D.C. Food Writers Pick The Year's Best Dining Neighborhood

As per tradition, Eater asked a group of journalists, bloggers and friends of the site to weigh in on the year in food. Here, experts share the best dining neighborhood of the year.

Nevin Martell, freelance food writer: Do I have to say Shaw? Okay, fine, Shaw.

Laura Hayes, freelance food writer/Thrillist DC: Shaw's time is coming but the Atlas District kicked it into high gear. Maketto is a day and night destination; Copycat Co. is the best new bar of the year; Ten 01 is a lot of fun; Indigo nails cheap eats; Bullfrog Bagels are more addictive than Showtime's The Affair, and there are great options for beer and coffee. Plus, Union Market is right there.

Svetlana Legetic, Brightest Young Things founder: I live just off of 14th street so I eat mainly on 14th street and I am pretty happy eating there.

Holley Simmons, Express: I'd say Shaw, but most of the projects I'm most excited about (the Daikaya project, Tim Ma's place) haven't opened yet. So I'll say Adams Morgan, which is really cleaning up its act. Beyond excited for Tail Up Goat.

Bill DeBaun, DC Beer: Logan Circle

Rebecca Cooper, Washington Business Journal: So much happened all over the place, I really can't pick one.

Alicia Mazzara, DCist: I think we're seeing the ascendance of Shaw.

Carole Sugarman, outgoing Bethesda Magazine critic: Silver Spring. Fabulous food isn't always guaranteed, but the place has an eclectic vibe, and there are some visit-worthy spots such as Denizens Brewing, Ethio Express Grill, Urban Butcher, Urban Winery, Italian Kitchen, Kaldi's Coffee Bar.

Eun Yang, NBC 4: I'm going to say 14 St./Logan Circle even though it seems like I go to the same 3 spots every time.

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post critic: Shaw, if only because Convivial opened there.

Warren Rojas, Roll Call: Outer ‘burbs (Leesburg, Ashburn) are attracting some heavy hitters. The evolution of Barracks Row/Capitol Hill is intriguing.

Tommy McFly, 94.7 Fresh FM: Penn Quarter [still]

Jessica Sidman, Washington City Paper: Shaw

Rina Rapuano, freelance food writer/Zagat: Shaw, although Ballston gave it a run for its money.

Stefanie Gans, Northern Virginia Magazine critic: Mike Isabella's takeover of Ballston with Kapnos Taverna and Yona (though I can't vouch for Pepita, haven't been there yet) is really helping Arlington

Cori Sue Morris and Stephanie Covello, Bitches Who Brunch: 14th Street/Shaw