropub: Jaynes Gastropub
This gourmet pub with a European eclectic menu specializes in Niman Ranch meats and organic produce. Sip on old-fashioned craft cocktails reinvented while indulging on Bangers & Mash, Chicken Under a Brick, or Lamb Shepherd’s Pie. (619/563-1011, www.jaynesgastropub.com)

Best View (Tie): George’s At The Cove & Bertrand At Mister A’s
At George’s, sip and savor in this waterfront treasure featuring three distinct dining levels with picture-perfect views of the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, its beaches, and the scenic cliffs of the La Jolla Cove. (858/454-4244, www.georgesatthecove.com)

Watch the planes fly by — panoramic views all the way from Point Loma to La Jolla and beyond make this the perfect dining destination for a celebratory night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two. (619/239-1377, www.bertrandatmisteras.com)

Most Romantic: The Marine Room
White linens, candlelight, beautiful food, fine wine, an attentive wait staff, and an up close and personal view of the Pacific Ocean set the scene for a romantic evening for you and
your special someone. (866/644-2351, www.marineroom.com)

Best Catering: Waters Fine Catering
A repeat readers’ favorite, start your guest list and watch your special event come to life with Waters Fine Catering. From the ambiance to the award-winning cuisine, Waters will handle your unique occasion with style and taste, leaving your guests speechless. (619/276-8803, www.waterscatering.com)