Tops in Union County

[Cheese]

Seeking recommendations of restaurants from haute to humble, all manner of cuisines. We'd prefer ethnic that's authentic, originality in the New American genre. Thanks very much!

[elynchking]

Another vote for A Toute Heure - it's a lovely little bistro with a great menu, good service and outdoor seating in nice weather. BYO. No reservations but you can call ahead and get on the list.

[OGguy]

El Salvadoreno on Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth
Benito (Italian) at 5 Points in Union
Le Rendezvous (Medit/french)on the Boulevard in Kenilworth
Tommy's Italian Hotdogs, 2nd Ave Elizabeth

[gudeatz]

a toute heure, Cranford...Local bistro , mussels prepared many ways, fresh ingredents that are purchased locally. My top choice....

[albinoni]

Il Gabbiano Italian Bistro on South Ave in Cranford is a nice BYO, moderate prices with a good-sized menu and seafood specials according to what's fresh. Food is quite good, preparations are innovative, but it can be slow, so bring enough wine to enjoy the longish waits between courses.

For Portuguese, try Solar do Minho in Roselle Park. Everything about this place is huge--the room, the menu, the portions. Quality may vary somewhat--I have had a special of grilled red snapper that was really inspired, a flavorful filet mignon with shrimp and mushroom sauce the size of a catcher's mitt comes out perfectly grilled, but the paella is so-so (others I know who go there disagree with me on that). They also do rodizio, but I have never tried it.

[aacharya]

Little Havana, in Kenilworth NJ (very ethnic)
Boulevard 527, Kenilworth, NJ (american, but great)
Morris Thai, Union NJ (great thai)

I also like many of the Westfield restos (Southwestern)

Alas, I don't live in Union County, only work here. So I don't get to find the real holes-in-the-wall.

[albinoni]

Update, I would now say that Il Gabbiano is on its way downhill.