Inside Chittenden County

Winner:
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth

Runner-Up:
Junior's Italian

Outside Chittenden County

Winner:
Positive Pie

Runner-Up:
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge

FLYIN’ HIGH

Carlo Rovetto, owner of Positive Pie (Plainfield) and Positive Pie 2 (Montpelier), has oodles of restaurant experience — he’s been working in the industry since he was 8 years old. But he’s also got a spiritual streak: The Capital City locale is decorated with crystals and images of Buddha.

The pizzeria’s original spot is a modest place to get a pie or a slice, but PP2, which opened in 2005, is a full-fledged restaurant, bar and lounge. There’s still plenty of ’za, including Melenzana with eggplant, fresh mozzarella and pesto, but patrons can sample other Italian specialties such as spinach-laced Steak Fiorentina and Pork Marsala with risotto.

Want to end Friday or Saturday night on a “positive” note? Swig a Hot & Dirty Martini — made of Absolut Peppar, olive juice and vermouth — or a Cucumber Saketini while taking in live music at the bar.

- Suzanne Podhaizer