Fig and prosciutto appetizer with beets, cheese and melon from The Kings Contrivance Restaurant.

Fig and prosciutto appetizer with beets, cheese and melon from The Kings Contrivance Restaurant. (photo by Sarah Pastrana / October 25, 2012)

October 25, 2012 | 9:52 a.m.

A delicious, enjoyable dining experience is what one hopes for when venturing out for a meal. To help hone your search for a satisfying bite, Howard Magazine polls its readers each year. Here are the winners of our 2012 Best of Dining survey.

ALFRESCO
Clyde's of Columbia
Honorable mention:
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
The Tomato Palace
Facci Ristorante
LeeLynn's Dining Room & Lounge

AMBIANCE
The Kings Contrivance Restaurant
Honorable mention:
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
Stanford Grill
Luna Bella

ASIAN (other than Chinese)
Asian Palace Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine
Honorable mention:
Asean Bistro
Sushi Sono
Thai Aroma

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BAR FOOD
Bare Bones Grill & Brewery
Honorable mention:
Victoria Gastro Pub
Looney's Pub South
Clyde's of Columbia

BEST VALUE
Bare Bones Grill & Brewery
Honorable mention:
Twist & Turn Tavern
The Tomato Palace
Subway

BREAKFAST
Eggspectation
Honorable mention:
Bob Evans Restaurant
Mimis Cafe
Double-T Diner

BRUNCH
Clyde's of Columbia
Honorable mention:
Eggspectation
Victoria Gastro Pub
Alexandra's Restaurant

BUFFET
Chen Hibachi Buffet
Honorable mention:
Royal Taj
House of India
Alexandra's Restaurant
Mango Grove

BURGER
Five Guys
Honorable mention:
Red Robin Gourmet Burger
Clyde's of Columbia
Victoria Gastro Pub

CHEF
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
Honorable mention:
Luna Bella
Tersiguel's
The Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant

CHINESE
Hunan Manor
Honorable mention:
Hunan Legend
Asean Bistro
P.F. Chang's China Bistro

COFFEE
Starbucks
Honorable mention:
Dunkin' Donuts
Mad City Cafe

CRAB CAKE
Shanty Grille
Honorable mention:
Clyde's of Columbia
LeeLynn's Dining Room & Lounge
Bare Bones Grill & Brewery

DELI
Jason's Deli
Honorable mention:
Charter Deli
Bon Fresco Sandwich Bakery
Lakeside Cafe and Deli

DESSERT
Cheesecake Factory
Honorable mention:
Luna Bella
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
The Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant

FINE DINING
The Kings Contrivance Restaurant
Honorable mention:
AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar
Tersiguel's
Elkridge Furnace Inn

HAPPY HOUR
Bare Bones Grill & Brewery
Honorable mention:
Victoria Gastro Pub
Looney's Pub South
Clyde's of Columbia

HEALTHFUL MENU
Great Sage
Honorable mention:
Donna's Cafe & Coffee Bar
The Cafe at David's Natural Market
Subway

ICE CREAM
Meadows
Honorable mention:
Rita's Italian Ice
Cold Stone
Soft Stuff (at Forest Motel)