• Oliver Parini
• Honey Road

Honey Road — In its first year in business, Honey Road garnered two James Beard Award nominations — one for best new restaurant in the Northeast and one for the region’s best chef. And that elite culinary foundation isn’t the only one taking note of Cara Chigazola-Tobin and Allison Gibson’s Burlington eatery. The Church Street spot has drawn internationally recognized cookbook authors for special cook-the-book tasting suppers and plucked no less than six Daysies nominations from a field of hundreds of local restaurants. Why? The food, which includes elegant but unshowy Mediterranean mezze and sweet-and-savory wings glistening with harissa glaze, is that good. Also: The cheap buckets of Miller High Life are cold, cold, cold, and the service is professional but friendly. Pretty sweet for Honey’s freshman showing!

Other Finalists

• Agave Taco and Tequila Casa
• Knead Bakery
• La Casa Burrito
• Trail Break Taps + Tacos