Union Square Café

With so many awards under its belt, including Zagat’s eight-year #1 ranking as New York’s favorite restaurant, it’s hard to remain modest. But this Flatiron District establishment maintains a comfortable, urban farmhouse-type atmosphere despite its accolades and well-dressed clientele. The menu is largely made up of Italian-influenced American fare, with popular dishes like Berkshire pork chop with corn-nectarine salsa, fettuccine with duck meatballs, and fried green tomatoes in a bacon vinaigrette. USC remains only one of two restaurants to win three James Beard Awards for outstanding service, outstanding wine service, and outstanding restaurant respectively.