Just when we featured ice-cream shops around UC last week, the weather has turned cloudy, rainy and chilly! Well, they say if you don’t like the weather in New Jersey, just wait a few minutes.

So this week, we’re trading cold scoops for hearty bowls. We’re rounding up the ramen spots serving up soul-warming broths across UC. Plus, don’t miss our roundup of the latest restaurant openings—perfect for when you need a warm sweater and an even warmer meal.

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Cafe Isola
35 Elm St., Westfield, NJ 07090

Cafe Isola, a Jersey Shore favorite, made its Westfield debut on June 4. This Tuscan-style trattoria offers a mozzarella bar, fresh pasta made on site, and a seasonally rotating, locally sourced menu, all served in a warm, remodeled dining room under the direction of Executive Chef Ermeliner Firmani.

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Sum Ramen
9 Elm Street, Westfield

At Sum Ramen’s Westfield location—where the motto is “Eat Ramen Like a Hot Shot”—you’ll find house-crafted noodles swimming in rich, flavor-packed broths, from classic tonkotsu and miso to spicy specials. Topped with tender pork, marinated egg, and seasonal vegetables, each bowl offers a modern twist on a comforting staple.

Ani Ramen House
109 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
427 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Ani Ramen House in Cranford and Summit focuses squarely on authentic ramen, serving handmade noodles in deeply savory tonkotsu, shoyu, and vegetarian miso broths. Pair your bowl with gyoza or izakaya-style small plates in a minimalist, casual setting that’s perfect for a satisfying midweek pick-me-up.

Kinya Ramen Sushi & Bubble Tea
1701 W Edgar Road, Linden, NJ 07036

Kinya in Linden combines elegant ramen bowls—featuring savory broths and fresh noodles—with sushi rolls, bubble tea, and yakitori, all in a relaxed BYOB atmosphere. It’s a one-stop spot for anyone craving both hot noodles and cool sips on a brisk June evening.

Kawa Ramen House
133 South Street, New Providence, NJ 07974

Kawa Ramen House crafts house-made broths simmered for 48 hours—choose from creamy tonkotsu, savory miso, or classic shoyu—poured over springy noodles and piled high with chashu pork, seasoned egg, and wood-ear mushrooms. Don’t miss their “Noodle Specials,” like Kimchi Beef Ramen or Coconut Curry Ramen, for bold, global twists in a laid-back setting.

The Withers Wine Dinner
June 25, 2025 (6:30 PM)
395 Springfield Avenue, Summit
Summit House teams with Andrew Tow of The Withers Winery for a four-course summer menu—think Jersey-peach salad and dry-aged strip steak—paired to limited-production California Rhône blends. Withers earned Wine & Spirits’ “Top 100 Wineries” nod, so expect cellar-worthy pours and plenty of winemaker stories between courses.

Annual Hospice Auxiliary Wine Tasting
June 29, 2025 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
16 Prospect Wine Bar and Bistro, Westfield
Support the Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Auxiliary with an afternoon of wine tasting at Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro. Sample a curated flight of red, white, and sparkling wines alongside light hors d’oeuvres, mingle with fellow supporters, and learn about the mission behind each pour. Proceeds benefit local hospice care programs.

Chef’s Surprise Tasting Menu
July 11, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
12 Bank Street, Summit
Farinolio turns its piazza-style café into a ten-course tour of Italy: rare import cheeses, hand-rolled pasta, and a secret main unveiled tableside. Communal seating keeps the vibe lively; BYO is welcome. Deposits are still open, so grab a seat before this one sells out.

Bologna Dinner Experience
July 25, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
12 Bank Street, Summit
Celebrate Emilia-Romagna with an all-Bolognese feast—mortadella flights, slow-simmered ragù, and Lambrusco-friendly desserts—served famiglia-style at Farinolio’s long table. The chefs weave regional history between bites, making this both dinner and mini-master class. Seats are currently available.

A Summer Feast: Hands-On Adult Cooking Class
July 26, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
710 South Avenue West, Westfield
Roll up your sleeves at Cooking Thyme’s Saturday workshop. Chef James Standridge guides 20 guests through pan-fried fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken piccata with lemon-caper sauce, and a mango-kissed tiramisu. You’ll cook, dine, and take home new skills—no cleanup required.

Alsacian Wine Dinner
August 14, 2025 (6:30 PM)
431 North Avenue West, Westfield
Journey to the foothills of the Vosges at Chez Catherine’s Alsacian Wine Dinner, where a four-course feast is expertly paired with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris selections. Discover how each varietal’s aromatic profile complements savory Alsatian-inspired dishes, and enjoy insights from the chef and sommelier throughout the evening. Limited seating—reserve your spot early.

Union’s Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 22, 2025 (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Biertuempfel Park, Winslow Avenue, Union
Hosted by Moneta-Kai, this Juneteenth celebration features live music, cultural performances, and a curated selection of food trucks. Admission is free.

Adult Grab & Go Craft: Plant Cage
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Stop by Cranford Public Library on June 25 to pick up this month’s “Plant Cage” craft kit. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cranford Public Library, this self-guided project lets you assemble a decorative plant cage at home—just grab your kit while supplies last.

Screen on the Green: “Moana 2”
Thursday, July 3, 2025 (Dance party 7:15 PM; Movie 8:00 PM)
Village Green, Summit
Summit’s beloved open-air cinema series returns with pre-show dance parties, food-truck fare and blockbuster hits every other Thursday. The summer opens with the brand-new “Moana 2,” projected on a jumbo screen under the stars—perfect for a picnic blanket night out.

Sweet Sounds Downtown – Opening Night
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
Quimby Street & surrounding venues, Westfield
Westfield turns its streets into three open-air stages every Tuesday in July and August. Opening night starts earlier this year—Quimby jams at 6, with Central Ave and Foundation Park striking up at 7—for an evening of jazz, rock, and R&B plus al-fresco dining deals from downtown restaurants.

Hot Summer Nights: Almost Eras (Taylor Tribute)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Village Green, Summit
Summit’s Tuesday concert series opens with a Taylor-inspired sing-along that’s part tribute show, part community karaoke. Expect plenty of friendship bracelets and food-truck snacks; later weeks bring ’80s hits and big-band swing.

Looking for fresh produce? There is a farmers market for almost each day of the week in Union County with the exception of Tuesdays and Fridays.

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