# Union Restaurant > Union Restaurant — Restaurants restaurants in CA. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/union-restaurant-8240 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Restaurants - **Location**: CA - **Address**: 37 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA, CA - **Phone**: 16267955841 - **Website**: https://unionpasadena.com/about - **Coordinates**: 34.146841, -118.149623 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Cozy, Intimate ## About Union Restaurant is a wine bar and restaurant on Union Street in Pasadena, founded by Marie Petulla with a vision rooted in heartfelt hospitality and seasonal California ingredients. Chef Andrew Mercado crafts rustic, elegant Northern Italian dishes that shift with the seasons, while Wine Director Stefanie Marshall curates a thoughtful list of Italian and Californian producers focused on sustainability and small production. The space offers two distinct energies: a lively front house and a quieter, more intimate back room perfect for a relaxed dinner. Guests consistently rave about the pasta, with the Cacio e Pepe standing out as a menu staple. ## Highlights - **Celebrated pasta** — The Cacio e Pepe is a menu staple and a consistent favorite among diners. - **Curated wine program** — Wine Director Stefanie Marshall selects Italian and Californian small-production wines. - **Seasonal California menu** — Chef Andrew Mercado builds each dish around the best local ingredients of the season. - **Intimate, cozy space** — A lively front room and a quiet back dining area suit every kind of evening out. ## Social - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionpasadena/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unionpasadena/about/ ## FAQ ### Where is Union Restaurant located? Union Restaurant is located at 37 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103. ### How can I contact Union Restaurant? You can reach Union Restaurant by phone at (626) 795-5841 or explore more about them at unionpasadena.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @unionpasadena or on Facebook to stay up to date on seasonal menus and specials. ### What kind of food does Union Restaurant serve? Union Restaurant offers a seasonally driven, Californian interpretation of Northern Italian cuisine. Chef Andrew Mercado crafts rustic yet elegant dishes using the best local California ingredients, with the menu shifting to reflect what is fresh and available. The pasta program is a particular highlight, drawing praise from diners across the board. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Union Restaurant on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### What are popular dishes at Union Restaurant? The Cacio e Pepe is a long-standing menu staple that diners consistently point to as a highlight. The squid ink pasta, described as creamy, light, and bright with lemon, has also won plenty of fans. Seasonal starters like the heirloom tomato and stone fruit appetizer and the local mushroom dish round out a menu worth exploring from start to finish. ### Who founded Union Restaurant and what is the story behind it? Union Restaurant was founded by Marie Petulla, whose vision centers on heartfelt hospitality and a menu grounded in simplicity, seasonality, and community. Chef Andrew Mercado leads the kitchen, while Wine Director Stefanie Marshall oversees a wine program focused on sustainable, small-production Italian and Californian producers. General Manager Logan Bates helps bring it all together into a space where guests are welcomed like family. ### What is the atmosphere like at Union Restaurant? The restaurant has two distinct settings to suit different moods. The front of the house is lively and energetic, while the back dining area is quieter and more intimate. The overall space is cozy and warm, and well suited to date nights, celebrations, or a relaxed solo outing. ### Is Union Restaurant good for special occasions? Union Restaurant is a great fit for date nights, celebrations, and intimate gatherings. The combination of a thoughtful wine program, seasonal Italian cooking, and genuine hospitality creates an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. ### Does Union Restaurant have a wine program? Yes. Wine Director Stefanie Marshall curates a focused selection of Italian and Californian wines, with an emphasis on sustainability, small-production producers, and honest expression. The program is designed to complement the seasonal menu and encourages sharing and savoring at the table. ## Reviews ### fatboyonadiet... — 5.0/5 · Feb 27, 2025 Best pasta in Pasadena! ### local_tori — 5.0/5 · Mar 15, 2025 Food was delicious. The front house seating of the restaurant is very lively and energetic. The back is nice for a quiet chill dinner. ### mikeyeats — 5.0/5 · Aug 21, 2025 One of the best dishes of the summer. Try their heirloom tomato and stone fruit appetizer! ### frank_la — 5.0/5 · Dec 29, 2025 Classy Italian with unique foods and drinks that break the norm. The squid ink pasta was creamy, light and bright with lemon. ### breadchan — 4.3/5 · Oct 18, 2025 Pastas and food was solid, although former was creamy/rich. ### puppiesandchanel — 4.3/5 · Mar 12, 2025 Amazing pasta ### las_0909 — 5.0/5 · Apr 9, 2025 Another solid Italian option in Pasadena. Dishing up quality pasta, everyone is sure to find something that pleases the palate. Cacio e Pepe is the highlight of the meal here, always offered on the menu. The local mushrooms are a solid starter, if not a bit heavy because of the polenta, but still a tasty bite. Pasta options do change and on our visit, we opted for the pesto and pillowy lobster pasta that was a hit with my 8-year old. Good wine offerings, helpful service, and nice atmospher