Union Square Cafe

"If Union Square Cafe were a Starburst flavor, it would be that pink one that everybody likes. At the second iteration of this classic restaurant, you'll still find the same sort of Italian-influenced seasonal American food they started serving in the 1980s. Depending on the time of year, you might find things like mafaldine with a cheesy duck ragu, a simple heirloom tomato salad, or a pork chop with grilled peaches that tastes like a Norman Rockwell painting. The space is huge and well-decorated, with a great bar area that feels slightly more casual. It’s certainly pricey, and you might have trouble getting a prime reservation, but this is the perfect place to celebrate just about anything." - willa moore, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"A classic New York City restaurant known for its seasonal American cuisine and welcoming atmosphere." - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slope

"Union Square Cafe features the Third Annual Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes; it’s $195 per person, $55 for kids. The meal is inspired by the team’s family holiday traditions, led by chef Lena Ciardullo. The four-course menu will include caviar with tater tots, antipasti, a choice between two seafood pastas, and a choice of beef tenderloin or swordfish piccata. For dessert, it’s orange sorbet and an Italian-inspired cookie tin. Book here." - Eater Staff

"The Deal: $45 Lunch Think of Restaurant Week as an opportunity to take an afternoon off, and get a two-course lunch under the 22-foot-tall ceilings at Union Square Cafe. Entrees include chicken kiev and fettuccine al limone, but the correct order is the burger, with its thick patty and poppy seed bun." - bryan kim, willa moore, sonal shah, neha talreja, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick

"Most Union Square Hospitality Group spots (such as Marta) are quite spacious, but we're going with the one that started it all. This classic NYC American restaurant has been around since Madonna's first North American tour, although it moved to a much bigger space on 19th and Park in 2016. Expect dishes like duck liver mousse, ricotta cavatelli, and roasted monkfish—plus the ability to stretch your arms without hitting someone in the face." - kenny yang