The “City of Good Neighbors” is planning a food journey from January 25 to January 31, 2026. This will be the first official Restaurant Week in Hawthorne, aptly named Hawthorne Eats! Hawthorne Eats! It’s more than an event—it’s a citywide celebration of food, culture, flavor, and community. This initiative celebrates Hawthorne’s diverse culinary scene while supporting local restaurants, small businesses, and community pride.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Hawthorne, CA – The “City of Good Neighbors” is planning a food journey from January 25 to January 31, 2026. This will be the first official Restaurant Week in Hawthorne, aptly named Hawthorne Eats! Hawthorne Eats! It’s more than an event—it’s a citywide celebration of food, culture, flavor, and community. This initiative celebrates Hawthorne’s diverse culinary scene while supporting local restaurants, small businesses, and community pride.
“Restaurant weeks across Southern California have demonstrated increased sales, new customer engagement, and lasting visibility for participating restaurants,” said City Manager Vontray Norris. “Whether you’re a longtime foodie or looking for a fun night out, Hawthorne Eats! offers something for everyone.”
The city is investing in Hawthorne Eats! To enhance its image and standing in the culinary community. The intent is to bring more customers to the food establishments here, allowing local chefs and restaurants to showcase their talents and bottom line, for widespread exposure.
The City of Hawthorne took a recipe page out of the cookbooks of the City of Long Beach and Pasadena. Restaurant week in both cities has enjoyed and witnessed an increase in sales of 20% and 30%.
Hawthorne Eats! The event got underway in style with a community gathering at Midici Wood Fired Pizza and Kitchen, located next to the Courtyard by Marriott, Los Angeles/LAX/Hawthorne. The restaurant is located at 4427 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA. 90250.
This is a great restaurant featuring casual dining, a nice gathering spot for celebrations, and family-friendly, with the ability to host large parties. Midici Wood Fired Pizza and Kitchen feature an open kitchen, is excellent for private functions, quick bites, or food to go.
The hours for Midici Wood Fired Pizza and Kitchen are:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00-9:00
Friday-Saturday: 11:00-10:00pm
Sunday: 11:00-9:00pm
Elected officials-City Manager Vontray Norris, Mayor Pro-tem Alex Monteiro, City Councilwoman Faye Johnson) and former City Councilwoman Olivia Valentine , dignitaries and community members, and actor/comedian Slink Johnson gathered for the kickoff event that consisted of great vibes, good energy couple with an electrifying atmosphere as a result of the NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles RAMS and the Seattle SEAHAWKS!
Entertainment was superbly provided by The Love Band, a popular and favorite local band. I have had the pleasure of seeing the band perform at a variety of events in the city.
Guests were treated to some tasty bites throughout the evening. The Four Cheese Pizza was made with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, gorgonzola, parmesan, garlic, and oregano (no tomato sauce). The Midici House Salad consisted of seasoned greens, baby arugula, grape tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The House Meatballs featured angus beef, fresh mozzarella, Italian marinara sauce, parmesan, and basil. Are you hungry YET?
Hawthorne Eats! Is just one of many events in the “City of Good Neighbors” that bring everyone together to get their grub on. Put on your foodie bib; gather your family, friends, neighbors, and/or fellow co-workers for a proverbial seat at the table.
Hawthorne Eats! Allows everyone to be able to discover or rediscover local favorites. Local restaurants are ready to welcome foodies with open arms and plates. Don’t expect restaurants to break out the fine China and silver serving utensils.
The timing of Hawthorne Eats! Couldn’t have been scheduled at a better time. Food connoisseurs from the South Bay and the City of Angels (Los Angeles) get first dibs on the smorgasbord of restaurants participating in Hawthorne Eats! The intention of Hawthorne Eats! is to shine the spotlight on the various dining options in the “City of Good Neighbors.” This will allow participating restaurants in Hawthorne Eats! to come to the attention of the global community of gourmands coming to town for the major sporting events.
The worldwide arrival of sports fans will be in town before you know it. The first wave will be arriving in February for the NBA All-Star Weekend.
The global community of soccer fans will be in town for the FIFA World Cup in July, and let’s not forget the highly anticipated Global Esports World Finals. (#GEG26) in Los Angeles, December 2026. This marks a significant moment for North American esports on a global stage. I’m sure that you are already aware of the Super Bowl in 2027 and the Olympics in 2028.
I have it on good terms that you will not be faulted if you pump the brakes on one of your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight in 2026. It’s going to be hard to stay focused when one sees the list of participating restaurants, offering tasty deals during Hawthorne Eats! You can find the list of participating restaurants and other pertinent information at https://www.cityofhawthorne.org/businesses/hawthorne-eats-2025 .
You still have time to grab lunch or dinner, leading up to the closing event of Hawthorne Eats! on Saturday, January 31, from noon-4:00pm. This event will include something for the entire family: jumpers, wellness fair, food trucks, job fair, face painting, local vendors, live music, artisan goods, family-friendly activities, and more. Hawthorne Street Eats Fair will be held at 4455 W. 126th Street, Hawthorne, CA. 90250. For more information, visit: https://www.cityofhawthorne.org/businesses/hawthorne-eats-2025.
This is a shameless plug for local residents, visitors from out of state was well as international tourists. Courtyard by Marriott, Los Angeles/LAX/Hawthorne, is an ideal location for a staycation, a nice place for visiting relatives, and the global community of sports fans. It’s conveniently located near the SOFI Stadium, Kia Forum, and Intuit Dome. Public transportation is within walking distance. Our beautiful coastal beaches are nearby, and this property is within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores to complement your stay in the “City of Good Neighbors.”