Best Italian Restaurants in Union Square
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tarallucci e Vino - Union Square
Day-to-night Italian cafe with a deep wine-and-aperitivo bench.
Notable Picks
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.
#2
Vallata
8.1
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.