11 Best Italian Restaurants in Union

“I love food. I love to eat it. I love to cook it. But food to me has always been more than just something to eat. I like to study process. Fun to me is to be able to be in a restaurant kitchen and talk to the chef while he’s making a dish. I want to be able to see what he’s doing and ask about it. Why are you taking the dish off the fire so quickly? Why are you using canned peeled tomatoes rather than fresh? I want to know everything. To me, process can be just as exciting as being presented with the beautiful and delicious final product. This evening, I stopped at an unusual pasta restaurant - All' Assassina. https://www.allassassina.com/ They call themselves the killer pasta project. It’s different. It has an open kitchen. The small dining room is colorful – eye catching. You go up to the front and order your pasta. You decide what will be added in – mushrooms, capers, tomatoes, chicken, olives and more. And then the chef makes it right in front of you. The owner told me that not everybody watches. They’re missing out. This restaurant is offering dinner and a show. And the cooking here is a performance. You get to see what goes into your food and how it is made. It gives you an additional appreciation for what you are about to savor. All the senses go on alert. You could see it. You could hear it in the pan and you could smell it. If you are anywhere near Union, New Jersey, check out All' Assassina. But do not just order and walk away. Look. Listen. And learn. Not everybody likes to cook. But everyone should like to learn. The more you know about what’s in your food and how it is prepared, the more you’ll appreciate good food. The tastes, the textures. Wow. There was an avalanche of different flavors hitting my mouth all at once. It’s worth a trip. Go for the meal. Stay for the show.“

“Four of us ate dinner here on a Thursday night. The restaurant was relatively empty and nice and quiet. Very different from the weekends.

This is a very expensive restaurant but also a very extraordinary restaurant, so we felt the expense was worth it.

Decor is upscale and elegant. Perfect to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or just to have a nice dinner with friends.

The tables all have white table cloths, and service was amazing. There is also an extensive wine menu. To our delight they serve our favorite Sancerre (unusual to find in an Italian restaurant) and at a very reasonable price.

The complimentary bread served at the outset was fresh and very tasty.

The grilled octopus appetizer with chickpea sauce was tender. The pasta with pieces of shrimp for the second course was tasty, though the shrimp was slight overdone.

The main courses were all fabulous. The char and swordfish were nice and moist. The filet mignon was one of the best I've had and a huge portion. Side orders of mushrooms and broccoli rabe were very excellent.

The Italian cheese cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert was amazing. The biscotti, espressos, tea, and sauterne were also great.

The ambiance here is wonderful, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the chef himself even came out to offer us a suggestion on something we ordered. It was an absolutely perfect fine dining experience and we will definitely return.

Parking: Large lot across the street. But busy on the weekends.“

“A lovely traditional Italian dining experience, this restaurant definitely tickled this Italian girls fancy! From the olive oil and warm bread to dip, to miniature lemon gelato as a pallet cleanser before our entrée, I was repeatedly impressed with our experience. I highly recommend.“

“Patty and staff are the best. The food is great. The vibe is chill. People are just there to eat, drink and have a good time. Highly recommend.“

“Best Pizza in my own price segment preference, best than freshslice, papajohns, domino's. Friendly for student's pocket. must go place.“

“I've been going to Constantino's for a few weeks now and I must say it's one of my favorite places. I was a little disappointed a few years ago but Bill def has some incredible food. So far I've been sampling the sandwiches my favorites are the pork cutlet and the amazing turkey meatball park with vodka sauce ( delicious!!). I just had the Italian and it was perfect! Highly recommend this place!“

“Had a lunch for a large group at Cioffis after my mom’s funeral. Reasonably priced, delicious, great service and everyone there could not be nicer. Highly recommend.“

“B Tier Pizza. Tastes very dry, cheese quality and sauce could be better but it's overall OK and "gets the job done" if you live nearby and just need something to eat. Avoid the chicken roll or any roll they make and just stick to their pizzas if you happen to be there.“

“I love and I do mean love their pizza. Anyone choose one it's always good. Also must try their Chicken Cesar salad. If you trying to ball on a budget they have the Family deal 2 Large pizza and a large pan of the chicken Cesar salad. You won't regret it.

Parking: They share parking with the Liquor store next to it. Somewhat small parking lot.“

“Came in on Friday night, about a hour before closing, and who I believe to be the owner, was awesome. He still honored us a special that was valid Mon-Thursday and come to find extra food thrown in as well. And not to mention the food was deliciousssss!!“

“This is some insanely awesome pizza!!!!! The Sicilian slices are the absolute best!!!! Especially, when I put either grilled chicken and banana peppers or a buffalo chicken slice(s). There's a reason I eat here twice a week. Please keep up the amazing work!“