Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer and Roy Choi headline a two-night culinary celebration in Santa Monica, featuring dozens of Los Angeles restaurants, live cooking demonstrations and the reveal of LA’s 101 Best Restaurants.
Food lovers, get ready for one of Los Angeles’ biggest culinary celebrations.
The L.A. Times Food Bowl returns Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026, bringing two nights of food, drinks, entertainment and culinary creativity to the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
This year’s festival features unlimited tastings from more than 30 restaurants each night, appearances by celebrated chefs, cooking demonstrations, cookbook signings and live entertainment.
And for the first time, the festival will host the live reveal of the Los Angeles Times’ highly anticipated 101 Best Restaurants in L.A. list.
Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer Bring the BBQ
One of Saturday night’s highlights will be an appearance by actors, comedians and culinary entrepreneurs Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer.
The duo, known for their A&E series Kings of BBQ, will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. for a cooking demonstration and conversation inspired by their cookbook, AC Barbeque: The Husky and Handsome Guide to Grilling.
Expect plenty of laughs, barbecue talk and cooking inspiration as the longtime friends share their passion for grilling.
James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Choi, known for helping revolutionize Los Angeles street food through Kogi BBQ, will also appear Saturday evening for a live cooking demonstration inspired by his cookbook The Choi of Cooking.
Two Nights, Two Different Experiences
Friday, October 23 — 101 Best Restaurants in L.A.
Opening night will celebrate the release of the Los Angeles Times’ annual restaurant guide, featuring a live countdown revealing the top-ranked restaurants.
The evening will also include the presentation of the publication’s Gold Award, honoring culinary excellence in Southern California.
Guests can sample food and beverages from participating restaurants while experiencing the countdown alongside chefs and restaurant industry professionals.
Saturday, October 24 — Saturday Night Flavor
Saturday shifts the focus to a lively culinary party featuring restaurant tastings, celebrity cooking demonstrations, cookbook signings and entertainment.
Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer and Roy Choi are among the featured personalities.
Taste Your Way Through Los Angeles
Food Bowl brings together restaurants representing the diversity of Southern California’s dining scene.
Participating establishments include Alta Adams, the West Adams restaurant known for its California soul food; Two Hommés, the Inglewood restaurant celebrating Afro-centric cuisine; and Sunday Gravy, an Inglewood favorite serving Italian comfort food.
Other participating restaurants include Holbox, Kato, Saffy’s, Villa’s Tacos, Maydan, Jitlada and many more.
For food lovers, the festival offers an opportunity to sample dishes from multiple acclaimed restaurants in one location without making separate reservations.
An All-Inclusive Culinary Experience
Both evenings feature all-inclusive food and beverage tastings, with general admission, VIP tickets and weekend passes available.
VIP admission includes early entry, access to a private lounge and additional experiences.
The festival is open to adults ages 21 and older.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank returns as the event’s charity partner.
Event Details
Event: L.A. Times Food Bowl 2026
Dates: Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: The Barker Hangar
Address: 3021 Airport Avenue, Suite 203, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Friday Hours: 7–10 p.m. (VIP entry at 6 p.m.)
Saturday Hours: 6–9 p.m. (VIP entry at 5 p.m.)
Age Requirement: 21+
Tickets: General admission, VIP and weekend passes available. Prices vary by date and ticket type.
Website: https://www.lafoodbowl.com
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a fan of celebrity chefs or simply looking for a memorable night out in Los Angeles, Food Bowl offers a chance to experience the region’s culinary scene in one place.
