Newark Restaurant Week is set to return June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city’s celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging dining destinations for 10 days of culinary experiences timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities taking place across the region.
Presented as part of Newark’s broader “Kick It In Newark” campaign, Newark Restaurant Week invites both residents and visitors to experience a food scene shaped by generations of culture, community, and neighborhood tradition during one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
From Portuguese and African cuisine to Brazilian, Caribbean, Spanish and South American flavors, Newark’s dining landscape reflects the depth and diversity that continue to define the city as one of the country’s most authentic culinary destinations.
The announcement follows “Savor Newark 2026: The Culinary Cup – United at the Table Symposium,” held on May 16, as the city’s official culinary kickoff to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebrations. The one-day event brought together chefs, restaurateurs and cultural leaders to celebrate the immigrant communities and culinary traditions that continue to shape Newark’s identity.
“Newark’s food scene tells the story of our people and the many cultures that make this city special,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Newark Restaurant Week gives us an opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world, while celebrating the local businesses and culinary traditions that residents cherish year-round.”
Newark Restaurant Week arrives as the city prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the globe during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament. As a regional transit hub located just one train stop from MetLife Stadium, Newark is positioned as a central destination for dining and entertainment connected to the matches.
As part of the citywide initiative, visitors and residents can also access the free “Kick It In Newark” Mobile Pass, a digital passport featuring curated trails, local business recommendations, and themed itineraries designed to help guests explore the city throughout the summer. Activations range from match viewing destinations and nightlife spots to arts programming and food tours.
Featured trails include “Newark Night Out,” highlighting restaurants, bars and nightlife destinations across the city, and the “Black Owned Business Crawl,” which showcases local entrepreneurs and culinary destinations. Additional trails spotlight Newark’s South Ward, West Ward and Ironbound neighborhoods, along with arts, beauty and cultural destinations citywide.
Ashley Mays, Chief Marketing Officer of Newark Alliance and President of Newark Happening, said the campaign is designed to encourage visitors to explore Newark beyond the matches themselves.
“This is an opportunity for people from all over the world to discover Newark through its food, culture, people and small businesses,” Mays said. “Newark Restaurant Week and the Kick It In Newark campaign invite visitors and residents alike to discover the energy and authenticity that are part of Newark’s identity.”
Throughout Newark Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer special menus and featured dishes that reflect the city’s global influences and longstanding culinary traditions. Organizers expect the initiative to drive increased visibility and economic activity for Newark’s restaurant community during one of the most significant tourism moments in the region’s history.
Looking for more Newark dining inspiration? Browse our latest Newark restaurant coverage on JerseyBites.
