New Jersey Restaurant Weeks, Sample popular cuisines at discounted rates during Restaurant Week

Taste the Best: Top Places to Eat During 2026 New Jersey Restaurant Weeks

Updated August 24, 2026

Experience the best of the Garden State's culinary scene during New Jersey Restaurant Weeks 2026.

  • The article lists seven New Jersey restaurant week events taking place between August 23 and November 8, 2026.
  • Featured events include Wildwoods, Fort Lee, Hillsborough, Denville, Newark's African Restaurant Festival, East Brunswick, and Cape May.
  • Prix fixe prices generally range from $12 to $25 for lunch and $25 to $55 for dinner, depending on the event and restaurant.
  • Participating restaurants offer special menus, seasonal dishes, discounts, and fixed-price dining options during each event.
  • Dates, participating restaurants, and menu details can vary, so diners should check the linked event page before visiting.

New Jersey 2026 Restaurant Week Highlights

Wildwoods Restaurant Week

Sunday, August 23 to Thursday, August 27, 2026
From fresh seafood and sizzling steaks to creative international cuisine and classic boardwalk favorites, there's something to satisfy every preference. Whether you're dining in a cozy restaurant or a lively family-friendly eatery, the experience promises delicious dishes, warm hospitality, and a true taste of the Wildwoods.
Cost: Participating restaurants offering special prix fixe breakfast ($15), lunch ($20), and 3 course dinner at ($45)

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.

East Brunswick Restaurant Week

Monday, October 19 to Sunday, October 26, 2026
Savor the township’s vibrant culinary scene with exclusive menus, discounts, and diverse flavors from over 30 participating eateries. Expect casual cafés, family eateries, and upscale spots to roll out prix-fixe offerings.
Cost: Lunch typically ranging $15–$25 and dinner specials landing around $30–$55, depending on the restaurant.

Cape May Restaurant Weekend – Fall

Thursday, November 5 to Sunday, November 8, 2026
Invites food lovers to savor the flavors of the Jersey Shore’s culinary scene. This four-day event showcases Cape May’s top restaurants offering specially priced, three-course dinners that highlight seasonal ingredients and coastal charm. Perfect for a cozy autumn getaway, the weekend combines gourmet dining with Victorian seaside ambiance.
Cost: Lunch often ranging from about $15–$25 and dinner from roughly $30–$45, depending on the venue and entrée selections.

Frequently Asked Questions About
2026 New Jersey Restaurant Weeks

When are New Jersey Restaurant Weeks in 2026?

The 2026 events listed in this guide run from August 23 through November 8. Wildwoods Restaurant Week is the first listed event, while Cape May Restaurant Weekend takes place November 5 through November 8.

Which New Jersey communities are included in the 2026 restaurant week guide?

The guide covers Wildwoods, Fort Lee, Hillsborough, Denville, Newark's African Restaurant Festival, East Brunswick, and Cape May. Each event features participating local restaurants and its own dates, menus, and pricing.

How much do meals cost during New Jersey Restaurant Weeks?

Prices vary by event and restaurant. Lunch specials generally range from $12 to $25, while dinner specials usually cost between $25 and $55.

What types of food are available during these events?

The listed events include seafood, steaks, international cuisine, boardwalk favorites, African dishes, seasonal coastal food, casual dining, and upscale restaurant options. Available dishes depend on the participating restaurants and their event menus.

Are the restaurant week menus the same at every location?

No. Each event has its own participating restaurants, prix fixe menus, promotions, and prices. Review the linked event page for current restaurant lists and menu details before making plans.