Friends of Eater Share Their Top Restaurant Standbys of 2017

As we put a cap on 2017, 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 2017. 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.

Amber Love Bond (Eater Miami contributor): Sweetness Bakeshop has pretty much become a second home for me - there's cold brew on tap and endless cookies and cupcakes, so its basically heaven. Pinch Kitchen is always a winner. I'm there so often, I think they've adopted me. El Grito in Sunset Harbor is my go to for late night drinks and don't even get me started on how much I love the quesadillas there. Oh, and La Mar is another spot I'll never be able to get enough of.

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Proof, Niu Kitchen, Ariete

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami photographer): Breakfast at All Day, lunch at Dizengoff, a “fruity pebble” beer from Veza Sur, happy hour at Bazaar Mar, dinner at Ghee and late night drinks at Sweet Liberty.

Becky Randel (The Daily Meal/People Magazine): Maybe it's because I live a few blocks away, or maybe it's because the food is so consistent, but you'll never talk me out of Makoto. I also find myself headed to KYU every time I have friends in town and want a delicious, fun, and impressive meal. Mignonette is a consistent go-to. The local vibe and fresh seafood can't be beat. Fooq's is cool, cozy, and flavorful; and I love supporting local chefs. Byblos delivers unique food and good value in a gorgeous setting. It's also quite civilized, considering its central South Beach location. CLEO is also always a delicious meal with a fun ambience.

Belkys Nerey (WSVN 7): Bar Meli, Moshi Moshi, Mina’s Mediterranean

David Rosendorf (Food For Thought): Mignonette, Cake Thai, Su Shin Izakaya, Hiro's Yakko-San.

Matthew Meltzer (Thrillist Miami): Crust as always, because they don't try and convince you $19 for a Dixie cup of spaghetti is "reasonable." Halal Guys in Davie, that hot sauce is the only restaurant condiment I've had that literally made me cry like I was watching Gran Torino on an airplane. Hardy Park Bistro in Ft. Lauderdale, which might be the best restaurant in South Florida pound for pound. Bombay Darbar, Naiyara, and Ricky Thai because they'll be like "You sure?" when I say I want it authentically hot, then proceed to murder my taste buds. Stanzione 87 for pizza. Pincho Factory for the pinchos. La Mar and Red if someone else is paying.

Stacy Moya (Eater Miami Contributor): Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant (call me predictable but it is what it is), Bulla, Plomo Taco & Tequila Bar, and El Rinconcito Latino Hammocks.

Virginia Gil (Time Out Miami): I only recently discovered Sapore di Mare (shame on me) and I absolutely adore it. The place is adorable, I can hardly understand what the Italian servers are saying and everything is made fresh (read: super authentic!). I seldom visit the same restaurant twice (food writer probs) but I found myself going to Ghee Indian Kitchen repeatedly. I didn't even scoff at the triple-digit bill. They can take all my monies in exchange for cheddar naan.

Carla Torres (Miami New Times): I've said it before and I'll keep saying it till I die or it closes: Lucali. Shallots, onions, red and hot peppers, basil and garlic—it's the Carlucha special. If I didn't fast Wednesdays, you'd find me at Phuc Yea having $10 pho (all. night. long). I'm also recovering from overdoing it at Hillstone last night as I type this, and I've probably had 100 bowls of Ono Poke in the last 365 days.

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): Mandolin is always a favorite, Ono Poke has quickly become my lunchtime go-to, Eating House is great — especially when I have friends in town, and Edge Steak + Bar for happy hour or any hour really, it’s always delicious.