Friends of Eater Name Their Favorite Restaurant Newcomer

As per tradition, Eater asked a group of journalists, bloggers and friends of the site to weigh in on the year in food. First up, experts share their favorite restaurant newcomers during 2015.

Nevin Martell, freelance food writer: My favorite additions to the dining scene were served up by proven players. The Riggsby from Michael Schlow, Amy Brandwein's Centrolina and the Mosaic District, which highlights the considerable culinary prowess of John Critchley, were all knockouts in my book.

Laura Hayes, freelance food writer/Thrillist DC: Maketto, Yona, Masseria, Momofuku, Convivial, and The Dabney

Svetlana Legetic, Brightest Young Things founder: Centrolina and Bad Saint, as a late-in-the-game contender. Also the Source comeback, does that count?

Holley Simmons, Express: Thrilled to say there were many! Nido, up Rhode Island Avenue, is outstanding. Sally's Middle Name continues to delight and Beefsteak filled so many voids for me.

Rebecca Cooper, Washington Business Journal: Ser, Maketto

Alicia Mazzara, DCist: I loved pretty much everything about my experience at The Dabney, from the food to the drinks to the truly lovely atmosphere. I think Maketto is doing something totally unique, and that's both rare and refreshing. And I love the fascinating mix of Asian and Peruvian at China Chilcano.

Carole Sugarman, outgoing Bethesda Magazine critic: Barrel & Crow, Peter Chang, Villain & Saint

Eun Yang, NBC4: Masseria and Convivial

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post critic: Convivial (for some of the most original food in town); Bad Saint (proof that Filipino cooking will be more than a trend); Maketto (multiple good ideas under one roof); Peter Chang (closer to home than ever, in two locations just outside Washington) and Kapnos Taverna (a spinoff that's better than its parent).

Warren Rojas, Roll Call: So psyched to have Rob Weland working his magic at Garrison. Delighted that José Andrés has FINALLY imported chifa to DC via China Chilcano. Who doesn't enjoy devouring Erik Bruner-Yang's piquant fried chicken? Two words: Smokehouse Bomb at Wicked Bloom. (Two more: yes, please.) Dear Amy Brandwein: thank you, thank you, thank you for resurrecting your heartwarming rabbit ragu.

Tommy McFly, 94.7 Fresh FM: China Chilcano

Jessica Sidman, Washington City Paper: Maketto, China Chilcano, Convivial, The Dabney, Nido

Rina Rapuano, freelance food writer/Zagat: Maketto, Momofuku, The Dabney

Stefanie Gans, Northern Virginia Magazine critic: Vienna got lucky with top-level talent at Clarity. The Riggsby is classy as shit. Sally's Middle Name is darling.

Cori Sue Morris, Bitches Who Brunch: The Dabney and Convivial