Restaurant Experts’ Dining Standbys of the Year

As per tradition, Eater asked a group of restaurant critics, journalists, bloggers, and friends of the site to weigh in on the year in food. Here are the eateries they keep in their back pockets.

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post restaurant critic: “Places I’d go more often if I wasn’t chasing after the new, new, new: Himitsu, Tiger Fork, Espita Mezcaleria.”

Lori Gardner, Been There, Eaten That: “Rose’s Luxury, Osteria Morini, Tail Up Goat, Hazel.”

David Hagedorn, Arlington Magazine/Bethesda Magazine dining columnist: “Buck’s Fishing and Camping, Doi Moi, Mintwood Place, Convivial, Centrolina, All-Purpose.”

Rina Rapuano, Zagat DC/freelance food writer: “Bantam King, Himitsu, Taqueria Habanero, Blue Duck Tavern, Buttercream Bakeshop.”

Don Rockwell, DC Dining: “The most important restaurant in Washington, D.C. history: 2 Amys.”

Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: “You know what's great that no one talks much about anymore? Ray's the Steaks. I am not much of a fan of steakhouses, but I dig this place because it's so unpretentious. You can get a full steak dinner for two AND a bottle of wine for less than $100, and it's just as good, if not better, than the expense account joints downtown. Oh, and the key lime pie.”

Tim Carman, Washington Post food writer: “You know, Taylor Gourmet has opened so many locations in recent years, it’s easy to think the sandwich chain has jumped the shark. But the company has a culinary director, Jacob Hunter, co-founder of Dirty South Deli, who produces a terrific seasonal menu. I try to eat my way through it every quarter.”

Stefanie Gans, Northern Virginia Magazine restaurant critic and dining editor: “I’d love to eat more regularly at B Side, Padaek, Peter Chang and Afghan Bistro.”

Nevin Martell, DC Modern Luxury dining editor: “The Dorjee Momo and Tortilladora pop-ups inside Shop Made in DC, Little Sesame, Inferno [Pizzeria Napoletana] (if you haven't been, you're missing out on the best Neapolitan pizza in the DMV), Bantam King, Smoked & Stacked, Buttercream Bakeshop, the Source (Russell Smith is KILLING it), Taco Bamba, and A&J dim sum in Rockville, Maryland.”

Laura Hayes, Washington City Paper food editor: “Centrolina, Sushi Taro, Iron Gate, Baan Thai, Izakaya Seki, Estadio.”