New Jersey is basically the capital of the "Italian-American comfort food" universe, and if you’ve spent any time in Union County, you know the competition is brutal. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a spot that claims to have the best vodka sauce in the tri-state area. But Costa's Restaurant Roselle Park occupies a specific, almost nostalgic niche that most modern bistros just can't replicate. It’s located right on Chestnut Street. It’s unassuming from the outside. Yet, for decades, it has been the definitive "special occasion" spot for families who don't want the pretension of a Manhattan steakhouse but demand food that actually tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all Sunday at the stove.
Honestly, people go there for the consistency.
In a world where restaurants change owners every eighteen months and "rebrand" into fusion concepts that nobody asked for, Costa’s has stayed remarkably true to its roots. It is a family-owned institution. That matters. When you walk in, the vibe is immediate—low lighting, white tablecloths, and that specific aroma of garlic and toasted crust that tells you exactly what kind of night you’re about to have. It’s the kind of place where the waiters have been there longer than some of the customers have been alive.
The Reality of the Menu at Costa's Restaurant Roselle Park
Let’s get real about the food. If you’re looking for "deconstructed" anything or foam garnishes, you are in the wrong place. Costa's Restaurant Roselle Park is built on the pillars of Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, meaning the portions are aggressive and the flavors are bold.
One of the most talked-about items is their thin-crust pizza, which occupies a weirdly perfect middle ground between a bar pie and a traditional Neapolitan. It’s crispy enough to hold its own weight but has enough structural integrity to handle a mountain of toppings. But people who only go there for pizza are kinda missing the point. The real magic happens in the kitchen's handling of veal and seafood. The Veal Costa, often topped with prosciutto and eggplant, is a masterclass in savory layers. It isn’t subtle. It’s heavy. It’s rich. It’s exactly what you want on a Tuesday night when the world is exhausting and you just need a plate of carbs and protein that feels like a hug.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
The seafood selection is surprisingly deep for a landlocked spot in Roselle Park. You see a lot of Zuppa di Pesce being carried across the dining room—shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari swimming in a marinara that has clearly been simmering for a long time. They don't skimp on the garlic. If you have a meeting the next morning, maybe bring some mints, because they lean into that classic Italian flavor profile with zero apologies.
Why the Atmosphere Works (And Why Some People Get it Wrong)
If you read reviews of Costa's Restaurant Roselle Park, you’ll occasionally see someone complain that it feels "dated."
That’s a feature, not a bug.
In an era of industrial-chic restaurants with metal chairs and loud acoustic echo, there is something deeply grounding about a carpeted dining room and upholstered seats. It’s quiet enough to actually hear the person across from you. You see multi-generational tables here—grandparents sharing a bottle of red with their grandkids. That doesn't happen at the trendy spots downtown. The "dated" aesthetic is actually a preservation of a specific era of New Jersey dining culture that is rapidly disappearing. It feels like a scene out of a movie, but without the Hollywood artifice.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
The bar area is another story entirely. It’s a bit more casual, a bit more "neighborhood local." You’ll find people grabbing a beer and a slice while watching a game, sitting just a few feet away from a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in the main room. This duality is what keeps the place alive. It serves the blue-collar roots of Roselle Park while maintaining the "fine dining" standards of the old school.
The Logistics: Parking, Prices, and Planning
Roselle Park isn't exactly a sprawling metropolis, so parking can sometimes be a bit of a headache if you show up right at 7:00 PM on a Saturday. There is a lot, but it fills up fast. Pro tip: aim for an early dinner around 5:30 PM or a later seating after 8:00 PM.
Price-wise, it’s fair. You aren't paying diner prices, but you aren't paying "City" prices either. Given that one entree usually provides enough leftovers for lunch the next day, the value proposition is actually pretty high. They also do a lot of catering and private events. If you’ve lived in the area for a while, you’ve almost certainly been to a funeral repast, a communion party, or a rehearsal dinner in their banquet space. They handle volume without the quality dropping off a cliff, which is a rare skill for a kitchen.
What to Actually Order
If it’s your first time, don't overthink it.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
- The Bread: It sounds simple, but the bread basket at Costa's is dangerous. It’s fresh, warm, and serves as the perfect vehicle for whatever sauce is left on your plate later.
- The Hot Antipasto: This is a classic "everything but the kitchen sink" starter. Clams oreganata, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp—it’s the best way to gauge the kitchen’s range.
- Chicken or Veal Savory: Anything with their balsamic reduction or garlic white wine sauce is a safe bet.
- The Pizza: Even if you’re getting a full meal, get a plain pie for the table. Trust me.
There’s a certain skepticism people have toward long-standing local favorites. We tend to think that if a place hasn't changed its menu in ten years, it must be stagnant. But Costa's Restaurant Roselle Park proves that sometimes, "standard" is actually "excellence." They have survived recessions, a global pandemic, and the rise of delivery apps by simply being consistent.
It’s worth noting that they are closed on certain days (usually Mondays), so always check the calendar before you make the drive. Also, they are big on reservations for larger groups. Don't just roll up with ten people and expect a table immediately; the locals know this place is the heartbeat of the town's social scene, and they book ahead.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the daily specials board immediately. The regular menu is great, but the kitchen often does seasonal fish or handmade pastas that aren't on the printed sheet.
- If you’re hosting an event, ask about their "family style" catering packages. It’s significantly more cost-effective than ordering individual trays.
- Request a booth in the back if you want a quieter experience. The front of the house near the bar can get a little boisterous during peak hours.
- Don't skip dessert. The tartufo and cheesecake are exactly what you expect—classic, heavy, and delicious.
- Bring a bottle of wine if you have a specific vintage you love, though their house list is perfectly serviceable for a casual night out.
Ultimately, this isn't just a place to eat. It’s a landmark. In a state that is constantly paving over its history to build luxury condos, spots like Costa's are the anchors that keep the community feeling like a community. Go for the food, stay for the fact that for two hours, the world outside Chestnut Street doesn't seem quite so loud.