This Baltimore Eatery Is Among Top 100 US Restaurants In New Ranking

A Baltimore restaurant is among the top 100 “drool-worthy” restaurants in the country, according to the review and ratings site Yelp.

Yelp said its Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 ranking showcases the highest-reviewed restaurants by its users. Chefs across the country “are plating up memorable, can’t-miss meals at fine-dining rooms, food halls, counter-order favorites, cozy cafés, and wallet-friendly gems that deliver big flavor without the big bill,” Yelp said.

Coming in at No. 30, Ekiben in Baltimore was the only Maryland restaurant to make this year’s list. Ekiben, which has locations in Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore, bills itself as a “no frills” eatery that puts a unique spin on Asian and Ethiopian cuisine.

Ekiben has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Yelp, where more than 2,000 diners have shared their experiences at the eatery.
“If you're anywhere within 100 miles, make the detour and put Ekiben on your must-try list. You won't regret it. Loved every bite!” one reviewer raved.

“I am truly not exaggerating when I say their neighborhood bird bowl is probably my favorite meal ever. I look forward to any return to Baltimore, strictly for knowing I'll get to eat here,” another diner wrote.

Finally, another reviewer believes “this place deserves 6 stars if I could give it!”

Yelp said trends for 2026 include:

• “Grandma-core”: “Nonna-stalgia” brings simple, slow-cooked family recipes, often with mismatched dinnerware.
• Sandwiches for dinner: Elevated comfort food sandwiches are popular after dark, with nine spots on the list.
• All-day breakfast: Cafés and brunch spots claim nine slots.
• Japanese flavors dominate: Japanese cuisine, including sushi and Nikkei fusion, takes 10 spots.
• Worth the splurge: Special-occasion dining is also favored, including at restaurants specializing in upscale steak and seafood.

According to Yelp reviewers, the top 20 restaurants nationally are:

1. Ci Siamo, New York City
2. Taste of Texas, Houston, Texas
3. NAM Kitchen, Gardena, California
4. Waffle and Berry, Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Comfort Cafe – San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
6. Adela’s Country Eatery, Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Broken Mouth, Los Angeles, California
8. GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana
9. Slackwater — Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Pepp & Dolores, Cincinnati, Ohio
11. Butcher’s Union, Grand Rapids, Michigan’
12. Porzana, Minneapolis, Minnesota
13. Leven Deli, Denver, Colorado
14. RJ Skillets, Portland, Oregon
15. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, Kansas
16. Greek Bistro, Glendale, California
17. Tsukiyo Sushi, Los Angeles, California
18. Papi’s Ohana, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
19. Fat Of The Land, Santa Ana, California
20. COTE Miami, Miami, Florida