BUFFALO, N.Y. — Downtown Buffalo was filled with food, music and large crowds Saturday as the Taste of Buffalo returned to Niagara Square and Delaware Avenue for its annual two-day celebration of Western New York’s restaurant scene.
More than 55 judges sampled dishes from participating restaurants, wineries and food trucks before selecting this year’s top menu items and vendors.
2026 Taste of Buffalo Award Winners
Chair’s Choice: Hibachi Fried Rice and Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Selected by 2026 Taste of Buffalo Chair Adam Roma
Children’s Choice: Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, Mac N’ Cheese
Selected by Estelle Roma, Louis Roma and Maria Roma
Louis J. Billittier Sr. Rookie of the Year Award: Street Cravings
Veteran Restaurant Winner: La Casa de Sabores
Eric DuVall Memorial Best of Buffalo Winner: Milk Tea’rapy, Adobo with Steamed Rice
Best Overall Item: La Cocina De TiTi Restaurant, Cilantro Rice, Grilled Tropical Chicken Thigh and Plantains
Best New Item: D.A.Taste, Watermelon and Mango Twist Soft Serve
Best Surf or Turf Item: Caribbean Taste, Rasta Pasta with Chicken
Best Dessert: Nickel City Vice, You’re Nuts
Best Handheld: Dirty Bird Chicken N’ Waffles LLC, Fried Cauliflower Taco
Best Red Wine: Three Brothers Wineries, Cabernet Franc
Best White Wine: A Gust of Sun Winery, Sparkling Peach
Favorite Fermentation: Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Klavier
A total of 42 restaurants and food trucks are participating in this year’s festival, representing a variety of cuisines and cultures. Thirteen vendors are making their Taste of Buffalo debut, including Puerto Rican restaurant La Cocina De TiTi.
Owner and head chef Gerardo Guzman said participating in the festival was a major milestone for his family-owned business. Guzman recalled attending last year’s event and imagining what it would be like to return as an official food vendor.
For smaller restaurants, the festival provides an opportunity to introduce their food to thousands of potential customers while building relationships with others in Western New York’s hospitality industry.
Yankee Barbeque owner Brian Nagy said the weekend is about connecting with fellow restaurant owners and reaching people who may not have previously been familiar with the business.
This year’s festival also includes six entertainment areas featuring live music, DJs, photo opportunities and a children’s dance zone.
Proceeds from the festival will support two nonprofit organizations selected by Tops Friendly Markets: Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight and the Jason Arno Memorial Foundation.
Food vouchers remain available at participating Tops locations and at three ticket tents located throughout the festival grounds.
Taste of Buffalo continues Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. in downtown Buffalo.
