Every four years, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ turns New York into a map of the world: every neighborhood picks a side, and this city's food scene is where you feel it most. We asked our team for their favorite spots serving the food of the countries playing, and the list below is what came back: from a Greenpoint taco counter to some Rockefeller Center favorites.

From fine dining rooms to family-run bistros, this list skips the obvious boldface names (even though we still love Eleven Madison Park). Read on for the cooking that actually represents the countries in the match. Plus an honorable mention for Italy, because no one who loves the best Italian restaurants in NYC should skip Jupiter just because the Azzurri missed the tournament.

1. United States: 5 Acres, Rockefeller Center

The host nation's table is American cooking done with care. 5 Acres is wood-fired and market-driven, with a long bar and a menu that moves with the season: an easy place to gather for a USA match and stay for the afternoon. Come early, settle in, make a day of it with a visit to the NYNJ World Cup 26™ & Telemundo Fan Village.

2. South Korea: NARO, Rockefeller Center

South Korea might be out of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, but one of the best Korean restaurants in NYC, NARO, is in Rockefeller Center. A precise, modern Korean kitchen that works for a celebratory dinner or a quick pre-match bite. It's one of the rare Midtown Manhattan restaurants locals book on purpose, and it's a short walk to a screen when you're ready.

3. Mexico: Taqueria Ramirez, Greenpoint

Mexico is a co-host of the tournament, so it's worth starting close to home. Taqueria Ramirez in Greenpoint earns its spot on some of the top best-Mexican-restaurant lists in the city for one thing done right: tacos. Order the suadero, stewed three hours until it melts, and the blowtorched tripa, the one regulars line up for. One catch: there's nowhere to watch the match here, so time your visit around the games, or head to the team's new spot, Socceria, which is built for game days.

4. Brazil: Beco, Williamsburg

Brazil's parties run loud and joyous, and Beco in Williamsburg keeps pace on game days. But, if you actually want to eat, go when Brazil isn't playing. Order the moqueca, a coconut-milk seafood stew, and the feijoada, the black-bean-and-pork classic, with a pitcher of caipirinhas for the table.

5. Japan: Sakagura, Murray Hill

Japan's cooking runs deep here, and Sakagura, hidden below a Murray Hill office lobby, is the izakaya to track down: sashimi, handmade soba, and crisp Japanese fried chicken to go with one of the city's deepest sake lists. Book ahead and go early, the room fills fast.

6. France: Le Rock, Rockefeller Center

Les Bleus call for something classic, and Le Rock is the French brasserie for it: a raw bar, steak frites, and a room that makes a long lunch feel like the plan all along. France is a title favorite this summer, and Le Rock is the right place to celebrate it. If France draws a knockout match, book the late seating and stay through dessert.

7. Uzbekistan: Cafe Lily, Bensonhurst

Uzbekistan makes its first trip to the tournament, and Cafe Lily in Bensonhurst is the perfect adventure to honor it. For those willing to make the trek, the Korean-Uzbek cooking of Central Asia's Koryo-saram community is one of the most deep cut recommendations on our list. Order the manti, plump dumplings with sour cream, and a bowl of cold, spicy kuksi noodles. Bring a group, and your own drinks if you like.

8. Senegal: Patisserie des Ambassades, Harlem

Senegal's New York home is Harlem's Little Senegal, and Patisserie des Ambassades is the pick: order the thiebou yapp, the lamb take on thieboudienne, piled over a mound of crispy seasoned rice, then a flaky croissant from the bakery next door on your way out.

9. Egypt: Kabab Cafe, Astoria

The lion’s share of Egyptian food in New York City is found in Astoria's Little Cairo, the stretch of Steinway Street between 30th Avenue and Astoria Boulevard, and Kabab Cafe is its long-running heart. Chef Ali El Sayed cooks it all himself: start with the mixed mezze platter of falafel, hummus, and fava, then the lamb chops in pomegranate molasses. Come for a long, unhurried lunch, or even take the time to explore the nearby Greek area and its many authentic restaurants.

Honorable Mention - Italy: Jupiter, Midtown

Italy isn't in the 2026 tournament, but the city's connection with and love of Italian cooking doesn't check the standings. For one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC and a long, unhurried meal while the matches play out, book Jupiter in Rockefeller Center. The pastas are made in house, the wine list leans Italian without lecturing you, and the corner banquette is the one to ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I eat during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in NYC?

Pick by the team you're watching: the country sections above cover the nations New York does best, from a Greenpoint taco counter to a Harlem Senegalese spot. For a quality meal near the trains, 5 Acres, NARO, Le Rock, and Jupiter in Rockefeller Center are dependable bets.

Do I need a reservation on match days?

For dinner, yes: book at least a week out for any match with a popular team. Walk-ins are easier for early group-stage games on weekday afternoons, though counter spots like Taqueria Ramirez still draw a line.

What are the best restaurants in Midtown for a pre-match meal?

5 Acres, NARO, and Le Rock, all in Rockefeller Center, are the easy call before heading to the stadium: quality cooking, close to the trains. Sakagura, just east in Murray Hill, or the diverse eateries in SoHo, are other solid options.

When is the FIFA World Cup 2026™?

The tournament runs June 11–July 19, 2026, with the New York-area matches at MetLife Stadium.