Yelp released Jan. 25 its 10th annual Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States, 19 of which are in Southern California.
This list, according to Yelp, is based on reviews submitted by Yelp users, whose suggestions were ranked by the total number of submissions, ratings, and reviews.
Of those named in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, nine were ranked in the top 25.
The highest-rated local eatery, at No. 4, was the family-owned Beyer Deli, in San Diego. Just a handful of miles from the border, the restaurant offers classic American sandwiches served on tortas—Mexican-style bread buns.
The Sunbliss Café in Anaheim—just minutes from Disneyland—ranked 6th. They offer pastries, smoothie bowls, and colorful layered lattes with homemade syrups.
At No. 10 was Garden Grove’s Sababa Falafel Shop known for its Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern sandwiches and falafel bowls. Among the Orange County eateries’ most popular items were pita sandwiches stuffed with falafel, chicken or beef, and customizable bowls.
Appu’s Café in Long Beach—found curiously in Woodruff Medical Center—came in at No. 12. The spot offers Indo-Mexican options including its Vegan Mushroom and Vegan Yellow Lentil soups, and the Maharaja Burrito.
Ranked No. 13, the Little France Coffee & Bakery in Orange County’s Mission Viejo offers traditional French pastries and breakfast sandwiches with an espresso bar. Their top-selling item? Croissants, which generally sell out by 1 p.m., according to Yelp.
Trust in Santa Ana, was ranked 18th. The restaurant, also in Orange County, plays by its name as there is no set menu, seats only 18 people, and never has a repeated dish. For around $250 per person, diners feast on 13 courses with unlimited wine pairings while they watch sous chefs work with Executive Chef, Justin Werner.
GONZO!, in Carlsbad, was ranked 20th on the list, and is known for its five specialized ramen options. The San Diego County restaurant is owned and operated by Japan-born Mika Murphy, her husband, and their sons.
No. 23 was the BMORE Protein Pub in Long Beach, which is a cafe with “electric” Latin flavors, according to Yelp. The restaurant, located in Los Angeles County, started as a smoothie bar and has grown to offer several other healthy food items. Among its most popular dishes are pizzas.
Finally, rounding out the top 25, was Rajas con Crema in Marywood, also in Los Angeles County, known for its Mexican-flavored items inspired by food from Jalisco, Mexico. Their most popular dish is Rajas con Crema, which is roasted pasilla peppers in a cream sauce.
Los Angeles County
12. Appu’s Café, Long Beach23. BMORE Protein Pub, Long Beach
25. Rajas con Crema, Marywood
61. Lord Empanada, Monrovia
Orange County
6. Sunbliss Café, Anaheim10. Sababa Falafel Shop, Garden Grove
13. Little France Coffee & Bakery, Mission Viejo
18. Trust, Santa Ana
34. Maison Café & Market, Dana Point
44. OmG Omakase by Gino, Santa Ana
70. Thanh Do Restaurant, Garden Grove
81. Corazon Taste of Mexico, Brea
San Diego County
4. Beyer Deli, San Diego20. GONZO!, Carlsbad
35. Baba Kabob, San Diego
46. Nonno’s Ristorante, Murrieta
52. Mike’s Red Tacos, San Diego