1st Place: Haymarket Grill
2nd Place: Shanghai Bistro
3rd Place: Mona Lisa’s

Date night, birthday, impressing out-of-town buddies, or simply the desire for an urban-chic atmosphere: all perfect reasons to choose the winners for upscale dining. Moving up a spot from last year, Haymarket Grill (101 Graham Ave) snags first with seasonal menus full of creative dishes and an emphasis on locally grown ingredients. Diners also dig the split-level interior, providing a café, bar, and cozy candlelit area. Shanghai Bistro (2930 Craig Rd) takes second with its stylishly authentic surroundings and sushi bar. Sip on sake while you peruse Shanghai’s extensive menu of Asian fare. Mona Lisa’s (428 Water St), another Best Of alum, comes in third for its innovative take on Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Local artists’ finest paintings provide the background for a trendy, chill dining experience that will entice patrons to order another bottle of wine and stay a while. – Caitlin Heidbrink

Downsville Pick: The Creamery Restaurant & Inn, E4620 Cty Road C