Every San Diegan knows how blessed we are with great food. There’s very little to desire that you can’t find in America’s Finest City – from juicy burgers to great seafood and perfectly spiced tacos, we have it all. And we love to see it recognized! According to Yelp, out of the top 100 restaurants in U.S., 9 are in San Diego. That’s almost an impressive 10% that our talented chefs cover! Moreover, 40 restaurants on the list are from California – The Golden State, indeed.
Top restaurants in San Diego, according to the Yelp community
Phonomenal – a much beloved spot for broth lovers, this restaurant is known for its great signature dish: pho. It’s Cambodian style, so a little bit sweet, with spare-ribs falling off the bone. The restaurant also landed nr. 1 spot in Top 25 Pho Spots in the US. Lines can get long, so arrive early.
Location: 811 K Ave, National City, CA 91950
Beyer Deli – No frills sandwich shop with fresh ingredients, friendly personnel, and a homey atmosphere. People love their Reubens and their Pastrami Sandwich. Cash only!
Location: 3065 Beyer Blvd # A105, San Diego, CA 92154
Big Jim’s Roast Beef – what can we say…The Yelp community loves great sandwiches! Here, roast beef is the go-to. More praise goes towards their onion rings, and the signature BBQ sauce.
Location: 4508 Cass St suite b, San Diego, CA 92109
Baba Kabob – real foodies know how magical Middle-Eastern cuisine can be, and this is a true testament of that. Afghan cuisine shines here, with tasty appetizers and dips to share, and minced-meat “kabobs” or gyros for mains.
Location: 9474 Black Mountain Rd suite a, San Diego, CA 92126
Rosemarie’s – this is a known spot for all sliders lovers in San Diego. You can combine at least 2 of their delicious choices, and enjoy this meaty, juicy ride. If you’re looking for something different, go for the Cajun softshell crab burger. Don’t miss on their loaded fries, either!
Location: 3852 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Chuyz Taco Shop – we cannot have 9 San Diegan restaurants in this top, without at least 1 taco spot. And we all know the best ones are a hole in the wall…which is also the case here. Chuyz is unassuming, has big portions, and delivers great flavors. For something local and authentic, choose their surf and turf burrito.
6663 El Cajon Blvd G, San Diego, CA 92115
Single Fin Surf Grill – if you were wondering where the seafood is in this top 100 restaurants…here it is. This spot is known for its fish tacos, siracha shrimp tacos, and ceviche. They have great happy hours, too.
Location: 3844 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Gonzo! Ramen – nothings beats a perfectly made bowl of noodles. You can find all the classics, like miso or tonkotsu, but also delicious vegan options, or black garlic ramen. You can’t go wrong here, either way.
Location: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Shawarma Guys – ending this top with one more stop for delicious Middle Eastern food, at Shawarma Guys, featured in many culinary shows, such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. They started as a food truck and later opened sit-down locations as well. The Wagyu beef & chicken shawarma is a popular option, whether you go with a plate or a bowl.
Location: 5525 Jackson Dr B, La Mesa, CA 91942
The hottest restaurant in the U.S.
While San Diego snatched 9 spots, Californian restaurants occupy almost half of the top! In 2025, according to Yelp, the hottest restaurant in the U.S. is not in our beloved city…but definitely nearby, representing SoCal. Holbox from Los Angeles top the list, where people line up for hours to taste “some of the freshest seafood around”. With over 1000 5-star reviews, it’s hard to argue. Even better, this is one of the cheapest Michelin restaurants you can treat yourself to.