Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Union Square

Authentic spots

A meal that stays true to its roots instead of catering to the most common denominator.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated June 2026
01
Narkara image 1
Narkara image 2
Narkara image 3
View all
Thai restaurant

Stylish restaurant blends authentic Northern Thai flavors with a warm, elegant atmosphere. Dishes like spicy Northern Thai sausage offer bold tastes. Vibrant yet cozy vibe suits fine dining and casual visits alike.

Food offers authentic Northern and Isaan Thai flavors with a refined touch. Dishes like the Northern Thai sausage come packed with spices and bold flavor.

People are saying

"The food, especially the Roasted Seabass in Banana Leaf, is amazing."

"The elegant vibe here is perfect for a date night."

"The authentic Northern Thai flavors here are bold, fresh, and unlike anything I've tried."

Good to know

1

The menu features unique Northern and Northeastern Thai dishes not commonly found in NYC.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

3

Prices are higher than average for Thai cuisine, reflecting the quality of ingredients.

02
Palermo Argentinian Bistro Gramercy image 1

Argentinian restaurant shines with authentic flavors and traditional recipes. Cozy, romantic vibe pairs well with live music and modern design. Perfect for intimate dinners and steak lovers.

Dishes showcase authentic Argentina flavors with a focus on traditional recipes. Food consistently tastes delicious and genuine, reflecting true Argentinian cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The beef empanadas are just like the ones in Argentina."

"I experienced the most authentic Argentinian food, full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

03
Pizzazz image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza shop offers brick oven baking for authentic flavor and fresh dough pizzas. Stylish interior with upbeat music creates a warm vibe. Known for high-quality ingredients and quick, handcrafted pies.

Pizza comes with fresh dough and a brick oven baking that adds a special flavor. Staff deliver an authentic New York pizza experience with Italian-style options like wild mushroom pizza.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"The pizzas here are delicious, with a crispy crust and fresh ingredients."

"I found the pizza to be authentic with amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

There isnโ€™t any indoor seating available at this pizza spot.

2

The entire process from placing the order to leaving takes only 5 minutes.

3

The restaurant imports almost all of their ingredients from Italy for quality.

04
LOS TACOS No.1 image 1
Taco restaurant

Bright red-and-white design and Mexican music create a lively, authentic vibe. Tacos feature quality corn tortillas and well-prepared meats for full flavor. Standing tables add to the fresh, colorful space that feels like eating in Mexico.

Tacos deliver a full flavor and a very authentic taste. The experience captures the essence of traditional taco preparation.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've ever had."

"The carne asada quesadilla was juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor."

"I found the tacos to be authentic and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines between 11:00AM and 11:30AM; arrive early to avoid waits.

2

The restaurant has no seating available; plan to eat standing or take out.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also an option.

05
17th St by ColaKicks image 1

Boutique space offers a warm, vibey atmosphere with authentic designer handbags and a clean, welcoming design. It features an amazing selection of vintage luxury bags at fair prices. Environment feels authentic and inviting for unique, quality pieces.

Handbags are authentic designer items with 100% genuine pieces. Products consistently show beautiful and authentic qualities.

People are saying

"The vintage staff here is so helpful and knowledgeable."

"I found classic and current footwear, plus rare vintage pieces."

"I found the designer handbags to be beautiful and authentic."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a curated selection of vintage designer bags, shoes, and apparel.

2

Expect to find many unique pieces of vintage fashion.

3

Prices are competitive, making it a great place for vintage finds.

06
Kanyakumari image 1
South Indian restaurant

South Indian restaurant serves authentic flavors from multiple states in a cramped space with traditional and modern decor. Loud music creates a vibrant atmosphere while brassware highlights add charm. Desserts come on a unique seashell platter.

Food offers authentic South Indian and Konkani flavors with a wide variety of dishes from different Indian states. The taste stands out as very flavorful and true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The food here is super flavorful and tastes so fresh."

"The Indian food here is full of flavor and spice."

"The authentic South Indian flavors tasted fresh and were beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Brunch specials are popular and well-liked by customers.

3

Special dessert shows are available for birthdays upon request.

07
Rainbow Falafel image 1
Falafel restaurant

Tiny take-out spot with family-run charm serves authentic falafel that is fresh and crispy. No indoor seating but nearby outdoor tables offer a casual place to eat. Food quality varies, yet falafel remains a standout.

Falafels here are self-made and deliver a truly authentic taste. They stand out as some of the most genuine falafels in the city.

People are saying

"The falafel here is so fresh and crispy outside, soft inside."

"The falafel here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the falafel here to be as authentic as it gets."

Good to know

1

The restaurant takes cash only or Venmo.

2

There are no seats, tables, servers, or bathrooms at the falafel shop.

3

The restaurant is a take out falafel place.

08
Pasta Eater image 1
Italian restaurant

Fresh pasta is made in full view, adding to the lively atmosphere. Authentic Italian flavors shine through with traditional pasta and quality ingredients. Live 80s music and close seating create a bustling vibe that feels like a joyful holiday.

Dishes feature authentic Italian flavors with pasta that tastes like it came straight from Italy. Quality ingredients create a truly traditional experience that feels like a holiday in Italy.

People are saying

"The pasta here is fresh and tastes just like Italy."

"The cannoli here are divine and delicious."

"The pasta here is so authentic and made with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must at Pasta Eater due to the cramped space and increasing popularity.

2

Expect to wait 30 minutes after your reservation time to be seated.

3

The prices on the website are about $10 lower than the price in store.

09
La Tazza D'Oro NYC image 1

Spacious cafe offers a bright, relaxed vibe with ample seating and elegant Italian design. Authentic Italian pastries and coffee from Florence deliver genuine flavors. Traditional lasagna and pasta match the authentic Italian touch inside.

Authentic Italian pastries and coffee from Florence bring genuine flavors. The lasagna and pasta taste true to traditional recipes, matched by an interior with an authentic Italian touch.

People are saying

"The pastries here are flaky, flavorful, and feel like Italy."

"This lunch spot's lasagna is the best I've ever had."

"The authentic pastries and espresso make you feel like you're in Italy."

Good to know

1

The cafe serves lunch from 12โ€“3 pm and offers fresh salads all day.

2

Expect the cafe to be busy, especially around lunchtime.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

10
Venchi image 1
Ice cream shop

Space shaped like a tapering triangle offers chocolate pouring walls and a chocolate fountain at the back. Rich, authentic flavors shine in quality chocolates and pistachio gelato with no additives. Warm, welcoming atmosphere feels like a Wonka fantasy with free samples and soothing music.

Quality chocolates stand out with rich, authentic flavors. Pistachio gelato contains no color additives and tastes genuine.

People are saying

"The gelato here is so creamy and delicious."

"The chocolate here is amazing and creamy."

"I loved the rich, authentic flavor of their gelato."

Good to know

1

There is no parking in this area.

2

The prices are crazy expensive.

3

Customers must decide on the size and pay before trying the flavors.

11
Mission Ceviche Union Square image 1

Peruvian restaurant shines with authentic ceviche and fresh ingredients. Chic minimalist decor and nautical accents create a laidback vibe. Live DJ and vibrant bar add energy to the space.

Dishes feature authentic Peruvian flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The ceviche stands out for its freshness, and the choclo con queso offers a genuine taste experience.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is outstanding and tastes so fresh."

"The cocktails here are creative and amazing."

"The authentic Peruvian food here is bursting with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

Good to know

1

Reservations may be canceled without notice, so confirm before visiting.

2

Expect high prices for dishes, reflecting elevated Peruvian cuisine.

3

Mocktails advertised may not be available, so check beforehand.

12
La Dong image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes beyond pho and banh mi. Charming contemporary design features rattan lotus lights creating a classy, friendly vibe. Enjoy crafted cocktails and a unique Vietnamese gin selection in a welcoming atmosphere.

Vietnamese dishes go beyond pho and banh mi with authentic flavors and great attention to detail. The atmosphere supports an authentic vibe alongside creative drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The Wagyu Pho here has an excellent, flavorful broth."

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Make sure to make a reservation before visiting.

2

La Dong charges almost $30 for its bรบn bรฒ Huแบฟ.

3

The restaurant could accommodate a big party of 20 people.

13
Laut image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Small space with old school Malaysian decor creates a cozy vibe. Noodle dishes offer a distinct fire taste and authentic Asian flavors. Cocktails feature unique presentations, making the experience both flavorful and memorable.

Noodle dishes and pan-served meals have a distinct fire taste. The food delivers a very authentic Asian flavor throughout. Overall, dishes come across as incredible and delicious.

People are saying

"The duck curry and soft shell crab curry were rich and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic Malaysian flavors and rich, aromatic broth."

"They offer a lot of great vegetarian and vegan options."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as people without them were leaving due to a long wait.

2

There is a 90 minute cap on the table due to high bookings.

3

The restaurant charges a $20 cancellation fee for each person if you cancel a reservation.

14
Le Basque French Vegan Restaurant image 1

Elegant dining space with an open glass ceiling sets a calm, romantic mood. Cocktails offer unique flavors that pair well with a fully vegan menu. Rich, authentic tastes shine, especially in the quail egg dish, perfect for intimate occasions despite slightly cramped seating.

Flavors come through as rich and authentic. The quail egg tastes and looks especially authentic.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is outstanding and incredibly flavorful."

"The desserts here are rich, citrusy, and a perfect sweet finish."

"The flavors here are rich and authentic, like the quail egg."

Good to know

1

Reservations are suggested for the upper level to ensure a comfortable experience.

2

The restaurant offers a unique vegan menu inspired by the Basque region.

3

Casual wear is acceptable, making it a relaxed dining option.

15
Tsuru Ton Tan - Union Square image 1
Japanese restaurant

Udon offers authentic Japanese flavor despite a high price. Space features unique textured walls and a beautiful bar with tight seating for groups. Atmosphere is hip and lively, filled with music and chatter across varied decor floors.

Udon here delivers an authentic Japanese taste that stands out. The dishes capture the true flavor of Japan despite a steep price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the udon and sushi, is amazing."

"The service here is so friendly and accommodating."

"I found authentic udon that tasted like Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for groups.

2

The restaurant has a B rating from the health department.

3

Happy hour runs after 8pm until closing with cheaper food and drinks.

Discover more

Union Square, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...