Barbecue isn’t just about Texas, South Carolina, or other southern states. Some come from much farther south.
That’s a takeaway from Southern California’s showing in Yelp’s Top 100 list for barbecue spots in the United States, released on Monday, May 18.
Rankings were based on the volume and ratings of reviews by members of the Yelp Elite Squad, which representatives call the “most active, passionate and reliable local reviewers.” Reviewers qualify for the squad by not being business owners, using real first names and photos, identifying where they live, and meeting other criteria.
Five Los Angeles County restaurants, three Orange County restaurants, and one San Diego restaurant made Yelp’s list of Top 100 BBQ restaurants in the United States for 2026.
Los Angeles
The highest local restaurant on the list is Yakiya at 17188 Colima Road, Hacienda Heights, which came in at No. 11. It’s a Japanese barbecue that features premium Japanese and U.S. beef grilled tableside. Yelp’s report says it combines “innovation and luxury for a memorable night out.” Meals are $128 per guest, according to the restaurant’s website. There is also a location at 3455 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. yakiya-us.com
No. 23 is Pigya at 3400 W. Eighth St. in Los Angeles’ Koreatown. It’s a Korean restaurant specializing in premium pork and Wagyu beef. The Yelp report calls it a go-to spot for meat lovers with a buzzy atmosphere. pigyarestaurant.com
Kingyubu, No. 26, is also in Koreatown at 3128 W. Eighth St. Its menu combines barbecue and sushi.
No. 31 is iWaygu at 17865 Colima Road, City of Industry. It is a yakiniku, or Japanese barbecue, serving thinly sliced meat. The Yelp report calls it upscale with expert grilling techniques and house-made sauces. iwagyu.com
Waygu Butcher, No. 39, is a Japanese barbecue with counter seating and chefs working before customers’ eyes. It’s at 2104 Artesia Blvd., Torrance.
Orange County
Mo Ran Gak is No. 12 on the list. It’s a Korean barbecue at 9651 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove. It won praise for value and quality, as well as its cold noodle dish, mul naengmyeon.
Mr. BBQ, No. 37, is an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue. It has another location in Las Vegas and one coming to Universal CityWalk, according to its website. mrbbqpayce.com
Tsuruhashi, No. 46, is a Japanese barbecue that grills meat like Kobe short ribs at the table. It’s at 18798 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley.
San Diego County
Bowlegged BBQ, No. 35, serves East Texas-style ribs, chicken, and brisket. It’s at 4255 Market St., San Diego. bowleggedbbq.com
The No. 1 restaurant on the list is Little Miss BBQ, a Texas-style barbecue in Phoenix.
Yelp didn’t do a Top 100 list for barbecue in 2025; instead selected the top 10 barbecue cities in the United States. California was shut out. Yelp’s Top 100 list in 2024 was similar to this year’s list and included six Southern California restaurants.