Union Square Cafe

"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

"The little gem salad here is also so good. It's so simple. And the first time I ate it, we were out with another couple and, you know, you have to put a little bit on your plate. I don't want to do that with this salad. I want to eat the whole thing. It's the same as the one at Via Carota in my book. It's refreshing. It's delicious. It's simple. I could order three of those and be happy—three of those and the bread and the butter, that's all I need. It's a perfect meal." - brennan carley