Editors’ scouting for the 2026 Eater Awards, presented by Capital One, wrapped up at the end of August — just as fall restaurant-opening season was heating up. That means several notable restaurants that debuted in 2026 didn’t quite make the cut, either because they didn’t open in time or had only been open a matter of weeks and were still finding their footing as of our deadline. But that just gives us a place to start on next year’s research. Here are some early contenders on our radar — places we’re thrilled to have in the conversation no matter how the scene shakes up as 2026 wraps and we continue into 2027.
Our New York team is excited to see the full spectrum of what pastry chef Camari Mick has in store with her own new venture, Afro-Caribbean brasserie and bakery Calabash, which opened in the West Village in early October.
Also in the West Village, the Taqueria Ramírez team debuted this Mexican-seafood-focused wine bar, which translates to “the hairy shrimp.” The tiny convivial space opened in mid-September.
Alfie’s | Washington, D.C.
Alex McCoy’s resurrected Thai restaurant, which opened in early September, is dishing up some of the spiciest Thai food the D.C. area has seen since the much-lamented closure of Little Serow. The alleyway hot spot in Georgetown is drawing crowds for its monkfish curry, khao soi, and natural wine list. Thanks to its moody, candlelit atmosphere, it’s also becoming a favorite tucked-away date spot.
La Merna | Washington, D.C.
Chicago’s tavern-style pizza has been having a moment outside of the Midwest; in D.C., it’s a menu centerpiece of La Merna, which has been one of the city’s tough-to-get tables since its August opening. Co-owner Bradley Shorten used to run a few tavern-style pizzerias in Chicago, and his wife and partner Meg Schmitt, who has a background in cheese distribution, is topping pastas with cheeses she makes fresh. The wood-paneled dining room with red leather-covered booths resembles a Midwest supper club with its laid-back, old-school atmosphere.
We had high hopes that this coastal Italian Pittsburgh restaurant — from the team behind Lilith, Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano — would open in time for 2026 Eater Awards consideration, but the opening date kept continually getting pushed back. The most recent estimate is “late fall.”
Atlanta already knows the team behind Lucian can combine a fantastic wine list with thoughtful food and a carefully curated retail experience; they’ve started doing it again at Sargent, the combination bistro and bookstore that hadn’t yet opened when our scouts hit the city in early August. The classic menu and gorgeous space are already catching attention in the city; we’re also keeping our eyes on the upcoming opening of Thai-style bar Some Luck from the Talat Market team, slated to open any day now.
Tacos Chiwas | Tucson, Arizona
This new taqueria was only a few days old when our correspondent Matt Kang stopped by in early September. Our LA team has high standards for tacos, and Kang says the top-notch Chihuahuan food here could already hold its own even when competing with standout California options. Kang appreciated Chiwas’s delicious seafood and short ribs, and approachable, homey vibe; we’ll be back to see how the restaurant matures.
October brought the debut of this ambitious restaurant from chef Jonathan Granada, and editor Dianne de Guzman is ready to try the tableside duck, laminated brioche, and a gougeres-like Parmesan tart — all set inside an Art Deco-style former post office.
We thought this long-in-the-works, highly anticipated Filipino cocktail bar might open in time for us to visit Detroit and check it out this year, but the project from Tyler Olivier and Marcee Sobredilla is still wrapping up construction.
This Evanston, Illinois, project is the first full-service restaurant from Chicago barbecue royalty D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick. The restaurant is a true celebration of their community, decked out with local art and paired with a steakhouse-esque menu. It opened just outside our 2026 cutoff, and it’s looking like an exciting time for barbecue in the Windy City in general, as Chicago also awaits the opening of Sanders BBQ Prime in Hyde Park.
Lielle was a hit with the Eater LA team when it opened this year, and our team might even be more enamored with follow-up Marée, which just missed our window with its early September opening. At a recent visit, Matthew Kang noted the creamy mussels au gratin and Instagram-worthy squab, and says the au poivre burger earns its $42 price tag.