The Ultimate Taste Of Smyrna: 7 Highlights From The 2025 Festival And A Sneak Peek At 2026
The annual Taste of Smyrna event in Downtown Smyrna, Georgia, continues to be the premier food festival in Cobb County, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the festival transformed the Village Green into a culinary paradise, drawing massive crowds eager to sample delectable dishes from over 30 local restaurants. Now, as of this December 2025, the buzz is already shifting to the next spectacular event, with an official date for 2026 already announced, solidifying its status as a must-attend event on the Atlanta-area calendar.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the highlights, winners, and most talked-about vendors from the recent September 2025 festival, and provides the crucial details you need to mark your calendar for the next gastronomic celebration. From award-winning entrees to irresistible desserts, the 2025 event showcased the vibrant and diverse Smyrna food scene.
Taste of Smyrna: The 2025 Festival at a Glance
The 2025 Taste of Smyrna took place on Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Village Green. This free-admission event is known for its "Festival of Delectable," offering attendees the chance to purchase small, affordable tasting portions from a wide array of local eateries. The festival is not just about food; it’s a full-day community event featuring live music, a dedicated Kid Zone, and a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Smyrna Market Village area.
The true measure of the event's success is the competition among vendors, where local judges and attendees vote for the best dishes across several categories. The 2025 winners highlighted the incredible talent and culinary diversity present in the area.
The 7 Most Talked-About Highlights & Winners from Taste of Smyrna 2025
The competition at the 2025 festival was fierce, with restaurants vying for the coveted titles of "Best Entree," "Best Dessert," and "Best Food Presentation." Here are the seven biggest takeaways and highlights from the September 6th event:
- Mezza Luna Takes "Best Entree" with a Classic: The top prize for the best savory dish went to Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood. Their winning plate was the rich and flavorful risotto in amarone, a dish that perfectly encapsulated their dedication to authentic Italian flavors. This win cemented Mezza Luna's reputation as a culinary powerhouse in Smyrna.
- Copeland's Dominates the Dessert Category: For those with a sweet tooth, Copeland's of New Orleans was the undeniable champion. They secured the "Best Dessert" award with their famous white chocolate bread pudding. This decadent, southern-inspired treat proved to be the crowd-pleaser of the day.
- Rodney's Wins for Presentation: The award for "Best Food Presentation" went to Rodney's, demonstrating that the visual appeal of a dish is just as important as the taste at a high-caliber food festival.
- A Diverse Lineup of Featured Restaurants: The 2025 event showcased the extensive range of the Smyrna dining scene. Key participants included beloved national chains and local gems offering diverse cuisines. Attendees enjoyed samples from:
- Sugar Shane's Gourmet Bakery
- Mexico Lindo Restaurant (Mexican Cuisine)
- Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (Gourmet Burgers)
- Nagel's Bagels (Breakfast/Brunch Staples)
- Wade's Fine Eatery
- Chicken Salad Chick
- Taste Jamaica (Caribbean Flavors)
- Chinese Southern Belle (Fusion Cuisine)
- The Rise of Niche Vendors: Beyond the main restaurants, smaller, specialized vendors added unique flavor. Bob's Lemonade and Jo & Glo's Hawaiian Shaved Ice were essential stops for refreshing beverages and cool treats, providing perfect counterpoints to the heavier entrees.
- The Village Green Atmosphere: The event's location in the heart of Downtown Smyrna, utilizing the beautiful Village Green, provided a central, accessible, and family-friendly venue. The combination of free admission, live music, and the "Kid Zone" made it a full community experience, not just a food sampling event.
- A Glimpse into the Smyrna Market Village Scene: The Taste of Smyrna is a direct reflection of the thriving Smyrna Market Village food scene. Restaurants like Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, The Corner Taqueria, and Vintage Tavern—though not all explicitly listed as 2025 participants—are cornerstones of this area, and their influence and spirit permeate the entire festival, reinforcing Smyrna's reputation as a top restaurant town in the Atlanta metro area.
Looking Ahead: Taste of Smyrna 2026 and What to Expect
With the success of the September 2025 festival still fresh in everyone's minds, the focus has already shifted to the next year's event. For those who missed out or are planning their calendar for the next culinary adventure, the official date for the next event is already set.
The Official Date for the Next Festival
The next annual food festival, the Taste of Smyrna 2026, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event will once again be held on the Village Green in Downtown Smyrna, Georgia, and is expected to follow the traditional format of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This early announcement allows both attendees and potential vendors ample time to prepare for the massive influx of visitors to the Cobb County area.
Anticipated Culinary Trends and Vendors for 2026
While the final list of participating restaurants for 2026 will not be released until closer to the date, attendees can expect a continuation of the high-quality and diverse offerings seen in 2025. The festival consistently features over 30 local eateries, including staples from the Market Village and surrounding areas. The competition will likely intensify as the 2025 winners—Mezza Luna and Copeland's—will be back to defend their titles.
Key areas of focus for the 2026 event will likely include:
- International Flavors: Expect a strong showing from global cuisine, building on the popularity of vendors like Mexico Lindo Restaurant and Taste Jamaica.
- Dessert Innovation: Following Copeland's win, the dessert category is always a major draw. Look for more gourmet bakeries and unique sweet treat vendors like Sugar Shane's to participate.
- Local Craft Beer and Beverage Pairing: As the festival grows, there is an increasing trend toward featuring local Georgia breweries and craft beverage providers to complement the food samples.
The Taste of Smyrna is a celebration of the community's vibrant culinary life. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the Atlanta metropolitan area, this festival offers a unique, affordable, and delicious way to experience the best of Smyrna's restaurants in one spectacular day. Be sure to mark September 12, 2026, on your calendar for the next unforgettable "Festival of Delectable."
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