High Desert Eatery Makes Yelp 2025 Top 100 List

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Are you looking for a restaurant to try while visiting the high desert? Yelp just posted its annual list of 100 best U.S. eateries and one near Joshua Tree made the list.

Yelp, which allows users to review restaurants, used its votes from patrons to determine which eateries made the list. From fast-casual favorites to a multicultural mashup of Mexican, Cambodian, Thai, Filipino, Mediterranean and more — the list reflects a diverse palette.

“Exceptional cuisine can come from anywhere,” said Gilberto Cetina, the chef-owner of Holbox, the Los Angeles eatery that cinched the #1 spot on the list.

At least 13 other eateries that made Yelp's list were from Southern California, including one from Yucca Valley — La Copine.

The food at La Copine, located in Yucca Valley, is described as "just drop dead gorgeous," by one Yelper. "I've been dreaming about the grilled bread with ricotta, figs and honey," said Liana H.

This eatery, which has received rave reviews, is near Joshua Tree and offers seasonal menus with farm-fresh ingredients.

The Winter 2025 menu includes Pumpkin French Toast, Mushroom & Leek Soup, breakfast items like the Eggs Atlantic with "kippered" salmon, and plenty of green-packed salads.

La Copine, at 848 Old Woman Springs Rd., is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.