REGAS RESTAURANT

When Regas won this category last year, it was bittersweet. The Knoxville landmark -- which dates back to a lunch counter opened by the Regas Brothers in 1919 -- was closed. Another bit of Knoxville history had disappeared.

However, now we may celebrate without reservation. Regas reopened in March, and all is as it was. The Gathering Place with its cheese cart. The signature dishes -- prime rib, French onion soup, red velvet cake. There's even a Regas among the new owners -- Bill Regas, who calls himself the restaurant's goodwill ambassador.

Who says nostalgia ain't what it used to be?

Runners-up: Copper Cellar and The Orangery