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Guide to Union City

Lunch and date spots

A lunch spot that works for a date because it is quiet enough to talk, not just a place to grab a quick bite.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Kanoa Cafe image 1
Kanoa Cafe image 2
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Ecuadorian restaurant

Spacious and clean Ecuadorian restaurant offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with clear lighting and spectacular music. The vibe feels like home, perfect for couples and those seeking authentic cuisine. Known for excellent Ecuadorian dishes and affordable prices, it stands out as a gem in the community.

Lunch specials run Tuesday to Friday with a $13 deal that includes soup, main dish, and drink. Offers good value and affordable prices for weekday lunches.

Cozy atmosphere suits couples well. Morocho and bolon stand out as tasty treats enjoyed during dates.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Ecuadorian style."

"The seafood rice here is creamy, wet, and packed with seafood."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious and reminds me of Ecuador."

Good to know

1

Kanoa Cafe offers lunch from Tuesday to Friday.

2

They have a $13 lunch deal that includes a soup, main dish, and drink.

3

Parking is difficult; there is no dedicated parking available.

02
Mi Islita Kitchen image 1
Puerto Rican restaurant

Small, quaint setting evokes Puerto Rican soul with beautiful decor and a homey atmosphere. Sounds of Coqui enhance the authentic vibe, making it feel like stepping into a grandmother's kitchen. The place offers exceptional Puerto Rican hospitality in a clean, inviting space.

Lunch offers affordable prices and a chance to try the chef's steak, as the owner often shares food during meals.

Black bean rice with ribs stands out as a flavorful dish that gets repeated praise. The setting suits casual dining with a focus on enjoying hearty, satisfying meals together.

People are saying

"This Puerto Rican food tastes like home and Abuela's cooking."

"The food here is packed with flavor and cooked just right."

"The food at this lunch spot is amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves a mix of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican cuisine.

2

The prices are very fair for the quality they offer.

3

The portions are massive and the prices are extremely fair.

03
MARACAIBO image 1
Restaurant

Elegant space with Venezuelan-inspired decor and warm lighting creates an immersive atmosphere. Loud, live music energizes the room, making conversation challenging but adding to the vibrant vibe. Valet parking and a chic bar area with craft cocktails enhance the overall experience.

Lunch features unbeatable prices and a variety of good new dishes. Soups come out hot as they should, and the atmosphere stays superb throughout the meal.

Attentive service from servers like Alex Valencia and Harold enhances the experience. The menu offers varied dishes like the Maracaibo sampler and perfectly cooked Maracaibo, making it suitable for special occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the cachapa."

"The service here makes it a great spot for a date."

"The lunch specials here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events and busy weekends.

3

Private events can be hosted in the upstairs area.

04
MORENO image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Elegant space combines modern and traditional decor with live Ecuadorian saxophone music, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making the setting feel intimate but sometimes cramped. The vibe reflects authentic Ecuadorian culture through both ambiance and music.

Lunch offers tasty specials and a variety of appetizers, breakfasts, and entrees. The spot suits family meals well with consistently fantastic flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The food here is authentically Ecuadorian and transported me back home."

"This lunch spot's bollo and humitas are delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, over an hour for a table during peak hours.

2

Live music is featured on Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long waits.

05
The Mictlan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with vibrant decor and a diner vibe creates an intimate, warm atmosphere. Music adds to the authentic Mexican experience. Margaritas stand out as a highlight alongside well-regarded birria tacos and creative dishes.

Lunch offers a delicious meal with a quiet atmosphere just after noon.

Back dining room offers a nice, quiet spot for couples. Dishes like steak quesadillas and cheesy nachos come loaded with meat and sides, making them filling choices for a date.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"I thought the birria taco was amazing Mexican food."

"The birria torta is a great surprise, like a panini with excellent dipping sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many vegetarian options alongside traditional meat dishes.

2

The most expensive plate costs $16.99, making it affordable for most diners.

3

Expect inconsistent taco sizes; some are small while others are standard.

06
Garden Cafe and Bistro image 1

Cozy space with beautiful modern decor and a neon sign love seat creates a warm, inviting vibe. Upbeat music plays, though volume can make conversation challenging. Known for excellent pastries and fresh baked bread, it suits relaxed breakfasts and brunches.

Warm, cozy atmosphere suits relaxed lunches or business meetings. Offers a wide variety of excellent sandwiches, lunch deals, and a beautiful dessert selection.

Cozy atmosphere suits romantic dates well. Breakfast here works for a relaxed Sunday morning with a partner.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is so good, it's perfect for Date Spots."

"This lunch spot has fresh, flavorful food made with quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ has a 3% extra charge for credit card payments.

2

An auto gratuity of 18.75% is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours, even with few tables occupied.

07
Trattoria Napoli image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with warm lighting and soft music creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Atmosphere blends rustic charm and modern comfort, making it inviting and calm. Outdoor seating adds reasonable comfort to the experience.

Lunch features calamari and chicken parm with consistent quality. Meals suit a range of ages, including elderly diners.

Cozy atmosphere suits intimate dinners and dates well. The menu features stuffed ravioli with generous portions that satisfy.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, is delicious."

"This lunch spot's pizza has a fantastic, airy, crisp dough."

"It's a great spot for a date night, super cozy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

After 10 PM, only takeaway service is available.

3

Parking in the area can be challenging.

08
Carro Cafe New Jersey image 1

Luxurious interior design features exotic cars and stunning decor, creating a cozy yet nightclub-like atmosphere. Live music with an amazing band energizes the space, making it lively and welcoming. Valet parking adds convenience to the elegant setting.

Lively atmosphere suits lunch well with great food and a vibrant vibe. Live music enhances the experience more during evening hours.

Ambiance suits date nights and catching up with friends. Service by Joanna is friendly and attentive, adding a special touch to celebrations.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious."

"Our server Johanna brought great energy and made our date special."

"Our server Allison was super sweet and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect live music around 10 PM during weekend events.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

09
El Artesano Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space filled with framed Cuban baseball jerseys and carved stone plates creates a warm, authentic vibe. Bright, upbeat atmosphere buzzes with Latin energy and close tables encourage a lively, communal feel. Friendly faces and a welcoming mood make it feel like a home away from home.

Affordable prices make lunch easy, with full meals around $20 including tip. Options include different lunch dishes suitable for quick meals or family dining.

Steak sandwiches and fries stand out as popular choices for couples. Cuban sandwiches also appear on the menu, offering a classic option for shared meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The Cuban sandwiches here are so good for a date spot."

"This lunch spot's Cuban cuisine and fresh bread are amazing."

Good to know

1

Street parking is limited and can be hard to find.

2

The restaurant charges an extra $5 for paying by card.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to limited staff.

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