Yelp names Los Angeles seafood spot Holbox as top US restaurant for 2025
Mexican seafood restaurant Holbox leads Yelp's annual list of top US dining destinations, highlighting casual dining trends.
Today marks the release of Yelp's 12th annual Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States, according to an announcement made by the company. The list, published on February 12, 2025, showcases the diversity of American dining, with California-based restaurants securing 37 positions.
According to Yelp's data science team analysis, Holbox, a Mexican seafood establishment in Los Angeles, earned the top position. Located in a bustling food hall, the restaurant has accumulated over 1,000 five-star reviews since its opening. Chef-owner Gilberto Cetina, who hails from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, crafts dishes that emphasize sustainability, including innovative preparations of often-discarded fish parts.
The methodological approach behind the rankings involves a comprehensive evaluation of user submissions, considering factors such as ratings, review volume, and overall restaurant activity in each establishment's area. Yelp's community managers and trend experts then refined these data-driven selections to create the final list.
The geographical distribution of honored establishments spans 23 states and 42 cities. Texas secured nine positions, while Nevada claimed eight spots. This broad representation indicates a shift in dining preferences across various regions of the country.
Asian cuisines dominated the list with 18 establishments, followed by Latin American venues with 15 representations, and Mediterranean restaurants securing 10 positions. Notably, 80% of the featured establishments offer meals priced under $30 per person, reflecting a strong presence of accessible dining options.
Tara Lewis, Yelp's Trend Expert, notes the emergence of extraordinary culinary experiences in unexpected settings. The list includes establishments ranging from food trucks to fine dining venues, demonstrating the evolving nature of American dining preferences.
The casual dining trend manifests strongly in the top rankings. Twisted Gyros, placing second, operates as a fast-casual establishment in Hillsboro, Oregon, offering globally-inspired gyro variations. The third-placed De Babel in Scottsdale, Arizona, serves Middle Eastern cuisine from a strip-mall location.
Sustainability practices feature prominently among top-ranked establishments. Holbox utilizes fish heads and collars for specialty tacos, while Florida's Kaya, ranked tenth, incorporates food scraps into vinegars and cocktail flavorings. These practices reflect growing industry awareness of environmental responsibility.
The list highlights cultural diversity in American dining. Phonomenal, ranked fourth in National City, California, specializes in Cambodian-style pho, while Chellas Arepa Kitchen, fifth in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers Latin American arepas with various filling options.
International influences permeate the rankings, with establishments representing Mexican, Mediterranean, Peruvian, Cambodian, Thai, Filipino, and French cuisines among the top ten alone. This diversity extends throughout the list, featuring restaurants offering everything from Korean fusion to traditional Lebanese fare.
The recognition has historically impacted local businesses significantly. Since 2014, Yelp's annual lists have highlighted over 900 establishments across more than 400 cities, contributing to increased visibility and revenue for featured restaurants.
Casual dining environments dominate this year's selections, marking a departure from traditional fine dining expectations. The list includes numerous counter-service establishments, food trucks, and strip-mall locations, suggesting a transformation in how Americans perceive quality dining experiences.
The compilation process incorporated millions of reviews and community nominations, ensuring a representative selection of America's dining landscape. This approach allowed for the inclusion of both established restaurants and emerging culinary destinations.
Luis Rendon authored the comprehensive report detailing these selections, providing insights into each establishment's unique offerings and contributions to the American dining scene. The complete list remains accessible through Yelp's mobile application and website, offering users detailed information about each featured restaurant.