Local Writers Pick Seattle’s Best Restaurant Newcomers of 2017

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