Atlanta's Top Restaurant Newcomers in 2014

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends and industry types. We've already covered 2014's restaurant standbys. Now it's time for best newcomers.

What were the top restaurant newcomers of 2014?

Krista Miller, Atlanta Eats director of content

Craft Izakaya and St. Cecilia brought beautiful food in beautiful settings and really reinvigorated my love of seafood.

Zach Meloy, Better Half executive chef/owner

I know they just managed to sneak in this year, but I'm really excited to see what Cooks & Soldiers does.

Jason Santamaria, Second Self Beer Company co-founder

Ration and Dram, Makan, Ladybird, Southbound. All serve top-notch food with a great experience.

E.J. Hodkinson, King + Duke executive chef

BoccaLupo.

Craig Richards, St. Cecilia executive chef

Makan.

Todd Richards, The Pig & The Pearl and The Shed at Glenwood chef/partner

I would be remiss not to say that The Pig & The Pearl was the top restaurant newcomer. Yes, I'm being biased, but if you don't believe in yourself, how do you expect anyone else to? Again being biased: Lusca and Spice to Table. I know them both, eat their food often, and am continually blown away by their collective dishes.

Alex Brounstein, Grindhouse Killer Burgers owner

Kimball House, by far (I think they opened in 2014?). Lusca. Makan. Craft Izakaya is a nice addition to my hood, O4W. And Fred's Meat & Bread, which has the best sandwiches in Atlanta.

Julian Goglia, The Pinewood owner/bartender

Our amazing friends at Kimball House have done a remarkable job. BFF.

Zeb Stevenson, Parish executive chef/soon moving to Watershed on Peachtree

Lusca, St. Cecilia, Yalla.

Jarrett Stieber, Eat Me Speak Me chef

Better Half, Dish Dive, and Kimball House.

Eli Kirshtein, The Luminary chef/owner

Ladybird, Yalla.