Atlanta Food Writers Pick the Top Restaurant Newcomers of 2016

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of a few local industry insiders. This year, we asked questions running the gamut from meal of the year to saddest closures. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the 2016. Responses are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Below, local picks for Atlanta’s best restaurant newcomers.

Angela Hansberger, Creative Loafing contributor

Bread & Butterfly with proven culinary prowess in a place in which you want to linger; 8 Arm brings the alchemy of Angus Brown and Nhan Le; Brush Sushi Izakaya with its exceptional omakase; and Rising Son, where comfort and uber-seasonal local ingredients coalesce in a bright yet homey spot.

Brad Kaplan, Thirsty South founder and Creative Loafing contributor

Bread & Butterfly with French charm, Storico Fresco with casual Italian authenticity, 8 Arm with pure quirkiness. I love them all.

Beth McKibben, Eater Atlanta contributor

8 Arm because Angus Brown and Nhan Le (and that sausage, egg, and pimento cheese biscuit) are the damn truth.

Brush Sushi is a fantastic addition to the Decatur dining scene. Then, there's Jeff Banks and his drinks team. He and chef Jason Liang are so in sync. It's a very cohesive dining experience.

Amer has given Atlanta a great cocktail-focused establishment that just so happens to serve solid bar bites.

Chris Fuhrmeister, Eater Atlanta editor

Bread & Butterfly and Brush Sushi Izakaya were welcome additions this year, but B’s Cracklin’ Barbeque stunned me when it opened in September. All of the meats and sides are excellent, and it’s Atlanta’s destination for genuine whole-hog ‘cue. Bryan and Nikki Furman’s smokehouse is my favorite in town.

• All Year in Eater Coverage [EATL]