Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival Unveils 2025 Dates and Star Chefs

A Culinary Celebration Returns to Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is set to welcome another unforgettable culinary event this September, as the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine festival returns for its second year. This two-night celebration promises to bring together food lovers from across the nation with a lineup of 46 acclaimed chefs and an array of curated wines, spirits, and craft cocktails. The event is not only a feast for the senses but also a chance to support a meaningful cause.

Event Highlights

The 2nd Annual Manhattan Beach Food & Wine festival will take place in September 2025, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience the best of Southern California’s culinary scene. With 46 top chefs participating, the event showcases a true culinary showcase, featuring signature dishes from some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy live entertainment and take in the scenic beauty of Manhattan Beach, making it a must-attend event for food enthusiasts.

About the Event

The festival is organized by event founder Shelby Russell and culinary curator and host Neal Fraser, who have once again brought together a stellar lineup of chefs and partners. The two-night event will feature 23 star chefs serving each evening, offering guests a taste of their finest creations. In addition to the chef-prepared dishes, the event will include a carefully selected mix of wines, spirits, and craft cocktails. The festival is supported by a range of partners and serves as a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization focused on supporting young talent in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Venue Details

The event will be held at a spacious outdoor venue located at the end of Veterans Parkway Greenbelt Path. This 40,000 square-foot area provides a scenic backdrop for the festival, allowing guests to enjoy tastings, wine, and live entertainment while taking in the beautiful views of the beach. The location is ideal for both locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in a night of culinary discovery.

Ticket Information

A variety of ticket packages are available for attendees, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Here are the details:

• Regular Admission: $185 per person, available on both evenings (September 12 and 13) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Includes tastings from 46 chefs, plus wine and spirits.
• Delta VIP Early Entry Pass: $279 per person, available on both evenings from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Offers one hour early access to all the top chefs and spirits.
• The Reserve Estate Lounge (Group Package): $395 per person (Four-person table - $1,580 or Eight-person table - $3,160). Includes a reserved high-top table and barstools for a party of four or eight, along with early access to the event.
• Group Discount Package: $160 per person (Minimum order of 10 tickets). Offers regular admission with a $25 discount on every ticket.

Tickets can be purchased through the official event website.

Event Partners and Beneficiaries

This year’s event is supported by a wide range of partners, including Delta Air Lines, Infiniti of South Bay, Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village, San Pellegrino, Chef Works, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, Southern California Restaurant Design Group, T-Mobile, and Lyft. These partnerships help bring the event to life and provide additional experiences for attendees.

The event is also a fundraiser for the Culinary Careers Program, a nonprofit co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson. This program supports underserved teens by providing opportunities to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Festival Highlights

Attendees can look forward to a range of exciting activities during the event, including:

• Culinary Showcase: 46 chefs will present signature dishes from top restaurants across Southern California.
• Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails enhances the dining experience.
• Live Entertainment: Music and performances create a lively atmosphere for guests.
• The Beautiful Manhattan Beach: The coastal setting adds charm and ambiance to the event.
• Complimentary Parking: Manhattan Village is offering free parking for attendees.
• Community Impact: Guests can support a nonprofit while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

All-Star Chef Line-Up

One of the most anticipated aspects of the event is its impressive lineup of chefs. Some of the notable names include:

• Chef Erik Ackley – Fishing with Dynamite
• Chef Vanda Asapahu & Cathy Asapahu – Ayara Thai
• Chef Jose Acevedo – Mercado
• Chef Noah Clark – BOX Chicken
• Chef Brendan Collins – Boa Steakhouse
• Chef Chris Cosentino – KOAST
• Chef Shaun Dry – BrewCo Social, Rock’N Fish
• Chef Chris Feldmeier – Love & Salt
• Chef Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger – Alice B., Border Grill, Socalo
• Chef Steven Fretz – Coast Range
• Chef Jason Fullilove – Saint & Second
• Chef Ray Garcia
• Chef Jeffray Gardner – Marsatta Chocolate
• Chef Ray Hayashi – Ryla
• Chef Jackson Kalb – Jemma, Ospi, Jame
• Chef Jayro Martinez – Top of the V
• Chef Joel Hammond – Uchi West Hollywood
• Chef Dennis Horton – California Surf Club, BeachLife Festival, BeachLife Grotto
• Chef Stephanie Izard – Girl & the Goat
• Chef Thomas & Vanessa Tilaka Kalb – Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
• Chef Antonia Lofaso – Black Market Liquor Bar, Scopa Italian Roots, DAMA
• Chef Raphael Lunetta – Lunetta
• Chef David LeFevre – Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J, AttaGirl
• Chef Alice Mai – AttaGirl
• Chef Chris Park – The Strand House
• Chef Michael Reed – Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed
• Chef Steve Samson – Rossoblu, Superfine
• Chef Frank Ryan Saporito – Wife and the Somm
• Chef Warren Schwartz – Magpies Softserve
• Chef Jimmy Shaw – Loteria Grill
• Chef Bret Thompson – Pez Cantina, Pez Coastal Kitchen
• Chef Dustin Trani – J. Trani’s, Trani’s Dockside Station
• Chef Sherry Yard – Bakery by the Yard

With so many talented chefs and exciting activities, the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.