Is it a sweet bit of Tuscany that people are tasting when they tuck in at Il Mercato? Maybe. There is magic in that linguini, the tomato and the formaggi, in the atmosphere, the service, and the high quality for the reasonable price. Serving the Spring Garden business owners and local, regular clientele, lunch is popular because people know they can get that delightful entrée and main in an hour. And for those with issues around gluten, there’s a broad menu of steak, pork and fish dishes as well. Though a regular in the Italian and Pasta categories, Il Mercato is new on the Best Dessert front. Credit the pastry chef, who is responsible for the most popular sweet delight, the zucotto, a five-layer, chocolate and vanilla sponge cake mousse celebration. Along with freshly made gelato, cheese cakes, tarts and sorbets, makes sure you leave room after your main courses. 5560 Springg Garden, 422-2866
First runner up: StöneHäven
Second runner up: jane's on the common