News Summary
Orlando’s cherished Magical Dining event returns for its 20th anniversary, featuring over 160 restaurants offering specially curated menus. The event not only showcases culinary talents, including 15 MICHELIN-recognized establishments but also incorporates charitable contributions, with a portion of proceeds supporting the REED Charitable Foundation. This year’s celebration includes unique dining experiences, limited-edition dishes, and community support initiatives. Reservations are encouraged as the event promises to enrich the local dining scene and enhance community engagement.
Orlando is set to kick off its highly anticipated Magical Dining event, celebrating its 20th anniversary from August 15, 2025, to September 30, 2025. This year, over 160 local restaurants are participating, offering special three-course, prix-fixe menus for either $40 or $60 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.
The event features 15 restaurants acknowledged by the MICHELIN Guide, showcasing culinary excellence in Central Florida. Among the notable establishments are The Ravenous Pig, AVA MediterrAegean, and Jaleo. Additionally, 26 restaurants will be participating for the first time, providing even more options for food enthusiasts.
A charitable component is integral to this year’s Magical Dining experience. For every $40 meal sold, $1 will be donated, and $2 will be contributed for each $60 meal sold to benefit the REED Charitable Foundation. This foundation focuses on enhancing childhood literacy and educator training in the local community. Since the program was initiated, it aims to surpass nearly $3 million raised for local nonprofits.
To further bolster community support, Visit Orlando will provide $3,000 donations to a local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts during the event. Participating restaurants will also feature a limited-edition 20th-anniversary dish as a part of this milestone celebration, adding an exclusive twist to the dining experience.
The restaurants involved span diverse areas including Winter Park, Restaurant Row, Downtown Orlando, and even the Disney area, making it convenient for diners seeking a magical culinary adventure. Reservations are encouraged and can be made through OpenTable or by directly calling the restaurant if OpenTable is not accepted.
This year’s event is more than just dining; it includes “Magical Nights” hotel deals available for patrons dining at the participating restaurants, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, options for arts and culture pairings will be available to complement the dining experiences, further enriching the local cultural scene.
Magical Dining was first introduced in 2006 with the aim of boosting traffic during traditionally slow months for the hospitality industry. Due to its immense popularity, the duration of the event has expanded to six weeks over the years, allowing more people to experience Central Florida’s culinary talent and contribute to a worthy cause.
Participants and restaurant owners alike have praised the program for its impact. Magical Dining has a strong track record of benefiting local children’s organizations and helping to improve literacy rates within the community. The initiative not only celebrates the vibrant dining scene in Orlando but also reinforces the importance of supporting local nonprofits that are making a difference in the lives of children.
As the event approaches, culinary aficionados, families, and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a month and a half of exquisite dining experiences while also contributing to meaningful local causes.
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Additional Resources
- West Orlando News
- Visit Orlando Blog
- News 13
- Click Orlando
- Orlando Date Night Guide
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Google Search: Magical Dining Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- Google News: Magical Dining
- Google Scholar: Magical Dining
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.
