Friends of Eater Share Their Top Restaurant Standbys of 2016

As we put a cap on 2016, Eater surveyed a group of friends, writers, and all around experts for their take on the past year. We asked them eight questions: from top standbys to top newcomers, from best meals to restaurants they’ve broken up with. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the 2016. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments.

Jackie Gutierrez-Jones (UrbanDaddy Miami): First, massive shout out to Uber Eats for allowing me to navigate this current season of toddler meltdowns. You my boo, UE. Harry's Pizzeria, Edge Steak & Bar and Izzy's are always on rotation. And if I'm being honest? The happy hour at Aoki is legit AF with the added bonus of being walking distance from my house (also, are people still using "AF?" Am I late to this party? Can I get an official word on this?)

Carla Torres (Ocean Drive): The place you can always find me stuffing my face leisurely when I’m not stuffing my face professionally (or fasting) is Lucali. I probably had more Salty Donut this year than any human should and than what I feel comfortable admitting. Fooq’s has hit the spot on multiple occasions and Taquiza has cured many many hangovers. I don’t go to NIU, Macchialina, Eating House, or Mignonette nearly as much as I would like and think about their food.

Laine Doss (Miami New Times): I live on the Upper Eastside and work in Wynwood so my go-to's are around there. For a quick bite, it's Coyo Taco and the Wynwood Yard. I love Kuenko's tuna bowl. Via Verdi and Bar Meli are my neighborhood favorites.

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Hillstone, Seven Dials, Threefold Cafe (total Coral Gables homer picks)

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami Contributor): Edge Steak & Bar, Mignonette and Sarsaparilla Club always hit the mark like Cindy Lauper. Time after time…

Matthew Meltzer (Thrillist Miami): COYO Taco - Only at 3pm when there's no line though. Bombay Darbar - Moved into way bigger spot in that cursed location at Mayfair, and STILL has a wait on weeknights. Crust - Somehow is equally as great as a date spot as it is for large groups, and it might be the only restaurant in Miami you could say is UNDER-priced (don't get any ideas, Klime). Stanzione 87 - The pizza demolishes anything else in Brickell, and their new meatball sandwich is the best sandwich I've had all year. Ricky Thai - Learned about this by asking chefs where THEY go to eat. There's a reason why.

Steven Scharf (The Chowfather): Bourbon Steak, Mazzi Cucina, Zuuk Kitchen and Le Zoo.

Sara Liss (Miami.com): Makoto is still uniformly excellent from food to service and my go-to for good sushi and Asian dishes. Small-but-mighty Fooq's continues to do interesting things with their Persian-fusion and soul food stylings.

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): I don’t think it’s possible to get a bad meal at NIU, Eating House, Macchialina, Lung Yai, The Local and Edge, which is the best way to get anyone (including myself) to come back time and time again.