Yelp Inc. Unveils 12th Annual Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States
On February 12, 2025, Yelp Inc. announced its eagerly awaited 12th annual list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States, highlighting the best dining destinations across the nation. The rankings are derived from a meticulous analysis of millions of reviews on the Yelp platform, along with nominations from its vibrant community of users. This year’s list promises an exciting array of culinary delights, showcasing everything from food trucks to high-end dining experiences.
1. Holbox Takes the Crown
Topping the list in 2025 is Holbox, a celebrated restaurant in Los Angeles known for its fresh Mexican seafood. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Gilberto Cetina, Holbox has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Yelp users, boasting over 1,000 five-star reviews. Patrons rave about the restaurant's grilled octopus, fish tacos, and a variety of ceviches, all crafted with vibrant flavors and an emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
“From Michelin-starred hot spots in California to coastal-inspired neighborhood gems in Missouri, the restaurants on this year’s list represent the creativity of chefs making extraordinary dishes in unexpected settings,” said Tara Lewis, Yelp’s Trend Expert, emphasizing the diversity and innovation captured in this year's selections.
2. Diverse Culinary Representation
Yelp's Top 100 list not only highlights individual restaurants but also reflects broader culinary trends. Asian cuisines dominate this year's list, with 18 entries showcasing a range of unique dishes. Notable mentions include Phonomenal, which serves Cambodian-style pho (#4), and Fat Salmon, known for its sweet and spicy Dancing Vampire Sushi Roll (#91).
Following closely, Latin American and Mediterranean cuisines feature prominently with 15 and 10 restaurants, respectively. Food lovers can explore flavors from around the globe, including Argentinian delights at Lord Empanada (#42), French pastries at Amy's French Bakery & Bistro (#9), and Thai specialties at Degthai (#28).
3. State Representation and Local Business Boost
Since the inception of the Top 100 list in 2014, Yelp has recognized over 900 establishments across more than 400 cities, significantly boosting local businesses' visibility and revenue. This year’s list includes restaurants from 23 states and 42 cities, with California leading the charge at 37 restaurants. Notable entries include Holbox (#1) in Los Angeles and Big Jims Roast Beef (#33) in San Diego. Texas is also well-represented with nine entries, including The Mayor's House By Selda (#87) in Dallas.
4. The Rise of Casual Dining
Yelp's engaged community continues to connect diners with affordable options, as casual dining rises in popularity. Budget-friendly eateries like Chellas Arepa Kitchen (#5) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Cardelli's Italian Market Deli (#45) in Riverside, California, offer delicious meals under $30 per person. In fact, 80 of the restaurants on this year’s list provide options for those looking to dine out without breaking the bank.
5. Accessing the Top 100 List
Food enthusiasts looking to explore Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat can visit the Collection on the Yelp app for a comprehensive review of this year’s winning spots. Photos and additional information about each restaurant are also available in the press kit.
6. Methodology Behind the Rankings
The methodology behind Yelp's Top 100 is rigorous, involving extensive analysis by Yelp’s data science team. User submissions are evaluated based on ratings, number of reviews, and volume of nominations, ultimately finalized with insights from community managers who bring their local expertise to the forefront.
7. About Yelp Inc.
Founded in San Francisco in 2004, Yelp Inc. (yelp.com) is a community-driven platform that connects individuals with exemplary local businesses. Millions rely on Yelp for trustworthy local business information, reviews, and photos that help inform spending decisions. As a one-stop local platform, Yelp facilitates easy connections and transactions across a wide range of categories, from service quotes to restaurant reservations.
As Yelp continues to champion local culinary scenes, this year's Top 100 Places to Eat not only celebrates outstanding dining experiences but also underscores the importance of community engagement in promoting local businesses across the United States.