Winner: Chez Philippe

The glamor of gilt accents, the murmur of music, the alluring aroma of a Harris Ranch filet sizzling in a sweet soy butter; the sensory-laden atmosphere and indulgent, delectable dishes of Chez Philippe cast a spell on readers, who chose it as the city’s finest dining. Chef Reinaldo Alfonso had big shoes to fill in the role that he took over almost two years ago, and he did so with flair, bringing more Asian influence to the traditionally French cuisine and changing the menu to reflect a more modern style, with three-, five-, or seven-course options.

“We get to play with more ingredients than the Mid-South is used to,” says Alfonso. “A lot of people are really happy with the changes; they get to try a lot of things they haven’t tried before.”

149 Union Ave., 529-4188. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m.; peabodymemphis.com.

Finalists: Erling Jensen’s, Encore