Italian café culture has always been about more than coffee. It is about routine, atmosphere, and taking a moment to slow down. La Tazza D’Oro, founded in Prato in 1984, has opened its first United States location in Union Square, introducing New York to a Tuscan institution shaped by decades of craftsmanship.
From the moment you step inside, La Tazza D’Oro feels transportive. The interior is refined yet welcoming, drawing inspiration from historic Italian cafés and executed with quiet attention to detail. A marble bar anchors the space, complemented by mosaic tile floors, walnut wainscoting, and softly lit pastry cases that lend a sense of ease and permanence. Designed by Italian architect Anton Cristell, the room is intentionally free of exposed stainless steel, allowing the materials and the food to remain the focus.
At the center of the experience is the bar, where La Tazza D’Oro’s Italian aperitivo program takes place each day. Aperitivo is treated as a social pause, a moment to slow down and gather. Guests settle in with classic Italian drinks such as Negronis, spritzes, prosecco, and wine, served alongside complimentary savory bites selected by the kitchen. Small slices of pizza, frittata, quiche, sandwiches, olives, and cheeses arrive throughout the hour, creating an easy rhythm as afternoon moves into evening.
Beyond the bar, La Tazza D’Oro shines as a destination for exceptional pastries and savory offerings throughout the day. The pastry program is a standout, showcasing beautifully crafted Italian classics made with precision and heart. From the famed custard-filled cremino to delicate cakes and breakfast pastries, each item reflects the bakery’s deep roots in Prato and its commitment to quality ingredients. Savory menu items round out the experience, making the space equally suited for a morning espresso, leisurely lunch, or an evening stop before dinner.
The opening of La Tazza D’Oro marks another milestone for LDV Hospitality, the global hospitality group founded by John Meadow, known for translating the spirit of *la dolce vita* into modern dining experiences. With La Tazza D’Oro, LDV brings an authentic Italian institution stateside, honoring its heritage while seamlessly adapting it for New York’s vibrant food culture.
Hamptons residents and seasonal visitors may already be familiar with LDV’s growing presence out east. LDV at The Maidstone in East Hampton is heading into its third year, having reintroduced the historic property as a dining and social destination. Barlume, the group’s coastal Italian concept, is also expanding this summer with a second Hamptons location, further strengthening LDV’s connection to the East End dining scene.
With La Tazza D’Oro now open in Union Square, LDV Hospitality continues to connect New York and the Hamptons. Whether experienced in Manhattan or out east, the approach remains consistent, taking time, savoring the moment, and embracing the Italian way of living.
