Ci Siamo in NYC Voted Best Place to Eat in 2026 by Yelp

New York City restaurants have achieved significant recognition in the recently released 2026 rankings of the top places to eat in the United States. Manhattan’s Ci Siamo has been named the number one restaurant in the country by Yelp, marking a high point for the city’s culinary scene.

A New York Triumph

Ci Siamo, helmed by executive chef Hillary Sterling, opened in Hudson Yards and has quickly become known for its Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s design centers around a wood-fired hearth, influencing both the atmosphere and the menu, which features items like blistered focaccia and savory pastas.

Did You Know? Nearly two-thirds of the restaurants on Yelp’s Top 100 list are priced under $30 per person.

Beyond Ci Siamo

Ci Siamo wasn’t the only New York establishment to receive accolades. Four other NYC restaurants made the Top 100 list: L’Industrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn (ranked 27), Charoen Krung Thai (ranked 35), Gurumé (ranked 38), and Da Andrea in Chelsea (ranked 45). This demonstrates the diversity and dynamism of New York’s restaurant industry.

Shifting Dining Trends

The rankings also reflect broader changes in American dining preferences. Yelp’s editors noted a growing trend toward “nonna-stalgia,” or a desire for comforting, family-style meals. This suggests a shift away from fast-paced dining and toward more traditional, home-style cooking.

Expert Insight: The success of restaurants like Ci Siamo suggests that diners are increasingly valuing authenticity and a connection to culinary traditions, even within a major metropolitan area known for its innovation.

Beyond Italian cuisine, the list highlighted the popularity of sushi bars, handroll counters, and Nikkei-style Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurants. Sandwiches are also gaining recognition as a viable dinner option, rather than being limited to lunchtime.

What’s Next?

The continued success of New York restaurants could encourage further investment in the city’s culinary scene. Other cities may also attempt to capitalize on the “nonna-stalgia” trend by emphasizing comforting, traditional dishes. It is also possible that accessibility, as demonstrated by the number of restaurants offering reservations or digital waitlists, will become an increasingly important factor for diners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurant was ranked number one on Yelp’s 2026 list?

Ci Siamo, located in Manhattan, was ranked number one on Yelp’s 2026 Top 100 Places to Eat list.

How many New York City restaurants made the Top 100 list?

Five New York City restaurants made the Top 100 list: Ci Siamo, L’Industrie Pizzeria, Charoen Krung Thai, Gurumé, and Da Andrea.

What dining trend did Yelp’s editors identify?

Yelp’s editors identified a rise in “nonna-stalgia” or “grandma-core” dining, which is an appetite for slow-cooked, comforting, family-style food.

What does this recognition of New York restaurants say about the role of food in defining a city’s identity?