Orlando Florida, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Orlando’s Magical Dining returns for its 20th year, featuring over 160 restaurants with new participating eateries and three-course prix-fixe menus. Prices start at $40, with a portion donated to local charities. The initiative supports the REED Charitable Foundation and various organizations, promoting higher-end dining experiences while benefiting the community. Reservations can be made online, and menus cater to various dietary preferences.
Orlando
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns for its 20th year, running from August 15 to September 30, 2025. The program features over 160 participating restaurants, including 24 new additions, offering three-course prix-fixe menus priced at $40 and $60 per person. For each $40 meal served, $1 will be donated to local charities; for each $60 meal served, $2 will be donated. Proceeds will primarily benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, with additional support directed to several local organizations.
Top-line details
The event aims to make higher-end dining more accessible while generating funds for community groups focused on issues such as childhood literacy and social services. Participating restaurants span six main districts, including Winter Park, Restaurant Row, Downtown, and Disney areas, and represent diverse cuisines such as Latin, Mediterranean, American, and seafood.
Participation, pricing, and charitable distribution
Over 160 restaurants are listed for the 2025 program, with 24 new restaurants joining this year, among them Cuba Libre, Sixty Vines, and Reggiano’s of Celebration. Menus are set at two price points: $40 and $60. Donation amounts are tied to those price points so that each $40 menu generates $1 for charity and each $60 menu generates $2 for charity.
Charities receiving proceeds
The majority of funds will go to the REED Charitable Foundation, which supports childhood literacy programs. Other named recipients include Boys 2 Men Mentoring, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, Finding the Lost Sheep, Nuevo Sendero, Samaritan Resource Center, and The Therapy Wish. Last year’s program raised over $352,000 and the initiative has raised nearly $3 million for local organizations since it began in 2009.
Dining experience and participating chefs
Each restaurant will present its own unique Magical Dining menu and diners are asked to request the special menu upon arrival. The menus include options that accommodate dietary preferences such as vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Several participating restaurants hold MICHELIN Guide recognition, including AVA MediterrAegean, Sushi Saint, and Ravello. Menu highlights announced by participating venues include items such as the seafood vol-au-vent from Everglades Restaurant and the signature lasagna at Reggiano’s of Celebration.
How to reserve and who it’s for
Reservations can be made online at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, where diners can view menus and indicate dietary preferences. The program is positioned to attract both regular customers and first-time diners who want to try high-end culinary offerings at reduced price points.
Event footprint and variety
Participating venues are spread across six main districts to give diners geographic options and to support a wide cross-section of the local restaurant community. Cuisine types represented include Latin, Mediterranean, American, seafood, and more, ensuring a broad array of choices for attendees.
Background and program history
Magical Dining began in 2009 and has evolved into an annual fundraising and community engagement program. The initiative’s stated aims are to expand access to fine dining while generating financial support for local nonprofits. Over the years, the program has both increased the number of participating restaurants and grown the total funds raised for community organizations.
FAQ
When does Magical Dining take place?
The 2025 program runs from August 15 to September 30, 2025.
How many restaurants are participating?
More than 160 restaurants are participating, including 24 new additions for 2025.
What are the menu prices and how are donations calculated?
Menus are offered at $40 and $60 per person. For each $40 meal, $1 will be donated to local charities; for each $60 meal, $2 will be donated.
Which charities benefit from the program?
Primary proceeds benefit the REED Charitable Foundation. Other recipients include Boys 2 Men Mentoring, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, Finding the Lost Sheep, Nuevo Sendero, Samaritan Resource Center, and The Therapy Wish.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made online at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, where menus and dietary options are available.
Are there any notable restaurants participating?
MICHELIN Guide-recognized restaurants among participants include AVA MediterrAegean, Sushi Saint, and Ravello. New additions include Cuba Libre, Sixty Vines, and Reggiano’s of Celebration.
Can I request vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes. Menus and reservation tools include options to indicate dietary preferences such as vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event dates | August 15 – September 30, 2025 |
| Anniversary | 20th year |
| Participating restaurants | Over 160 (24 new in 2025) |
| Menu prices | $40 and $60 per person |
| Charitable donations | $1 per $40 meal; $2 per $60 meal |
| Main beneficiary | REED Charitable Foundation (childhood literacy) |
| Other beneficiaries | Boys 2 Men Mentoring; Early Learning Coalition of Orange County; Finding the Lost Sheep; Nuevo Sendero; Samaritan Resource Center; The Therapy Wish |
| Notable participating restaurants | AVA MediterrAegean, Sushi Saint, Ravello (MICHELIN-recognized) |
| How to reserve | Online at OrlandoMagicalDining.com |
| Program impact to date | Nearly $3 million raised since 2009; over $352,000 raised last year |
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Additional Resources
- Visit Orlando Blog
- WESH 2 News
- Spectrum News 13
- Orlando Date Night Guide
- Orange Observer
- Wikipedia: Magical Dining
- Google Search: Magical Dining Orlando
- Google Scholar: Magical Dining Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dining
- Google News: Magical Dining Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
