Winner: Paulette’s

With its cozy but unpretentious décor, candlelit tables and French country feel, our readers picked Paulette’s as the perfect place to pop the question, pronounce their love or ponder their futures.

“We’re just a lover’s paradise,” says Paulette’s Don Eschelweck. “We have a very cozy atmosphere; the lighting is great with cozy corners and tables conducive to that romantic evening.” Creative proposals are still popping up at Paulette’s, with rings being secretly placed into carved-out strawberries and presented for desert.

2110 Madison, 726 5128. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; paulettes.net.

Finalists: Chez Philippe, Spindini