BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops today announced that several local restaurants were named award winners in a variety of categories at the 42nd annual festival. The judging took place this morning by a panel of over 60 food judges representing local media, political, business, and community development sectors.

Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops winners include:

• Chair’s Choice (chosen by Matthew Reis, 2025 Taste of Buffalo Chair): El Coquito Chicharron de Pollo
• Children’s Choice (chosen by Cameron Reis, son of 2025 Taste Chair): Not Just Cakes Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cups
• Louis J. Billittier Sr. Rookie of the Year Award: Roaming Bison BBQ
• Veteran Restaurant Winner: Carrubba’s Chicken Pit
• Eric DuVall Memorial Best of Buffalo Winner: Avenue29 Foods Meatball Bomber
• Best Overall Item:  Resurgence Brewing Company Barley Brussels
• Best New Item: Chrusciki Bakery Cream Puff with Powdered Sugar
• Best Surf or Turf Item: La Casa de Sabores Pernil (roasted pork)
• Best Dessert: Sweet Melody’s Red White & Blue Sundae
• Best Handheld: AJ’s Kitchen Smack Burger
• Hot Ones Best Item: D.A. Taste Birria Waffle Fries
• Best Red Wine: Merritt Bella Rosa
• Best White Wine: Victorianbourg D’Astra
• Favorite Fermentation: Three Brothers Concord Grape Hard Cider

The Taste continues tomorrow, Sunday, July 13th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo.

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About Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is one of the nation's largest two-day food festival. The 42nd annual Taste will take place on July 12 and 13, 2025, along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. The Taste is a not-for-profit organization with more than 1,000 volunteers helping to put on the annual event. More than $606,000 has been raised at the festival for local charities including scholarships awarded annually to local high school seniors pursuing a culinary or hospitality-related degree. For more information, visit tasteofbuffalo.com, and find @tasteofbuffalo on Facebook and Instagram.