We know San Diego’s food scene sizzles, but now it’s official. Nine San Diego-area restaurants landed coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the US. Let’s dig in — there’s a lot of delicious ground to cover.
PHOnomenal
Coming in hot at No. 4, this National City hotspot specializes in flavorful pho made with tender beef spare ribs slow-cooked in bone broth.
Beyer Deli
This South Bay deli, ranked at No. 14, is known for its stacked sandwiches and breakfast dishes. Yelpers are all about The New Yorker Sandwich here.
Shawarma Guys
This cult favorite first soared to fame as a South Park food truck that earned top honors from Yelp in 2020. Two years later, it was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” The family-owned biz has since opened a permanent location in La Mesa, which landed the No. 26 spot in this year’s list. Editor Monica’s recommendation: The Wagyu Beef Shawarma Pita.
GONZO! Ramen
This Japanese restaurant in Carlsbad snagged the No. 31 spot. It’s known for its Tonkotsu ramen, gyoza, and takoyaki. Yelpers rave about its Chicken Karaage Bowl with Japanese fried chicken, steamed rice, green onions, lemons, sweet sauce, and QP mayo.
Big Jim’s Roast Beef
Landing the No. 33 spot, this sandwich shop brings New England flavors to Pacific Beach. Carnivores, try the Super Beef — eight ounces of roast beef on a buttered + grilled caramelized onion bun topped with James River BBQ sauce, mayo, and white American cheese.
Baba Kabob
At No. 37, this Afghan restaurant in Mira Mesa does homestyle beef, lamb, and chicken kabobs right. Start your meal with the Potato Bolani, a house special of fresh flat bread filled with potato and spices, with yogurt sauce for dipping.
Rosemarie’s Burgers
No stranger to Yelp’s Top 100, this Mission Beach restaurant snagged the No. 46 spot. You can’t go wrong with the house sliders like the Rosie Single, two wagyu beef patties with onion confit, American cheese, Kewpie mayo, and special sauce. Pro tip: The dining room is small, but it’s worth the wait.
Chüyz Taco Shop
This popular El Cajon Boulevard eatery was also featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” where Fieri dug into the Chuy’s Burrito made with carne asada and chile relleno. The taco shop scored the No. 65 spot — try the Surf and Turf Cali, it’s truly a masterpiece.
Single Fin Surf Grill
Rounding out SD’s standout at No. 85, this Mission Beach restaurant serves burgers, fish tacos, and salads. For a little kick, try the Sriracha Shrimp Tacos.
According to Yelp, California restaurants earned 37 spots on the list, the most of any state. Casual dining spots are having a moment, too — 80% of the places are priced at under $30 per person.
