We’re still extremely early into the new year, which means there is still plenty of time to plan those dinners out with your partner for a romantic evening, friends for that special event, or simply because you want to. And there’s also plenty of time to snag a reservation for 2026 at one of Yelp’s top 100 places to dine in the U.S.
On Wednesday, Yelp revealed its annual list of the top restaurants in the nation, which it ranked through several factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. When it pulled this information, the team at Yelp also spotted a few major trends, including the fact that “Grandma-core” is coming in full steam for the year ahead.
“Often called ‘nonna-stalgia,’ this cozy trend encourages diners to step out of their fast-paced lives for old-fashioned, slow-cooked family recipes made with simple ingredients — often served on charmingly mismatched dinnerware in warm settings that remind them of simpler times,” Yelp explained about its list. It also noted that sandwiches aren’t just for lunch anymore, becoming a “round-the-clock staple,” as well as Japanese flavors taking over, with sushi spots snagging 10 spots on the list.
Still, there’s always room for a special-occasion meal, with several of the top spots going to white-tablecloth cloaked dining rooms. But this year, Italians reign supreme, with Ci Siamo in New York City snagging the No. 1 spot.
Ting L/Yelp
“Want to relive a visit to Italy, or just be inspired to book one? This Hudson Yards outpostof the acclaimed Danny Meyer restaurant empire is the place to have that experience,” Yelp shared in its list. “Yelpers crave the dishes Executive Chef Hillary Sterling lovingly re-creates from her travels through Italy, including the restaurant’s best-seller—Rigatoni Alla Gricia (also the most reviewed on Yelp). The lesser-known of four classic Roman pasta dishes (along with cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana), the gricia delights with simple, peppery, cheesy goodness infused with flavorful Italian guanciale (cured pork cheek).”
Though it’s not just the food that people adore about this spot.
“Food was out of this world, the ambiance was beautiful, but what really set them apart was the service. Rebecca and Vinny went above and beyond to make us feel like we were part of the family there,” one Yelp reviewer shared. “They were also very accommodating for gluten-free and NA options for my wife. We went for our 6-year wedding anniversary, and we will never forget it!”
The No. 2 spot on Yelp’s list went to Taste of Texas, located in Houston, Texas, which wins high praise thanks to the fact that customers can go into the kitchen and hand-pick the cut of beef they want for dinner. “We like customers to see what they’re eating,” Edd Hendee, the restaurant’s founder, shared via Yelp. Customers rave about its certified Angus Beef steaks, with many noting that they “melt like butter in your mouth.” And sure, the meat is great, but, as one Yelp reviewer noted, it’s key to not skip the apps either. “The best part of this experience was the bread! I’m a sucker for good bread, especially with a variety of it. I’ve heard of a good salad bar, but have you been to a bread bar?! If not, then this is the place to be,” they wrote.
Nam Kitchen/Yelp
Rounding out the top three is NAM Kitchen, located in Gardena, California, which serves Vietnamese-Peruvian fusion, including its pho, which several Yelp reviewers noted is the “best I’ve ever eaten.” Other top spots include Waffle and Berry, in Honolulu, Hawaii at No. 4, followed by Comfort Cafe, in San Antonio, Texas; Adela’s Country Eatery in Honolulu, Hawaii; Broken Mouth in Los Angeles, California; GW Fins in New Orleans, Louisiana; Slackwater—Salt Lake City in Salt Lake City, Utah; and Pepp & Dolores, in Cincinnati, Ohio rounding out the top 10.
Ready to dine out? See the full list and find a top spot near you at yelp.com.
