Yelp has released its 13th annual list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. for 2026, all ranked based on reviews and ratings from the Yelp community.
This year’s list reflects a mix of comfort and creativity, with standout trends including “grandma-core” dining, a continued rise in Japanese cuisine, and restaurants that diners say are worth dressing up for.
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Taste of Texas, a Houston steakhouse that has been family-run for nearly 50 years, earned the number 2 spot on Yelp’s national list.
The restaurant is known for its hands-on dining experience, where customers can walk into the kitchen and select their own cut of beef. Founded in 1977 by Edd and Nina Hendee, Taste of Texas is now operated alongside their daughter, executive chef Lisa Blackard.
Diners also frequently praise the restaurant’s extensive salad and appetizer bar. Beyond the food, Taste of Texas is known for its Texas-themed decor, including historic artifacts, and its longstanding ties to the community. Thousands of schoolchildren visit the restaurant each year on field trips, and some later become employees.
The restaurant also offers career and financial counseling to young staff members, contributing to high employee retention and consistent praise for its hospitality.
Houston had several restaurants recognized in Yelp’s Top 100 for 2026:
- Number 2: Taste of Texas
- Number 43: Xiaolong Dumpling
- Number 50: Aga’s Restaurant & Catering
- Number 55: Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House
- Number 63: The Ginger Mule
- Number 69: Shabu En
- Number 73: The Chef’s Table
READ MORE: The best of Houston’s Pakistani food scene
Several restaurants across Texas also earned spots on the list, including:
- Number 36: Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar, Fort Worth
- Number 37: Gold Spoon, Carrollton
- Number 47: Taqueria De Diez, Austin
- Number 49: Hutchins BBQ, Frisco
- Number 51: Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio
- Number 57: Sushi Yume, Round Rock
- Number 59: Edmond’s Burgers & More, Plano
- Number 62: Whip My Soul, Austin
- Number 66: Bird Bird Biscuit, Austin
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