After nearly a year away, Danny Meyer's original hit is back with a few updates and a similar feel.

New York felt the loss of Danny Meyer's breakthrough restaurant, Union Square Cafe, when it closed at the end of 2015 but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Soon, diners will be able to nibble of the classic taste of their ricotta gnocchi and lamb chops along with new plates revealed for the relaunch.

This new site, located a few minutes away on the corner of Park Ave and East 19th, has some similarities to the original but has also evolved to some extent to fill its new space. Instead of a first time try by a 27-year-old, everything in this new space is well thought out, with grand high ceilings, a proper mezzanine and a small second bar, while still maintaining that intimate feel that drew people back time and time again.  Around one-third of the previous servers have returned, carrying on the tradition that has made USQ such an institution for the last 30 years.

Chef Carmen Quagliata has revealed a few of the new dishes from the forthcoming relaunch which includes braised lamb shank with salsa verde and polenta with sweet potatoes. Another new addition: for the first time, they'll be baking their own bread in house reenforcing the hands-on feel that has made it such a success through all these years.  

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