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Los Angeles, a city renowned for its culinary diversity and innovation, comes alive during winter with various food festivals between December and January. These festivals cater to all tastes and preferences.
From exclusive restaurant events to open-air markets and cultural celebrations, they provide an opportunity to explore unique dishes, connect with local and global culinary traditions, and savor the artistry of some of the finest chefs and food artisans.
This season, events like Dine L.A., the Smorgasburg Holiday Market, Uncorked, the L.A. Dessert Festival, and Taste of Korea promise a feast for the senses, making L.A. a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Dine L.A. Restaurant Week
Scheduled between Jan. 24 and Feb. 7, Dine L.A. Restaurant Week is a biannual event that showcases L.A.’s dynamic culinary scene. Over 300 restaurants across 68 neighborhoods participate, offering specially priced lunch and dinner menus starting at $15.
Notable chefs and restaurants often participate in this event. For instance, previous editions have featured Michelin-starred establishments like Mélisse, led by Chef Josiah Citrin, offering exclusive tasting menus at a fraction of the usual price.
At Dine LA Restaurant Week, participating restaurants create exclusive menus that often include dishes you won’t find on their regular offerings. Expect options like kombu-cured kampachi, a delicate raw fish appetizer with umami-packed seaweed accents, or lobster bolognese, a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish. Several top-class restaurants participating in this festival are already taking online bookings. With a variety of menus, the prices start between $15 - $65 & above.
These menus are designed to highlight the chef’s creativity, often combining traditional techniques with modern flavors. Many restaurants also feature plant-based innovations and globally inspired plates for adventurous palates.
L.A. Smorgasburg Holiday Market
Starting from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, the L.A. Smorgasburg Holiday Market is transformed into a festive holiday bazaar on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Vendors at the weekly open-air food market offer a variety of holiday-themed foods, artisanal goods, and unique gifts. Located at Row DTLA, 777 S. Alameda St., this is a perfect destination for both food enthusiasts and hopper shoppers.
Holiday-inspired dishes like gourmet tamales stuffed with smoked meats or vegetables, peppermint-flavored hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, or spiced pastries make for a festive treat. Creative fusion items, like holiday sushi rolls or churros filled with eggnog cream, are often standout items.
Uncorked: L.A. Wine Festival
Set for Jan. 25, Uncorked: L.A. Wine Festival features over 100 wines from around the world, gourmet food trucks, live music, and a stunning setting. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore diverse wines and enjoy the historic ambiance of Union Station.
While this event is primarily about wine, the accompanying gourmet food trucks and pop-ups elevate the experience with unique pairings. Think truffle-infused mac and cheese that complements a bold red wine, or a pear and brie flatbread designed to enhance the flavors of a crisp white. The festival also offers inventive bites like blue cheese sliders and duck confit tacos, perfect for pairing with a variety of wines. To taste this joy, join this wine festival between 5-9 p.m. at 800 N Alameda St.
L.A. Dessert Festival
This indulgent festival celebrates all things sweet, bringing together the city’s best dessert vendors under one roof at 2272 Venice Blvd. Attendees can sample a wide array of treats, from artisanal chocolates to innovative pastries. Taking place on Dec. 14 between 11 a.m. -4 p.m., it is a must-visit event for those with a sweet tooth.
Highlights from this festival include matcha tiramisu, where the bitterness of matcha complements the creamy dessert, or black sesame ice cream, a nutty and rich treat.
Fusion desserts, such as mango sticky rice donuts or s’mores-inspired macarons, reflect the blending of cultural flavors. Artisanal chocolates, handcrafted pies, and exotic-flavored gelatos are also crowd favorites. Tickets can be booked online from the Eventbrite website.
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Tips for attending L.A. Food Festivals
- When attending these festivals with a large group, make advanced bookings, especially for events like Dine L.A. Restaurant Week, where popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
- Arriving early at open-air markets like Smorgasburg can help secure seating for your group. You also get free entry and two hours of free parking here.
- Consider contacting event organizers to inquire about group packages or accommodations.
L.A.’s food festivals offer more than just a chance to dine; they create a vibrant cultural experience that celebrates the city’s wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a family seeking holiday activities, or someone looking to explore new flavors, the city’s winter food festivals have something to offer.
