• Oliver Parini

August First Bakery & Café — The people have spoken, and it turns out that they want to talk to each other at lunch — or at least not stare at a laptop. Screen-free August First is Chittenden County’s lunch destination of choice, a high-ceilinged hot spot for big salads, housemade soups, meals in bowls and sandwiches on bread fresh from the bakery oven. The menu is a mix of homespun (BLT on baguette) and on-trend (avocado toast with feta, basil and roasted red peppers on seven-grain bread). It all goes down easy, just like the breezy café vibe. If you’re addicted to your devices and discover you can’t eat without reading, turn your attention to the writing on the wall: “August First” by Hayden Carruth. If the tender poem makes you tear up, a fudge brownie will restore your smile.

Other Finalists (Inside Chittenden County)

• The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
• Leunig's Bistro & Café
• The Spot
• Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup

• Courtesy of Piecasso Family Pizzeria

Piecasso Family Pizzeria — Owner Eduardo Rovetto's parents came from Sicily and taught him well. Choose from hand-tossed, thin-crust pizzas with traditional and creative toppings. There are pastas, salads and entrées, too.

Other Finalists (Outside Chittenden County)

• BEAU Butchery & Bar
• Wilaiwan's Kitchen