Houston has gobbled up three awards in national magazine Food & Wine's 2026 Global Tastemaker Awards, including the title as the No. 6 best foodie city in the U.S.

Food & Wine annually surveys its network of judges, which includes more than 400 chefs, travel experts, wine connoisseurs, and more to determine nominees for "the best food-forward destinations" in the world. Winners are then evaluated and ranked by the magazine's Global Advisory Board.

The Global Tastemaker Awards praised Houston's overall food scene among the 10 best in the nation, and local restaurants get to reap the benefits. Acclaimed eateries like Feges BBQ, Theodore Rex, and Tatemó were named must-try spots for locals and tourists to visit.

"[Houston] boasts the most ethnically diverse population of any large city in the country," the report said. "That multiculturalism seasons the city’s dining scene, offering exceptional Tex-Mex/Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southern/Cajun cuisines alongside classic Texas barbecue."

Anvil, another Houston staple from local restaurateur Bobby Heugel, was crowned the No. 2 best bar in the U.S. Food & Wine dubs Heugel "the architect" of Houston's bar scene, citing Anvil's multiple James Beard Award nominations.

"The high-energy space offers a list of 100-plus classics plus seasonal options, some sure to join the long list eventually," the report said. "Reflecting the zeitgeist, Anvil credits the bartenders who created the drinks, and recently brought back happy hour, starting at 2 pm, at a moment when many patrons are particularly price-sensitive."

Even George Bush Intercontinental Airport won an award as the No. 6 best U.S. airport for food and drink. The Houston airport is widely known for having many local restaurants for visitors to get a taste of the local food scene. Weary travelers can get their burger fix at Hubcap Grill, try Simone Biles' newly opened restaurant Taste of Gold, sip on a margarita at El Tiempo, and much more.

Find Taste of Gold near gate A8. Courtesy of Houston Airports

Food & Wine also gave a sneak peek at what's to come as IAH continues renovations.

"When Terminal B fully reopens this fall, it will include two additional Michelin Bib Gourmand picks, Blood Bros. BBQ and Rosie Cannonball, alongside B&B Butchers and Pink’s Pizza," the report said. "And the new Terminal D-West Concourse scored Velvet Taco, a Dallas‑born brand with a devoted Houston following."

Other Texas cities, restaurants, and airports that earned awards from Food & Wine include:

• Austin – No. 1 Best Coffee City in U.S.; No. 4 Best Pastry City in U.S.; and No. 7 Best U.S. City for Food and Drink
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin – No. 2 Best U.S. Airport for Food and Drink
• Canje, Austin – No. 3 Best Restaurant in the U.S.
• Hotel Emma, San Antonio – No. 8 Best Hotel in the U.S.