Austin's culinary appeal has just garnered national attention again – this time with two local sushi favorites slicing their way into Yelp's 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat list. Yelp's recognition of Tatsumi Sushi, putting them at number 25, and Takara Sushi & Asian Bistro, ranking at 97, emphasizes a notable shift towards casual dining preferences. This list, compiled from an amalgam of user submissions, restaurant reviews, and community interaction, highlights places where diners can enjoy excellent meals without breaking the bank—considering 80% of the selected eateries offer a meal under $30 per person, FOX 7 Austin reports.
While Austin's sushi gems have reason to celebrate, L.A.'s Holbox reigns supreme at the top of the list, boasting over 1,000 5-star Yelp reviews. The casual Mexican spot, nestled in a vibrant food hall, has become a magnet for seafood aficionados, often prompting an hour-long wait which, by most accounts, is well worth the delay. Yelp notes that the selection criteria this year placed a strong emphasis on standout establishments that not only deliver top-tier culinary experiences but also serve as a destination within their locales, Food and Wine highlights.
Aside from the two Austin eateries, the Lone Star State is further represented in the list with a diverse lineup including The Art of Donut in San Antonio, EBESU Robata & Sushi in Plano, Southern Yankee Crafthouse in Houston, Yorienn Korean Fried Chicken & Yori Shop in Carrollton, The Original Roy Hutchins BBQ in Trophy Club, and Mike's Chicken and The Mayor's House by Selda in Dallas. These entries serve as a testament to Texas' diversified culinary landscape, which seems to be gathering more accolades, and more food enthusiasts by the year.
The geographic spread of Yelp's 2025 list underlines a broader trend encapsulating the United States' vibrant food scene. California, perhaps unsurprisingly, claims a lion's share with 37 entries, from the seafood mastery at Holbox to the bold flavors at Mazra in Redwood City and Rintaro in San Francisco. Outside the Golden State, the list weaves through an eclectic mix of cuisines and dining experiences – ranging from the Middle Eastern plates of De Babel in Scottsdale, Arizona, to the innovative Cuban fare of Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe in Kenilworth, New Jersey, to Doctor Kustom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which, incidentally, is the state's sole representative on the list, according to Food and Wine.
Yelp's Top 100 listing, which users can seamlessly download onto their mobile app, provides a curated guide not just for those traveling but for locals seeking hidden gems in their backyards. The inherent message seems clear: whether your taste leans towards sushi, donuts, barbecue, or fusion creations, there's likely a high-ranking Yelp eatery ready to exceed your culinary expectations, discovering a potentially new favorite spot just a search and a review away.
