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The basics:

• Newark, Jersey City time Restaurant Week promotions around 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Newark Restaurant Week runs June 19–28 with citywide dining promotions
• Jersey City Restaurant Fest runs June 8–July 14 to boost local restaurants
• MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches, including the final

Seeing an opportunity to boost local businesses during one of the region’s biggest tourism events in decades, New Jersey’s two biggest cities are aligning annual Restaurant Week events with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Widely regarded as the largest sporting event in the world, the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. Because New Jersey is hosting eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford – including the July 19 final – the state is positioned as a central hub for global visitors and economic activity.

According to the New York New Jersey Host Committee, the tournament is expected to generate more than $3.3 billion in direct economic impact across the region, largely from lodging, dining and retail spending.

Newark

In Newark, Restaurant Week will run from June 19–28 as part of the city’s broader World Cup-related campaign.

Now in its fifth year, the Newark Alliance-presented promotion showcases the restaurants, chefs and food traditions that define Brick City neighborhoods. Throughout the campaign, dozens of participating eateries will offer special menus and feature dishes that reflect the city’s global influences.

Just a few of the restaurants involved with the promotion include:

• Five Corners
• Sihana Bistro
• Sihana Cafe
• Adega Lounge
• Just Delicious
• Allettante
• Abby’s Sandwiches
• Allegro
• Churrascaria Boi Na Brasa
• El Rincon Latino
• Jacob’s Restaurant
• Mexican Rooster Restaurant
• Reggi’s Jerk
• Roy’s Fish Fry

Located just one train stop away from MetLife Stadium, Newark aims to become a prime destination for dining and entertainment during the tournament.

Visitors and residents are encouraged to download the free “Kick in it Newark” digital passport to access curated trails, local business recommendations and themed itineraries to explore the city. Featured trails include “Newark Night Out” (restaurants, bars and nightlife destinations across the city) and the “Black Owned Business Crawl” (showcases local entrepreneurs and culinary destinations).

Additional experiences will spotlight Newark’s South Ward, West Ward and Ironbound, along with arts, beauty and cultural destinations citywide.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka remarked, “Newark’s food scene tells the story of our people and the many cultures that make this city special. 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.”

Ashley Mays, Newark Alliance chief marketing officer and Newark Happening president, believes the World Cup “is an opportunity for people from all over the world to discover Newark through its food, culture, people and small businesses.”

“Newark Restaurant Week and the Kick it in Newark invite visitors and residents alike to discover the energy and authenticity that are part of Newark’s identity,” she said.

Jersey City

Meanwhile, Jersey City’s Restaurant Fest is set for June 8 through July 14. The promotion will feature a variety of special offers from establishments across the city.

Presented by the Jersey City Restaurant Owners Coalition, the biennial event seeks to drive traffic to local restaurants by showcasing the many diverse food options available in the Hudson County city.

“It’s been a long road to the Cup events. With just a few weeks to go til the opening, we wanted to help boost visibility in EVERY WAY WE CAN,” the group wrote on its website.

According to the coalition, restaurant owners can sign up for the upcoming Restaurant Week free of charge. Organizers will also promote those establishments for free during the five-week campaign, the group says.

A full list of Jersey City Restaurant Week spots with the ability to search using criteria such as cuisine or neighborhood is available here. There’s also an option to find establishments that are showing World Cup matches.

Participating locales include:

• Angry Archie’s
• Ani Ramen
• Babka Bailout
• Blue Anchor
• Butter Bakery
• Carmine’s Pizza
• Choc-O-Pain
• Departed Soles Brewing Co.
• Dorrian’s
• El Gallo de Oro
• Fire & Oak
• Island Central
• La Bodega Latin Cuisine
• Luna
• Meximodo
• Mordi’s Sandwich Shop
• Milkshake Factory
• O’Leary’s Publik House
• Pie Oh My Pizza
• Prato Bakery
• Sabor A Peru Restaurant
• Smash & Zingers
• Urban Skewers
• White Manna