Quick Bite

Gusta Rosso Trattoria & Bar

Italian-American cuisine served in a spacious storefront with casual, contemporary décor.

Beet-watermelon-radish salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing.
Beet-watermelon-radish salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing.
Photo by Deborah Carter

Gusta Rosso Trattoria & Bar
Union
1998 Morris Avenue
908-623-3333

Open: Lunch & dinner Tues–Sun

Price: $$/$$$

Style: Italian-American cuisine served in a spacious storefront with casual, contemporary décor. Sit at high-tops, regular tables or at the large bar bristling with flat screens.

The Scoop: With the advent of a new chef in January, the owners transformed Kava Lounge, a Mediterranean small-plates spot, into this more ambitious Italian restaurant. Friday and Saturday nights, however, still bring on deejays and dancing.

The Menu: Count on a diverse list of specials: one night, a crisp and refreshing beet-watermelon-radish salad with blue cheese and balsamic dressing (left); on another, Wagyu beef sliders from butcher Pat LaFrieda. The menu begins with bar bites such as chicken wings,  Grandma’s meatballs, crispy calamari and Pazzo (“crazy” in Italian) fries replete with vodka sauce fondue and Calabrese chilies. All pastas are made in-house, including lobster ravioli, served with Newburg sauce and mascarpone. A boneless veal chop was thick, juicy and delicious. There are also a 28-day dry-aged NY strip steak and a variety of chicken dishes.

Heads Up: Parking is plentiful in a municipal lot behind the restaurant.

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What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.

Restaurant Details

  • Cuisine Type:
    Italian
  • Price Range:
    Moderate
  • Gusta Rosso Trattoria & Bar
    1998 Morris Avenue
    Union, NJ 07083
  • Hours:
    Lunch & dinner Tues–Sun.
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