Best Steak House:
Donovan’s Steak And Chop House
Don’t think for one minute that just because it’s tucked away behind busy La Jolla Village Drive in a nondescript office park that Donovan’s is a hidden gem. Gem — yes, hidden — no. This darker than dark mix of mahogany, martinis, and men is not only the perfect setting to close a business deal, it crosses over to be quite romantic as well. Take it from a woman, there’s nothing more seductive that the smell of power and a well-cooked steak. (858/450-6666, www.donovanssteakhouse.com)
— Terryl Gavre

Best Italian Food:
Piatti
Just saying “hello” can take ten minutes here as everyone seems to know each other. But this nearly 20-year-old Shores eatery is much more than just a neighborhood hangout. The rustic country-Italian fare is well-prepared, authentic, and consistently delicious. Made famous by long-time favorites such as frito misto, sweetbreads in mushroom and white wine sauce, the pappardelle “fantasia,” and the braised veal osso bucco, Piatti is often packed and you’ll learn that calling ahead comes in handy. While the indoor dining room buzzes with kitchen noise, the clamoring of silverware, and family conversation, the tree-lit patio offers quiet, romantic, outdoor dining reminiscent of the old Spago on Sunset Blvd. (858/454-1589, www.piatti.com/lajolla) — Paisley Wood

Best Sushi:
Café Japengo
Even though the sushi bar opens a half hour before the dining room, the wait for sushi at Café Japengo can run up to an hour — it’s that popular. In the end all is forgiven because the scene is hip, the room is sexy, and the sushi is worth the wait. In addition to the sashimi and nigiri choices, the menu offers a blend of traditional and Californianized rolls. (858/450-3355, www.aventine.com)
— Terryl Gavre

Best Mediterranean Food:
Athens Market Café
This casual eatery is a little-sister spin-off of Mary Pappas’ very popular Athens Market Taverna, which has been operating downtown for almost 30 years. Traditional Greek specialties such as saganaki, tiropita, dolmathes, and moussaka are made from scratch daily and guests enjoy some of Athens Market’s Greek beer and wine selections to go along with their authentic Greek cuisine. (858/675-2225, www.athensmarketcafe.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Japanese Food:
Samurai Japanese Restaurant
Not only does Samurai boast a 50-seat sushi bar — a good thing for its numerous aficionados — but it also offers regular tables, a teppanyaki room, cocktail lounge, and a tatami room for special occasions. Founded in 1979 by David Song, and currently run by his son Charlie, Samurai has long been popular for its fish of the highest quality and freshness, the Samurai Special (cut roll of smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and krab), and the friendly and oftentimes humorous sushi chefs who prepare it. (858/481-0032, www.samuraijapaneserestaurant.com) — Jane Shiomi

Best French Food:
Mille Fleurs
Best Executive Chef:
Martin Woesle
Located in the heart of the Ranch, Bertrand Hug’s Mille Fleurs consistently gets recognized as top dog when it comes to French cuisine. Hug perfectly nails the winning combination of a romantic, country French setting, outstanding contemporary French cuisine, and attentive service. Martin Woesle has been running the kitchen for the past 20 years. His dedication to quality products and his obsession for just-picked produce from nearby Chino Farm, is why Mille Fleurs is recognized year after year by local and national food magazines as one of America’s best places to dine. Let the out-of-towners think of this jewel-box as a special occasion restaurant and gobble-up the tables in front of the fireplace; we locals know better, it’s really a neighborhood eatery where familiar faces gather regularly for lunch and dinner. (858/756-3085, www.millefleurs.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Pizza:
Bronx Pizza
Greasy, thin, and oozing cheese like the best pizza joint in New York City, Bronx Pizza has that special something that makes mouths water. Owner and New York-transplant Matt Gardner spreads his own homemade sauce — made with hand-ground plum tomatoes — over the pies before passing them through a brick oven, which adds just the right flavor. Lines are long after the bars let out, when the tiny eatery becomes a familial hangout for the neighborhood. The staff is jovial, rife with wit and charm, and yes, patient. (Catch them when the ovens are off, and they’ll happily cut you a deal for remaining slices.) Dine at the window, in the small courtyard, or just join the throng on the sidewalk. Bronx Pizza is as much about having a place to belong as it is about the perfect slice of — say it with me now, San Diegans — pie. (619/291-3341, www.bronxpizza.com) — Ryan Thomas

Best Vegetarian Menu:
Ki’s Restaurant
Longtime patrons remember when Ki (Catherine) Holcomb first opened Ki’s Juice Bar in 1980 on Birmingham in Cardiff. She initially offered fresh juices, vitamins, and groceries, but soon grew to also serve healthy meals before moving to her current location overlooking George’s Beach on South Coast Highway 101. Although Ki’s does not strictly serve vegetarian cuisine, vegetarians and the healthy conscious alike are drawn in by the tasty food and drinks made from high-quality and often organic fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, dairy, fresh fish, poultry products and beef — not to mention the breathtaking view. (760/436-5236, www.kisrestaurant.com) — Mia Stefanko

Best Seafood:
Anthony’s Star Of The Sea
You can’t get any closer waterfront dining than at Anthony’s Star of the Sea. The restaurant is literally built on stacks over the water looking out on beautiful San Diego Bay. The contemporary dining room is open and features two levels so that every table has a water view. The seasonally inspired menu changes nightly reflecting chef Jesse Paul’s morning trips to the neighborhood fishmonger and his luck foraging the local farmers’ markets. (619/232-7408, www.starofthesea.com) — Paisley Wood

Best Thai Food:
Taste of Thai
Be warned, it packs a punch in the hot and spicy department. But that’s what makes it so good. Dishes include pad Thai, a variety of curries, chili pepper Noodles, and even roast duck — all derived from authentic recipes. Of course, a meal at Taste of Thai wouldn’t be complete without their famous Thai iced teas and coffees. Both the Del Mar and Hillcrest locations are located near hip boutiques, making it easy to kill time while waiting for a table. (858/793-9695, 619/291-7525, www.tasteofthaisd.com)
— Alicia Garcia

Best Mexican Food:
Fidel’s Little Mexico
It’s no revelation that for some 50 years Fidel’s in Solana Beach has become a regular spot for just about everyone who’s ever dined there. Nestled a bit off the beaten path, in somewhat of a residential area, this former house-cum-barber shop-cum restaurant is always hopping. Here, families, tourists, and surfers with their hair still wet sit and wait, sometimes for up to an hour, for the Montanez family’s fine cookery. Fidel’s homey atmosphere combined with hefty plates of traditional Mexican fare — and just about the best margaritas north of the border — makes it a forever favorite with San Diegans. (858/755-5292) — Paisley Wood

Best Chinese Food:
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Good thing this hot spot relented and started taking reservations last year — the place was always jammed. Those who forget to call ahead seem not to mind the almost-always-an-hour wait for P.F. Chang’s tasty version of modern Chinese cuisine. While some rave about the kung pao scallops and others about the moo shu chicken, I find myself craving the soothing lettuce wraps and the honey shrimp. Open for both lunch and dinner, this is a great place for groups, cool enough for a date, and loud enough for kids. What more could one ask for? (619/260-8484, 858/458-9007, www.pfchangs.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Hotel Restaurant:
Nine-Ten At The Grand Colonial
Nine-Ten has always been a highly regarded restaurant, hotel or not. A few years ago when the Grande Colonial changed hands, the ownership wisely chose to gut, remodel, and update the restaurant, and hire nationally renowned chefs. When Michael Stebner passed the baton to executive chef Jason Knibb over two years ago, he left behind a legacy of precision and perfection. Knibb takes the two Ps one step further by adding playfulness to the menu. Maybe it’s Knibb’s easy-going personality rubbing off on his plates, but dinner at Nine-Ten, to stick to the theme, is pure pleasure. (858/964-5400, www.nine-ten.com) — Paisley Wood

Editors’ Pick — Best American Food:
Sbicca Bistro and Meritage Restaurant
Somehow we missed good old American food as a category on the ballot. While we may have to wait until next year to see who the readers choose, our pick is a tie between Sbicca and Meritage. Dan Sbicca’s wide and welcoming smile greets regulars and visiting tourists alike. The menu changes regularly as his wife Susan keeps
it interesting. No worries, her famous lobster bisque is available in both locations. Make sure you leave room for dessert. (858/481-1001, 760/634-3350) — Ann Radcliffe

Best Desserts:
Extraordinary Desserts
The word extraordinary really nails it. Cordon Bleu-trained Karen Krasne’s desserts are simply artistic, decadent, and delicious. Cases in both the Little Italy and Hillcrest stores brim with gorgeously arranged cakes, pastries, and cookies — each exuding handcrafted excellence. A perfectionist, Krasne lavishes her cakes with edible flowers of every sort and labors to select perfectly complementary scents, colors, and flavors. While she continually gets press for her wedding and specialty cakes, don’t forget her sinful caramel corn. She bakes a mighty mean macaroon as well. (619/294-7001, www.extraordinarydesserts.com) — Paisley Wood

Best Bakery:
Thyme In The Ranch
Located in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, this quaint neighborhood bakery near Mille Fleurs manages to remain a secret to many despite its constant accolades. The cookies, muffins, cakes, and pies are just like grandma used to make (their apple pie is legendary). But arguably it’s the lunch menu that pulls in the biggest crowd. Sandwiches are made to order on freshly baked herb sourdough, crusty rye, or cracked wheat bread. Place your order at the counter, then enjoy it out on the Spanish-style patio designed by Lilian Rice. (858/759-0747) — Alicia Garcia

Best Coffee Shop:
Harry’s Coffee Shop
What does it take to become the town’s top coffee shop? If you are Harry’s on Girard in La Jolla, it helps to have been in business for 45 years at the same location and to be owned and run by the same family all that time, and even have a cook who’s been there almost as long. It also helps to be open consistently 363 days a year (closing only on Christmas and Easter), catching the early birds at 6am, and serving breakfast all day. To this day, customers stop by and say they have been regulars since it opened. The servers are steadfast, some of them having been at Harry’s for 15 years. As for Harry himself, he stops in from time to time, but mostly his three children run the show. (858/454-7381, www.harryscoffeeshop.com) — Nannette Martin

Best Catering:
Waters Fine Catering
For more than 12 years, San Diegans have looked to executive chef/owner Mary Kay Waters and her team of seasoned professionals for their culinary needs. Waters Fine Catering is there every step of the way — from menu design to choosing ingredients and preparation to presentation of the freshest produce, fish, prime meats, free-range poultry, artisan cheese, breads, and organic tree and vine-ripened fruits. Favorite dishes include herb-crusted angus tenderloin with porcini mushrooms and seared foie gras with caramelized new fennel. (619/276-8803, www.waterscatering.com)
— Jane Shiomi

Best Breakfast:
The Cottage
This delightful, sunny spot in the heart of La Jolla has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for almost 14 years. Fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and pleasant service are among the reasons there are always lines out the door waiting for seats in the dining room or on the shaded patio overlooking Fay Avenue. Signature items like freshly baked muffins, stuffed French toast (with strawberry compote and mascarpone cheese), and the chicken, mushroom, Brie, and sun-dried tomato omelet are what keep them coming back. (858/454-8409, www.cottagelajolla.com) — Nanette Martin

Best Brunch:
Le Fontainebleau At The Westgate
While Sunday brunch in the Versailles-inspired room may invoke an atmosphere of quiet restraint, the cascading mounds of chilled shrimp, crab, and caviar throw all daintiness aside. Even if the plates were the size of Claim Jumper platters, they wouldn’t be big enough, at least not in my book. There is made-to-order sushi, crepes, omelets, and lobster bisque so rich even The Donald couldn’t afford to finish it. The pastries are made in-house and are well worth every extra minute spent on the treadmill come Monday morning. (619/238-1818, www.westgatehotel.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best View & Best Outdoor Patio:
George’s At The Cove
The words unparalleled, spectacular, and breathtaking are overused when describing the view at George’s at the Cove. Food and travel writers thumb through the pages of their thesauruses trying to sound original, but anyone who has dined at any of the three George’s restaurants understands that words cannot accurately describe the utter beauty of the southern California coastline and the La Jolla Cove. The unobstructed, panoramic view alone is worth the trip, but Trey Foshee’s perfectly executed cuisine is equally, let’s see, glorious, grand, and magnificent. The patio scene is a sight to behold as well. It fills up nightly with the well-heeled, well-tanned, and well-toned professional crowd. The terrace patio often hosts families, groups, and those who like to gawk at good-looking locals. (858/454-4244, www.georgesatthecove.com) — Terryl Gavre

Most Romantic:
Bertrand At Mister A’s
We selected Bertrand at Mister A’s for our February dining review because we believe it is one of the most romantic spots in the city. Our readers agree. The room is an elegant, muted, and perfect backdrop to the stunning city and water views offered by the floor to ceiling windows. The food is forward and well executed, and the service is polished and professional. It’s no wonder that there is at least one proposal a night at this restaurant. A glass of Champagne and the twinkling city lights below would make it awfully hard to say no. (619/239-1377, www.bertrandatmisteras.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Tapas & Best Cocktail Hour:
Roppongi
Sami (the Woodfired Pizza king) Ladeki struck gold when he opened Roppongi seven years ago. Ahead of the Asian-fusion crowd in San Diego, he teamed up with executive chef Stephen Window, a protégé of Roy Yamaguchi — thought by most to be the granddaddy of Pacific Rim cooking — and introduced diners to a whole new style of cuisine. In addition to full-sized entrees, the menu offers a long tapa list of small plates designed for sharing and Sake-tini’s such as Asian Blush (Skyy Vodka, peach schnapps, sake, pineapple and cranberry juice) and String of Pearls (Pearl Vodka, Pearl Sake, garnished with onion). From the now-famous crab stack to chicken satays and the sticky, finger-lickin’ BBQ ribs, the crowd comes early to take advantage of Roppongi’s happy hour when these mini-masterpieces are half-priced. (858/551-5252, www.roppongiusa.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Cocktails:
Confidential
Relatively new to the Gaslamp Quarter, Confidential’s restaurant/lounge atmosphere attracts both the early evening crowd and clubbers looking for a hip experience. House specialty drinks include the Confidential Bulldog (pear and persimmon infused vodka mixed with Starbucks liqueur), 4th Street Cider (Skyy Vanilla mixed with Lico 43, Tuaca, and heated apple cider), and the Millionaire Margarita (Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila mixed with Grand Marnier and lime juice), to name a few. The menu offers excellent tapas and nightly DJs to accompany the drink of your choice. (619/696-8888, www.confidentialsd.com) — Alicia Garcia

Best Wine List:
El Bizcocho
Aficionados and novices alike agree that the wine list at El Bizcocho, the dining room at The Rancho Bernardo Inn, is tops in town. The list is assembled with a global theme, but in keeping with the restaurant’s Cal-French cuisine, it has an emphasis on California and French regional wines. Those who know their stuff will find good values, especially in the more expensive California Cabernets and older Bordeauxs. Regular diners love the fact that the menu changes continuously — they never have to order the same bottle twice. (858/675-8500, www.ranchobernardoinn.com) — Terryl Gavre

Best Singles Bar:
Jack’s La Jolla
Some people might call it a singles’ bar, but Jack’s La Jolla is a lounge at heart. It’s fashionable, hip, and full of beautiful people out for good conversation. Get there a little early to take in the live piano tunes before segueing into the backbeats coming over the PA for the night. Forget Budweiser and Michelob and go straight for the martinis, wine, or mixed cocktails, all of which are made to perfection and complement the atmosphere. There’s little room to dance, but that’s okay, as Jack’s is about laughing and mingling with attractive professionals around the fire pits before and after getting a bite to eat in the dining room. (858/456-8111, www.jackslajolla.com) — Ryan Thomas

Best Dive Bar (Tie):
The Waterfront
The Waterfront has been an institution in Little Italy since the days when fisherman would return from weeks at sea and grab a beer at the bar to catch up with friends. Talk about history, it has the city’s oldest liquor license. It’s dimly lit, features local music acts, has plenty of beer on tap, and caters to both old salts and young hipsters. Grab a seat on the patio (if you can find one) and people-watch along Kettner. (619/232-9656, www.waterfrontbarandgrill.com) — Ryan Thomas

Best Dive Bar (Tie):
Daley Double Saloon
North County residents’ favorite place to dive in for a drink is the Daley Double Saloon in Encinitas, or The Saloon, as it’s commonly referred to. A classic saloon with Naugahyde booths originally built in 1934, it draws in both locals and visitors for its cheap drinks, pool tables, jukebox, and outdoor patio that feels like you’re in a friend’s backyard. (760/753-1366) — Jane Shiomi

Best Beer Selection:
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Founded in 1989, this is the story of small-town boys Matthew Rattner and Chris Cramer, college and grad-school buddies, who put the hypothetical beer company they conceived for their MBA program final project to the test by actually implementing it. They gathered investors for their first brewery-restaurant (still downtown on Columbia Street) from fellow Stanford alumni, as well as family and friends. Known for seasonal favorites like Oktoberfest (October-November) and Padre Porter (April and October), fans of Karl Strauss handcrafted beer just can’t get enough of it. (858/273-BREW, www.karlstrauss.com) — Paisley Wood