An odd year, 2018.

I was tempted to begin my selection of the year's best new restaurants with an epitaph for the restaurants that have closed over the past 12 months — many notable, many gone well before their time.

Those farewells must wait. Because once I looked over my list of 2018's best new restaurants, I realized this has been another year of strong debuts.

New ventures from some of our most acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs anchor the list, but at the top are two rising stars whose talent could further transform St. Louis dining.

But only if you visit their restaurants. Here are this year's 10 best followed by six honorable mentions in alphabetical order.