Dylan Efron, the acclaimed producer and reality television star, recently shared insights into his food preferences and the qualities that define a good neighbourhood restaurant. His comments came in light of his participation in the upcoming Pepsi Eats Fest Chicago, an event set to take place on June 27, 2026, where he will unveil a limited-edition fish taco collaboration with Big Star, a local taco establishment.
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Efron, who has established himself as a frequent traveller, emphasised the importance of affordability when it comes to dining out. “I’m very frugal at heart,” he remarked. “Having worked since I was a kid, I have always been conscious of prices.” He expressed nostalgia for small, unpretentious eateries, noting that his go-to fish taco spot offers satisfying meals without breaking the bank. “Finding a local place serving affordable food is always a thrill, especially compared to more upscale options,” he stated.
When it comes to discovering quality local restaurants while abroad, Efron advocates for the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. He pointed out that tourist reviews from platforms like Yelp are often unavailable outside of the United States. “I like to explore the streets and ask locals about their favourite dining spots,” he explained. “Food is a universal language that brings people together, and locals are usually eager to share their experiences.”
Efron acknowledged the diverse culinary landscape across regions and cultures, specifically noting how various types of cuisines can differ significantly even within countries. However, he is slightly cautious when it comes to ordering Indian curries. “While I have a passion for Indian food, I prefer it less spicy and devoid of certain ingredients like okra,” he admitted, shedding light on his personal taste.
The actor also voiced concerns regarding the struggles facing small restaurants, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many beloved establishments go out of business. “The restaurant industry is highly challenging, and smaller businesses need our support to survive,” he said. “If we don’t help them, we risk being taken over by massive chains, which none of us want to see happen.”
Among the highlights of the Pepsi Eats Fest in Chicago will be Efron’s specially crafted fish taco featuring battered tilapia, roasted garlic and lemon crema, pico de gallo, red onion, cabbage, and cilantro. “Fish tacos are my soul food, and I’ll search for them on menus wherever I go,” he remarked, reminiscing about his upbringing in a region known for its vibrant Hispanic culture. “It was a tradition for my dad and me to grab Mexican food after soccer practice—it’s something that has stuck with me.”
Efron has also gained a fondness for Chicago over the years, thanks partly to having friends from the city. He noted that Chicago takes immense pride in its food. “It’s one of the best food cities globally, purely because of its culinary diversity,” he asserted, endorsing the city as a gastronomic haven.
When discussing the ongoing debate between Chicago and New York-style pizza, Efron revealed a preference for the deep-dish variety, which he described as “a whole different beast.” He appreciates the novelty of Chicago-style pizza and indicated it is an experience reserved for when he visits the city.
Excited about connecting with locals, Efron mentioned how much he looks forward to not only presenting the Big Star taco but also sampling other culinary delights that Chicago has to offer. “People in Chicago are incredibly personable, which makes travelling there so special for me,” he added, highlighting the communal spirit that surrounds food.
Fans attending the Pepsi Eats Fest Chicago will enjoy an array of free food, live music, and Pepsi-infused cocktails, alongside Efron’s signature taco. This collaboration will also extend its influence, as Pepsi aims to support local restaurants in other cities like Nashville, Boston, and Los Angeles through its Local Eats Deserve Pepsi programme, equipping eateries with the necessary tools to flourish in a competitive environment.