The Ultimate Food & Wine Festival Tasting Guide – Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Discover chef-approved favorites at this year's Food & Wine Festival—from top entrees and desserts to must-try drinks like the new Ube Tea-ade from Hawaii!

Chef’s Choice: The Ultimate Food & Wine Festival Tasting Guide

 

Key Takeaways

• Our chefs have created a curated list of their favorite dishes, desserts, and drinks
• Must-Try Entrees: Savory standouts were selected for their bold flavors, unique ingredients, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
• Top Desserts: From rich and decadent to light and refreshing, the chefs’ dessert picks offer something for every sweet tooth.
• Fan-Favorite Drinks: The beverage list features refreshing, eye-catching options—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—that round out any tasting.

You may have tasted your way through the Food & Wine Festival before—but have you ever experienced it through the eyes (and taste buds) of the chefs who created it? This year, we're spotlighting some of our chefs' top picks from across the festival—dishes and drinks they personally love and recommend.

Entrees: Our chefs have picked out their Top three favorite entrees out of all of the Kiosks.

3rd NEW Pierogis from Poland

At number three, we’re excited to feature the new Pierogies from Poland, now available in France. Our chefs love these for their irresistibly comforting, home-style flavor. The rich filling of potatoes and cheese paired with a drizzle of sour cream is elevated by a generous dollop of caramelized onion jam, creating a sweet-savory contrast that takes this dish to the next level. As our team puts it—what’s not to love about potatoes and cheese?.

 

2nd Churrasco from Brazil

Taking the number two spot is the Churrasco dish from Brazil, served in New France. This fan-favorite features perfectly grilled beef paired with a vibrant, cilantro-based chimichurri sauce. Bursting with savory and tangy flavors, it’s a bold and satisfying choice. Our chefs especially highlight the chimichurri as the star of the show—calling it an absolute must-try.

1st Chesapeake-style Crab Cake Slider from Virginia

Claiming the number one spot—both a chef and fan favorite—is the Chesapeake-style Crab Cake Slider from Virginia, served near the Highland Stables. This dish puts a fresh spin on a beloved classic, and our chefs can’t get enough of it. They particularly rave about the crisp texture and peppery kick from the microgreens that top the slider. If you’re tasting your way through the menu, this one is non-negotiable—it’s number one for a reason!

Desserts: Even though it was a tough decision, our Chefs have managed to narrow down all the deserts into a Top three list

 

3rd Lemon Ricotta Cake from Italy

At number Three is the Lemon Ricotta Cake from Italy, found in Italy near the marketplace. This light and airy dessert is celebrated for its subtle yet vibrant flavors. Made with fresh lemon and creamy ricotta, and topped with toasted almond slivers, it offers a delicate balance of sweetness and zest. Our chefs recommend it as the perfect palate cleanser—a refreshing finish to any meal.

 

2nd Sopapilla Cheesecake Bar from Mexico

Standing tall at number two is the Sopapilla Cheesecake Bar from Mexico, located near the Lorikeet Aviary. Our chefs describe this indulgent dessert as the perfect fusion of cheesecake and churro. Made with layers of sweet cinnamon-sugar pastry dough and rich cream cheese filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—there’s simply no way to go wrong with this one. .

 

1st NEW Coconut and Macadamia Chocolate Tart from Hawaii

Coming in at number one is the new Coconut and Macadamia Chocolate Tart from Hawaii, located next to the Eagle Habitat. This indulgent dessert features a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate ganache filling set in a crunchy macadamia nut crust. It’s a rich, decadent treat that our chefs proudly recommend—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s their top pick. Trust us, this is one you don’t want to miss.

 

Specialty Beverages: The food isn’t the only superstar here. There are so many drinks to try all over the park, including some non-alcoholic ones. Our Chefs have chosen their top three drinks.

 

3rd Strawberry Lemonade from Virginia

At number three is the Strawberry Lemonade from Virginia, located near the Highland Stables. Our chefs describe this as the ultimate summer refresher—bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style, and according to our team, no tasting list would be complete without it.

 

2nd Strawberry Rhubarb Kompot from Poland

Holding strong at number two is the Strawberry Rhubarb Kompot from Poland, served in France. Our chefs praise this drink for its unique and refreshingly bright take on rhubarb. Lightly sweet with just the right touch of tartness, it’s a simple yet distinctive beverage that stands out on the menu. If you find yourself near Poland’s spot, this one is definitely worth a sip.

 

1st NEW Ube Tea-ade from Hawaii

In first place for the drink section is the new Ube Tea-ade from Hawaii, found near the Eagle Habitat just outside of Ireland. With its stunning purple hue and refreshing blend of earthy tea and tangy lemonade, this drink is as eye-catching as it is flavorful. The subtle nuttiness of the ube adds a creamy, almost vanilla-like undertone that rounds out the tart citrus beautifully. Our chefs love its unique flavor profile and vibrant presentation—no wonder it earned a spot on this year’s list!

 
Want to explore more? These chef favorites are just the beginning—be sure to check out the full festival menu to discover all the delicious dishes and drinks waiting for you!