SAN DIEGO — Americans are really enjoying going out to eat in 2024. According to Yelp, food sales in America will reach a record $1 trillion in 2024 and plenty of hungry diners are out looking for new places to try in their city.
Each year, Yelp puts out its list of the top new restaurants across the United States based on data including total volume and ratings of reviews on the platform, positive health scores and input from a Yelp trend expert.
Some of the trends seen in the 2024 list include more restaurants with experimental dining and over-the-top food presentation. Six of the top 25 restaurants serve Japanese cuisine including one in San Diego. Another trend is towards "approachable" dining with friendly staff and chefs, leaning away from the fancy, stuffy environments where people feel out of place.
Number one on the 2024 list was the viral Mediterranian restaurant, Mēdüzā Mediterrania in New York City. But also making the top 10 are 2 restaurants located in San Diego, California.
Coming in fourth on the list for 2024 was Kinme Omakase, located in Bankers Hill alongside Balboa Park at 2505 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103.
With only 10 spots available at a long wooden counter, your 10-course omakase meal is uniquely personal. During each of 2 nightly dinner seatings, Kinme’s chefs interact with guests in the handsome open marble kitchen, explaining the origins of each course as it’s prepared. Seeing them create each item is almost a theatrical experience, according to owner and creative director Shihomi Borillo.
According to one Yelper review, “With every bite, I wanted the melt-in-your-mouth, decadent flavors to last forever. When I say everything served was delicious, I mean it. From the seasonal veggies to the buttery toro, everything was of the highest quality. It was amazing getting served by the owner and head chef. Everything was prepared and assembled in front of [us] in an intimate dining setting.”
In eighth place on the 2024 list was Boujiemana, located in the Serra Mesa neighborhood of San Diego at 3545 Aero Ct. Ste. B, San Diego, CA 92123.
With commitments to the community (3% of profits are dedicated to a different local nonprofit organization each month) and to a joyful culinary experience, BoujieMana is ultimately a place where people can connect, according to owner Samer Khouli. “What sets us apart is how guests feel when they’re here,” he says. The menu includes decadent surprises like homemade hummus that has been fermented for 48 hours, roasted octopus with chili oil and pistachio, and a 15-day dry-aged roasted duck.
According to a Yelp review, “I’m usually very skeptical of a restaurant with so many 5-star reviews, but this place deserves every one. The space is beautiful inside and out. We ordered the chicken souvlaki sandwich with a side salad and it was amazing. The chicken was tender and everything was perfectly seasoned. The pita was light and fluffy, and the salad dressing was the best I have had.”
See the full list of the top 25 new restaurants for 2024 here or search Yelp for the "best new restaurants" near you.
