Your Insider’s Guide to SOBEWFF 2026: 25 Years of Flavor in Miami

Greater Miami is once again set to become the ultimate playground for food lovers as the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary from February 19-22, 2026. What began as a celebration of celebrity chefs has grown into a full-blown showcase of Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s evolving culinary identity—melding star power, cultural diversity and inventive new concepts that reflect the city’s vibrant, global flavor.

This year’s milestone edition promises unforgettable experiences, from high-energy burger battles to intimate chef collaborations, all set against some of Miami’s most iconic backdrops. Here’s a taste of what festival-goers—and anyone looking to cover Miami’s food scene—can expect.

Thursday, February 19: A Star-Studded Kickoff

The New York Times Dinner Series – Hosted by Bryan & Michael Voltaggio, Brooke Williamson, Zac Young and Peyton Leffingwell

The festival kicks off at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science with a rare collaboration. Rising culinary talent Peyton Leffingwell of Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum joins celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Brooke Williamson and Zac Young for a one-night-only multicourse dinner. Guests will experience culinary artistry at its finest as each chef contributes their signature style to a menu that promises bold flavors, creativity and flair. 

Courtesy of Donatella Restaurant

Taste of Italy – Hosted by “The Pasta Queen” Nadia Caterina Munno

At Jungle Plaza in the Miami Design District, authentic Italian cuisine shines. Chef Luigi Iannuario of Donna Mare Italian Chophouse at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club presents Cavatelli alla Norma tossed in slow-simmered pomodoro, basil and shaved Ricotta Salata, showcasing decades of culinary mastery rooted in Milan and honed in Michelin-caliber kitchens. Alex Martinez of Donatella Restaurant elevates traditional Italian fare with dishes like Nduja Arancini and Amalfi Limone Pasta, combining authenticity with a modern Miami twist. 

Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash – Hosted by Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham

Under the iconic white tents at the American Airlines North Venue, burger fans will delight in 20 years of competition. R House Wynwood, led by Executive Chef and Owner Rocco Carulli, brings indulgent, playful, over-the-top burgers to the table. Guests vote for the People’s Choice Award while chefs compete for the coveted Schweid & Sons “The Very Best Burger Award.” 

Friday, February 20: Waterfront Flavors

Courtesy of Pérez Art Museum Miami

The New York Times Dinner Series at Verde, PAMM – Hosted by Jonathan Waxman, Sarah Grueneberg and Valeri Fuentes

The waterfront terrace of Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) sets the scene for one of the festival’s most anticipated dinners. Valeri Fuentes, executive chef of Verde at PAMM, joins California cuisine icon Jonathan Waxman and James Beard Award winner Sarah Grueneberg to craft an inventive multicourse menu. Guests will enjoy a blend of Waxman’s soulful simplicity, Grueneberg’s refined Italian artistry and Fuentes’s modern Miami edge, all complemented by stunning views of Biscayne Bay. 

Saturday, February 21: High-Energy & Elevated Experiences

Lunch at Uchiko Miami Beach – Hosted by Tyson Cole and Diego Oka

From noon to 2 p.m., Uchiko Miami Beach elevates lunch with pristine sushi, sashimi, wood-grilled specialties and inventive small plates. James Beard Award–winning Chef Tyson Cole teams up with Diego Oka, executive chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, for a menu that balances global inspiration with seasonal ingredients. 

Coca-Cola Presents Tournament of Champions LIVE – Hosted by Guy Fieri

On the sands of Miami Beach, five teams of top chefs—including Dale Talde of Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop—battle it out in Food Network’s live Tournament of Champions. Guests judge the action at 25 interactive tasting stations while enjoying a special performance by Rev Run. Tigress brings its signature Cantonese flair to the high-energy showdown, representing one of Miami’s most dynamic culinary destinations.

Courtesy of Delilah Miami

Delilah Miami Jazz Brunch – Hosted by Mitchell Hesse and Brad Kilgore

Delilah Miami transforms brunch into a multi-sensory experience with live jazz, elegant presentation and indulgent cuisine. Chefs Mitchell Hesse and Brad Kilgore combine luxurious flavors with vibrant energy in a Roaring ’20s-inspired atmosphere, making this an unforgettable festival highlight. 

Sunday, February 22: Sushi, Pizza & Brunch Finale

A Sushi Omakase Collective at SGWS Wynwood – Hosted by Aoko, Bondi Sushi, Kasumi, Queen Omakase, Sora by Hotel Collection and Uchi

Six acclaimed restaurants—including Uchi Miami with Chef Tyson Cole—deliver an elevated omakase experience. Guests will sample an artful fusion of tradition, innovation and precision at this sushi lover’s dream event. 

Courtesy of The Alley

Pizza-Making Master Class & Lunch at The Alley – Hosted by Laurent Tourondel

At The Alley, tucked within The Betsy – South Beach, Chef Laurent Tourondel leads a hands-on master class in Roman-style pizza. Guests learn dough preparation, topping techniques and baking secrets, all while enjoying the hidden-gem atmosphere of this Michelin Key–rated hotspot. 

Sunday Brunch – Hosted by Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro and Geoffrey Zakarian

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Chef Oumar Diouf Wyn Wyn joins chefs Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro, Geoffrey Zakarian and other Miami icons for a lively, globally inspired brunch. Expect inventive dishes, classic brunch favorites and a vibrant, festive atmosphere that closes out the 25th-anniversary festival in style.

Miami's Moment in the Culinary Spotlight

From rising stars to returning festival favorites, SOBEWFF 2026 highlights Miami’s growing influence on the national culinary stage. Whether it’s celebrating Italian classics, perfecting a burger or savoring avant-garde sushi, this 25th anniversary edition reminds us that Miami’s dining scene is as diverse, playful and world-class as the city itself.

For tickets and full schedules, visit sobewff.org.

By ML Staff.