UNION LEAGUE CAFE, New Haven - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Is this a seafood restaurant?

Yes

No

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Details

About

Union League Cafe captures the conviviality and old-world charm of a Parisian brasserie— less formal, more lively, unpressured but with impeccable attention to memorable food, wine, and service. Our cuisine and service is a product of passion and exacting standards—and it guides our team every day. Chef Guillaume’s experience in award-winning restaurants in France, England and Australia honed his passions and inspired his philosophy about cooking: focus on quality, inspire teamwork, surpass expectations. A 4th generation chef from France, he shares a history with ULC founder and mentor, Jean Pierre Vuillermet whose parents also ran a hotel/restaurant in the same village!

PRICE RANGE

$24.00 – $129.00

CUISINES

French, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

536 reviews

Excellent

329

Very good

128

Average

45

Poor

16

Terrible

18

Jaime Ang

Brooklyn77 contributions

Duck confit and seabass fan

Jan 2020 • business

Whenever I see a penicillin on the cocktail list, I just have to get it since it is one of my favorites. The Duck confit was a top appetizer, but the octopus was a bit chewy and I have had better pate elsewhere. The dinner special included a seabass which was incredibly tasty, and the excellent waiter helped me choose that dish. Overall this place was solid, but just lacking in the desserts.

Written 29 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

uni0nl

Merci, Jaime!

Written 31 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Isabel089

Boston128 contributions

Appealing bistro feel, good food

Mar 2020 • none

The ambiance took us back to Paris of almost 40 years ago, with waiters in crisp white shirts and black aprons bustling about, white table cloths, classic French dishes, and almost best of all, No Loud Music! In fact, no music at all, just right for good conversation and enjoying the food. As for the food, it was good, but at least the dishes we chose weren't quite up to the rest of the experience. A duck confit dish that had no crisp skin...?? A soup that was pleasant but lacked something, maybe enough butter? But we still really enjoyed the dinner, and the service was fine.

Written 13 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jmstorm

Ringoes78 contributions

New York Restaurant in New Haven

Sept 2021 • none

They bought up the stuffy Union League Club building across the street from Yale and turned it into a superb spot that rivals those million-dollar prix fixe places in New York, where you have to spend $300 and get a bunch of courses you don't want. Inventive, but not off the deep end, cuisine in a rarefied atmosphere. The "bar" is a little quieter than the main dining room.

Written 7 October 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David D

1 contribution

Sad that they do not pay attention to to long-term supporters

Feb 2021 • family

Tried to order Valentine’s Day dinner. Despite well over 25 years of supporting the restaurant, including during the current Covid crisis, they did not return my calls about ordering for Valentine’s day. When I finally reached them it was just “Sorry.” I miss the previous chef and maitré de. I thought the transition would be better, but sadly loyalty does not count.

Written 10 February 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Union League Cafe

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention; we are thrilled we were able to connect and correct. We look forward to your next dining experience.

Written 4 March 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Elisabeth S

Fairfield13 contributions

wonderful romantic evening, excellent service

Aug 2021 • none

We went to Union League for a romantic evening and sat outside in their back courtyard. We started inside with a drink at the bar with a bartender who was quite good. When we walked out to our table outside, we were greeted by our waiter Rob right away. He gave great detail and information about the menu and offering, provided the drinks and food in a very timely manner, was responsive but also read our cues and left us alone for stretches when we wanted to just sit and talk. Overall, the experience was top notch. We will definitely be back!

Written 6 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cenk G

Izmir712 contributions

Great atmosphere with deliciousness

Jan 2020 • family

Great atmosphere with delicious French & European food menu. Steak and fries were just perfectly cooked as it should be. All sides were balanced. Salads were also good and well flavored. Gnocchi and also soup with leek were just great! Shrimp risotto was also a catch...

Written 24 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

uni0nl

We love that you shared your experience and the Shrimp Risotto was the best catch! Merci

Written 31 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Roberta H

New Haven279 contributions

High end French restaurant

Jan 2020 • none

We came on Monday night for my birthday. It was quite empty...they should close Mondays? The atmosphere is elegant, service perfect. We ordered escargot and we were surprised they were not served in the shell as expected. I was disappointed in the Boullabaise as there was a large piece of Halibut, but again whatever shellfish was there was out of the shell. Hubby enjoyed his lamb. Desert was outstanding?

Written 12 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

uni0nl

Dear Roberta, Thank you for sharing your experience.

Written 14 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dustythoughts

Manchester2165 contributions

Lovely date night

Aug 2022 • none

My husband and I came here for a romantic date night, and absolutely loved the atmosphere and food. It's an upscale French restaurant styled after a Parisian café, and the quality of attention to detail was very impressive. When we entered the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by a polite host, who found our reservation and led us to a lovely table in a quiet corner. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive without being overbearing. We shared duck confit, farm melon salad, potato crusted halibut, and creme brûlée, and everything was divine. This is not a cheap restaurant, but you get high quality food and service in return. The restaurant also validates your parking at the next-door parking garage.

Written 29 August 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Corduroy Kid

New Haven161 contributions

Nothing to fault

Oct 2019 • none

We ate inside due to the restrictions we have now on dining out. Our experience could not have been better. The magic three, (food, service, and ambience) were all top notch. I had the tomato salad appetizer which was locally sourced with crisp flavors. The sea bass special had a wonderful mix of textures. It had very complex tastes. The dessert, chocolate duo, was outstanding. Service was impeccable. I am a hard grader and usually not given to such high praise. This experience was different, excellent at every turn.

Written 10 July 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patrice B

15 contributions

Make sure you are properly dressed!

Nov 2021 • none

Three seventy year old ladies walked into this fancy restaurant, dressed nicely but not to the hilt. Reservation made two weeks prior. We were not local or affiliated with Yale, which seems to be extremely important too. Dining area was very inviting and cozy, with some empty tables Host tries to sit us in the "back room" that you walk through to get into the restaurant. It had about three tables stuck in it. After much ado from us, and the threat to leave, he "found" us a table in the fireplaced dining room. What do you know???? Food and drink was very good, waiter pleasant, prices as expected.

Written 22 November 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael

Cape Cod428 contributions

We’ll worth the price

Jul 2023 • couples

Favorite restaurant when we want a great meal.Yes it is expensive. But, you get what you pay for. Service is very attentive without being fawning. Atmosphere superb. Food some of the best on the east coast Wine is pricey but you can find some good values. Duck is always a great meal. They also make great martinis and Manhattans

Written 10 August 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lee

2 contributions

Not a wow!

Dec 2022 • couples

Went to dinner with my husband and the restaurant was fairly empty so we asked for a seat near the fireplace. Instead we got put off to the side with the tiniest table for two that all of our dishes could not even fit. The food was “good” and nothing exceptional as I recently read that it was “best” on many lists and votes. For the prices I expected a wow meal. Service was ok rather flat. I ordered two seafood appetizers and split them with my husband and then was charged 4% on the bill. With all the other restaurants in New Haven and surrounding towns I won’t be back anytime soon sorry to say.

Written 28 December 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Don O

Wilton28 contributions

A superb dining experience

Mar 2023 • none

This was a small family gathering (my cousin and her husband, and their daughter); our reservation brought directly to our table. The menu was great: just a few choices from appetizers through to the dessert. Even the wine list was not overrun with lots of choices. It is a well-thought out menu and wine list. We chose the pate with toast points to share, and our entrees included the salmon, chicken with morels and asparagus, and the Ravioli Raclette. Our waitress was superb, attentive to our needs but not intrusive. We enjoyed our time at the table and the meal at our desired pace - we were not rushed. By the time we left nearly 3 hrs later, the restaurant was full of youg couples, large groups of students (the restaurant is right across the street from the University) and locals. Just great! A little pricey, but you live once.

Written 18 March 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christina FitzGerald

Dear Don, Thank you for your nice words. We strive every day to ensure our guests have a wonderful meal and a marvelous time at our restaurant and it is extremely encouraging for someone to tell us. Thank you again for your kind comments and patronage. We look forward to serving you again soon.

Written 6 April 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

George33801

Hamden329 contributions

Great Dinner on the Terrace

May 2021 • none

This was our first visit to Union League in a while and the first time we sat in the outdoor terrace. As always, we enjoyed the food and service--both met our high expectations based on past visits. The weather cooperated, so the terrace was very comfortable and a great option to indoor dining. We'll definitely consider that in the future. The only downside we could see from being outside was the somewhat limited menu, but that did not stop us from thoroughly enjoying our selections. All in all, this was a great outing and we're looking forward to visiting again.

Written 19 May 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kirk E

East Lyme211 contributions

Another Superb Experience

Apr 2021 • family

This was our third visit to Union League Cafe and it was superb. Our server was Nigel who was very welcoming and efficient. All the food was delicious... Our party had monkfish boullabaisse, the fillet mignon, and the risotto dishes... all were perfect. For dessert we had the souffle de jour (strawberry) and a chocolate dish. All were excellent, in addition to the cocktails. This is likely the best or certainly one of the best restaurants in New Haven and we look forward to returning again!

Written 18 April 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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