24 Southwest restaurants on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat 2025 list

Every year, Yelp analyzes millions of reviews and suggestions from its community of users to name the best local eateries for its Top 100 Places to Eat list — spanning fast-casual spots, fine-dining establishments and everything in between. Southwest restaurants made their mark this year, with 24 appearing on Yelp’s 100 list, including three landing in the top ten.
Check out Luis Rendon’s full Top 100 Places to Eat list and keep reading below for all Southwest Yelp reviewers’ favorites.
Need more? Read more: Denver Union Station adds Telluride Truffle Artisan Chocolate, Beet & Yarrow and Baumé
Three restaurants in the Southwest make Yelp’s top ten list
Topping this year’s list is Holbox, the first Mexican Marisquería in the country to get a Michelin Star, based in Los Angeles. Led by James Beard Award finalist, Chef Gilberto Cetina, the menu features specialties from coastal regions of Mexico in a casual order-at-the-counter service food hall setting. Its star continues to rise among Yelp diners, boasting 1,000-plus 5-star reviews.

Ranking No.3, De Babel in Scottsdale, AZ returned to Yelp’s Top 100 for the third year. This Jordanian-owned gem is beloved for its “massive” portions and authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Yelpers can’t get enough of the hand-carved chicken shawarma, crispy falafel and homemade hummus — all served with warm hospitality. “A must-try for fresh ingredients, huge portions and awesome service,” says Yelp reviewer Daniel T.
Phonomenal’s slow-cooked beef ribs and “slightly sweet” broth helped secure this San Diego-area pho shop the fourth spot. The dining hotspot also claimed the No. 1 spot on Yelp’s Top 25 Pho Spots in the US. Chef Ming Thatsany perfected the family recipe over 30 years, drawing long lines daily, often selling out by 2 p.m.
Yelp ratings: Southwest-based restaurants (1-100)
Arizona
3. De Babel, Scottsdale, Arizona
34. Baja Cafe, Tucson, Arizona
38. Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe, Tucson, Arizona
41. La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood, Tucson, Arizona
56. Tito & Pep, Tucson, Arizona
65. Penelope, Tucson, Arizona
69. The Parish, Tucson, Arizona

California
1. Holbox, Los Angeles, California
4. Phonomenal, National City, California
11. Shlap Muan Wings, Long Beach, California
14. Beyer Deli, San Diego, California
15. Berry Brand, Tustin, California
18. West Coast Cheesesteaks, Glendora, California
23. Sunbliss Cafe, Anaheim, California
26. Shawarma Guys, La Mesa, California
27. Tai He Ju, El Monte, California
29. Mazra, Redwood City, California
31. GONZO! Ramen, Carlsbad, California
33. Big Jim’s Roast Beef, San Diego, California
37. Baba Kabob, San Diego, California
42. Lord Empanada, Monrovia, California
45. Cardelli’s Italian Market Deli & Catering, Riverside, California
46. Rosemarie’s Burgers, San Diego, California
48. North Shore Plate Lunch, Norco, California
63. Daddy Ji, Claremont, California
64. Chüyz Taco Shop, San Diego, California
84. Single Fin Surf Grill, San Diego, California
91. Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano, California

Colorado
95. Ambli Global Cuisine – DTC, Denver, Colorado
Nevada
19. Milpa, Las Vegas, Nevada
43. Toasted Gastrobrunch, Las Vegas, Nevada
44. R Town Pizza, Reno, Nevada
67. Hachi, Las Vegas, Nevada
77. Slater’s 50/50, Las Vegas, Nevada
82. Top Sushi & Oyster 2, Las Vegas, Nevada
85. Noodle Box Kitchen, Reno, Nevada
88. Prime 141, Enterprise, Nevada

Texas
25. Tatsumi Sushi, Austin, Texas
32. EBESU Robata & Sushi, Plano, Texas
51. Mike’s Chicken, Dallas, Texas
59. Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Houston, Texas
75. Yorienn Korean Fried Chicken & Yori Shop of Carrollton 요리엔 한식, Carrollton, Texas
81. The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque, Trophy Club, Texas
87. The Mayor’s House By Selda, Dallas, Texas
96. The Art of Donut, San Antonio, Texas
97. Takara Sushi & Asian Bistro, Cedar Park, Texas
For more information and to see the full list of Yelp’s ranked restaurants, visit Top 100 Places to Eat.