Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

SAN DIEGO FOOD + WINE FEST 2025 TO FEATURE CULINARY ICONS AND RISING STARS FROM ACROSS THE U.S. AND MEXICO

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According to Metter, the festival highlights the city’s rich multinational influences and its sunny, diverse culinary landscape where guests can expect the largest curated collection of wine, beer and spirits producers, along with culinary heavyweights from San Diego, Baja and beyond.

OFFICIAL INFO AND TICKETS

“What makes this Festival special is how it brings together global excellence and local diversity,” says Metter. “From James Beard Award winners to rising stars from San Diego and Baja, our chefs reflect a vibrant, multicultural community. At the same time, programs like Food Rescue, our Scholarship Program and the Future of Food Summit remind us that food is not just about flavor, but about sustainability and supporting the people behind the plate.”

The festival honors the influence of Latin, Asian and BIPOC cultures on Southern California’s exploding food and beverage scene, uniting top chefs from the United States and Mexico. Renowned culinary talents from Food Network and Top Chef will join chefs honored by the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation. A highlight of this year’s culinary and beverage powerhouses include:

  • Elijah Arizmendi (LUCIEN, La Jolla) formerly of 3-star Joël Robuchon and 3-star Per Se

  • Darryl Bell (Stateline Road Smokehouse, Napa Valley, James Beard Award Semifinalist)

  • Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord, LA, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: California)

  • Matt Vawter (Rootstalk, Denver, 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region)

  • Emily Brubaker (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2025 Winner of NBC’s Yes, Chef!)

  • Carlos Gaytan (Hà, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 1-star Michelin and Tzuco, Chicago, Bravo Top Chef)

  • Roberto Alcocer (Malva, Valle de Guadalupe and Valle, Oceanside, 1-star Michelin) Tara Monsod (Le Coq, La Jolla, 2024-25 James Beard Award Finalist )

  • Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea, Miami, Michelin Bib Gourmand)
    Ruffo Ibarra (Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
    Suzette Gresham (2-star Michelin Aquerello, San Francisco)
    Drew Deckman (1-star Michelin, Concha de Piedra, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja + 31THIRTYONE)

  • Pyet DeSpain (Winner, Next Level Chef)

  • Oliver Seki (Seki Restaurante, Baja, Bocuse d’Or)
    Cha McCoy (Sommelier, Grand Decant Host)
    Marcelo Hisaki (Restaurant Amores, Baja, Michelin + Bocuse d’Or)