Santa Monica Food Bowl 2026: Come Hungry. Very Hungry |
Two nights, dozens of restaurants, celebrity chefs, and a delicious excuse to forget about cooking dinner |
How many restaurants can you visit in one night? Five? Ten? How about thirty? That's the delicious challenge waiting at the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl 2026, where some of Southern California's most exciting kitchens are coming together for two nights of serious eating in Santa Monica.
On October 23 and 24, Barker Hangar will trade airplanes for appetizers as chefs, restaurants, and food lovers gather for a celebration of everything that makes the Los Angeles dining scene so irresistible. And for Long Beach foodies who love discovering their next favorite bite, this might be one road trip worth making.
A Santa Monica Food Festival Where Every Bite Is an Adventure
Forget ordering one entrée and hoping you made the right choice. At Food Bowl, the whole idea is to wander, taste, discover, and then do it all over again. With more than 30 participating restaurants each evening, the hardest decision might be figuring out what to eat first.
One moment you could be exploring the bold spices of Thai cooking. The next, Korean flavors might catch your attention, followed by Mexican favorites, Italian specialties, or a Jamaican Chinese creation you never knew you needed in your life.
That's the beauty of a tasting festival. You don't need a reservation at every restaurant or an entire evening devoted to one menu. You get to sample the creativity of different kitchens, meet people who love food as much as you do, and perhaps discover a restaurant worth visiting long after the festival ends.
Admission includes unlimited tastings from participating restaurants, although certain experiences are reserved for guests with VIP tickets. Translation? Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and leave room for something sweet.
Celebrity Chefs Bring the Heat to Food Bowl 2026
Of course, great food tastes even better when there's a story behind it. And Food Bowl has a few familiar faces ready to bring those stories to life.
Chef Roy Choi, whose Kogi food trucks helped turn Korean Mexican fusion into a Los Angeles sensation, is scheduled for a live cooking demonstration. His influence reaches far beyond tacos, showing how two food cultures can come together and create something entirely new.
Then there's Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer, bringing their barbecue personalities to Saturday's festivities. Expect cooking, conversation, and a little comedy as the two entertainers share their enthusiasm for barbecue.
Friday has its own special attraction. The Los Angeles Times will reveal its list of the 101 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles during a live countdown. For restaurant lovers, it's a chance to see which kitchens are earning recognition and perhaps add a few new destinations to that ever growing must try list.
Why Long Beach Food Lovers Should Make the Trip
Long Beach already knows a thing or two about great food. From neighborhood taco shops and family owned restaurants to creative chefs building loyal followings, our local dining scene thrives on discovery. Food Bowl takes that same spirit and brings together flavors from across the region under one roof.
There's also something special about meeting the people behind the food. A dish that takes only a few bites to enjoy might represent years of family recipes, culinary training, or a chef's dream of opening a restaurant. Those are the stories that make food memorable long after the plates are cleared.
And while everyone is enjoying the celebration, Food Bowl is also supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, connecting the region's love of good food with the important work of helping neighbors facing food insecurity.
So here's a little advice. Don't arrive with a favorite restaurant already picked out. Try something unfamiliar. Talk to a chef if the opportunity presents itself. And when you find that one unforgettable bite, remember the restaurant's name. You might have just discovered your next culinary adventure.
For more delicious discoveries, neighborhood restaurants, and food events worth exploring, follow Long Beach Local Bites. There's always another great story waiting at the table.
Event Details
Los Angeles Times Food Bowl 2026
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