Yelp's 'Top 100 Places to Eat in the US' list is out. RI hasn't done this bad since 2019

Yelp snubbed Rhode Island.

In the 11th annual "Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S" list, Yelp, which runs the Yelp.com website as well as the Yelp mobile app, says it analyzed submissions, ratings, review volume and community input to compile its 2024 list, looking from "New York City to Houston, and Florida to California."

But, for the first time since 2019, not Rhode Island.

Unlike in recent years when Little Rhody had at least one representative on the list, this year we were overlooked. Meanwhile, California restaurants filled 18 spots on the list, Florida had 13 and Arizona and Texas both secured eight spots.

What New England restaurants made the cut?

The closest restaurant to Rhode Island to make the list was Union Park Pizza in Boston, which came in at No. 90.

"The dough and sauce at this Back Bay pizzeria are made in house daily—using organic flour, tomatoes, and wine imported from Italy, plus locally sourced herbs and vegetables," the Yelp article said. "Brick oven-baked pies come in “classic” options such as The Neighborhood with Sausage (with ricotta, caramelized onions, and local mushrooms), along with “modern” takes like The Pesto Veg (with cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onions, and nut-free pesto) and the Chicken Bacon Ranch (with free-range chicken, smoky confit bacon, and homemade ranch)."

Elsewhere, the hyper-local, farm-to-table Maple Soul in Rochester, Vermont was ranked No. 46 and the seasonal waterfront restaurant Shannon's Unshelled in Boothbay, Maine was ranked No. 42.

What Rhode Island restaurants have been named a top 100 by Yelp?

In their 11th year of compiling this list, Yelp says they have recognized 750 restaurants across more than 380 cities, and that has included some Rhode Island restaurants.

Last year, Root, a plant-based, vegan restaurant in Newport, came in at No. 59 on the list for their "lively menu" that "re-creates favorite comfort foods with healthy and delicious substitutes even a meat-eater would love."

In 2022, two spots made the list: Bywater in Warren and The Red Dory in Tiverton.

Bywater ranked No. 39, with "everything you expect from a beachfront seafood spot. Since 2015, Bywater has been serving up interpretations of Old World flavors, such as Squid Cacio e Pepe and grilled fluke, plus whatever they feel like throwing in a pot," the article announcing it said.

And for The Red Dory, which came in at No. 77, Yelp pointed to the waterfront view and their seafood menu.

Best pizza in Rhode Island? Here are 7 reader picks for a great slice including a spot ranked No. 12 in the country

In 2021, Los Andes, which serves Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine, checked in at No. 27. In 2015, Los Andes was ranked No. 26 and in 2014, the were ranked No. 69. They are the only Rhode Island restaurant to make the list multiple times.

In 2021, Bacco, a Southern Italian Wine Bar, was ranked No. 97.

In 2020, Hometown Cafe & Poké Bar was ranked No. 40.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Yelp's 'Top 100 Places to Eat in the US' snubs RI in 2024