These 9 NorCal Eateries Made Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants of 2024

The highly-anticipated Top 100 restaurants in America list has been released by Yelp, and it includes nine locations in Northern California.

The annual list released by Yelp has become an event for foodies across the globe. The list is different from other national culinary lists because it uses Yelp reviews from around the country, combined with local culinary experts to compile a list of local fine dining, small food purveyors, and hidden gems.

This year’s list includes the usual presence of Bay Area restaurants, with a few Sacramento area eateries making the list as well. Maybe the big surprise is a small sandwich shop outside Sequoia National Park cracking the top 10.

Here are the NorCal eateries featured on this year’s list:

#8. Sierra Subs and Salads, Three Rivers, California 

Earning the #8 spot, Sierra Subs and Salads boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating on Yelp. Sandwiches and vegetarian offerings steal the show, with delectable options like the Hollywood Tremor sandwich, Wasabi Stinger, and Buffalo Bill. Visit them at 41651 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Hollywood Tremor (turkey, bacon, sun-dried tomato with cheddar and chipotle cream cheese on ciabatta); Buffalo Bill (grilled chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, mayo, onion, tomato, and homemade pesto on a Kaiser roll); and Wasabi Stinger (grilled chicken, roasted red pepper, sesame seeds, red onion, spinach, and Havarti with wasabi-sesame mayo on ciabatta). A veggie version of all 3 is available on Sierra Subs’ dedicated vegetarian menu. For the weekly special, visit Sierra’s website.

Yelpers say: “We visited here right before entering Sequoia National Park—it was the perfect place to get a bite before heading in. My husband and I got the Manwich and the Hollywood Tremor as well as the clam chowder. Everything tasted super fresh and the flavors of both sandwiches were very unique. The Hollywood Tremor had a slight spiciness to it that worked. The clam chowder was also very tasty. Highly recommend!” —Jarely R.

#18. Guy’s For Lunch, Roseville, California

Ranking at #18, Guy’s For Lunch shines with a 4.8-star rating on Yelp. Their menu highlights include the Chicken Salad Sandwich, Turkey Chili, and Chicken Noodle Soup. You can find them at 1249 Pleasant Grove Ste 150, Roseville, CA 95678.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Chicken Salad sandwich; Pulled Pork sandwich; The Italian sandwich; and Turkey Chili (first-timers get a sample).

Yelpers say: “My first bite of the pulled pork sandwich, Kick Butt style [with warm onions, melted pepper Jack cheese, and bacon], was SENSATIONAL. The spicy BBQ-to-pulled-pork ratio was perfect! My boyfriend’s hot pastrami was so delicious, he said it made him almost want to cry tears of happiness!” —Yelp Elite Ursula O. 

#23. Mazra, San Bruno, California

At #23, Mazra shines with a 4.7-star rating on Yelp. Mediterranean, barbecue, and Tapas are their specialties, featuring crowd-pleasers like the Slow Roasted Lamb Shank Plate, Double Kebab Plate, and Garlic Rotisserie Chicken with roasted veggies and hummus. Pay them a visit at 504 San Bruno Ave W, San Bruno, CA 94066.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: 6-Hour Lamb Shank Plate; Double Kebab Plate (choose from chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp, wild oyster mushroom, and octopus); Garlic Rotisserie Chicken Plate; and Baba Ghanoush.

Yelpers say: “This might just be the best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had, and I’ve eaten on the actual Mediterranean Sea in Greece. The kebabs were perfect—the lamb was so tender you could probably eat it with a spoon. I really enjoyed the Beef Kofta [seasoned ground beef], which was char-grilled so well. You can really taste the difference of the flame-grilled kebabs, which you can witness happening in the back parking lot! Baklava [was] warm, crispy, and perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness. Literally the best thing I ate this month.” —Yelp Elite Catherine M. 

#24. Zest Mediterranean Cuisine, Folsom, California

Securing the #24 spot, Zest Mediterranean Cuisine boasts a 4.8-star rating on Yelp. Don’t miss their signature Baklava, Gyro Wrap, and Lamb Kabobs Plate. Find them at 1008 Riley St Ste 2, Folsom, CA 95630.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Baklava, Gyro Wrap, Lamb Kabobs Plate, Chicken Kabobs Plate.

Yelpers say: “It’s been darn near 15 years since I’ve had Mediterranean food this good, and that was on the East Coast. I’ve been mentally begging for the Sacramento area to step up their Mediterranean food game—and finally these guys did it! The food was perfect, from the rice to the salad to the hummus to the wraps to the crinkle-cut French fries—every single thing was delicious.” —Brittany M.

#29. Ocean Indian Cuisine, San Francisco, California

Coming in at #29, Ocean Indian Cuisine boasts a 4.8-star rating on Yelp. Their must-try dishes include Butter Chicken Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Everest Chicken Momo Special. Visit them at 6127 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Butter Chicken Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, Everest Chicken Momo, Lamb Curry. 

Yelpers say: “Wow! Ordered Butter Chicken Masala and Coconut Vegetable Curry, basmati rice and garlic naan. Curries are so good! So creamy and flavorful. And the garlic naan is amazing—I could eat that all day! The ambiance was high-end-looking…I can see how this could be pretty romantic for a date night. Overall, highly recommend!” —Yelp Elite Chloe C.

#30. Pizzeria Luba, Auburn, California

Taking the #30 position, Pizzeria Luba delights with a 4.8-star rating on Yelp. Indulge in favorites like the Fat Lou Pizza, Foggy Dew Mushroom Pizza, and Meatballs with garlic bread. Stop by at 780 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Meatballs (made with pork and beef), Fat Lou pizza, Honey Badger pizza, Foggy Dew Mushroom pizza.

Yelpers say: “Wood-fired sourdough crust? Check! Mouthwatering specialty toppings? Check! We usually get the Fat Lou pizza, but last night we tried the Honey Badger. If you want something that’s going to make a fully grown adult go ‘nom nom nom,’ come to Luba. They also have terrific local beer and cider options. Luba is a true gem.” —Jackie S.

#32. Guiso Latin Fusion, Healdsburg, California

Seizing the #32 spot, Guiso Latin Fusion boasts a 4.7-star rating on Yelp. Dive into dishes like Fish Tacos, Camarones Borrachos, and Elotitos. Discover them at 117 N St, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Tacos de Pescado (fish tacos with local rockfish and mango salsa), Camarones Borrachos (wild prawns in Grandma’s house-made tomato sauce), Pan (Salvadoran sweet dinner rolls), and Paella Caribena (Caribbean take on Spanish paella with saffron rice, linguiça sausage, chicken, Gulf prawns, and clams).

Yelpers say: “This place is fabulous. The food was so inventive and so, so good. I took my husband here for his birthday, and he said this was hands-down his favorite place on our trip. We had the pupusas and paella—different from traditional paella but so good. Looking around, everyone was enjoying their meals and having a good time. Don’t miss this place.” —Liz R.

#51. Much Ado About Pizza, Pleasanton, California

Ranking at #51, Much Ado About Pizza is celebrated with a 4.8-star rating on Yelp. Try their signature Taming of the Chew pizza, Bard, and Capulet pizza. Swing by at 1991 Santa Rita Rd Ste E, Pleasanton, CA 94566.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Taming of the Chew; Cheezy “Bard” bread served with white garlic sauce; The Capulet (with cherry tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese); The Montague; and O’thello’s O’bsession (cooked with pesto, Italian cheese, spinach, squash, and red onion, then finished with broccoli, arugula, and baby bell peppers). 

Yelpers say: “Wow, this place is amazing. The pizza dough is so flavorful and tangy, I could eat it all by myself. In fact, it smelled [so] good, I inhaled 2 pieces before I got home. The cheese is also super-good; [there’s] lots of gooey cheese and some crispy cheese on the bottom. The two owners are very sweet and hospitable. The theme of the place [alone] is adorable.” —Lauren R.

#55. Curry Hyuga, Burlingame, California

Securing the #55 position, Curry Hyuga captures hearts with a 4.6-star rating on Yelp. Don’t miss their Japanese Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Chicken Karaage. Visit them at 1204 Broadway, Burlingame, CA 94010.

Most popular/most photographed dishes: Signature Katsu Curry (with either chicken or pork); Karaage Chicken appetizer (Japanese fried chicken); rich, creamy Corn Potage Soup.

Yelpers say: “The hype is real here. The Signature Katsu, for example, was ever-so-lightly crispy on the outside while being both meaty, juicy, and almost melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. The caramelized onion-based curry sauce that it came with was rich without being too salty or heavy and would be comforting any time of year, but especially so in the colder months.” —Yelp Elite Vincent L.