Overview
The steaks are high, as the list of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026 is revealed. Building on last year's already impressive stats, we can now reveal that 22 Australian restaurants have featured on the globally renowned list. Now that's something to celebrate.
So did your favourite steak restaurant make the cut? While many Australian eateries across several states made the 2026 ranking, it was a Sydney favourite that made it (almost) all the way to the top. Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years and have somehow missed the remarkable success of Neil Perry's Margaret, it likely won't come as a surprise that it took out the coveted second spot on the list this year.
Most of the Australian restaurants that made the cut last year did so this year — and, incredibly, Margaret has secured its second-place ranking for the second year in a row. Yes, the Double Bay venue has proved again that it is not only the best steak restaurant in Australia, but almost the best in the entire world.
Petrina Tinslay.
"We're absolutely thrilled that Margaret continues to be recognised as one of the world's best steak restaurants, and to see Gran Torino make the list in its debut year is very exciting for us," says Neil Perry.
"This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication behind our family-run restaurants - from sourcing outstanding beef from outstanding producers like Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree Farms, to ensuring every cut served is meticulously dry-aged and perfectly cooked. It's also fantastic to see 22 Australian restaurants represented on the list this year, which highlights the exceptional quality and reputation of Australian beef on the world stage," says Perry.
Taking out the number one spot was La Cúpula de El Capricho in Jiménez De Jamuz, Spain, and after Margaret comes another Spanish hotspot, Laia Erretegia in Hondarribia, Spain. London's Ibai came in at number seven, and Singapore's Burnt Ends came in at number nine.
Remarkably, two more Sydney restaurants cracked the top 15, with Firedoor ranking 11th and Aalia 14th. Don't fret, it wasn't just Sydney who made headlines this year, with other Australian capital cities holding their own on the list.
"Australia has firmly confirmed its position as a leading power in the global steak scene. With 22 restaurants featured in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026, Australia shines brighter than ever and demonstrates remarkable strength across the ranking. This achievement speaks not only to the exceptional quality and provenance of Australian beef, but also to the expertise, consistency and cultural confidence with which the country's leading steak restaurants operate. Australia is no longer simply setting benchmarks domestically — it is helping define excellence on a global stage."
The list is the result of a meticulous evaluation of 1200 restaurants, judged against 29 detailed criteria including meat quality, cooking technique, sourcing, ageing, authenticity, ambience, service and wine list. Making the cut for Melbourne were the likes of Steer Dining Room at 29th, Victor Churchill at 31st, Gimlet at 62nd and Grill Americano at 95th. Brisbane impressively had two inclusions on the list, with Agnes coming in at number 20 and SK Steak & Oyster at 77th. Adelaide's fire-driven diner Arkhé must have made a striking impression, coming in at sweet 16t. Several other Sydney and Melbourne restaurants rounded out the 22 Australian restaurants that made the 2026 list.
Petrina Tinslay.
Nikki To
Christopher Pearce
Dominic Loneragan
Dominic Loneragan
Earl Carter
For the full rundown of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026, head to the list's website.
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Feature image: Petrina Tinslay.