You won't know the best Atlantic Canada has to offer until you've checked out the winners of our seventh annual readers poll. It's the inside scoop on all the old favourites and hot new spots for the savviest business people in 2010

Best place to take clients for dinner
Trattoria Della Nonna
Lunenburg, N.S.
www.trattoriadellanonna.ca

A labour of love from chef Terry Vassallo (formerly of Halifax restaurants Seven and The Five Fishermen) and sommelier Simone Mombourquette, along with business partners Susan and Guenther Reibling, Trattoria Della Nonna is quickly making its mark on Lunenburg's burgeoning dining scene. Vassallo's mouth-watering Northern Italian-inspired dishes and Mombourquette's impressive wine selections are reason enough to visit. For larger dinner meetings or intimate events, the restaurant's cozy Cantina downstairs is the perfect spot to entertain clients. Need more to entice you? The Reiblings also own two neighbouring businesses: the beautiful Mariner King Inn and Cilantro Cooks Shop, which, apart from selling every kitchen gadget you could possibly need, offers culinary classes that will teach you to prepare meals almost as delectable as Vassallo's.

Runners-up:
N.B.: The Blue Door (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Lot 30 (Charlottetown)
N.S: Bish (Halifax)
N.L.: The Gypsy Tea Room (St. John's)

Best place for after-work socializing
St. James' Gate
Moncton, N.B.
www.hotelstjames.ca

A popular hangout spot for young professionals, St. James' Gate offers an Old World atmosphere, complete with antiques and low-arch ceilings that accentuate the warm and cozy feel of the cavernous space. Owner Kolin Barley takes pride in the professionalism of his employees that is as much of an asset as the restaurant's delicious Mediterranean and Canadian cuisine. It's a clear step up from the usual pub grub.

Runners-up:
N.B.: The Lunar Rogue Pub (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Gahan House (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Economy Shoe Shop (Halifax)
N.L.: The Ship Inn (St. John's)

Best place to take clients for a quiet drink
Happinez Wine Bar
Saint John, N.B.
www.happinezwinebar.com

It's a little bar with lots of wine. The always-changing selection of wines by the glass makes Happinez the perfect place to taste that intriguing Te Ata Po Malbec 2008 from Waimata Vineyard or to sip the popular Vacqueyras from Perrin & Fils while entertaining clients in style. World traveller and Amsterdam native Peter Smit has created a small oasis for oenophiles so others could share his passion for superb wines. 

Runners-up:
N.B.: Sebastian Martini Bar & Grill (Saint John)
P.E.I.: 42nd Street Lounge (Charlottetown)
N.S: The Fireside (Halifax)
N.L.: Basho (St. John's)

Best place for a breakfast meeting
Cora's
15 locations in Atlantic Canada
www.chezcora.com

Cora Tsouflidou is the epitome of the self-made entrepreneur. Abandoning a professional career to get married and raise a family, she had to change gears 10 years later when her husband left the family. In 1987 she bought a small café in Montreal and opened Chez Cora. Twenty-three years later she has 100 franchised locations across the country serving breakfast staples topped with her signature fresh fruit. With food as good as her story, it's no wonder it's a perennial winner. 

Runners-up:
N.B.: Shuckers Restaurant & Lounge (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Casa Mia Café (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Victory Arms Pub (Halifax)
N.L.: Blue on Water (St. John's)

Best place to pick up the morning shot of caffeine
Steve-O-Reno's
Halifax

Sure Steve-O-Reno's has the cool café vibe, complete with artistic types sipping cappuccinos while discussing the affect of Georgia O'Keefe's mental breakdown on her later work, but it's the java that brings in all the true caffeine junkies. The tasty baked goods and Egg-O-Renos don't hurt either. The main downtown location on Brunswick Street serves suits and hipsters alike, while the drive-through stand on Robie Street catches the commuters on their drive to work. Still need your fix on Saturday morning? Join the ever-present queue at the Halifax Farmers' Market stall.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Java Moose (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Beanz Espresso Bar and Café (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Uncommon Grounds (Halifax)
N.L.: Coffee Matters (St. John's)

Best place to lunch
Wildwood Café
Bridgewater, N.S.

The industrial heart of Nova Scotia's South Shore has never been mistaken for a centre of culinary delights, but Aaron Brown, 37, and Maria Gallardo, 39, are quickly changing that notion with the Wildwood Café. Opened just a year ago, in February of 2009, by Victoria, B.C., native Brown and Gallardo, who is originally from Mexico, the breakfast-and-lunch spot is quickly cultivating a loyal clientele eager for Gallardo's wizardry with Mexican-infused dishes, Brown's deft barista touch, and the friendly familial vibe of the place. The couple packed up their life in Calgary in 2008 after falling in love with the LaHave River and deciding that the area was not only in dire need of a good eatery but also would be better suited to their philosophy of using organic ingredients from local suppliers. "We were also impressed with the town's commitment to sustainability, its acceptance of small business, and the plethora of local businesses that were happy to provide assistance---especially Boulangerie la Vendeene and Pete's Frootique," says Brown. The move has paid off, as the packed lunchtime tables six days a week attest. And it has all been done with no advertising---just word of mouth, a Facebook page, and a visit last year by Toronto Mayor David Miller who afterward told all his Twitter followers about the best coffee he'd had in three years.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Boilerworks (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Merchantman Pub (Charlottetown)
N.S.: The Port Pub (Port Williams)
N.L.: Wedgwood Café (St. John's)

Best place to buy international newspapers and magazines
Atlantic News
Halifax
www.atlanticnews.ns.ca

A Halifax institution since 1973, Atlantic News has only improved with age. After working for the former owners for five years, Michele and Stephen Gerard bought the venerable newsstand in 1998 and have built upon its success by focusing on the golden rule of good business: give people what they want. If you're looking for a particular magazine, chances are it's at Atlantic News. (New titles at the store range from Asia Literary Review to Backyard Poultry.) Forget the iPad and Kindle; the tactile pleasure of paper between the fingers is king here. 

Runners-up:
N.B.: Reid's (Moncton)
P.E.I.: Indigo (Charlottetown)
N.S.: The Daily Grind (Halifax)
N.L.: Chapters (St. John's)

Best place for women's suits
Mills
Halifax
www.millsbrothers.com

The grand old dame of Spring Garden Road first opened in 1919 as what would now be known as a "boutique" department store. Mills Brothers was the place for Halifax society to shop for the finer things, from ball gowns and gentlemen's evening wear to fine china. When serial entrepreneur Mickey MacDonald bought the shop a few years ago, he decided some change was in order. The name was shortened to Mills, the men's wear was sent packing, the giftware was pared back, and the focus was shifted to offering women the finest designer labels for work, play, and everything in between. Looking for a Badgley Mischka ensemble to wow your colleagues and impress your clients? This is the place to find it.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Robert Simmonds (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Dow's Fashions for Ladies (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Foreign Affair (Halifax)
N.L.: Johnny Ruth (St. John's)

Best place for women's clothing
Johnny Ruth
St. John's
www.johnnyruth.com

Johnny Ruth, with its undeniably hip digs in downtown St. John's, provides more than just a welcoming atmosphere and eye-catching women's clothes. The store was opened five years ago by Kim Winsor and Dave Hopley with the motto "integrity in style." It sources primarily from independent designers with a focus on social responsibility and operates with Winsor's belief that "a women's clothing boutique can be non-intimidating, fashionable, funky, ethical, and transparent." Thanks to this dedication to smokin' hot clothes, great customer service, and doing the right thing, Johnny Ruth has developed a loyal and dedicated customer base. As Winsor says, the store has created "a positive environment that honours every gorgeous body, from size 2 to 16."

Runners-up:
N.B.: Robert Simmonds (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Dow's Fashions for Ladies (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Wildflower Clothing (Halifax)
N.L.: Model Citizens (St. John's)

Best place for men's suits
Peter Roberts for Men
Fredericton

A genuine interest in the customer is a large part of the experience offered by Peter Roberts for Men during the quest for the perfect suit, whether it's elegant evening wear for a special event or a comfortable day-to-day business suit. Co-owner Erik Nielsen and his employees go the extra mile to help their clients navigate the store's impressive selection of international brands to find the one that will best suit their needs (pun intended).

Runners-up:
N.B.: Robert Simmonds (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Dow's Men's Wear (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Dugger's (Halifax)
N.L.: Byron's (St. John's)

Best place for men's clothing
Dugger's/D2
Halifax
www.duggersfashion.com

Since 1971, Douglas "Dugger" McNeil has been the go-to guy for men in Halifax looking for a fashion overhaul. His shop has always had the best selection of suits and formal wear (including Hugo Boss, Canali, and Zegna) and supplies the city's best dressed with an impressive collection of upscale casual clothing from such labels as Lacoste, Burberry, and Ted Baker. Extra services such as at-home wardrobe consults and the in-store kids' room (including bean bag chairs, colouring books, and free popcorn) push Dugger's past the competition. Downstairs in D2 the clientele is slightly younger, the clothes are more casual (Diesel, Fred Perry, and Ben Sherman, among others), and the vibe is more graphic designer than financial exec, but the service is still what one would expect from the region's top shop.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Peter Roberts for Men (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Dow's Mens Wear (Charlottetown)
N.S.: American Apparel (Halifax)
N.L.: Byron's (St. John's)

Best place to buy thank-you gifts
NovaScotian Crystal
Halifax
www.novascotiancrystal.com

When founder Denis Ryan convinced a group of Irish crystal-makers to move to Halifax in 1996, they were probably the only ones who thought they could actually make a go of starting a successful company out of a dying art. Two years later, Rod McCulloch was convinced enough of the possibilities to come on board as president (he's now also the major shareholder). Today, NovaScotian Crystal ships its hand-blown products around the world and has become a favoured supplier of corporate gifts, thanks to its old-world quality and custom-design service.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Handworks Gallery (Saint John)
P.E.I.: P.E.I. Preserve Company (New Glasgow)
N.S.: Bishop's Cellar (Halifax)
N.L.: A Special Touch (St. John's)

Best hotel for clients
The Great George
Charlottetown
www.thegreatgeorge.com

Quite possibly one of the most unique hotels you'll ever come across, The Great George combines old-world elegance with modern amenities and aesthetics, all within the cozy confines of 15 historical buildings in downtown Charlottetown. Each building has its own character, and the accommodations range from traditional rooms to four-bedroom housekeeping units so you can take the family along for your business trip. If you really want to live it up, book into the Perkins Suite, which includes a living room with fireplace, dining room that seats eight, kitchen, media room, two full bathrooms with walk-in showers, and rooftop deck.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Hilton (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Delta Prince Edward (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Prince George (Halifax)
N.L.: Blue on Water (St. John's)

Best golf course
Highlands Links Golf Course
Ingonish, N.S.
www.highlandslinksgolf.com

Golf-course architect Stanley Thompson designed some impressive courses around the world in his day, but even he probably didn't know what he was in for when he was hired by the National Park Service in 1939 to create a layout in Cape Breton that would take advantage of the area's natural beauty. The result was arguably his crowning achievement and most well-regarded course. With its views of mountain and ocean, Highlands Links can still leave the most seasoned golfers awestruck.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Kingswood (Fredericton)
P.E.I.: Fox Meadow (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Glen Arbour (Halifax)
N.L.: Glendenning (St. John's)

Best spa to unwind
Spa at the Monastery and Suites
St. John's
www.monastery-spa.com

A regular winner in this category, The Spa at the Monastery and Suites offers an environment conducive to the ultimate relaxation. With its full-service amenities and old-world charm, the only thing more thorough than the hands of the massage therapists and aestheticians is the customer service shepherded by owner Paul Madden. The Monastery offers all of the traditional relaxation, beauty, rejuvenation, and therapeutic services you would expect in a world-class spa, but it's the more unique experiences such as mineral water soaks, chromatherapy treatments, and iceberg-water plunge pools that give it that extra edge.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Escape Spa Salon & Studio (Moncton)
P.E.I.: Radiant Reflection Day Spa (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Cascades Day Spa (Bedford)
N.L.: Rosewood Day Spa (St. John's)

Best fitness provider
360 Wellness and Fitness
Halifax
www.360online.ca

The brainchild of husband-and-wife team, Devin and Gina Sherrington, 360 Wellness and Fitness opened in 2007 after Gina was laid off from her previous job and Devin was looking for a change after working as a trainer at a fitness centre for three years. "I couldn't be emotionally invested in those clients in the way I wanted to be," he says. "I felt like I wasn't helping them as much or as best I could." The company provides weight-loss clinics, personal-training sessions (both in the Sherringtons' home studio and in clients' houses) and boot camps at various public recreational facilities in the Halifax area. But a unique offering is the corporate training programs such as lunch-and-learn seminars, yoga, fitness classes, Pilates, and fitness assessments, all done on-site in clients' offices. "Companies spend thousands of dollars each year for their employees to have gym memberships, but less than 10% of their employees use them," says Devin. "Our programs have an average participation rate of 80%." Michelle Kempton, the Sherringtons' third partner in the business, handles marketing and does motivational-speaking sessions. It's a natural fit for the former 360 client who changed her eating habits, took up running, and lost 120 pounds in two years. What better way to illustrate the Sherringtons' dream of Nova Scotia being a place "where people can change their entire outlook on life and be healthier and happier at work and at home."

Runners-up:
N.B.: YMCA (Moncton)
P.E.I.: UPEI Fitness Centre (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Palooka's Gym (Bedford)
N.L.: The Works (St. John's)

Best place to jog
Victoria Park
Charlottetown
www.charlottetownpei.com

When you nip out at lunch for a quick run, you want a route that offers good terrain and a decent view, and, above all, is close to the office. Victoria Park scores top marks on all three factors. The land was set aside by the colonial government in 1869 for the public "as a place of retreat from the heat, filth, and dust of the city." It's still used for the same purposes, albeit now replete with softball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a swimming pool. And the boardwalk along Charlottetown Harbour is a haven for nearby execs who want to stretch their legs between meetings.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Harbour Passage (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Confederation Trail (Montague)
N.S.: Point Pleasant Park (Halifax)
N.L.: Quidi Vidi Lake (St. John's)

Best large event space
The Rooms
St. John's
www.therooms.ca

Perched atop downtown St. John's with a presence on the skyline as striking as the harbour below, The Rooms is an obvious choice for large events. With its sprawling layout, huge ceilings, and quite possibly the best view of the harbour in the city, The Rooms conveys a feeling of grandeur to anyone who passes through its doors. The building also houses a museum, an art gallery and the provincial archives, while the architecture, although quite modern, pays homage to Newfoundland's fishing heritage.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Marco Polo Cruise Terminal (Saint John)
P.E.I.: Delta Prince Edward (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Cunard Centre (Halifax)
N.L.: St. John's Convention Centre (St. John's)

Best cultural space
Imperial Theatre
Saint John, N.B.
www.imperialtheatre.nb.ca

Whether it's a Broadway-style musical, a classical ballet, a modern-dance performance, or a variety show, the Imperial Theatre is the epicentre of Saint John's cultural scene. The Imperial offers a professional performance space that stages about140 events every year, from world-class artists to local young dancers presenting their annual recital. General manager Peter Smith says the theatre is a must-see for visitors and locals because the gorgeous venue is unique in Canada, with its carefully restored 1913 Victorian decor. At the centre of the region's cultural life, the Imperial Theatre's vitality is often used as a cultural asset to attract new people to the area.

Runners-up:
N.B.: Capitol Theatre (Moncton)
P.E.I.: Confederation Centre of the Arts (Charlottetown)
N.S.: Pier 21 (Halifax)
N.L.: The Rooms (St. John's)