Union League Cafe: Elegant French Dining Experience in New Haven

My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful birthday lunch recently. From the moment we arrived we were greeted warmly and our coats were checked. Everyone on the staff is professional and very friendly plus the food was outstanding. We started with scallop ceviche then moved onto tuna tartare and a wonderful tuna nicoise salad. Another highlight for me was the gin cucumber gimlet, one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Thank you so much for making my birthday special, I look forward to returning soon.

I cannot wait to return to this fantastic space, with some fantastic staff. The updated and renovated upper ballroom is quite exquisite with a breathtaking view of the city thru gorgeous windows and you feel taken back almost to a different time and space. I am especially grateful for ARTHUR whom helped at great lengths to ensure I had a pleasant experience. I almost want to plan a random party just so I can return to this amazing space! Don't hesitate to call them and book your next event!

The new management & staff have elevated a New Haven staple to an even higher level! Everything was amazing. The Duck Confit is a must have! French dip was delicious. The Radiatori Pasta was also amazing. Definitely going back!

Arthur was and always is outstanding! From the moment we walked in the doors he greeted us with a, “happy anniversary” and handed us a handwritten card wishing us well on our 16th anniversary. He offered to take our coats properly. He is an exceptional employee who truly cares about every patron that walks in the door. People will forget things they are given but they will never forget how you made them feel. Arthur made us feel like family and we will never forget that feeling. The food is top tier and never disappoints. This is the classiest, nicest place to go in New Haven and you will not be disappointed.

One of the best steaks I’ve had in my life- amazing atmosphere and service from the moment you walk in. Will definitely return! Went for a promotion dinner and definitely felt the love!

Absolutely flawless. If you asked me to come up with a single issue with the experience I had, I wouldn't be able to say a thing. The servers were friendly, charming, efficient, and fully on top of things the entire time. Every dish was perfect. Our table was swapping bites throughout the meal, so I was able to try a bit of almost everything, and nothing was less than stellar. I'll definitely be looking for an excuse to stop by again soon!

Gorgeous spot if you’re feeling bougie. We wanted some high end wine and this was the spot. The sommelier was knowledgeable and chose a 1er cru burgundy for us and we enjoyed with a crab radiatori pasta. All perfect.

Took my wife here for dinner to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary - cannot recommend enough. They do a proper coat check (Arthur, who took our coats and then returned them, sets an incredibly welcoming tone to the experience), which was lovely. They also gave us a lovely card for our anniversary and some beautiful (and tasty) macarons on a decorated plate. Our waitress, Kaula (I believe, I forgot to check the bill for the spelling), was attentive and gave fantastic recommendations. They serve gougères and incredibly soft and air bread before the meal, and we ordered the Duck Confit, which was one of the most delicious dishes I've had since...well, ever (plus the presentation was magnificent). My wife said she could have had three of them for her meal and it was the best non-dessert component of the meal. For dinner, my wife had the Beef Wellington - she doesn't love mushrooms, but she left nothing behind in her enthusiasm for it. The beef was incredibly tender and the crust was perfectly buttery and flakey (she said Paul Hollywood would be proud). I had the Bone Marrow Filet (Kaula's favorite), which was perfection. It was cooked exactly how I requested; tender and juicy, with incredible flavor that required no sauce or extras to gussy up. Finally for dessert Nina had the feuillantine - another Kaula favorite) - which she adored. I had the Pecan Tart, which was excellent. Not an inexpensive meal, but well worth the price - the atmosphere is classy and relaxed, the staff friendly and helpful, and perhaps mostly crucially the food exquisite.