Food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers in Southern California have reason to celebrate as Eater officially announces the return of its premier food and drink experience, Eater Off Menu. Now entering its second year, the highly anticipated event is expanding to become the largest Los Angeles gathering the platform has ever hosted. Designed to translate Eater’s signature trendspotting, tastemaking, and rigorous reporting into an immersive, real-world evening, the festival brings together the most talked-about flavors, chefs, restaurants, and bars shaping the current gastronomic landscape.
Set to take place on Saturday, September 19, at 6 p.m., this year’s iteration promises an unforgettable night of culinary discovery. The event moves to the historic, century-old Tam O’Shanter restaurant in Los Angeles, providing a legendary backdrop for a modern celebration of food. Guests will have the unprecedented opportunity to explore the storied landmark’s meandering rooms and charming patios in a completely new light, with curated experiences and hidden surprises tucked into every corner of the property.
The inspiration for the evening stems from the diverse, boundary-pushing food and drink trends that have dominated culinary conversations throughout the year. From the ongoing British food invasion—highlighted by classic English pub fare and major expansions like Dishoom—to the nostalgic and ever-popular retro steakhouse boom, the culinary world has experienced a massive shift toward both comforting traditions and innovative global flavors. Attendees will also get to taste viral sensations that have captured the public imagination, including Korean salt bread, known internationally as Japanese shio pan, colossal and thick fluffy pancakes reminiscent of those popularized at establishments like Golden Diner, and deeply comforting loaded Irish spice bags. By gathering these distinct culinary movements under one roof, Eater Off Menu aims to offer a comprehensive, delicious snapshot of what is trending and what is next in the world of gastronomy.
The culinary lineup for the evening reads like a who’s who of contemporary dining and drink culture, showcasing the exact establishments and creators driving the food conversation forward. Among the major highlights of the night is a special activation presented by Cathay Pacific, which will transform the garden and atrium areas into a vibrant gateway to Asia. Within this immersive space, attendees can look forward to expertly crafted yakitori from Sumibiyakitori Kidori, renowned for its mastery of traditional Japanese grilled skewers, alongside world-class Peking duck courtesy of Ji Rong. To complement these exceptional bites, guests will be treated to continuous pours of crisp champagne, setting a celebratory tone for the evening’s festivities.
As the event unfolds across the sprawling historic grounds of the Tam O’Shanter, ticket holders will gain all-inclusive access to a wide array of exclusive dishes and specialty drinks prepared by leading names in the industry. Tickets for the event start at $125 and grant entry to all food and beverage offerings included in the showcase.
In addition to celebrating the vibrant food culture of Los Angeles and beyond, the event carries a powerful philanthropic mission. Vox Media has announced that it will contribute 100 percent of the net proceeds generated from all ticket sales for the Eater Off Menu event directly to World Central Kitchen. As a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, World Central Kitchen plays a vital global role by providing fresh, nourishing meals in direct response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises around the world. Attendees purchasing tickets will not only partake in a premier culinary celebration featuring the year’s top food trends, but they will also actively support a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to feeding communities in need during times of emergency.
Organizers look forward to welcoming food lovers, industry insiders, and curious eaters alike for a landmark evening that bridges the gap between digital food culture and tactile, communal dining. With tickets now available for purchase, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most talked-about culinary events of the year in Los Angeles.