Friends of Eater Share Their Top Restaurant Newcomers of 2018

As we put a cap on 2018, 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 2018. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Responses do not necessarily reflect the views of Eater and Eater Miami.

Amber Love Bond (Eater Miami contributor): Can we consider Jaguar Sun a restaurant? Either way, you’ll find me there once a week, if not more. Everything going on at Generator is awesome. I dream about the breakfast burrito on the brunch menu. Itamae is definitely serving up the most flavor this year. The Chang Gang is killing it! I haven’t made it to Kaido yet, but I have a feeling it’s gonna be a new favorite.

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Itamae, The Surf Club Restaurant, Fiola

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami photographer): Definitely Jim & Neesie, Jaguar Sun & Planta really brought something refreshing this year to Miami’s dining scene.

Becky Randel (PEOPLE Magazine, The Daily Meal, South Florida Luxury Guide): Novikov, Sette Osteria, Boulud Sud, St. Roch Market.

David Rosendorf (Food For Thought): Ghee Design District, one of my favorite new restaurants in years; Amara at Paraiso, the perfect place to take out of town visitors; Itamae in St. Roch Market, which has the kind of food I’m craving more and more often - fresh, light and bright. I suspect Hiden might make this list, but the first reservation I’ve been able to book isn’t until January 2019 (seriously).

Stacy Moya (Eater Miami Contributor): Itamae inside St. Roch Market hands down. So fresh and flavorful. It has the best sushi roll I’ve had in the states. I was also very happy to see Sanguich Miami open shop on Calle Ocho.

Virginia Gil (Time Out Miami): Le Chick, which should really go by Royale after its mind-blowing double-stack burger dripping with cheese—it tastes like a high-end dupe for In an Out and will make you forget there’s fried chicken on the menu. Wabi Sabi by Shuji proved that good food often boils down to great ingredients, not pageantry. Obra Kitchen Table introduced me to a new side of Venezuelan cuisine I didn’t know existed, and also turned me on to uni. I’m both culturally richer and financially poorer for it.

Alona Martinez (Eater Miami Contributor): Obra, Novikov, Fiola

Dara Lynn Smith (Eater Miami Contributor): Sette Osteria, Planta, Stubborn Seed, Novikov, Fiola, 1800 Lucky, Malibu Farm

Sara Liss (Miami.com): Boulud Sud, Obra Kitchen, Novikov, Swan

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): Hiden, The Jim & Neesie, Obra, Itamae, Planta and The Surf Club Restaurant