Why Come Here? Dinner with the parents, suitable for foodie and non-foodie alike
Union Square Cafe was Danny Meyer’s (Gramercy Tavern, Maialino, Shake Shack) first restaurant and at over 25 years old is still going strong. In fact, it might just be New York’s best restaurant for dinner with the parents (at least if they’re like my parents). The decor is classic mahogany and white table clothes without being stuffy or over the top. The noise level is low enough for easy conversation, even at a bigger table. And the food strikes just the right balance of being approachable enough as to not intimidate the “non-adventuorous” eater, but interesting enough to please hardcore foodies.
The menu changes seasonally, but my top picks from our recent meal are below. For a full rundown with pictures, check my DishEnvy page.
Ricotta Gnocci 
Melt-in-your mouth gnocci that’s tangy and rich, so much so I’d probably stick to the appetizer portion unless it’s for the table.
Lobster Ravioli The lobster is often overpowered by the cream sauce in this dish, but not here. Here the flavor really comes through in the best rendition I’ve had.
Frascatelli Alla Romana (w/ pancetta, brussels sprouts & black pepper cream) Usually I don’t like pastas in a creamy sauce, but this worked very well with the pepper and salty pancetta.
Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna Perfectly seared tuna covered in a salty tapenade placed over a phenomenal farro salad. I don’t often order cooked tuna, but I highly recommend this one.
Union Square Cafe
21 East 16th St. (5th Ave. & Union Square West)
New York, NY
