As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers. We've already discussed the city's best standbys of 2013, and now we wonder: what were the year's best new restaurants? Readers, please add your thoughts to the comments.
Inside Peche [Photo: Brasted]
Q. What were 2012's Best New Restaurants in New Orleans?
Rene Loupare, Blackened Out blogger, co-founder of Hogs For The Cause:Peche. I'm admittedly biased in favor of this restaurant, but finely someone has translated the sinple beauty of Gulf Seafood without relying on frying and smothering it in cream sauce.
Anne Berry, cocktail writer and Where Yat contributor: My favorite new meal is Lucky Rooster's Enchanting Mermaids, a gorgeous coconut broth loaded with plump shrimp, crab and vegetables. Eating it at the bar, along with killer cocktails crafted by Christine Jeanine Nielsen and Ryan Asay, makes me super happy to live here. I love Nick Detrich's wildly romantic Cane & Table for excellent cocktails and Adam Biderman's small plates, and it's a joy to see master barman Chris McMillian and Chef Greg Sonnier at Kingfish, too. Finally, Pearl Wine Co. has a deep selection of spirits and craft beers (put to good use at the adjoining bar) and hosts food pop-ups (check out Chutney 'n Chai on Friday nights).
Poppy Tooker, author, legend, and host of Louisiana Eats: Dominique's on Magazine Street
Kim Ranjbar, Suck The Heads and Where Yat: I'd have to say Peche, but I am something of a Link fanatic.
Gwendolyn Knapp, editor Eater NOLA: There were so many awesome restaurants that opened in New Orleans this year, but if I had to pick a favorite I'd go with Peche. The whole fish is amazing, and sometimes I just sit around dreaming of the seafood platter. It's a place I want to bring visitors to show off, or just eat by myself. Marti's, Mariza, and Cane & Table are also high up on my list.
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