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Best Business Lunch Power Players Restaurants in Union Square

8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
L'Express
A true NYC French bistro institution that stays open when you need it most.

Notable Picks

$$ Union Square French
A timeless Lyonnaise-style bistro that’s been feeding Gramercy late into the night for decades, with a menu full of comforting French standards. Expect steady execution, old-school charm, and a crowd that treats it like their second living room.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak frites, Soupe à l’oignon gratinée, Roast chicken with jus
What makes it special: A true NYC French bistro institution that stays open when you need it most.
$$$ Union Square Middle Eastern
A bright, counter-service offshoot of Taboon focused on taboon-oven pitas, shawarma, and sabich. The menu balances comfort and freshness—creamy hummus, crisp salads, and smoky meats show up with steady praise. Strong cross-platform review volume supports its reliability.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb shawarma pita, Sabich with eggplant, Cauliflower pita
What makes it special: Taboon-oven Israeli street fare with excellent throughput.
8.2
$$$$ Union Square
A sleek Park Avenue South seafood room that blends raw-bar glamour with Japanese-leaning precision. The menu is wide but well-focused on bright, fresh preparations and comforting, sake-glazed mains.
Must-Try Dishes: Toro tartare with caviar, Alaskan black cod with sake glaze, Seasonal ceviche
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized seafood with a standout raw bar and sushi counter.
$$ Union Square Italian
An all-day Italian cafe-restaurant that shifts smoothly from espresso and pastries to pasta and wine. The cooking stays straightforward—think Roman-style comfort with a reliable aperitivo scene.
Must-Try Dishes: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Polpettine Meatballs, Seasonal Focaccia
What makes it special: Day-to-night Italian cafe with a deep wine-and-aperitivo bench.
8.1
$$$ Union Square
A serene plant-forward dining room where vegetable cooking gets fine-dining attention without feeling heavy. Great for a calm, health-minded business lunch that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes: Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Gluten-Free Almond Pancake, Mushroom & Tofu ‘Un-Fried Rice’
What makes it special: Jean-Georges’ vegetable-centric spot that makes greens feel luxurious.
8.1
$ Union Square Italian
Tom Colicchio’s neighborhood trattoria near Union Square emphasizes polished classics and hand-made pastas. It’s a smaller, calmer room than many Gramercy peers, best for a focused pasta-and-wine dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: Paccheri with Fennel Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, Veal & Ricotta Meatballs, Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
What makes it special: Celebrity-chef trattoria with a tight, pasta-forward menu.
$ Union Square Korean
A lively, modern Korean tavern pairing crowd-pleasing classics with a polished bar program. The upstairs BBQ room and downstairs small plates make it easy to tailor the night from quick bites to full feast.
Must-Try Dishes: Stone bowl bibimbap, Spicy pork ssam, Braised octopus with gochujang
What makes it special: A two-level Korean tavern with optional tabletop BBQ.

Worthy Picks

7.7
$$$ Union Square Vietnamese, Pho
A calm Union Square-area dining room serving clean, well-balanced pho with a lighter broth and careful seasoning. It’s a comfortable sit-down pick when you want pho in a quieter setting than the East Village core.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho Dac Biet (house special pho), Pho Tai (rare steak), Crispy spring rolls
What makes it special: A quieter Union Square pho bowl with careful, not-over-salty broth.