It’s the 13th annual list, which Yelp creates by analyzing the total volume and ratings of reviews for each eatery.
- The Top 100 can include any type of cuisine and restaurant, from fine dining to food halls.
- When putting the list together, Yelp spotted a few major trends, including that “Grandma-core” has hit the dinner table. Also known as “nonna-stalgia,” the trend encourages people to take a break from their fast-paced lives to enjoy old-fashioned, slow-cooked family recipes.
- Sandwiches are another top trend, as Yelp notes they’re not just for lunch anymore, now they’re a “round-the-clock staple.”
- Japanese flavors are also taking over, with sushi spots scoring 10 spots on the list.
- So what is this year’s best restaurant in the country? Ci Siamo in New York City. The Italian restaurant is loved for its food, including the best-selling dish Rigatoni Alla Gricia, as well as the ambiance and service.
- Coming in second is Taste of Texas, located in Houston, which gets high praise for the fact that customers can go into the kitchen and select the cut of beef they want for dinner.
- Texas is home to the most restaurants on the list this year, with an impressive 17.
Yelp’s Top 10 U.S. Restaurants for 2026
- Ci Siamo - New York, New York
- Taste of Texas - Houston, Texas
- NAM Kitchen - Gardena, California
- Waffle and Berry - Honolulu, Hawaii
- Comfort Cafe - San Antonio, Texas
- Adela’s Country Eatery - Honolulu, Hawaii
- Broken Mouth - Los Angeles, California
- GW Fins - New Orleans, Louisiana
- Slackwater - Salt Lake City, Utah
- Pepp & Delores - Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: Yelp
For South Carolina the highest rated restaurant is Lewis Barbecue, Charleston, South Carolina, (#48 overall) and 53. 167 Raw Oyster Bar – Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina (#53 overall)