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Bird Bird Biscuit is opening its third Austin location on South Lamar Blvd.<\/p>\n
Provided by Chelsea Francis<\/p>\n
Austin didn\u2019t top the list this time, but it definitely pulled up a chair.<\/p>\n
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Yelp<\/a>\u2019s 13th annual list of the Top 100 U.S. Restaurants for 2026<\/a> dropped this week, and while Houston leads the Texas charge<\/a> with a commanding cluster of high-ranking spots, Austin landed four local spots on the national list.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The rankings are based on reviews and ratings by Yelp users nationwide, spanning everything from fine dining to counter-service favorites. This year\u2019s list highlights a few broad trends \u2014 comfort-driven cooking<\/a>, the continued rise of Japanese cuisine<\/a>, and restaurants that feel worthy of dressing up for.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Austin’s Best Restaurants of 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Austin\u2019s entries: familiar names, evolving neighborhoods<\/p>\n No. 47:\u00a0Taqueria de Diez<\/p>\n Taqueria de Diez is expanding beyond downtown with a new location on South Lamar Boulevard.\u00a0<\/p>\n MATTHEW ODAM\/AMERICAN-STATESMAN<\/p>\n What started as a tiny, lipstick-red alleyway\u00a0taqueria downtown has become one of Austin\u2019s most talked-about taco operations \u2014 and Yelp\u2019s voters took notice. Brothers Raul and Luis Esquer specialize in Tijuana-style tacos with crunchy-edged meats, house-made tortillas and a disciplined approach to toppings: cilantro, onion, guacamole, no distractions.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Taqueria de Diez opened a South Lamar outpost last year<\/a>, a move that could help rebalance a taco scene long criticized for favoring the north side of town.<\/p>\n Downtown: 206 Trinity St. 512-633-4829.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n South Lamar: 2110 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-633-4829.<\/p>\n No. 57: Sushi\u00a0Yume (Round Rock)<\/p>\n Sushi lunch special at Sushi Yume.<\/p>\n MATTHEW ODAM\/AMERICAN-STATESMAN<\/p>\n Austin\u2019s northern suburb also gets a nod with Sushi\u00a0Yume, a Round Rock restaurant that has drawn praise for offering high-quality sushi at relatively accessible prices. As Austin American-Statesman food critic Matthew Odam noted in 2024<\/a>, the restaurant\u2019s lunch special \u2014 eight pieces of nigiri and a roll for $28 \u2014 stands out for its value without sacrificing technique. Highlights included seared salmon belly finished with yuzu and scallops accented by chili crisp, dishes that reflect a level of care often missing from conversations about \u201caffordable\u201d sushi.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The recognition underscores how some of the metro area\u2019s most compelling dining continues to emerge outside Austin\u2019s urban core.<\/p>\n 1201 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Round Rock. 512-297-2299,\u00a0sushiyumeatx.com.<\/a><\/p>\n No. 62: Whip My Soul<\/p>\n Whip My Soul\u2019s menu reads like a love letter to soul food, with enough invention to keep things interesting. Classics share space with playful spins, including fried egg rolls stuffed with mac and cheese and oxtails \u2014 dishes that feel indulgent.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n It\u2019s the kind of restaurant that thrives on regulars and word of mouth, which helps explain its strong showing on a list driven by user reviews. In a city often obsessed with the new, Whip My Soul\u2019s appeal lies in familiarity done with confidence.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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