Dear Readers:

Southern California is as diverse and varied as its people. And when it comes to places to eat, things to do and even necessities including dentists, plumbers and home repair, there is no shortage of options – perhaps there are even too many!

How do you decide? There are numerous apps and websites which give insights and suggestions, but what do L.A. Times readers, like yourself, prefer?

So, we bring you the first round of results for our 2021 Best of the Southland survey. We began with nominations for goods and services in five regions: Orange County, South Bay/Long Beach/South Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley/Ventura, San Gabriel Valley/Inland Empire and Westside/Downtown.

Then readers voted on their favorites, and now we’re excited to announce the regional winners. The nominees designated “Best” achieved the most votes in their category. All “Popular” honorees received the next highest number of votes. Next, we’ll have a final run-off of the “Best” from every region to determine the overall winners in each category, which will be unveiled later this year.

For now, when you’re out and about, look for the L.A. Times “Best of the Southland” and “Popular in the Southland” decals in their windows or on their doors, and you can be assured that those businesses have gone above and beyond to earn this coveted recognition.

We encourage you to support these local businesses and add them to your list of favorites!

This supplement didnot involve the editorial or reporting staffs of the L.A. Times. Contact us with comments or questions at brandpublishing@latimes.com.