Los Angeles is gearing up for a delectable weekend as two major food festivals, the Family Style Food Festival and the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival, are set to tantalize taste buds from September 12-13, 2025. These events, coupled with a wave of new restaurant openings and prestigious Michelin Guide accolades, underscore the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape.
Family Style Food Festival: A Fusion of Flavor, Fashion, and Culture
Returning to the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, September 13th, the Family Style Food Festival promises a unique convergence of food, fashion, and culture. Spearheading the event’s creative vision as Creative Director is globally celebrated artist and designer VERDY, known for his iconic artwork and distinctive style. This one-day festival aims to blend culinary innovation with the energetic youth culture of Los Angeles, bringing together an international roster of exciting chefs, restaurants, designers, and creators. Attendees can anticipate exclusive collaborative food and merchandise items, a hallmark of the Family Style experience, which aims to unite people through a shared love of food and creativity.
The festival boasts an impressive lineup, featuring fan favorites like Howlin’ Ray’s, Jon & Vinny’s, and the Michelin-starred Kato, alongside acclaimed newcomers such as Bell’s (a Michelin-starred Los Alamos bistro) and Marathon Burger. Expanding its reach, Family Style also welcomes out-of-state culinary talent like Bettina from Santa Barbara, The Dutchess from Ojai, and New York’s cult-favorite Cantonese restaurant, Potluck Club. Notably, Tokyo’s Curry Up, founded by streetwear pioneer NIGO, will make its Los Angeles debut, adding a rare international flavor. Tickets range from $47 for General Admission, with bundle options available for $38 per person, while VIP access is priced at $225.
Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival: A Coastal Gastronomic Showcase
Running concurrently from Friday, September 12th, to Saturday, September 13th, the 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival offers a sophisticated culinary journey against the backdrop of the picturesque coastline. Hosted at Manhattan Village, the festival is curated by event founder Shelby Russell and renowned chef Neal Fraser (Redbird, Vibiana). This two-night event will feature an all-star lineup of 46 top chefs, with 23 chefs showcasing their talents each night, representing establishments from Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, and beyond. The festival will present an array of world-class cuisine, premium wines, craft spirits, cocktails, and live entertainment, inviting attendees to indulge in a strolling culinary extravaganza.
A significant aspect of the festival is its commitment to giving back. The event’s beneficiary is the Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP), a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved teens with pathways to careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Ticket prices for this upscale event are noted around $199.33 for general admission and $299.44 for VIP.
Los Angeles’ Trending Restaurant Scene Continues to Flourish
Beyond these major festivals, the Los Angeles dining scene is demonstrating its dynamic nature with continuous innovation. The Michelin Guide has recently updated its 2025 California selections, adding notable restaurants such as Komal, Somni (which earned three stars), Bar Etoile, Mori Nozomi, Restaurant Ki, and Rasarumah to its prestigious list. These recognitions highlight the depth of culinary excellence across the region.
Furthermore, several new establishments have opened or are slated to open, contributing to the city’s ever-expanding gastronomic map. Boichik Bagels has launched a downtown location, while Baby Bistro offers farm-to-table fare in Echo Park, and RVR brings an inspired izakaya experience to Venice. Anticipated fall 2025 openings include Mediterranean haven Studio Mediterranean, the exclusive Somni 2.0, and new ventures like Park Pizza and Palms n Patties, signaling a robust pipeline of culinary debuts. This constant influx of new dining destinations and refined culinary experiences solidifies Los Angeles as a trending hub for food news and innovation.
