The Experts Name Their Top Newcomers of 2013

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of local food writers, industry types, and friends. We asked the group eight questions ranging from Biggest Dining Surprises to Restaurant Standbys. And today, we continue with Top Newcomers of 2013. Readers, please feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Jess Thomson, writer and cookbook author, Hogwash:

Perhaps not THE top newcomer, but MY top newcomer: Vif in Fremont. I've been waiting for a spot where I can drink coffee and work all morning and also have a really satisfying, healthy lunch.

Kristin Ackerman, publisher at SIP Northwest Magazine:

RockCreek. Eric Donnelly in my opinion is one of the best seafood chefs on the West Coast. An ever changing menu that features the freshest seasonal catches, all paired with amazing sauces that do not overpower but complement the seafood. I am also a huge fan of their beverage program, a majority of which served are locally produced. Wear your best flannel shirt and prepare to feel like you are dining in a cozy cabin in the heart of Fremont!

Allison Scheff, food & dining editor at Seattle Magazine:

All around, from cocktails to food to service, for me it's Mamnoon. I would eat at Mamnoon any night of the week. And I'd drink the #5 and then a glass of the Lebanese red.

Allecia Vermillion, food & drink editor at Seattle Met:

RockCreek is the type of seafood restaurant that visitors assume we have on every street corner around here. And I wish we did.

Bryce Lathrop, founder of White Moustache Urban Adventure Co.:

Le Petit Cochon.

Naomi Bishop, freelance food writer, The Gastrognome:

Miyabi 45th. I'm not sure why it's not completely booked, but I'm happy that it's there whenever I need a fantastic meal with a good cocktail and (rare in Seattle) superb service.

Julia Wayne, freelance writer, Eater Seattle contributor:

RockCreek. How does anyone have that many delicious fish dishes at once?

The Surly Gourmand, curmudgeon:

I haven't been to Aragona yet, but my money's on it. Jason Stratton has assembled a culinary "Zero Dark Thirty."

Jen Chiu, Roll With Jen:

Le Petit Cochon.

Rachel Belle, radio personality at KIRO 97.3 AM and Open Wide columnist at Eater:

Walking into Bar Sajor for the first time was a lot like meeting my high school heartthrob, Jared Leto, at an all-ages, college-town show. I thought, nothing this pretty can be THAT interesting. But Bar Sajor was! It was so much! It's rare that I want to order every single thing on the menu, and then absolutely love each course that comes out of the kitchen, and that a new restaurant lives up to all of its hype. But Bar Sajor did! It did it so much!

Nicole Sprinkle, food editor at Seattle Weekly:

There's still a few new places I haven't been to that opened recently, so the verdict is still out for me.

Julien Perry, editor at Eater Seattle:

I have two "top" props to give. First, RockCreek is the long-awaited answer to the question: Where is the best seafood in Seattle? What Eric Donnelly has done with his inaugural restaurant is pretty amazing, both with the build-out and the menu. Second, Bar Sajor gets credit for helping to revitalize Pioneer Square in the most stunning way possible; the beautiful food and decor continues to impress me. Hard to believe it's less than a year old.