These California Eateries Are Among Top US Restaurants In New National Ranking

Seven eateries in California are included on a list of the 100 most “drool-worthy” restaurants in the country by the business review and ratings site Yelp.

Yelp said its Top 100 US Restaurants 2026 ranking showcases the highest-reviewed restaurants by its users. Chefs across the country “are plating up memorable, can’t-miss meals at fine-dining rooms, food halls, counter-order favorites, cozy cafés, and wallet-friendly gems that deliver big flavor without the big bill,” Yelp said.

NAM Kitchen, Gardena, California

Chef Nam Lam's Vietnamese-Peruvian restaurant is a Southern California fusion standout, with over 1,600 5-star reviews, an ranks No. 3 on the Yelp top 100 list. The Saigon-Lima blend features 48-hour simmered pho, deemed by some Yelpers as "the best I've ever eaten," especially with long-braised rib bones or tender filet mignon. The updated Peruvian lomo saltado is also a highlight, described as "an occasion to eat french fries with chopsticks." Other favorites include the "rich and comforting" Oxtail Fried Rice and the "star" Tiger Prawn Garlic Noodles.

Born in Vietnam with diverse culinary roots, Chef Nam opened NAM Kitchen to showcase "what real Vietnamese flavors are," with customers often smelling the authentic pho upon entry. The chef, also a trained bartender, complements the meal with unique drinks like June Lemon (yuzu) with peach puree or Coco Matcha. Diners consistently call their visit an "amazing experience from start to finish."

Broken Mouth, Los Angeles, California

This Korean-Hawaiian favorite, celebrated for its "broke da mouth" deliciousness (Hawaiian slang for food so good you can barely slow down to chew), is a standout, making its fourth appearance on our annual Top 100 list, ranking as No. 7 in 2026. Chef-owner Tim Lee, who identifies as "Korean by blood, Hawaiian at heart," crafted the menu as a culinary memoir of his Oahu upbringing. The compact menu features plate lunches that Yelpers describe as "genuine home-cooked food made with love." Angelenos and Hawaiian transplants alike rave about the signature Meat Jun—ribeye marinated for 24 hours, then egg-battered and pan-fried—calling it "one of those meals that make you realize life is beautiful."

The dish that garners the most 5-star attention, however, is the shell-on shrimp, pan-fried in garlic butter and described as "bursting with flavor." Tim substitutes traditional white rice with his mother’s purple multigrain japgokbap, and the creamy, boiled-egg-studded Potato-Mac salad is said to "make everything better." Beyond the food, regulars consistently praise Chef Tim's genuine Aloha spirit, noting he is "incredibly friendly and hospitable, making you feel right at home."

Other CA restaurants to make the list:

Greek Bistro, Glendale, California
Tsukiyo Sushi, Los Angeles, California
Fat Of The Land, Santa Ana, California
Thanh Tinh Chay, San Diego, California
Zen Curry and Grill, Temecula, California

Yelp said trends for the 2026 include:

• “Grandma-core”: “Nonna-stalgia” brings simple, slow-cooked family recipes, often with mismatched dinnerware.
• Sandwiches for dinner: Elevated comfort food sandwiches are popular after dark, with nine spots on the list.
• All-day breakfast: Cafés and brunch spots claim nine slots.
• Japanese flavors dominate: Japanese cuisine, including sushi and Nikkei fusion, takes 10 spots.
• Worth the splurge: Special-occasion dining is also favored, including at restaurants specializing in upscale steak and seafood.

According to Yelp reviewers, the top 20 restaurants nationally are:

1. Ci Siamo, New York City
2. Taste of Texas, Houston, Texas
3. NAM Kitchen, Gardena, California
4. Waffle and Berry, Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Comfort Cafe – San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
6. Adela’s Country Eatery, Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Broken Mouth, Los Angeles, California
8. GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana
9. Slackwater — Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah
10. Pepp & Dolores, Cincinnati, Ohio
11. Butcher’s Union, Grand Rapids, Michigan’
12. Porzana, Minneapolis, Minnesota
13. Leven Deli, Denver, Colorado
14. RJ Skillets, Portland, Oregon
15. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City, Kansas
16. Greek Bistro, Glendale, California
17. Tsukiyo Sushi, Los Angeles, California
18. Papi’s Ohana, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
19. Fat Of The Land, Santa Ana, California
20. COTE Miami, Miami, Florida