Suburban spot, 2 Chicago restaurants make Yelp’s ‘Top 100 Places to Eat’ for 2025

(NEXSTAR) – Yelp has once again released its annual rankings of the “Top 100 Places to Eat” in America, perhaps hoping to spare us from eating another mediocre meal over our kitchen sinks.

The rankings, which were determined by Yelp with input from its community of online reviewers, highlight a curated selection of eateries from coast to coast — in 23 states and D.C.! — including everything from fine-dining establishments to food trucks. Yelp’s list also recognizes all kinds of cuisines, from Mexican to French to Middle Eastern, all of which are surely better than anything we’ve hastily shoved into our mouths while gawking into the refrigerator.

The Chicago suburbs are represented in the Top 25 of Yelp’s 2025 list. Northbook’s New Village Gastro Pub came in at No. 22. The Korean/Asian Fusion spot is located at 3566 Milwaukee Avenue in Northbrook.

Lawrence Fish Market in Chicago came in at No. 54 and Virtue Restaurant, also in Chicago, came in at No. 71.

Taking the top spot the list is Holbox, a Mexican seafood restaurant situated inside a Los Angeles food hall.

“Holbox offers grilled octopus, fish tacos, and a variety of ceviches, all crafted by Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Gilberto Cetina,” reads a news release from Yelp. “The restaurant boasts 1,000-plus 5-star reviews and Yelp users rave about the vibrant flavors, affordability, and eco-friendly practices that make Holbox a standout.”

The top 10, as determined by Yelp, are listed below. The full list of 2024’s “Top 100 Places to Eat” can be found at Yelp.com, along with a map of 2025’s entries.

1. Holbox — Los Angeles, California
2. Twisted Gyros — Hillsboro, Oregon
3. De Babel — Scottsdale, Arizona
4. PHOnomenal — National City, California
5. Chellas Arepa Kitchen — Lancaster, Pennsylvania
6. Wally’s Café — Rocklin, California
7. Aroy Mak Thai Food — Seattle, Washington
8. The Good Salad — Santa Clara, California
9. Amy’s French Bakery & Bistro — Pompano Beach, Florida
10. Kaya — Orlando, Florida

As was the case in previous years, California boasts the most restaurants on Yelp’s 2025 list with a whopping 37 entries. Following behind are Texas, Nevada and Arizona, home to nine, eight and seven entries, respectively.

It should be noted, however, that Yelp’s 2024 rankings aren’t necessarily a reflection of the best-reviewed restaurants on its entire platform. Rather, Yelp’s list was compiled from submissions and suggestions solicited from users, which were then compared against the overall ratings and volume of reviews on each business’s Yelp page. Yelp’s community managers and a “Trend Expert” then further curated the rankings to finalize the list, according to Yelp’s blog.

So while these restaurants may not be in the top 100 on the platform (in terms of overall ratings and reviews), they’re among some of the most raved-about in the country.

They’re also undoubtedly much more exciting than whatever we’re planning to inhale during our brief lunch breaks, the crumbs falling from our faces.