- - Warning: Yelp’s Top 10 Restaurants of 2026 May Cause Sudden Travel Plans

Diana Valenzuela February 11, 2026 at 12:15 AM

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Warning: Yelp’s Top 10 Restaurants of 2026 May Cause Sudden Travel Plans

Juggernaut review platform Yelp has spoken: They've ranked the top 100 restaurants in the U.S. to visit in 2026. This massive list includes dining experiences of all stripes, from coast to coast. Seriously, even the most far-flung U.S. cities are represented. Whether you're looking for a new go-to neighborhood haunt or have a trip planned and need restaurant recommendations, you might want to use this list as your guide.

Yelp spotted some trends in their research. You'll find “Grandma-core” inspired menu options at nearly every destination. And we're not upset that these old-fashioned, slow-cooked family recipes are stealing the show. Plus, sandwiches are having a main-character moment — and honestly, we love to see it. But if you're not in the mood for a handheld meal, you might gravitate toward the trend of all-day brunch spots. Also, Yelp notes that Asian flavors and ingredients are huge right now. It all adds up to a dining scene that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet a little adventurous.

How'd they narrow it down? With your help, of course: "We identified businesses in the restaurant category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews."

To whet your appetite without overwhelming, start with the top 10 restaurants in the country. Consider it an amuse-bouche.

Yelp’s Top 10 Restaurants of 20261. Ci Siamo, New York, New York

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If you want to relive a past trip to Italy, this Manhattan eatery fits the bill. Executive Chef Hillary Sterling lovingly and precisely recreates classics she sampled while traveling across the country, so you can't go wrong with any pasta or pizza on the menu. Try the restaurant's bestselling dish, rigatoni alla gricia — they serve 120 a day for a reason.

2. Taste of Texas, Houston, Texas

This iconic Houston steakhouse is all about the classics: It's a 50-year-old institution where you can walk into the kitchen and hand-pick a cut of beef. You're absolutely required to order a steak: The ribeye with garlic butter is the star of the show. "Once you’ve had that first bite, restraint becomes meaningless," one Yelp user writes of the dish.

3. NAM Kitchen, Gardena, California

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Southern Californians got lucky with this Vietnamese-Peruvian spot. Their pho broth is simmered for 48 hours — get the soup with long-braised rib bones or filet mignon. If you're not in the mood to slurp, oxtail fried rice and tiger prawn garlic noodles are also standouts.

4. Waffle and Berry, Honolulu, Hawaii

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This waffle spot is a hit with Waikiki locals because they serve crispy waffles heaped with creamy, fruity toppings (but if you're not a waffle fanatic, note that they're also known for their açaí bowls). Consider this an excellent excuse to plan that hard-earned Hawaiian vacation.

5. Comfort Cafe – San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

When was the last time you visited a pay-what-you-can restaurant? Proceeds from this nonprofit support SerenityStar, a spirituality-based addiction recovery program. The staff are all working through their own recovery. You can expect indulgent versions of breakfast staples — think brown sugar pecan pancakes and eggs Benedict served with crab cakes.

6. Adela’s Country Eatery, Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii

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At this Honolulu takeout counter, co-owners Millie Chan and Adela Visitacion transform local Hawaiian produce into colorful fresh pasta. You can choose between options like taro or avocado pasta topped with lechon, garlic shrimp, or braised short ribs.

7. Broken Mouth, Los Angeles, California

In Hawaii, “broke da mouth” describes food so tasty, you can't slow down to chew — and this Korean-Hawaiian food hall spot tries to live up to its name. Get the signature Meat Jun — a 24-hour-marinated ribeye that's egg-battered and pan-fried.

8. GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana

At this fine dining restaurant in the Crescent City, you can sample seafood prepared using popular steak and chicken techniques. Tempura fin wings — cuts of fish cooked like chicken — are a must-have: “The wings were so good we ordered them again,” one Yelp user wrote.

9. Slackwater – Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Head to Utah and you'll have the chance to experience pizza with a pop culture twist. Show-stoppers include a super-spicy pizza called "tastes like burning" (from The Simpsons) and a mulligatawny soup (Seinfeld). This laidback restaurant also boasts a menu of over 300 beers.

10. Pepp & Dolores, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Brothers Joe and John Lanni founded this Italian restaurant to honor their grandparents, so you can expect authentic nonna cooking. Order the slow-simmered "Sunday sauce" ladled over spaghetti with a veal-and-pork meatball. For a lighter option, the bestselling limone pasta is just as comforting.

Peruse the full list below.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”