Magical Dining Tampa is an annual event that takes place in the city of Tampa, Florida. It aims to showcase the vibrant culinary scene of the city by offering specially priced three-course menus at some of the finest restaurants in the area. During Magical Dining Tampa, diners have the opportunity to experience a diverse range of cuisines, from Italian to Japanese, and everything in between. Some of the participating restaurants include well-known establishments like Armani's, Oystercatchers, and Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, as well as up-and-coming eateries that are gaining popularity in the Tampa Bay region. The event is not only a great opportunity for residents to explore new dining options, but also for visitors to get a taste of what Tampa has to offer in terms of culinary experiences. With over 100 participating restaurants, there is a wide variety of choices available to suit every palate and preference.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back for its 17th year, Aug. 26 through Oct. 2, 2022, and this year, six MICHELIN Guide restaurants are among the 110-plus participating. Book in and sup on a three-course, prix-fixe dinner $40, plus tax and tip. From every meal served, Visit Orlando will donate $1 to The Able Trust, The Able Trust, which has been working for 32 years to help expand employment opportunities in Florida for people with disabilities. Last year, nearly 300,000 people ate out during Magical Dining, raising $289,291 for Pathlight HOME and IDignity.
From every meal served, Visit Orlando will donate 1 to The Able Trust, The Able Trust, which has been working for 32 years to help expand employment opportunities in Florida for people with disabilities. 1 from every meal served 2 if in the 60 per person tier will be donated to The Lifeboat Project, which raises awareness and resources to combat human trafficking.
With over 100 participating restaurants, there is a wide variety of choices available to suit every palate and preference. What sets Magical Dining Tampa apart from other dining events is not just the affordable prices, but also the charitable aspect. A portion of the proceeds from each meal sold during the event goes towards benefiting local nonprofits.
3 Courses for $40 During Orlando's Magical Dining Event
From August 26 through October 2nd, tuck into a 3-course prix-fixe dinner at 102 restaurants in Orlando for $40 (plus tax and tip).
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back for its 17th year, Aug. 26 through Oct. 2, 2022, and this year, six MICHELIN Guide restaurants are among the 110-plus participating. Book in and sup on a three-course, prix-fixe dinner $40, plus tax and tip. From every meal served, Visit Orlando will donate $1 to The Able Trust, The Able Trust, which has been working for 32 years to help expand employment opportunities in Florida for people with disabilities. Last year, nearly 300,000 people ate out during Magical Dining, raising $289,291 for Pathlight HOME and IDignity.
Read on to see which MICHELIN Guide restaurants in Orlando are participating, then start making your reservations.
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen © Chris Regan/Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
This exciting concept from Chef Richard Blais is nestled in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress property. Follow the footpath that leads over a bridge and towards the bright pink entrance, fronted by a waterfall. This retreat radiates a calming, coastal vibe with design details like plentiful windows, warm wood and pops of color. Fittingly, the menu is contemporary Americana meets the tropics. The chef's focus is on seasonal, bold and creative flavors, as in a tuna tostada crowned by an egg yolk that is, in reality, a bright passion fruit sauce. Big eaters know to save room for mains like swordfish, lobster and deliciously spiced mojo chicken. Couples rejoice, as this is a perfect place to splurge, celebrate and eat to your heart's content.
Kabooki Sushi
This freshly minted space wears all the contemporary touches that pepper our Instagram feeds. There are hexagonal tiles and a green "living" accent wall donning a neon sign that reads "Good Vibes Only." The marble bar hums with activity, not unlike the booths situated along the center. It may be billed as updated Japanese fare fused with inventive Pan-Asian elements, but make no mistake—this is not an average strip mall spot. This cooking is unbound by tradition. Sushi is de rigueur, but splurge on the omakase for a worthy venture with the likes of torched salmon with truffle pâté, smoked trout roe and aji amarillo. Other oceanic delights include a bluefin sashimi flight, hamachi nigiri with truffled caviar and uni rice with seared lobster.
Maxine's on Shine
In operation for more than a decade, Maxine and Kirt Earhart's Colonialtown charmer is everyone's favorite neighborhood hangout. Crowds spill out in front during the weekend for brunch, thanks to a host of comforting dishes that soothe and satisfy. Think plates of fried green tomatoes, flaky crab cakes and of course, chicken and waffles. Dinner follows suit with such familiar yet flavorful dishes as a half-pound burger, or skillet lasagna, which is available with roasted vegetables instead of beef. There are good vibes all round. The décor is eclectic and bears a whimsical slant by way of bold colors, lots of artwork, a dark, sultry bar, as well as tightly packed tables. Interior accommodations are supplemented by ample outdoor seating.
The Ravenous Pig © Blake Jones/The Ravenous PigThe Ravenous Pig
This Winter Park modern gastropub came to be thanks to the vision of noted restaurateurs James and Julie Petrakis. Housed right beside their eponymous brewery, the space exudes a moody, industrial vibe by way of charcoal hues, rustic wood accents and a gray ceiling marked by exposed ductwork. The open kitchen on the left has frosted glass panels that add a bit of mystery to the culinary proceedings. Chef Clay Miller's menu is a bona fide study of classic pub fare with creative Southern spins—to wit, ranchero sauce-dressed pork burnt ends over cornbread pudding or cured pastrami brisket with pickled cabbage purée and cauliflower giardiniera. The vegetable-forward melon, cucumber and farmer's cheese combo is in fact a rather complex denouement.
Strand © Olivia Rees/StrandStrand
Alda Rees and her husband, Joe, are behind this corner spot nestled within an Art Deco building. Its menu, displayed on the front windows, invites passersby inside to a space that may be short on real estate but utterly captivates with mint-green walls and Mason jars that hang above the glossy tiled bar. The seasonal American menu brims with nostalgic Southern inspiration, and presentations are dialed back to let ingredients shine. From local tomatoes to fresh citrus, dishes exude a homey sense. To wit: chilled shrimp is a wonderful contrast against hot fried green tomatoes, while cobia with mustard sauce and Carolina gold rice requires little augmentation. Close out with a citrus olive oil cake along with a sip from the worthy wine list.
Z Asian
This casual gem is beloved for its distinctively bold dishes and thoughtful design. The aura is Southeast Asian, not unlike the focused Vietnamese cooking. Dishes are flavorful, bursting with nuance and balance. Behold the simple yet sublime dia nho like sautéed bok choy with crispy garlic; and bánh xèo, fried crêpe with shrimp, thinly sliced pork and a tangy fish sauce. Phở tái brings nostalgia to the forefront with that classic beef broth, afloat with rice noodles, eye of round steak and scallions. Donning a host of aromatics (bean sprouts, lime and jalapeño), it is a riot of flavor.
Hero image: Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
© Chris Regan/Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
This adds a feel-good element to the dining experience, knowing that you are not only enjoying a delicious meal but also contributing to a good cause. Whether you are a foodie looking to try out new restaurants or simply enjoy a night out with loved ones, Magical Dining Tampa is an event worth checking out. It provides a unique opportunity to indulge in exquisite cuisine while supporting the local community. So mark your calendars and get ready for a magical dining experience in Tampa..
Reviews for "Tampa's Magical Dining: Where Culinary Dreams Come True"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with my experience at Magical Dining Tampa. The food was mediocre at best and definitely not worth the high price they charged. The service was slow and inattentive, and it seemed like they were more focused on turning tables quickly than providing a quality dining experience. Overall, I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a magical dining experience.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for Magical Dining Tampa, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The atmosphere was cramped and noisy, which made it difficult to enjoy a meal and have a conversation. The food was average, nothing memorable or unique. The service was also lacking, with long waits in between courses and minimal attention from the waitstaff. I wouldn't consider returning to Magical Dining Tampa in the future.
3. Emily - 1 star
Magical Dining Tampa was a complete letdown. The menu choices were limited, and the dishes lacked creativity and flavor. The presentation of the food was also lacking, making it feel like a rushed and uninspired dining experience. The prices were exorbitant for what we received, and I left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed. I would advise others to look elsewhere for a truly magical dining experience in Tampa.