Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28, 2026, During FIFA World Cup Festivities

Newark Restaurant Week is scheduled for June 19-28, 2026, aligning with FIFA World Cup 2026™ events in the region. The 10-day event will feature a range of restaurants across the city, including established venues and newer destinations, as part of the city's "Kick It In Newark" campaign to welcome visitors during the international soccer tournament.

The week will showcase Portuguese, African, Brazilian, Caribbean, Spanish, and South American cuisines, reflecting Newark's culinary diversity. The announcement follows the "Savor Newark 2026: The Culinary Cup – United at the Table Symposium," held May 16 as the city's official culinary kickoff to FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebrations. The symposium brought together chefs, restaurateurs, and cultural leaders to recognize the influence of immigrant communities and culinary traditions in Newark.

Newark is preparing to accommodate global soccer fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tournament period. The city serves as a regional transit hub and is one train stop from MetLife Stadium, which hosts the matches.

As part of the citywide initiative, visitors and residents will have access to the free "Kick it in Newark" Mobile Pass, a digital passport featuring curated trails, local business recommendations, and themed itineraries to help guests explore the city throughout the summer. Activities will include match viewing destinations, nightlife venues, arts programming, and food tours.

Featured trails in the Mobile Pass include "Newark Night Out," which highlights restaurants, bars, and nightlife locations, and the "Black Owned Business Crawl," which showcases local entrepreneurs and culinary destinations. Additional trails will focus on Newark's South Ward, West Ward, and Ironbound neighborhoods, as well as arts, beauty, and cultural sites across the city.

Participating restaurants during Newark Restaurant Week will offer special menus and featured dishes that represent the city's global influences and culinary traditions. Organizers expect the initiative to increase visibility and economic activity for Newark's restaurant sector during the period of heightened tourism associated with FIFA World Cup 2026™.