Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2026: A Culinary Journey Across America

The Best of American Dining: A Taste of Excellence

As we approach 2026, Yelp has unveiled its highly anticipated Top 100 US Restaurants list, offering food enthusiasts a roadmap to exceptional dining experiences across the nation. This comprehensive ranking, curated through the collective wisdom of the Yelp community, showcases establishments that have garnered outstanding reviews and ratings. New York City’s Ci Siamo claimed the prestigious top spot, but it was Texas that dominated the list with an impressive 17 restaurants making the cut. The rankings weren’t limited to fine dining establishments—diners, fast-casual spots, and food halls all had their moment to shine, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape that defines American food culture today. What makes this list particularly valuable is its democratic nature; Yelp compiled it based on both the volume and quality of user reviews, creating a true reflection of where Americans are enjoying their most memorable meals.

The Crown Jewel: Ci Siamo’s Italian Excellence

Earning the number one position, Ci Siamo in New York City’s Hudson Yards has captured the hearts and palates of diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine. Executive Chef Hillary Sterling has created a menu inspired by her travels throughout Italy, with the restaurant’s Rigatoni Alla Gricia emerging as the standout dish. This lesser-known Roman pasta creation—cousin to the more familiar cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana—has become the most reviewed item on the menu, delighting guests with its perfect combination of peppery, cheesy goodness and flavorful guanciale (cured pork cheek). Chef Sterling’s attention to detail borders on obsessive; she uses a specific blend of peppercorns from a particular purveyor and a special pepper mill to achieve the exact right texture in each dish. “I sound like bananas here,” she admitted to Yelp about her meticulous approach. But this dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed—customers consistently praise not only the “out of this world” food but also the exceptional service, beautiful ambiance, and ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, making Ci Siamo a complete dining experience rather than just a meal.

Texas Pride and California Dreams

The Lone Star State flexed its culinary muscle with Taste of Texas in Houston securing the second-place position. This 50-year-old steakhouse offers a unique interactive experience where guests can enter the kitchen and personally select their cut of beef. “We like customers to see what they’re eating,” explained founder Edd Hendee, who established this Texas institution with his wife Nina in 1977. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the restaurant’s certified Angus Beef steaks, which reportedly “melt like butter in your mouth.” California made its mark with NAM Kitchen in Gardena taking the third spot, a Vietnamese-Peruvian fusion restaurant boasting more than 1,600 five-star reviews and consistently drawing “lines out the door.” This cultural blend exemplifies the innovative cross-cultural cuisine that continues to define American dining. New York State maintained a strong presence on the list with five total entries, including the Brooklyn favorite L’industrie Pizzeria (No. 27), Charoen Krung Thai (No. 35), Gurumé (No. 38), and Da Andrea – Chelsea (No. 45), showcasing the Empire State’s diverse culinary offerings beyond Manhattan’s borders.

Emerging Culinary Trends for 2026

In compiling this comprehensive ranking, Yelp identified several significant trends shaping the American dining landscape. “Grandma-core” or “nonna-stalgia” has transcended social media to influence restaurant menus, with diners increasingly drawn to establishments offering old-fashioned, slow-cooked family recipes made with simple, quality ingredients. The traditional boundaries of meal times are dissolving, particularly when it comes to sandwiches, which have become “round-the-clock staples,” especially after dark. All-day dining concepts have gained remarkable traction, with cafes and brunch spots claiming nine positions on the Top 100 list. Japanese cuisine continues its upward trajectory, with sushi restaurants, handroll bars, and Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) fusion establishments securing ten spots in the rankings. Yelp also noted a renewed interest in special-occasion dining experiences that give patrons an opportunity to dress up and celebrate life’s moments in style, suggesting a post-pandemic return to formality and celebration through communal dining experiences.

A Diverse Top 10 Reflecting America’s Culinary Landscape

The geographic and culinary diversity of Yelp’s top ten restaurants reflects America’s varied food landscape. Following the top three establishments, Waffle and Berry in Honolulu, Hawaii claimed fourth place, while Comfort Cafe in San Antonio, Texas rounded out the top five. Hawaii made another appearance at number six with Adela’s Country Eatery in Kaneohe. Los Angeles contributed Broken Mouth at number seven, while the seafood haven GW Fins in New Orleans secured the eighth position. Salt Lake City’s Slackwater and Cincinnati’s Pepp & Dolores completed the top ten at ninth and tenth place, respectively. This geographic spread—stretching from Hawaii to Ohio and covering the South, West Coast, and Midwest—demonstrates that exceptional dining experiences aren’t confined to traditional culinary capitals. The diverse representation of cuisines within the top rankings also highlights America’s increasingly sophisticated and adventurous palate, embracing everything from Vietnamese-Peruvian fusion to traditional steakhouse fare, from Hawaiian specialties to Italian pasta perfection.

Planning Your 2026 Culinary Adventures

As we look toward 2026, this list serves as more than just recognition for restaurants that have mastered their craft—it’s an invitation for food lovers to expand their horizons and experience the best of what American dining has to offer. Whether you’re planning cross-country food adventures or seeking to discover hidden gems in your own backyard, Yelp’s Top 100 provides a community-vetted guide to extraordinary culinary experiences. From upscale dining rooms to unpretentious neighborhood favorites, these establishments share a common thread: passionate chefs and dedicated staff committed to creating memorable experiences through food. The diversity of the list—in terms of geography, price point, and cuisine—demonstrates that exceptional dining doesn’t need to be expensive or exclusive. As we make our culinary resolutions for the coming year, perhaps the best one might be to venture beyond our comfort zones and explore the rich tapestry of flavors that define American dining in 2026, guided by the collective wisdom of millions of fellow food enthusiasts who have shared their experiences on Yelp.