Much can be said about the past year in Monterey County restaurants.
Fortunately much of it has been said already, as this compilation of coverage about the year's best new spots demonstrates.
So let's keep it simple, like many of the best flavors out there.
Here appears the complete top 10, with a final thought on what makes them good, plus some (but not all) relevant stories.
For more on why they qualified for 2016's top shelf, click over to Top 10, installment one ("Ranking the best new Monterey County restaurants of 2016, part I") and two ("The very best handful of new restaurants for Monterey County in 2016").
10 • Revival Ice + Cream
The design comes as chic as the ice cream at RIC.
Outsized foodie cities like Los Angeles and Portland may enjoy similar spots, but no one is doing seasonal- and chef-driven tastes with more creativity and execution.
Revival Ice + Cream: The Review.
PHOTOS: Revival Ice + Cream eyes opening in downtown Monterey.
9 • Alvarado Ramen
The broth at Alvarado Ramen simmers for nine hours and often sells out.
Ramen snobs submit valid criticisms of the new downtown anchor, but it still satisfies hundreds daily who seek more comfort than a chance to demonstrate their noodle knowledge. Plus Owner Hank Kim (right) is one of the nicest guys in the business.
Alvarado Ramen aims to give Monterey County a trendy treasure it lacks.
Alvarado Ramen officially opens in downtown Monterey.
8 • Muligan Public House
Don't let the pre-opening-night pic fool you: Mulligan is bumping as much as any place on destination street Dolores.
No other bar made the list, because this is so much more than a bar. It's a family (already, and again). It's a third place. And it's a great place to eat clever comfort food too.
A peek at much-awaited Mulligan Public House's menus.
Mulligan Public House open for business on Dolores in Carmel.
7 • Billy Quon's Sur
Seafood is a strength at Sur.
Bill's at it again. Here he and wife Teresa remind people why they love what they do so much, and why locals love their formula.
Bill Lee’s last project opens in Carmel’s Barnyard.
Sneak peek at new Billy Quon's Sur restaurant and menu.
Billy Quon’s Sur in Carmel’s Barnyard reflects all the restaurants of his legacy.
6 • Fin + Field
Fin + Field continues to fill in decorations. But the amount of great deals and TVs needs little added.
This place might win on sheer value. But it enjoys a nice setting and a stylish bar and downright tasty California coastal grub.
Two major restaurants open in downtown Monterey.
5 • Nuernberger's German Sausages
Some tastebuds believe the best thing on the plate at NGS is the potato salad.
I didn't expect this one to crack the top 10, let alone the top five, but that's how tasty the sausage, schnitzel and sides prove to be.
New spot Nuernberg’s German Sausages gives Monterey schnitzel.
Nuernberger’s German Sausages: The Review.
4 • Aabha Indian Cuisine
The California-India dishes can fill a table and a belly quickly at Aabha.
Familiar vibrant Indian flavors, done with expert intuition, with a local ingredient inspiration. And it happens in a nice Barnyard spot with a big patio that desperately needed something cookin'.
Two new restaurants – Ambrosia Cannery Row and Aabha – make area Indian food better than ever.
PHOTOS: Aabha Indian Cuisine soft-opens in Barnyard Carmel.
3 • Tricycle Pizza
Tricycle definitely wins for most improved property. A cluttered smog shop is now a fun hangout with a pizza truck.
A contender for number one, especially for minimalists who love the fact it's only open part-time and does only pizzas.
Quick Bites: Tricycle Pizza, Pastability's open + lots more.
2 • Poke Lab
There are endless ways to enjoy Poke Lab's customizable bowls and sides.
An arguable option for the top slot for the huge buzz it created and backed up, with a sophisticated and sustainable take on a major national trend. But it wasn't as original as number one, as demonstrated by the proliferation of poke spots that preceded regionally and followed locally.
Fast and flavorful Poke Lab coming to downtown Monterey.
Poke Lab finds huge following with fresh and fast format.
Monterey's Poke Lab adds a food truck, online ordering and more.
1 • Cultura Comida y Bebida
Cultura has captured local eater imaginations with its own imagination.
An exciting concept, done by some of the best in the business, with some of the best cocktails in the county, via vast creativity and fine-dining quality. And they have room to grow.
Hot-spot-to-be Cultura Comida y Bebida making major strides in Carmel.
PHOTOS: Cultura launches in Carmel with a Soberanes Fire fundraiser.
A look at Cultura's menu—$4 peanuts to $150 caviar—and wine list.
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