Industry Experts on the Top Restaurant Standbys of 2014

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. This year, we asked the group questions running the gamut from meal of the year to top restaurant newcomers. All will be answered by the week is over. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein.

Want to chime in on your picks? Please let us know in the comment section.

Q: What were your top standbys of 2014?

Matt Meltzer, Miami Editor of Thrillist

Lime. But not the Ruby Tuesday's ones, the legit one in South Beach. Toasted, although only on weekdays. On the weekends you could probably go to New York for a bagel faster than you'll get your order. RED the Steakhouse, because it's like all the great food of Prime 112 without the heaping side of douche.

Carla Torres, Miami New Times

Oy, that's a tough one. I have to say Macchialina and Lucali. When I want carbs, that's where I'm going.

Gio Gutierrez, Executive Producer, Chat Chow TV

Mandolin consistently impresses us over and over again…

Steven S. Editor-In-Chief of The Chowfather

Basil Park, Yakko-San, Etzel Itzik, Kings County Pizza and King Palace Chinese Seafood & BBQ

Gabe Urrutia, Grey Goose Assistant Brand Manager

My standby and go-to is Eating House.  It continues to deliver on expectations and Chef Giorgio continues to keep his customers satisfied and his staff treats you like one of their own.  The Captain Crunch pancakes are still amongst Miami’s culinary delights when it comes to brunch. Pubbelly is another of my favorite standbys. Never fails!  Chef Jose and Andreas are always welcoming and delivering a superior dining experience. Lastly, Palacio de Los Jugos.  I was born in Miami, how can we not give a nod to their fresh juices and "rabo encendido" (oxtail stew).

Olee Fowler, Eater Miami contributor

I have a few standbys depending on my mood and crowd I’m with. For restaurants I love anything in the Michael Schwartz mini restaurant empire, Eating House is great for groups and always impresses out-of-town guests, Mandolin is gorgeous during the day and romantic at night and Lure is my go-to when I am craving seafood on South Beach.

For drinks I can usually be found at Broken Shaker or the Regent, both serve up delicious and creative cocktails. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad one at either establishment and Lord knows I've tried them all.

Ashley Brozic, Racked Miami editor and Eater Miami contributor

Mandolin gets a lot of buzz, but in comparison I think Mina's has better Mediterranean cuisine. Bolder flavors, better prices- it's just a more delicious deal that I've been taking advantage of. That moussaka though…

Carissa Chesanek, Local Editor at Zagat Miami
Lure Fishbar, Meat Market, Yakko-San, Pubbelly Sushi, Red, the Steakhouse, Prime 112