For the third year in a row, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Scottsdale has wowed diners. De Babel ranks third on Yelp’s list and is the sole Valley restaurant to make the cut this year.
In the Top 100 announcement, Yelp noted a trend toward more casual dining experiences. Among restaurants on the list, 80% are priced under $30 per person, or in Yelp parlance, $$. The top spot went to Holbox, a Michelin-rated Mexican seafood counter inside a Los Angeles food hall. Yelpers’ second favorite U.S. restaurant is Twisted Gyros in Hillsboro, Oregon. Those restaurants and Scottsdale’s De Babel are all in that price range.
However, Arizona restaurants had a strong showing, with six from Tucson also among the top 100. Here’s a look at all seven spots that Yelpers starred.
The best Valley restaurant, according to Yelp
No. 3: De Babel14884 N. Pima Road, #135, Scottsdale Scottsdale Mediterranean restaurant De Babel climbed the ranks from No. 14 in 2024 to No. 3 on Yelp’s latest list. It is the only eatery in the metro area to be among the top 100, compared to three in 2024. The fast-casual spot is in a north Scottsdale strip mall located near State Route 101 and Raintree Drive. De Babel’s menu includes creamy hummus topped with chickpeas and green chiles, crisp falafel, salads, sandwiches and meaty plates of chicken shawarma and lamb tikka.
Jordanian owner Marwan Kandeel says the food at De Babel is “made with the same love and care as it was for generations in our homeland,” according to Yelp.
De Babel has a five-star rating from 721 Yelp reviews, with diners citing “massive” portions, vegan-friendly options and thoughtful staff.
Other Arizona restaurants on the list
No. 34: Baja Cafe7002 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson
2970 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson
Jumping up from its position at No. 50 in 2024, Baja Cafe is famously known as the "home of the snickerdoodle pancake."
No. 38: Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe
2530 N. First Ave., Tucson
Moving up one spot from 2024, this colorful cafe serves Mexican staples along with decadent plates of pancakes.
No. 41: La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
7230 E. 22nd St., Tucson
La Frida boasts a diverse menu of Mexican fare, from fresh ceviche to rich enchilada plates, at its casual all-day spot.
No. 56: Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson
The bistro focusing on mesquite-fired cooking from chef and owner John Martinez has garnered local and national praise over the years. It was listed as one of the New York Times’ top 50 restaurants in 2022 and Martinez received a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best Chef - Southwest in the same year.
No. 65: Penelope
800 N. Kolb Road, Tucson
Penelope is a pizzeria that takes inspiration from Italian and New York flavors for its wood-fired pies. Pair a Margherita pizza with shareable snacks, salads and pasta.
No. 69: The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Road, Tucson
The Parish is a self-described “Southern fusion gastropub” that draws inspiration from Louisiana, Texas and Arizona.
