For more than four decades, Michael Ayoub has been shaping New York’s pizza culture, his hands dusted with flour as he mastered everything from Chicago-style to grilled pies. In 2004, he opened Fornino in Williamsburg and quickly made history: his scientifically minded approach to dough fermentation and his inventive toppings helped ignite the artisanal pizza craze that swept through the city in the early 2000s. Fornino—named after Ayoub’s mother’s maiden name, which fittingly translates to “little oven” in Italian—has since become a beloved Brooklyn fixture, known for expertly blistered crusts, thoughtfully layered flavors, and a commitment to using only the best ingredients. Over the years, Ayoub has expanded Fornino to multiple locations while never straying from the fundamentals: balance, creativity, and respect for tradition. At Time Out Market New York, Union Square, Ayoub brings Fornino to Manhattan for the very first time, joining the lineup after years as a favorite at Time Out Market in Dumbo. The Union Square menu highlights his classics—think soppressata, buffalo mozzarella, and broccoli rabe piled high on a sturdy fermented crust—along with crisp salads, focaccia sandwiches, and rotating specials crafted with ingredients sourced from the Union Square Greenmarket, just steps away. Breakfast sammies on housemade focaccia round out the offering, adding a new twist to the Fornino repertoire. With its mix of tradition and innovation, Fornino at Union Square offers a chance to taste a true piece of New York pizza history—one perfected by a chef who has been shaping the craft for over 40 years.

While born in Washington, D.C., chef Dhanapol “Oak” Marprasert grew up in Bangkok’s Samsen neighborhood, surrounded by the hum of street food stalls and the aromas of home cooking. It was there, learning at his mother’s side, that he found a lifelong love for Thai cuisine. Years later, alongside his partner and co-owner Jiraporn “Jina” Tisopa, Marprasert opened Kam Rai Thai in Astoria, a fast-casual spot that quickly became a neighborhood essential for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes from across Thailand. Since its debut two years ago, Kam Rai Thai has earned a devoted following, inspiring a second location this summer at Hudson Yards and now a new chapter at Time Out Market New York, Union Square. At the market, the menu transports diners to Thailand’s streets and kitchens with dishes that balance comfort and complexity. There are smoky grilled pork buns, rich Khao Soi featuring confit chicken in coconut curry, and the crispy Hat Yai fried chicken with sticky rice. And of course, a fan-favorite: pad see ew, wok-charred to perfection with that signature sear. But Kam Rai Thai is more than just food. With Marprasert’s culinary creativity in the kitchen and Tisopa’s warmth and hospitality leading the front of house, the brand reflects a true partnership in life and business. Their approach blends authenticity with accessibility, making every plate both familiar and transporting. For Union Square, Kam Rai Thai brings not only some of New York’s best Thai food, but also a story rooted in family, tradition, and passion for hospitality.

Few teams have reshaped New York dining quite like restaurateur Roni Mazumdar and chef Chintan Pandya. Together, through their hospitality group Unapologetic Foods, they’ve challenged perceptions of Indian cuisine and won near-universal acclaim in the process. Adda brought a casual brilliance to Queens; Dhamaka was hailed for spotlighting “the forgotten side of India”; and Semma, their exploration of Southern Indian heritage cooking, became the first and only Indian restaurant in New York City to earn a Michelin star—along with being named the New York Times’ number one restaurant of the year. With Kebabwala, the duo takes inspiration from the vibrant night markets of Delhi, bringing the energy, aroma, and spectacle of open-fire cooking to Union Square. The stall centers on kebabs kissed by flame and smoke—juicy chicken skewers, tender goat, and even richly flavored bison. Each is charred over an open fire with the kind of care, bold seasoning, and precision that Unapologetic Foods has made its signature. At Time Out Market New York, Union Square, guests can sidle up to the counter and watch the action unfold as skewers sizzle and flames rise. The menu celebrates the communal, festive spirit of Indian night markets, where the food is at once rustic and deeply satisfying, yet elevated by technique and respect for tradition. Kebabwala may be one of Unapologetic Foods’ most anticipated concepts yet—an experience that’s equal parts street food authenticity and culinary mastery, brought straight from Delhi’s markets to New York’s Union Square.

What do stocks and sandwiches have in common? Anthony Valois. After a career in finance and time as a competitive cook, Valois walked away from Wall Street to pursue his true passion: feeding people. His first step was a barbecue restaurant, but it was with Anthony’s Paninoteca—opened in 2018 in Staten Island—that he found his calling. There, his carefully crafted sandwiches, many inspired by Italian traditions and family memories, quickly earned cult status. At Paninoteca, Valois insists on doing things the right way: curing and smoking pastrami in-house, roasting porchetta until its crackly skin shatters at the bite, slicing chicken cutlets paper-thin, and sourcing the very best Italian products he can get his hands on. It’s a philosophy that has resonated with diners citywide—his roast beef sandwich even landed on The New York Times’ list of “57 Sandwiches That Define New York City” and The Infatuation’s roundup of the “18 Best Sandwiches in America.” Now, Valois is bringing his craft to Time Out Market New York, Union Square. Guests can expect a menu that balances tradition with creativity: the Prosciutto Union Square, layered with Prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, and sundried peppers; the Della-Tella, with truffle-studded mortadella, creamy stracciatella, and pistachio pesto; plus weekly surprises echoing the ever-changing specials of his Staten Island shop. With more than 40 sandwiches in his repertoire, Valois makes choosing just one a delicious challenge. But no matter your pick, each creation is built with care, flavor, and a clear love for the craft—proof that leaving finance for food was the best trade he ever made.

Growing up in the Bronx, Kwame Onwuachi’s afternoons often revolved around grabbing a patty or two—a ritual that now inspires Patty Palace, his latest venture at Time Out Market New York, Union Square. Here, the James Beard Award–winning chef gives the beloved Jamaican snack an upgrade worthy of his reputation. Each patty is folded into pillowy coco bread and packed with bold fillings like curried chicken, simmering beef, and jerk mushroom. They’re layered with ginger-cabbage slaw, brushed with jerk BBQ sauce, and finished with a vibrant green seasoning aioli—a true celebration of Caribbean flavors and a reflection of the chef’s creative approach to comfort food. Fans may recognize the concept from Onwuachi’s original Patty Palace truck, parked outside his hit restaurant Tatiana, where the patties quickly drew long lines and cult status. The menu at Time Out Market will also feature Miri, Onwuachi’s sparkling water brand, adding a refreshing pairing to the rich, spicy flavors. It’s a natural extension of a chef who has always balanced storytelling with innovation, bridging his personal history with global culinary acclaim. Kwame Onwuachi is no stranger to the spotlight. Named one of Time’s 100 Next, hailed as the most important chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle, and celebrated for Tatiana at Lincoln Center—which the New York Times named the number one restaurant in New York City—he continues to redefine modern dining. With Patty Palace, he’s sharing a taste of home, elevated for a new audience.

Even though he is one of the trendsetters who sparked the smashed burger movement in NYC, Mark Mendaros didn’t start in the burger biz. His first foray into the New York scene was more about baby back ribs and golden fried chicken at his American bistro, Oola’s Kitchen, in the Lower East Side. But the pandemic had other plans for Mendaros, who, like many proprietors, pivoted his business to a walk-up window-only concept called Smashed NYC. He bet it all on his best-seller—a smash burger—and the rest, as they say, is history. Smashed NYC is a certified hit and its seared, crispy patties have set a trend we have yet to come down from.So what is it that makes Smashed NYC so special? Is it the patties with caramelized, griddled edges? Is it the scratch-made sauces, from the tangy secret smash sauce to the truffle-ized swirl? Or is it the fact that Smashed also serves an excellent vegan burger?Whatever the proverbial secret sauce, Smashed NYC is one burger mainstay we can all get behind.

Coffee Project NY is more than a café. It is a community hub for coffee lovers who want every cup to be thoughtful, sustainable, and crafted with care. Founded in 2015 by Chi Sum Ngai and Kaleena Teoh, Coffee Project NY started as a small East Village shop and has since grown into one of the most respected names in the New York coffee scene. The café first gained attention with creative drinks like the deconstructed latte, a trio that let guests experience espresso, milk, and a finished latte side by side. That mix of curiosity and craft set the tone for everything they do, balancing playfulness with deep respect for coffee as an agricultural product. At Time Out Market Union Square, Coffee Project NY offers a menu centered on espresso drinks and drip coffee. Guests can expect smooth americanos, balanced cappuccinos, rich lattes, and freshly brewed drip made with beans sourced directly from farmers around the world. Every cup reflects the team’s mission to make high quality coffee accessible while honoring the people who grow it. Chi Sum and Kaleena are both licensed Q graders, internationally recognized for their expertise in coffee quality. Beyond their cafés, they operate a roastery and training campus in Long Island City, where they mentor the next generation of roasters and baristas. Their goal is to build community through coffee — and at Time Out Market Union Square, that means starting the day with espresso, drip, and a warm welcome.

La Colombe has become one of the most recognizable names in American coffee, known for pioneering draft lattes and ready to drink cold brews long before they became mainstream. Founded in Philadelphia in 1994, the company has grown into a national brand while keeping its focus on quality sourcing, innovation, and accessibility. Its cafés are popular gathering places and its canned cold brew has become a staple on grocery shelves across the country. At Time Out Market Union Square, La Colombe is serving what it does best: cold brew. Smooth, bold, and naturally sweet, their cold brew is brewed for hours to bring out chocolatey notes and a velvety finish without bitterness. It is refreshing and energizing, the kind of drink that works just as well in the middle of a hot New York afternoon as it does as a quick morning pick me up. La Colombe has built its reputation on rethinking how coffee can be delivered to customers. From the invention of the first draft latte on tap to the wide distribution of canned cold brews, the brand has always tried to bring café quality drinks to more people in more places. That same spirit is what makes their cold brew a perfect fit at Time Out Market Union Square. It is straightforward, reliable, and delicious, offering guests a chance to recharge while exploring the Market’s food and cultural offerings. For those who want coffee that tastes both strong and smooth, La Colombe’s cold brew is an essential stop.

Chef Daniel Boulud is one of New York’s most celebrated chefs, and Épicerie Boulud is his way of bringing the elegance of French cafés and markets to everyday life. Known for impeccable ingredients, classic techniques, and a sense of Parisian charm, Épicerie Boulud is a stop where simple bites feel elevated and special. At Time Out Market Union Square, guests can enjoy a selection of freshly baked croissants and breakfast staples that show off the craft of true French patisserie. The lineup includes plain croissants with golden flaky layers, chocolate croissants with a rich cocoa center, and almond croissants dusted with powdered sugar and filled with sweet almond cream. The menu also offers two styles of egg muffins, delicate, savory bites perfect for a morning on the go, and a salmon navette, a French-style sandwich layered with smoked salmon and accompaniments inside a soft, boat-shaped roll. Together, these items highlight the balance of refinement and accessibility that has defined Chef Daniel's career. Whether you are stopping in for a quick breakfast, picking up a pastry for your commute, or sitting down to savor a flaky croissant with coffee, Épicerie Boulud at Time Out Market Union Square brings a taste of France to Union Square.

Few names in New York dessert culture are as iconic as Magnolia Bakery. What began in a small West Village storefront in 1996 has grown into an international phenomenon, known for its old fashioned charm and timeless American sweets. Beloved for its pastel frosting, whimsical cakes, and nostalgic style, Magnolia Bakery remains a staple for anyone with a sweet tooth. At Time Out Market Union Square, Magnolia Bakery is showcasing some of its greatest hits, beginning with the dessert that helped make it famous: classic banana pudding. This cult favorite layers vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy vanilla pudding into one spoonful of comfort. It has inspired countless imitations but nothing beats the original. The menu also includes a rich fudgy brownie and a classic cheesecake, each prepared with Magnolia’s signature touch that is indulgent, satisfying, and just the right balance of sweetness. These are the kinds of desserts that feel both familiar and celebratory, whether you are sharing with friends or savoring solo. Magnolia Bakery has long been more than just a bakery. It is part of New York’s cultural fabric, a place where visitors and locals alike line up for a taste of something simple, nostalgic, and unforgettable. At Time Out Market Union Square, guests can enjoy a little piece of that tradition without leaving the neighborhood. Whether it is banana pudding, cheesecake, or a brownie, Magnolia’s desserts prove that classics endure for a reason.