Union Square, a bustling hub in New York City, is renowned for its dynamic atmosphere and diverse culinary landscape. Amidst the throng of options, finding healthy restaurants in Union Square is not only possible but also rewarding. This guide highlights some of the best spots in the neighborhood that cater to health-conscious diners, offering a variety of nutritious and delicious meals. From farm-to-table concepts to internationally inspired cuisine, Union Square provides ample choices for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying a vibrant dining scene.
Union Square: A Historical and Culinary Melting Pot
Union Square became one of New York City’s most important public spaces when it opened in 1839 and has been thronged at all hours ever since. It’s named not for the Union Army of the Civil War, or for the labor unions that assembled there in the early 20th century, but for the fact that it stands at the union of two thoroughfares, Broadway and Bowery (now Fourth Avenue). The modern New Yorker is frequently found at Union Square, whether passing through its labyrinthine subway station - which accommodates seven lines and 35 million passengers annually, shopping at the four-days-per-week Greenmarket or at one of the big box stores that ring its periphery, or simply meeting friends for a meal or to hang among its landscaped paths.
The neighborhood, for the purposes of this guide, extends from 12th to 20th streets, and from Fifth Avenue to Irving Place, offering endless dining possibilities.
Featured Healthy Dining Options
ABC Kitchen
*Price: Expensive*Cuisine: Contemporary American*Location: Gramercy Park
ABC Kitchen, a Jean-Georges restaurant, stands out for its commitment to community and local producers. Since opening in 2010, it has celebrated community and local producers. Situated steps away from the Union Square Greenmarket, ABC Kitchen specializes in seasonal American cuisine with Jean-Georges’ signature touch of spice, acidity, and Asian flares. The restaurant partners with a diverse network of farmers and purveyors, including Norwich Meadows Farm, Eckerton Hill Farm, and Bodhi Tree Farm. The regularly rotating food and beverage menus showcase organic ingredients, ranging from fresh greens to meats and fruits. Set amidst rich natural woods, ABC Kitchen offers a cozy ambiance, inviting guests to savor celebrated seasonal dishes and local harvests in a warm and inviting setting. The menu emphasizes seasonal vegetables, which are utilized in pretty salads, as well as seafood served roasted, poached, and raw. Though it’s known for light fare, ABC also has a few more substantive choices, like cheeseburgers and pizzas. Lunch, dinner, and brunch are available.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
ilili
*Price: Expensive*Cuisine: Lebanese*Location: Gramercy Park
ilili offers a culinary expression of Lebanon, presenting both traditional Mediterranean plates and creative, contemporary descendants. With an extensive selection of mezze, which are small plates that are perfect for sharing, ilili provides innovative and fresh options. The restaurant is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind, celebrate, share, and revel in both the familiar and the novel.
Casa Mono
Casa Mono, located next to its sister restaurant, Bar Jamon, on Irving Place and 17th Street, offers a tapas bar experience inspired by the cooking of Spain’s Costa Brava.
Little Ruby’s Cafe
Since 2003, Little Ruby’s Cafe has brought Australian cafe culture to New York City, offering approachable all-day fare, specialty drinks, and a full coffee program. Open for brekkie, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Little Ruby’s Cafe’s beloved menu features the signature burgers, pastas, salads and brunch classics, all served in thoughtfully designed spaces. The newest Little Ruby’s Cafe features an airy, multi-level space and a full bar with an exclusive cocktail program alongside our classic menu with new dishes unique to the location. With an expansive terrace and sweeping windows, the West Village restaurant invites guests to absorb the energy of the neighborhood as they enjoy their morning brekkie or grab cocktails and dinner with friends. Little Ruby’s West Village is be open 7 days a week for brekkie, lunch and dinner.
Palma
*Price: Very Expensive*Cuisine: Italian*Location: Greenwich Village
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Palma is nested on quaint Cornelia Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, with a hidden garden filled with fresh flowers in all seasons and a 200-year-old Carriage House for private dining in an elegant yet warm setting. White Stucco walls, beamed ceilings, a salvaged chestnut door & a beautiful garden with ivy-covered walls create an atmosphere where people relax and enjoy life with food and wine. Palma is an organic Italian restaurant, offering a taste of Italian clean food since April 2001. We stay true to generations of our family's cherished recipes and techniques. Our ingredients arrive fresh each day from Palma's garden and local markets. The menu highlights housemade pastas, fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Cafe Cluny
*Price: Expensive*Cuisine: French*Location: West Village
Open since 2006, Cafe Cluny is a neighborhood spot offering French - American dishes with a polished flare. Whether you need that charming place for a date, are in search of the perfect brunch, or just want the best steak frites in town - you will be glad you came to the West Village's famous Cafe Cluny.
The Smith
The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.
Old Town Bar
Besides unfussy drinks, Old Town is also beloved for its straightforward burger, and other standard-issue bar fare - which arrives from the upstairs kitchen - like nachos, mozzarella sticks, and chicken fingers.
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The Stand
The Stand welcomes its guests with their new and exciting presentation of northern Italian taverna fare. Flavors explode with a mix of chef driven small and large composed plates, homemade pastas, Brick Oven specialties and NY Style Pizzas. The beverages include crafted cocktails, a deep list of draft selections and stylistic wine selections along with one of the largest whiskey selection in NYC.
Tony’s Di Napoli
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan near Times Square and the Theater District, Tony’s Di Napoli serves classic, family-style Southern Italian cuisine in generous portions perfect for sharing. A staple in the New York City dining scene for over 20 years, we’re open daily for lunch and dinner-ideal for pre-theater meals, group dining, and special occasions. Our spacious private dining rooms are perfect for corporate events and celebrations. We also offer takeout, delivery from the 40s to the 90s, and full-service off-site catering.
Other Notable Mentions
Peacefood Union Square
UNION SQUARESoup: tomato basilMuffin: banana walnutScone: strawberry lemonGF Biscuit: zucchini red pepper garlic cornSpecials apple and cinnamon walnut buns & you too, always!
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