Industry Experts Describe the 2018 Miami Restaurant Scene in One Word

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): Ever-changing

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Consistent

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami photographer): “Cacio e pepe”

Becky Randel (PEOPLE Magazine, The Daily Meal, South Florida Luxury Guide): Food Halls. (sorry, two words).

David Rosendorf (Food For Thought): “R.I.P.” (Is that cheating? If so, to borrow an old Eater favorite: “Dunzo.”) Every year sees its share of closures, but this year several of them were long-time favorites or fast becoming new favorites: pour one out for Proof, Dizengoff, Wabi Sabi (hopefully coming back), Gaijin by Cake, Shelley’s ...

Stacy Moya (Eater Miami Contributor): Ambitious.

Virginia Gil (Time Out Miami): Pretentious.

Alona Martinez (Eater Miami Contributor): All over the map and, as usual, unpredictable.

Dara Lynn Smith (Eater Miami Contributor): clean

Sara Liss (Miami.com): Grutman

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): Over-priced