"Best" is so subjective. Personally, I have been the most impressed by the design of the Taurus 92 - copy of the Beretta, but you have a first shot choice of hammer-down DA or cocked-and-locked SA. The safety is like a 1911, not like a Beretta. Build quality isn't up there with Beretta, and I traded mine off before anything could break.
I LOVE my Beretta 92FS Police model. It's accurate, totally dependable and built like a tank. The DA and SA trigger pulls are just a bit behind a Sig. But, it's big, so here we get into subjectivity.
My Glock 19 is a fantastic gun to shoot. Totally dependable, adequate accuracy. Of course, being a Glock, it's not the sexiest gun around, and I question the safety of the "safe action" trigger if you give one to a neophyte.
I'm sure a well-made 1911 in 9mm would be great, as would a Sig (I own a Kimber and two Sigs, but none are in 9mm so I can't comment).
Now here's your chance to beat me up: I owned an HK P7M13 a number of years ago. I DISLIKED it intensely. I know there's a mystique surrounding the P7, but I just can't see it. Subjective recoil is like a .45, even though you're only shooting a 9mm. The squeeze cocker is great in concept, but it makes a loud click when you un-cock it (talk about advertising your presence). The trigger pull, technically a SA, was not so hot - a Sig or a 1911 beats it in every way. Commence firing.