In a town enamored of Southern comfort food, Southern fusion, New South cuisine, etc., Roberto Leoci has brought a bit of Old World glamour to the local restaurant scene. With a heavy dose of Mediterranean charisma to go along with his down-home friendliness, Leoci has not only become the figurehead of a growing food movement in Savannah, he has restored the luster of its once moribund Italian dining scene.

Runner-up: Mashama Bailey