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 43nd annual festival. The judging took place this morning by a panel of more than 55 food judges representing local media, political, business, and community development sectors.

Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops winners include:

• Chair’s Choice (chosen by Adam Roma, 2026 Taste of Buffalo Chair): Hiibachi Fried Rice, Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
• Children’s Choice (chosen by Estelle Roma, Louis Roma and Maria Roma): Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, Mac N ‘Cheese
• 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, Adobe with Steamed Rice
• Best Overall Item: La Cocina De TiTi Restaurant, Cilantro Rice, Grilled Tropical Chicken Thigh & Plantains
• Best New Item: D.A.Taste, Watermelon & 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

The Taste continues tomorrow, Sunday, July 12th, 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 festivals. The 43nd annual Taste will take place on July 11 and 12, 2026, 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.