The 10 Best Restaurants In Union New Jersey

Union, New Jersey is a pleasant little township with a rapidly increasing population. It is a family town with a high quality of life and a wealth of restaurants to choose from. From casual cafe dining to the highly elegant and decadent, Union’s got it. Here are our top picks for restaurants in Union, New Jersey.

1. Tiff’s Burger and Alehouse

Bar, American

Tiff’s Burger and Alehouse offers a variety of beers and comfort foods in a mellow setting. There are 24 craft beers on tap, which allow you to get a feel for the microbrew culture in this part of the country. The cheeseburgers are especially noteworthy as the cheese is incorporated into the burger itself so it oozes out as you sink your teeth in. Other tasty menu items include fish tacos, chicken & waffles, and pierogies. There are also some delicious small plates and appetizers to choose from if you’re just looking for something to snack on while you enjoy your beer. For this purpose, try the mozzarella triangles or the fried calamari. The interior is spacious and unpretentious; it mainly consists of several cream-colored booths and a large bar.

2. Ristorante da Benito

Restaurant, Italian, French

Ristorante da Benito serves elegant Italian cuisine, such as rack of lamb, Quattro formaggi ravioli, double-cut pork chops, calamari, butternut squash gnocchi, and veal osso bucco. Finish your meal with a decadent chocolate molten lava cake or semifreddogarnished with nuts and berries. Of course, like any reputable Italian restaurant, Ristorante da Benito has an excellent selection of Italian wines. We recommend the amarone, but it’d be difficult to go wrong with any choice. The dining area is equally as sophisticated as the food. There is a sumptuous orange feature wall and large French doors, which welcome in golden hued sunlight.

3. Van Gogh’s Ear Café

Cafe, Restaurant, American

Naturally, Van Gogh’s Ear Café opens to an expansive mural of the artist’s iconic Starry Night. The establishment specializes in coffee, desserts, and light fare. Come here for an afternoon caffeine pick-me-up and a simple lunch. The tuna melt, for instance, is served with exceptionally fresh lettuce and tomato with a side of tabouleh salad. Another favorite is the turkey, brie, and apple sandwich served on fresh, airy bread. As for dessert, the peach cobbler is nothing short of heavenly. For a more extravagant coffee beverage, go with the enormous banana mudslide latte. It’s big enough for two but you may find yourself not wanting to share!

4. Mark Twain Diner Restaurant

Bar, Diner, Restaurant, American

It would seem that Union has a penchant for naming its restaurants after famous figures because next on our list is Mark Twain Diner Restaurant. You can even park yourself in a booth next to one of several large portraits of the late writer. The interior is much classier and more refined than a typical diner; picture dark wooden tones, a bar filled with old-fashion glass bottles of spirits, and other antique details. As for the food, it surpasses that of the usual American diner staples in terms of refinement as well. Some particularly noteworthy menu items include the lemon chicken with oven-roasted potatoes and lamb over orzo. Of course, you can also find typical diner comfort fare like corned beef hash, eggs, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and fries to strike your fancy.

5. Gusto Y Sabor

Gusto Y Sabor

Gusto Y Sabor serves highly authentic Colombian cuisine. Start your meal with a chicken or beef empanada, but be sure to save room. The portions here are no joke. Meals come with stewed beans, rice, fresh avocado, and fried plantains. This is an ideal spot for the carnivores among you, as entrées feature items such as eggs, sausage, and steaks a la plancha. Gusto Y Sabor offers a carne asada daily special as well. The sancocho soup with beef, carrots, and other veggies is also delicious. Round out your meal with a fresh mango shake. Gusto Y Sabor will provide you with a truly unforgettable dining experience.

2022 Morris Ave # C, Union, NJ 07083, United States +1 908-686-6380

6. Garden Restaurant

Restaurant, Mediterranean

Garden Restaurant is located near Kean University, making it popular with students and their families. This does not mean, however, that its clientele is limited to this demographic because there’s truly something for everyone here. The food runs on a Mediterranean and multicultural theme. You can come here with the assurance that all ingredients are fresh and meals are served with impeccable presentation. Try ordering the sunset menu, which comes with soup or salad, bread, a main dish, dessert and coffee or tea to finish. All of this comes at quite a reasonable price, too. Be warned – arrive before five o’clock as the restaurant stops taking orders at this time.

7. Kyoto II Japanese Restaurant

Restaurant, Japanese, Sushi

Kyoto II Japanese Restaurant is the place to go for all your Japanese favorites like sushi and udon noodles. They have an extensive sushi menu with creative rolls like the Four Seasons Roll or the Hamptons Roll. If you’re struggling to choose, opt for the festive sushi boat that comes with enough for the whole table to share. Preceed the sushi feast with a salad or tuna dumpling appetizer. Plates come with extravagant decoration and embellishments that are sure to amaze you. Kyoto II Japanese Restaurant has a small interior, so expect a crowd on weekends during the dinner hours. It’s worth noting that this place is BYOB as well.

8. Patio Café & Grill

Patio Café & Grill

Patio Café & Grill serves up a unique blend of classic American dishes and Portuguese cuisine. The tilapia and codfish are crowd favorites. Entrees come with complementary sides ranging from black beans, rice, or veggies to fries or homemade chips. Patio Café & Grill also serves a variety of tasty shrimp dishes like the garlic shrimp. If you’re not into seafood, go with the succulent short ribs, bife á Portuguesa, or the flavorful mixed meat picadinho. If you’re looking for something lighter, order the homemade chicken noodle soup or fresh salad topped with tuna. The delectable serradura, a Portuguese style cookies and cream, makes for an excellent dessert.

1899-1901 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083, United States +1 908-624-1300

9. Kava Restaurant & Lounge

Bar, Charcuterie, Restaurant, Mediterranean, Spanish

Kava Restaurant & Lounge is a Mediterranean tapas bar with lots of lovely cocktails on offer like the elderflower cosmo or lychee martini. There are plenty of wines and delightfully hoppy IPA beers as well as other craft brews and nonalcoholic beverages. Some menu items include the charcuterie board, lamb sliders, veal meatballs, beet and feta salad, grilled octopus, and kava chips. The lounge interior is casual with sultry lighting and consisting of bar style tables and red chairs for seating. It is common to see an international soccer game playing on the flat screen TVs paired with great music over the speakers to complete the European ambiance.

10. Noodlefan

Noodlefan

Noodlefan serves the best Thai food in the area. From sweet and tangy Pad Thai to beef stew, pad see ew, and vegetarian curry, the extensive menu is consistently excellent across the board. We suggest coming in for the $8 lunch special, which comes with an appetizer like vegetable spring rolls. Other outstanding appetizers are the chicken dumplings, chicken satay, and chicken wings in sweet chili sauce. For something to drink, go with the Thai iced coffee or Thai iced tea. The interior is simple and spacious featuring black tables with red accented chairs and striped orange wallpaper. Noodlefan offers food for take out as well.

1029 Stuyvesant Ave, Union, NJ 07083, United States +1 908-688-6767

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