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

What Sets Restaurant Weeks in New Jersey Apart?

New Jersey’s Restaurant Weeks are known for a few standout reasons:

• The state is extremely diverse, so you’ll find a huge mix of cuisines. From Italian and Indian to Korean BBQ, Portuguese, and Dominican meals, locals get to sample food from all over the world, often in one neighborhood.
• Most participating restaurants are small, independent spots that are family owned. Restaurant Week gives people a simple way to support these businesses and try new favorites nearby. 
• These events aren’t only about eating. Some feature live music, art displays, cooking demos, or a chance to meet chefs. It feels like a community party centered on food. 
• Restaurants serve prix fixe menus at lower prices than normal, so you can treat yourself to a nicer meal without breaking the bank. 
• Chefs highlight New Jersey’s local produce, seafood, and meats, showing off what’s fresh from the area’s farms and shores.

Since many towns and counties host their own events, the vibe and restaurant choices can change a lot depending on where you go.

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New Jersey Restaurant Week Highlights

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week

Friday, April 10th thru Sunday, April 19th, 2026
This 10 day event features more than 60 Monmouth and Ocean county restaurants serving lunch and dinner prix fixe menus
Cost: Guests can expect relaxed midday meals with two course lunch offerings typically priced around $20–$25, perfect for sampling local favorites without the splurge. Evenings bring elevated three course dinner menus ranging from $30–$45, giving food lovers a chance to enjoy chef crafted dishes, seasonal ingredients, and creative coastal flavors at an exceptional value.

Rahway Taste of Spring

Friday, April 17, 2026
Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ
This event features bite sized dishes from dozens of local restaurants and distributors and is known as one of the largest tasting events in the NJ/NY metro area.
Cost: $40 per person and are available online through Eventbrite

South Orange Downtown Food Stroll

Sunday, April 19, 2026: 12:00?PM 4:00?PM
Spiotta Park, 20-32 Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ
This event features an afternoon of tasting bites from local restaurants, exploring shops, and enjoying downtown specials. Wristbands provide access to all food samples.
Cost: Presale: $40 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $20 for kids 12 and under, while children under 3 eat free. Day of: $50 for adults and $30 for students, seniors, and kids.

Morristown Restaurant Week

Monday, April 20 thru Friday, April 24, 2026
Guests can enjoy everything from international cuisine to American classics, along with optional ticketed experiences like Snack, Sip & Stroll, a progressive tasting tour featuring curated dishes at multiple restaurants.
Pricing varies by venue, with many restaurants offering discounted or fixed price lunch and dinner menus, while Snack, Sip & Stroll requires a separate paid ticket available through Eventbrite.
Cost: $85/person for Snack, Sip & Stroll

Ewing Restaurant Week

Saturday, April 25th thru Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
Don't think of Ewing, New Jersey as a great destination for different fare to indulge in when you eat out?
It offers nine days of special menus, prix fixe deals, and tasting experiences at participating local restaurants. Diners can explore a wide range of cuisines while enjoying discounted multi course meals, depending on the restaurant and menu style. It's a great chance to support Ewing's dining scene and try something new without stretching your budget.
Cost: Most specials typically range from $20–$45 per person,

Asbury Park Restaurant Tour

Sunday, April 26, 2026: 12 pm – 4 pm
Hosted by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, this event features small “bites”, samplings and demos at restaurants, lounges, cafes, juice bars, and other uniquely Asbury Park locations. Foodies will be treated to some of the classic restaurant pioneers of Asbury Park, as well as recent newcomers to the Asbury Park culinary landscape.
Cost: $65.87. Purchased through Eventbrite

Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase

Tuesday, May 12, 2026: 5 pm – 8 pm
Blue Water Grille at Bolero Resort & Conference Center, 3320 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
This event offers an evening of delicious samplings from many of the area's top restaurants and specialty shops. The event supports the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local student scholarships.
Cost: $40 /person. Call 609.729.4000 or at the door.

Passaic County Restaurant Week

Monday, May 11 thru Sunday, May 17, 2026
A weeklong celebration of the county's diverse culinary scene, featuring special prix fixe menus and limited time deals at participating restaurants. The event also ties into America's upcoming 250th anniversary, reflected in the themed pricing, and encourages visitors to explore local eateries while checking in and voting for favorites through the Let's Rallie App.
Cost: $17.76 breakfast/lunch combos. $25+, three course dinner menus

Patterson Restaurant Week

Monday, May 11 thru Sunday, May 17, 2026
Celebrating the city’s rich culinary diversity with special fixed?price menus that make exploring local restaurants both fun and affordable. inspired by the region’s historical ties and designed to highlight signature dishes while supporting neighborhood businesses. Diners can enjoy a wide range of cuisines throughout the week, making it an inviting opportunity to discover new favorites and revisit beloved spots
Cost: Either $17.76 breakfast or lunch combo, or $25 three-course dinner menu

Cape May Restaurant Week (Spring)

Sunday, May 31 thru Monday, June 7, 2026
Features eight days of fixed price dining at many of Cape May's top restaurants. Diners can enjoy a three course meal—typically an appetizer, entrée, and dessert—for one set cost, making it an inviting way to sample new spots or revisit favorites.
Cost: An affordable price, set by prticipating restaurants

Wildwoods Restaurant Week

Sunday, June 14 thru – Wednesday, June 18, 2026
This event offers visitors a chance to enjoy special prix fixe breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at participating restaurants across the island. Diners can expect a wide range of cuisine—from fresh seafood to creative international dishes—all at an excellent value, with prix fixe pricing designed to make exploring the local dining scene both fun and affordable.
Cost: Varies by participating restaurants

New Jersey African Restaurant Festival

Saturday, Sunday October 17, 18, 2026
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of the diaspora during the 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

Explore NJ dining venues with private rooms perfect for gatherings of 10–175 people