Thanks to chef Bowman Brown's deft hand in the kitchen, Elda in Biddeford earned Andrew Ross' nod for best new restaurant.

For turning an immense and charmless building into a chic, inviting restaurant, Tuscan Table in South Portland makes best use of space.

Peach leaf gelato, served here with crepe cake at Walkers Maine in Cape Neddick, rated best ice cream.

The Strange Dream at Lio in Portland was in a three-way tie for best cocktail, along with the black walnut Old Fashioned at Independent Ice Co. in Portland and the house-infused cherry Old Fashioned at Calderwood Hall on North Haven.

Best sandwich honors go to Highroller Lobster Co. in Portland for its Surf and Turf, a brisket blend cheeseburger topped with lobster meat and jalapeño mayo.