'My Favorite' Italian Restaurant Winner: Luigi's

With 305 votes and 33 comments submitted in the on Patch, one thing is clear: Ocean City likes its Italian restaurants.

topped the polling with 110 votes (36 percent). finished second with 80 votes (26 percent), and took third (44 votes, 14 percent).

"Cannot beat the quality and prices at Luigi's," Patch reader Aldo Juliano said in comments. "Their spaghetti bake is delicious!"

Luigi's co-owner Dari Fell said "Luigi's special bake" (spaghetti baked with layers of mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, Pecorino-Romano cheese, and 
tomato sauce) is one of the most popular dishes, along with traditional lasagna and eggplant parmigiana.

Dari and Chip Fell own and operate the restaurant started by her grandfather, Luigi Esposito, and his brother Frank in 1958.

Fell said she shared news about the Patch contest on the Facebook page for Luigi's.

, another year-round staple of the Ocean City dining scene, received kudos in reader comments for its generous portions and quality food.

"The food is great, the portions are ridiculously big, and their takeout options solve the wine issue," Ed Sheppard said.

In a short time since opening in November, seems to have developed a loyal following — with Patch readers commenting on the downtown Asbury Avenue restaurant's atmosphere, service and food.

Frank McCall called it "a delightful place to meet friends while enjoying a great meal."

Many comments spoke highly of the Ocean City institution and its legendary Italian takeout. The Patch reader polls and comments are designed to give people recommendations on places to try, so Voltaco's was not included on this go-round because it's still closed for the season.

To read all comments, see our .

The new category for next week's poll will be family-friendly places in town. The voting begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 5.