Taste! Central Florida 2026 Raises More than $400,000 for Children and Families in Central Florida

Taste! Central Florida returned for its 37th year on August 28, 2026, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive in Orlando, bringing together more than 2,200 guests and 119 culinary and beverage partners for one of Central Florida’s biggest nights of food, drinks and giving back.

Together, the event raised more than $400,000, helping provide the equivalent of 1.6 million meals for children and families across Central Florida through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

From local restaurants and chefs to beverage partners, sponsors and volunteers, the night showed what can happen when Orlando’s food community comes together for a cause.

Nearly 70 restaurants participated, with local restaurants making up close to half of the lineup, alongside hotels, pastry shops, caterers, breweries, wineries and spirits brands.

Participating names included JJ’s Scratch Cocina, Wild Fork Foods, A Plate Above Catering, Pointe Orlando, Southern Steer Butcher, Brewlando, Chuan Fu / A Gourmet Taste, illume at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, Jaleo, Hemisphere, Kappo Tsan, Pho Bar, Omo by Jont, Tabla, STK, Swan and Dolphin, Wine Bar George, Big Boards Charcuterie & Catering and dozens of restaurants and chefs from across Central Florida.

Guests moved around the ballroom sampling hundreds of small bites, desserts, cocktails, wine and beer rather than sitting down for a traditional dinner.

The food changed from station to station, with restaurants using the event to serve smaller versions of signature dishes and one-off creations. Highlights ranged from Asian-inspired bites and charcuterie to steak, seafood, desserts and chef-driven small plates, while beverage partners poured cocktails, wine, beer and other drinks throughout the night.

Congratulations to all for an impactful evening!