The Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor performance venue, has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape for over a century. With a seating capacity of 17,500, it stands as the largest outdoor amphitheater in the United States, offering Angelenos a unique space to enjoy world-class musical, theatrical, and comedy performances under the stars. But beyond its stellar lineup of events, the Bowl has also become a destination for culinary delights, offering a diverse array of food and drink options that elevate the experience.
Since the 1920s, the Bowl has been home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, establishing a tradition of accessible and affordable entertainment. In line with this mission, the venue has offered a range of ticket prices, including numerous $1 tickets available throughout the summer, ensuring that the magic of the Bowl is within reach for the entire community. However, one of the challenges that persist is the notoriously difficult parking situation, which can be alleviated by taking advantage of the Bowl’s shuttle services.
In recent years, the culinary offerings at the Bowl have seen a significant upgrade. Eight years ago, Sodexo Live, the Bowl’s food and beverage partner, teamed up with celebrated chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne. This partnership has transformed the dining landscape at the venue, infusing it with the same attention to quality and detail that Goin and Styne bring to their other renowned Los Angeles establishments.
The Full-Service Dining Experience
For those looking for a more formal dining experience, the Bowl offers two full-service restaurants. The Backyard, inspired by Goin’s former Brentwood restaurant, Tavern, serves up a menu that showcases California’s seasonal produce and diverse culinary influences. Highlights include a charcuterie board, grilled diver scallops served over cornbread panade and wild mushrooms, and a cherry and apricot galette for dessert. Ann’s Wine Bar, named in honor of an LA Phil donor, provides a tapas-style menu with dishes like grilled hangar steak and prawns with sweet corn pudding, all complemented by a curated wine list from Styne. Both restaurants open at 6 p.m., and reservations are highly recommended, although limited walk-ins are accepted.
For those with premium tickets, the Pool Circle dining option offers an exclusive a la carte menu inspired by Goin and Styne’s former West Hollywood restaurant, Lucques. This dining experience is reserved for those seated at the tables closest to the stage, offering an intimate dining experience as the evening’s performance unfolds.
Casual Bites and Picnic Options
The Hollywood Bowl also caters to those who prefer a more casual dining experience. Various kiosks and stands around the venue offer quick bites, including Suzanne’s Fried Chicken, street tacos with standout birria, all-beef hot dogs, hand-stretched pizza, and burgers. For those with a sweet tooth, the Sweetshop offers soft-serve ice cream, cookies, and non-dairy ice cream pies from Magpie’s.
Picnic baskets can also be pre-ordered, allowing guests to enjoy a curated meal anywhere within the Bowl. Options range from fried chicken to vegan, steak, and charcuterie themes, making it easy to tailor your picnic to your tastes. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages, including wine and beer, for most performances, further enhancing the personalized nature of the Bowl experience.
Convenient Marketplaces
For those who prefer to grab and go, the Bowl’s three marketplaces offer a variety of prepared foods, including sushi, sandwiches, salads, cheese plates, and more. While the Plaza and East marketplaces tend to get crowded before shows, Buzz McCoy’s marketplace, located on the western side near the Field Gate, often has shorter lines and a fully stocked selection of snacks and beverages.
As the Bowl’s season now extends from May to mid-November, there are ample opportunities to enjoy not only the performances but also the diverse culinary offerings that make the Hollywood Bowl a truly unique Los Angeles experience. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal or a quick bite, the Bowl’s dining options are sure to enhance your night under the stars.
