Bocce in Union Square Park
Tucked on the side of Union Square Park and hidden by the farmers’ market is Bocce, an Italian restaurant that takes its name from the talion ball game inspired from the french boules (pétanque) and the British bowls. They even have a small bocce court on the side by the way if you want to play while waiting for your food to come. So I never really noticed it until we passed in front of it at night, as we heard music and patrons having dinner there. So, few days later, as we had to be in the area, we decided to try their brunch. Light brunch as we had a big dinner that day.
Dining room at Bocce in Union Square Park
Bar area at Bocce in Union Square Park
We decided to sit outside, the weather being really nice, but I could not resist checking out their dining room that was big and inviting, wondering how it would work in the cold winter as it does not seems to be completely closed of...
Here is what we had for brunch:
They have a nice selection of Italian sodas, so Jodi went for the San Pellegrino Aranciata that is a sparkling orange drink, and I chose the chinotto orange drink that I love because of its bitterness.
San Pellegrino Aranciata soda at Bocce in Union Square Park
Chinotto soda at Bocce in Union Square Park
We then shared an appetizer: the Summer melon (cantaloupe) with straciatella cheese and crispy prosciutto (that Jodi avoided). This was small but quite refreshing at least.
Summer melon salad at Bocce in Union Square Park
Summer melon salad at Bocce in Union Square Park
We then wanted to get a pizza mesmerized by what was on tables around us, the crust being puffed up and nicely charred. And I am not talking about their breakfast calzone that looked even more appetizing. We decided to order their cheese pizza, made with tomato, fresh mozzarella, pecorino, parmigiano and basil. This was delicious: the tomato sauce was good and there was a lot of cheese. And that crust: crispy and charred with nice bubbles. A must have.
Cheese pizza at Bocce in Union Square Park
Cheese pizza at Bocce in Union Square Park
We did not get dessert because they only had a lemon cake that was like a cheesecake and had anyway other plans. But this is for another post...
So, in a nutshell, we had a nice brunch at Bocce. I like the atmosphere of the market next to it and I am curious now to try their dinner. I’ll definitely have to go back!
Enjoy (I did)!
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Bocce - 20 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003
