Taste the Best: Top Places to Eat During 2026 New Jersey Restaurant Weeks
Updated August 15, 2026
Experience the best of the Garden State's culinary scene during New Jersey Restaurant Weeks 2026.
- The 2026 New Jersey Restaurant Weeks events listed in this guide run from August 13 through October 18, 2026.
- Featured events include restaurant weeks in Burlington County, Fort Lee, Hillsborough, and Denville, plus Newark-area African food events.
- Participating restaurants offer prix fixe meals, limited-time dishes, special promotions, and festival food options.
- Listed meal prices range from about $12 to $55, depending on the event, restaurant, menu, and meal.
- Check each linked official event page for participating restaurants, current menus, prices, reservations, and schedule updates.
New Jersey Restaurant Week Highlights
Newark African Food and Music Festival - Restaurant Week
Thursday, August 13 - Sunday, August 23, 2026
New Jersey African Restaurant Week (ARW) features special offerings by restaurants, giveaways and much more. The “week” ends with a food and music festival on August 22 & 23 featuring food tastings, local artists, market place, chef contest, kid zone and more.
Cost:
Free to attend, with most eateries offering specials typically ranging from about $20–$45 per person, depending on the venue and menu selection.
Ft. Lee Restaurant Week
Tuesday, September 14 until Sunday, September 27, 2026
Explore the borough's diverse culinary scene with special prix fixe menus and limited time dishes. It's a two week celebration designed to showcase Ft. Lee's vibrant dining district while giving visitors and locals an easy, affordable reason to try something new.
Cost: Participating restaurants typically offer lunch and dinner specials ranging from $15–$25 for lunch and $25–$45 for dinner.
Hillsborough Restaurant Week
Saturday, September 19 - Sunday September 27, 2026
Each participating business will feature a unique dish or promotion created just for the week from new creations to beloved classics, there's something for every foodie to enjoy.
Cost:
Most participating eateries offer accessible pricing, with lunch specials typically ranging from $12–$20 and dinner packages from $25–$45.
Denville Restaurant Week
Sunday, September 20 until Thursday, September 24, 2026
Participating restaurants typically feature fixed price lunch and dinner menus, depending on the venue—along with occasional add on specials like cocktails or desserts. Sample new spots, revisit favorites, and enjoy seasonal dishes without surprise costs.
Cost: Fixed price in the $20–$30 range for lunch and $35–$55 for dinner.
New Jersey African Restaurant Festival
Saturday, Sunday October 17, 18, 2026
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of the diaspora during the Newark, New Jersey African Restaurant Festival.
This vibrant community celebration invites diners to explore an array of authentic flavors from across the continent and beyond, featuring everything from spicy West African jollof rice and grilled suya to fragrant Ethiopian injera platters and North African couscous.
Cost: Small bites ranging from $5 to $25. Special prix-fixe menus ranging from $10 to $30 for lunch and $25 to $50 for multi-course dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 2026 New Jersey Restaurant Weeks
When are New Jersey Restaurant Weeks in 2026?
The events listed in this guide take place between August 13 and October 18, 2026. The schedule includes Newark-area African Restaurant Week events in August and October, and restaurant weeks in Fort Lee, Hillsborough, and Denville in September.
Which New Jersey Restaurant Weeks are included in the 2026 schedule?
The guide includes Newark African Food and Music Festival Restaurant Week, Fort Lee Restaurant Week, Hillsborough Restaurant Week, Denville Restaurant Week, and the New Jersey African Restaurant Festival.
How much do meals cost during New Jersey Restaurant Weeks?
Prices vary by event and restaurant. The listed lunch specials range from about $12 to $30, while dinner menus and multi-course meals generally range from about $25 to $55.
Does the guide include restaurant week menus?
The guide provides menu formats and estimated price ranges, but it doesn't reproduce full menus for every restaurant. Use the official event links to check participating restaurants, current menu details, reservations, and availability.
What is included in the Newark African Restaurant Week events?
Newark African Restaurant Week includes restaurant specials, giveaways, and a food and music festival on August 22 and 23, 2026. The separate New Jersey African Restaurant Festival takes place October 17 and 18 and features small bites and prix fixe menu options.
