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Local Writers Pick Seattle’s Best Restaurant Newcomers of 2017

“The no-brainers are Junebaby and Kamonegi,” but they’re not alone

A bird’s eye view of the catfish and grits at JuneBaby, one of Seattle’s most vibrant restaurants.
Junebaby is among Seattle food writers’ favorite newcomers of 2017.
Bill Addison/Eater

As is tradition, Eater closes out the year by surveying local food writers on various restaurant-related topics. Readers, please feel free to chime in with your own thoughts in the comments section below.

What were the top Seattle restaurant newcomers of 2017?

Leslie Kelly, Seattle-based food writer:

Count me among the ever-expanding number of Junebaby fans, and I am so damn happy Dough Zone's now in the 206. High-fives to Mutsuko Soma on the launch of Kamonegi. But my favorite newcomer is Little Fish, the yet-to-open spot in the new MarketFront at Pike Place Market. Chef Zoi Antonitsas has been doing monthly pop-ups the first Monday of the month at Cicchetti, and judging by the exceptional dishes I tried at one of those, I couldn't be more excited for the new place to open in early 2018.

Nicole Sprinkle, food writer and critic, Seattle Weekly:

Cook Weaver, Copal, Flintcreek, Union Saloon, No Anchor, and Junebaby.

Allecia Vermillion, deputy editor, Seattle Met:

This was actually a great year for new places. My god — Junebaby, Kamonegi, Marmite. The new Art of the Table. But the place I keep wanting to go back to on my own time is Opus Co. in Greenwood.

Jackie Varriano, editor, Zagat Seattle:

The newcomers I fell in love with (and can’t wait to return to) would be Opus Co., Junebaby, Betsutenjin, Adana, and Ursa Minor way out on Lopez. However, my list of big newcomers that I haven’t yet been to is probably longer and includes spots like Marmite, B-Side, Kamonegi, Bruciato, and Aviv Hummus Bar.

Rosin Saez, associate food and drink editor, Seattle Met:

The no-brainers are Junebaby and Kamonegi. Plus, and this is kind of cheating, but I’d say Art of the Table in its new space. Lan Hue — $4 for a pâté and ham banh mi? I am in on that. Also, B-Side, Betsutenjin, and Opus Co.

Angela Garbes, Seattle-based food writer:

Opus and Co., Kamonegi, Dough Zone. (Always worth a trip to the Eastside, but now mercifully much closer!)

Providence Cicero, food critic, The Seattle Times:

It was such a strong year for new restaurants that I had a tough time picking my Top Ten of the year. Edouardo Jordan's Junebaby deserves every accolade it has gotten. Eric Donnelly's Flintcreek hit the ground running and hasn't stopped. L'Oursin simply dazzles. Kathakali's curries and dosas were a thrilling discovery. I love the glamour of The Lakehouse.

Tan Vinh, food and drink writer for The Seattle Times:

Aviv Hummus Bar, Betsutenjin, Fremont Bowl, Iconiq, Sizzle & Crunch, Wood Shop BBQ

Art of the Table

3801 Stone Way North, , WA 98103 (206) 282-0942 Visit Website

No Anchor

2505 2nd Avenue, , WA 98121 (206) 448-2610 Visit Website

JuneBaby

2122 Northeast 65th Street, , WA 98115 (206) 257-4470 Visit Website

B-Side

421 East Thomas Street, Seattle, WA Visit Website

L'Oursin

1315 East Jefferson Street, , WA 98122 (206) 485-7173 Visit Website

List

2226 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 206 441 1000

Cook Weaver

806 E Roy St, Seattle, WA 98102 (206) 324-0599

Marmite

1424 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 755-8606 Visit Website

Betsutenjin

954 E. Union St., Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98122 Visit Website

Aviv Hummus Bar

107 15th Avenue East, , WA 98112 (206) 323-7483 Visit Website

Adana

1449 East Pine Street, , WA 98122 (206) 294-5230 Visit Website

The Lakehouse

10455 NE 5th Place, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 454-7076 Visit Website

Kamonegi

1054 North 39th Street, , WA 98103 (206) 632-0185 Visit Website

Cicchetti

121 E Boston, Seattle, WA 98102 206-859-4155 Visit Website

Union Saloon

3645 Wallingford Avenue North, , WA 98103 (206) 547-2280 Visit Website

Little Fish

1701 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Visit Website

Lan Hue

900 S Jackson St #212, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 623-3866

Bruciato

236 Winslow Way East, , WA 98110 (206) 201-3462 Visit Website

Opus Co.

7410 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 420-8360 Visit Website