Rao’s
Italian · Albans
Sobre Rao’s
En Rao's, te invitamos a disfrutar de una experiencia culinaria italiana auténtica y exclusiva. Con solo diez mesas, nuestro restaurante se ha convertido en un icono donde la calidad de nuestros platos y un ambiente selecto se unen para crear momentos inolvidables. Descubre un rincón único en Albans...
En Rao's, te invitamos a disfrutar de una experiencia culinaria italiana auténtica y exclusiva. Con solo diez mesas, nuestro restaurante se ha convertido en un icono donde la calidad de nuestros platos y un ambiente selecto se unen para crear momentos inolvidables. Descubre un rincón único en Albans, donde cada visita es una ocasión especial.
Què diuen els clients de Rao’s
Rao's offers an amazing, almost legendary, dining experience with a unique, nostalgic atmosphere. The food is phenomenal, especially the meatballs and baked clams. Getting a reservation can be challenging, but the experience is worth it.
Plats populars
Ideal per a
Tip: Trust the staff's recommendations; they treat you like family. Be prepared for a unique, cash-only experience with a classic New York ambiance.
Services
Què veure a prop
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Explora els voltants de Rao’s
Rao’s es troba a Albans, envoltat de llocs d'interès cultural i històric. Aquests són alguns dels punts més destacats als voltants.
Edificis Religiosos
- Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (A 100m) — church building in New York City, United States of America
- Holy Rosary Church (A 401m) — Manhattan
- Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels (A 544m) — former Catholic church in New York City
- St. Johannes Kirche (A 709m) — church building in Manhattan, United States of America
- Primera Iglesia Hispana Metodista Unida (A 803m) — church building and religious congregation in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York, United States
Parcs i Jardins
- Thomas Jefferson Park (A 109m) — park in Manhattan
- Jefferson Park (A 129m) — park in Manhattan, New York City, United States of America
Altres Llocs d'Interès
- 1199 Plaza (A 431m) — large public housing project in New York City
- St. Joseph's Chapel of the Manhattan State Hospital (A 666m) — building in New York, United States of America
- Icahn Stadium (A 752m) — estadio en Nueva York, Estados Unidos
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Preguntes freqüents sobre Rao’s
Opinions de Rao’s Albans
If you can get in, take advantage of the opportunity because your chances are better getting invited to eat dinner with the president. You can try your luck with making reservations online but do not hold your breath. There is a reason why this place is so exclusive. It's known for catering the underworld and the most powerful. It has a bit of a dark history that makes it attractive and honestly your only chance of looking inside is viewing Leonardo Dicaprio eat with his lawyer on the Wolf Of Wallstreet. The tables at this attraction are owned and rented. I was lucky enough to dine with the exclusives only because my boss knew someone, who knew someone who owned a table. It was the best prepared meal I have ever eaten. I really felt like I was dinning in the old country. We ordered a mass variety of dishes and took complete advantage of the wine menu. This is not a place to be cheap, so be prepared to dine with extreme class and a heavy wallet. Everything this place has to offer is well worth it and delicious..
I was lucky enough to order to go from Rao's and i was so happy. The meatballs are to die for. I hope to order again soon. The lemon chicken was nice and juicy. I love their sauce.
Oh my, 3 times in for a phenomenal meal. The allure is in the family style greatness of the food. Small, dedicated menu, lots of tradition, and the inability to get here unless you know someone. How New York is this? Love it, love me way in, he is the king.
The toughest table in town. Now is the time to try Raos because they are offering take-out ~ this may be your only chance. Definitely have to try the meatballs. I'm vegetarian so my favorite was the eggplant parmesan. Really nice and down to earth staff for such an iconic restaurant. And they gave me some free slices of cheesecake. Thanks Raos!
From the minute we walked in until we left it was one of the best dining experience that I’ve ever experienced. The ambience was everything that I wanted it to be and the food quality was unbelievable . It brought back many memories of my mother’s cooking when we use to have those family dinners. I absolutely loved everything there. I only hope I can do it again. It was everything that I wanted it to be!!! Joe Mercurio 07/29/19
I was lucky enough to be invited as someone’s guest. The food was delicious and the service was great from start to finish! Truly an excellent experience all around. Fingers crossed I am lucky enough to dine there again!
I’ll eat extra due to Kash P in this place Fire food Disregard the horrible reviews
We are lucky enough to have another couple that we go dining out with. They blessed us with an invitation to the famous Rao's Restaurant. My friends were not only jealous, but astounded as this is almost impossible to get into. This is old world NY charm. Everyone comes over and sits with you. There is no menu, our maitre d' helped us choose , because you basically can eat anything you want! The soft shell crabs and seafood salad appetizer was incredible. Great pasta! Yes! They do make the best meatballs ( I don't even like meatballs!) Just like my Italian grandmothers! Whoa! if you get the chance! Go!
Exceptionally good excellent Italian food service is phenomenal. Next time you’re in New York. You must stop by.
Some of the best Italian food, I ever had.
This place held up to its name and legacy! what a great place to eat & drink. Everyone is so friendly. The ambience is superb. May not be for some "cup of tea'$" but I highly recommend atleast once in your life for those who like to eat great foods ! ( shout out to Frankie, Joe, Ron, Tommy and can't forget dino) what a great time and vibe I had.
Rao’s Frozen Meatballs are great! While I love meatballs swimming in sauce, I do add a little Rao’s tomatoe sauce - but that’s just me. Honestly good, tender and cooks simply in the microwave. I’m famous in the family my tasty meatballs, but at 75, living alone, no big family get-together anymore & arthritis kicking in big time, I’ll choose Rao’s Frozrn Meatballs antime, every time! Trust me.
Reservations here can be a bit difficult to secure but we succeeded with a little help from our friends. Oh I get by with a little help from my friends... The atmosphere is lively, to the tune of that seen in old school Italian movies. Stories will be told and rich, flavorful Italian food will be served. The meatballs and marinara are legendary. We may or may not have spotted a celebrity or two during our meal. Though the difficulty in securing reservations may be off-putting for some, the experience was worth the effort.
Rarely does anything live up to the hype. Rao’s absolutely did. Fantastic food and terrific service. Joshua helped make the night more than memorable. He was amazing. If you can get in, go!!!
Loved your new frozen pizza. Had the vegetable one. Waiting for the deluxe. I live on the east coast and didn't know there were Rao's restaurants.
The food is fantastic, the experience is so VIP that it makes the whole night feel that you are unique and privileged, adding more spice to the taste. If you are expecting to be transported to some other cosmic world, grow up. This is great Italian American food, beautiful people, classico, delicious wine, and a rare chance to claim you were part of a New York City urban legend.
Always a great experience and meal!
WoW! I LOVE Rao's sauce and have been trying to go to the ACTUAL restaurant for YEARS!! I've been in DC for soooo long I haven't had the chance to get here. I FINALLY made it there yesterday. I had the Shrimp FraDiavolo (to go)!!! OMG, the pasta, sauce, and shrimp were AMAZING (and it was to go)! Mark provided me with the greatest service and the bar staff was on point as well!! As they open late I'll DEFINITELY return soon!!
Wow! The food was to die for. No pun intended. I've never tasted anything so divine. Even my grandma didn't make food this great, and she was full blooded Italian. RIP grandma. I will be back for more of this phenomenal food. 🤌🤌🤌
Great food,feels like you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner. I’ve never been disappointed. Love eating here when ever I’m invited. My niece’s and my sister also went there with their friends and they also loved it.. Can’t understand the negative reviews. R.I.P Mr.Frankie...
I sold my soul to an ex who has a table, if you don’t know anyone then take out is your best option. Be warned their food is amazing. It gets very addictive.
I loved this place. My wife and I were looking for a place to eat, and after being rejected from several other restaurants, we stumbled upon this place and they welcomed us with open arms. They had a few open tables ready for us to sit down, and I was not disappointed. While my pasta was a little under-cooked (aldante MMMMMMM!) the dessert at the end made up for it. 10/10 could not have found a more open place!
Fantastic food. Some of the best meatballs I've ever eaten. A throwback to years gone by. Outstanding service. So much fun. If you know someone and can get a table.
Enjoyed my time with family especially my Nona
Good food need more tables
If you’re lucky enough to get a seat here you will be greeted like family and taken care of. Authentic Italian cuisine at its best. Everything about this place from the food to the ambiance and service is something you will find less and less of in NY. A true gem in NY and an unforgettable dining experience. Food was amazing and it’s like every thing you’ve ever read about Raos.
The quintessential New York American Italian experience. Non fussy food cooked to perfection.
Ok, getting into Rao's is a Herculean feat, and frankly if you don't know someone who has a table already, you're not getting in. No reservations, they tell the regulars when their dates are. We were fortunate to be invited in, and the experience was phenomenal. The food is good, solid, mostly Northern Italian (great sauces, pastas, etc) but terrific baked classic and other dishes. All served family style on individual plates (the group places the combined order and the kitchen serves it individually). The reason to never say no to an invitation is to be "in" the center of a family owned historical site. To be able to casually say "oh, sure, I've been there. Great place!" So now I can say with certainty: "Rao's? Oh yeah, I've been there. Great place and terrific evening!"
I remember eating at this restaurant when I was a child. I grew up on 115 first and second the food was delicious. My brother just visited there and said it’s still the greatest food he’s ever had. I will see you soon Frank Segreto.
When we entered Rao's we were meet by Tommy who escorted us to the bar area. At the bar we were greeted by Ron who introduced himself and wanted to make sure we were comfortable. The bartender was personable and took good care of us. My overall review is a 5 Star experience, the atmosphere of Rao's is exactly what you would expect. Rao's is an exclusive restaurant that lives up to the expectations of phenomenal food, a great atmosphere and the staff take excellent care of you. Joe, who took our food order has an excellent way about him, he pulls a chair up to your table and sits down and chats with you while discussing food options. I highly recommend Rao's
Love the marinara sauce. Pasta dishes are amazing. Authentic Italian flavors awesome. Reservations...virtually impossible to get. They have no menu, are open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Closed Sunday. The 12 tables are basically reserved for the rich and famous. Your best bet is to grab some drinks at the bar, be friendly with the bartender, and hope you can get the owners table. It is definitely worth a try. Good luck! 🌻
Although many dishes here are very good, the Meatballs and Fish 🐟 Salad are my favorite. I'm sure everyone is aware - you can't just call to reserve, or walk in, be seated and eat here.....you have to know someone - and be invited to Rao's.
Went there not sure if we were going to be able to sit down and eat as we all know it’s almost impossible. Sat at the bar drinking Negronis for almost 2 hours, trying to talk my way into a table. Thank you Joe and to the staff for accommodating us. Food was as good as you imagine it would be. Awesome experience!
Rao's is simply an experience and treat to enjoy. The food was in fact wonderful from the meatballs , the spicy calamari, the parm and the chocolate dessert. The service was absolutely perfect and personable. The servers treated us like we were regulars which really made the evening. The buzz in the atmosphere seems to just be generated by the thrill everyone at the 10 tables has about being able to experience this NYC gem. One tip, don't forget to bring cash ! Loved it and look forward to getting a chance to go again.
The spaghetti sauce is absolutely amazing and it reminds me so much of the homemade sauce that my mother and grandmother would make, so I just want to say that this sauce brings back some really great memories because it makes me think of them every time I eat it, so it's something that everyone should try. it's absolutely amazing and I can't believe you can buy this at the grocery store❤❤❤❤❤
I want this pandemic is to be over and hate this situation but I have to say being able to get take out from Rao’s is a blessing. You can go to their takeout website at raostogo.com and order, then pick up at a chosen time. We have done a couple take outs and we are super happy with their food. Meatball, chicken parm is our favorite and all the other items were good- even after 2-30 minutes in the car. I hope we can have the luck to dine in when the pandemic is over.
East Harlem’s @raosnyc founded in 1896 is one of the oldest family owned restaurants in the USA. Getting a table in this national treasure is only possible with “table rights” or as a guest of one of the regulars here. I was lucky enough to be un freco since birth, asked to take a photo and walked out with meatballs, got to love El Barrio. 10/10
Let me start off by saying you are coming here for the experience. Countless legends have eaten here over the years and if you have a chance to eat here I would jump at the opportunity because one like this does not come along very often. Being a part of the East Harlem Giglio Society, my friends and I have been here numerous times to drink at the bar which you can do but you cannot eat if you do not have a table. Getting a table is near to impossible and the only way to get one is if you know someone. I had the privilege of eating here the Friday before Christmas December 22nd 2017 and again this past Friday March 2nd 2018. Each time was great, food was fabulous and the environment is incredible. Being that our crew knows most of the workers here makes it even better as it feels like you are going to eat with family not at a restaurant. I must say it is not the same without Frankie Pellegrino (the original owner who passed away last year) but the love is still there as well as Nicky the Vest. There are no menus, so when you place your order they tell you what are the options for the night. We sampled almost everything and all dishes were delicious. There are no checks either, whoever pays the bill gets whisked away to the back to settle up at the end of the night. You can expect to spend a good $150-$200 per person which is pretty reasonable for the hardest place to eat in NYC. We usually stay until close and by that time you will run into see someone that is considered important. It all depends on your definition of important or famous.
Private table but you can have a drink at the bar. Classic Italian place but most not able to enter for dinner
I've always wanted the opportunity to eat at the original RAO's and today I had the opportunity for the next best thing, RAO's to go. Everything was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed Meatballs, Penne Alla Vodka, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Lemon Chicken, Peas with Prosciutto & Onions, and Broccoli Rabe. I must say the Veal Marsala was next level. I hope when things do get back to normal RAO's continues to offer to go as I would love to experience this again!
The best, there is nothing that brings you back to a memory of better days then Rao's NYC, it is a combo of atmosphere and culinary genius that is absolutely impossible to replicate. While the incredible dishes look as if they have been pulled from a five-star Michelin restaurant. The authenticity of the food takes you back to Nana's kitchen in the old country and if that doesn't make you feel nostalgic enough just wait until Tommy comes to your table to plan your meal like it was the president's daughter's wedding while making you feel like family. Even if just for the night you'll have that reminiscent feeling of being in back in the neighborhood when there still was neighborhoods, thanks guys You're the best
Getting a table at Rao's is harder than closing a deal in Midtown Manhattan. You do not make a reservation you know someone who has a table and they invite you. That is it. No website booking, no OpenTable, no walking in off the street. And once you understand that you understand everything about this place. It is not a restaurant it is a family. The lemon chicken is legendary for a reason simple, perfect, no shortcuts, no reinvention. The meatballs are my grandmother's recipe if my grandmother had been cooking in East Harlem for fifty years. The red sauce is the standard I measure every Italian restaurant against and none of them come close. The room is tiny maybe ten tables. Jukebox in the corner. Framed photos on every wall. Sinatra on the speakers. You feel like you walked into 1965 and nobody told the place it is supposed to modernize. That is the magic. The front of house treats every guest like they belong because if you are sitting there someone vouched for you. The wine flows the conversation gets loud and by the end of the night you have made friends with the table next to you. I have been lucky enough to sit in this room multiple times and every visit reminds me why New York is still the greatest city in the world. Some things should never change. Rao's never will.
It's always great. I'm rarely in NYC, but I love coming here. Attentive service. Trust their recommendations! The prices are reasonable, quality, portions, and we are in NYC after all :-) Big fan of the baked clams, garlic bread, eggplant, fusilli, broccoli rabe... The sauces are amazing. Be sure to leave room in your stomach for the cheesecake.
I am really, fully satisfied with a large meal of less heavy, healthier, and possibly lower gluten Italian durum wheat spaghetti topped with quality marinara sauce. I am even a picky snob as marinara should be ideally on its own a well seasoned and satisfying tomato sauce. The basic marinara sauce they make is superb. I love it and a dried parsley dash makes the dish. I wish to visit the restaurant. I love the pizza sauce on homemade honey whole wheat dough. 🥢🍅 🍕
Dropped by Rao’s on a whim — you know, as one does. Despite the fact it’s famously impossible to get a table unless your great-grandfather once fixed jukeboxes with Frank Sinatra, the owners instantly relocated a table of six retired wiseguys in smoked sunglasses to make room for me. Had the veal, the meatballs, a little wine. Service was celestial, owners charming. Honestly, shocking they don’t just hand out keys to strangers at the door.
Oh! My! Gosh!! Hello! I'm Deborah. I found some of your frozen meals, pizza and sauces at Walmart here in Arab Alabama 👍 I've never heard of you until I looked you up to see if you have restaurants, and of course your product sold at Walmart that prompted me to look you up. Your pizza sauce is totally amazing! I must have at least 50 jars. I bought all of them in the store the other day 😁 The sauce is so delicious that it prompted me to try out your frozen meals. Your four cheese ravioli your lasagna and your chicken parmesan is outstanding!!! I haven't tried your pizza yet, but I'm about to try the cheese one next time I go to the store and I'm just going to add some extra toppings to it. If your food taste this good just from the grocery store, I can imagine how amazingly delicious it will taste in your restaurants!!❤️🕊️ I wish I could try your restaurant, but unfortunately there's none of your restaurants around my area. I will be moving back to California soon Woodland California which is around the Sacramento area. It would be nice if you can get a restaurant there! If you did I would bring my sleeping bag and camp outside Lol 🤣 Oh my gosh I just can't believe how good your food is. I'm telling everybody about it!! Walmart can't keep up with me. I keep buying all your pizza sauce! Walmart also sells your pasta sauce as well. I haven't tried those. I bought the caramelized onion one and the marinara one and I haven't tried those yet, but I'm sure they're going to be totally delicious. Thank you so much for your delicious food. There's not much restaurants here in this little town that I live in so I really appreciate your food!! 🍕 🍝 🫙 Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there and y'all have a blessed rest of the weekend and the next following week 🙏😇🙏 I give you 10 Stars for your wonderful food!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆❤️🕊️🌹🌹🌹 I almost forgot your tomato basil soup sold in jars and your Italian wedding soup both very delicious 😋 You have Many! Dishes in the frozen section of the grocery store. So many that I can't keep up with adding them to this review 😋 I had to go to Guntersville Alabama to the Publix market there where they sell even More! Dishes. I bought your meatballs in sauce. Haven't tried them yet, but I already know they are Delish!!😋😋 I also bought your variety meat pizza, your vegetarian lasagna and other pasta dishes with white sauce😋 I would love to try and buy on a regular basis your eggplant Parmesan but none of the stores have it. I heard that Target sells it. I may have to go there as well. I'm going to have to buy a second freezer to fit all your delishes dishes because my freezer is packed with Rao's s only! Store bought frozen meals I will ever buy. 😋😋😋 Thank you for making it possible for the world to have the chance to have your food in Thier freezers and cupboards. I also bought four more of your soups. Different ones as well ❤️🩹😋😋😋🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ God Bless you and your family 🙏😇🙏
I own a concierge and event planning agency, so I quite literally go to all types of incredible restaurants for a living. None can be compared to Rao’s. It’s not only “worth the hype”, but from the second you walk up to the restaurant, you feel the history. The food is obviously unreal, but it’s the experience that will really change you. The Maitre D, Joe, sits down with you and explains the menu to you. It’s so old school and he’s great at helping you order exactly enough food. I still dream about how great the food was, and to say I can’t wait to go back is an extreme understatement. It was truly a bucket list item for me to go there, and if anyone gets the opportunity to go, take it—you will not be disappointed! The ONLY thing is, it’s “cash only” so plan accordingly!
Rao’s is a true standout, offering flawless service, a warm ambiance, and exceptional cuisine. From crisp salads to golden fried cheese and fresh seafood, every dish reflects quality and authenticity. Guests rave about their experience, making it one of our top dining recommendations. We’re proud to partner with Rao’s and excited to keep sending clients their way!
Rao’s is the best Italian restaurant in these United States. My wife and good friends ate there and every single dish far exceeded our expectations. Tommy is the most welcoming and friendly guy you’d want to meet. The atmosphere. The history. The food. Everything about this restaurant is PHENOMENAL. If you ever get the chance to go, do not miss out on any of it. Get the drinks, get all the appetizers, get as many entrees as you can eat and ENJOY! Fantastic team of cooks, waiters and owners - you’ll see when you go.
Ah, Rao's. The hard to get reservation. I am one of the fortunate, "average Joe's" to get a reservation at this iconic Manhattan restaurant. The drinks are made perfect, the food is very, very good. The hosts Ron and Joe treat you like family with a handshake when you walk through the front door. I will just tell you what my party had for dinner last week. Apps: baked clams, roasted peppers, and the house salad. Next up: shells with ricotta and their famous meatballs all delicious. Now on to the main course: eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken parm, and shrimp fra diavolo. Dessert was delicious homemade cheesecake with chocolate ice cream and espresso. Rao's is always great. It is really a dining experience. You never know who you'll see there
Amazing!!! All the food we ordered was cooked to Perfection, Flavors! Ridiculous.. Get the Pork Chops they are Delicious!! The steak cooked just right... Meatballs were excellent and the Pesto pasta was fantastic!! As for the Seafood salad getting two orders for one order will not be enough... Amazing Staff, Tommy was the BEST, Fuuny as they come to entertain you as they serve you!!!
Everything was 5 Stars at Rao’s!!! Service, food, staff, you name it!!! The meatballs are truly to die for… the baked clams were delicious!!! Drinks were amazing and free pour… got me boozing after the second martini 😅😅 The staff is what really makes this place one of the best restaurants out there!!
What an amazing place and an amazing experience. It’s not just the nostalgic and historical ambiance of its 100+ year history. The food was amazing and delicious. The wet meatballs compared to the dry. It was lush versus crispy softness. The lobster Fra Diablo was salty yet creamy sweetness of the lobster the perfect Al dente pasta with a sauce that was light yet left it’s mark at the finish with an application of heat. The patrons were singing to oldies and it was just energy and a vest for life. What an amazing experience.
You need to be a New Yorker or have lived in this city to understand this place. It all starts with "who do you know" to get you a table and once in, it's all "different than usual". The "Al Capone" ambiance is still noticeable - it's cash only - you'll be surrounded by both wanna-bees as politicians, movie stars, local businesspeople and "business"people but that's what makes it a unique place. Staff is AMAZING, food is good. I absolutely ❤️ it and would ❤️to go back soon.
The food is delicious. The red sauce is very good. The service is impecable. Hard to get a table. Either have to know someone who goes here all the time. Or you may luck out during lunch or an off time. The bar usually has seats. Moderately priced Italian food.
I've been to better Italian restaurants. It's pretty good but I don't know what the big deal is other than some famous people there and some hoodlums.
I just bought the meat balls and the sauce was the best I’ve ever had . I had to get used to the meatballs the texture was different but it all tasted very good. The serving portion was very good one person could definitely make at least two meals out of this delicious meal I recommend garlic bread on the side.Your taste buds will thank you
I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to eat at the classic Italian restaurant. The experience itself is unlike any other restaurant I have ever been at. After having a few drinks at the bar we were lucky enough to get a seat which is a victory in itself. There are no menus so our host went through the menu verbally and we ended up ordering enough food for 8 people. The food and service were good and the atmosphere is full of cheer. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to eat here, do not pass it up.
This is a review on the collaboration of Rao's with Thrillist and their "attempt" to try and give you an experience like no other. I thought it was great that this was even offered during covid. Your chance to have rao's famous dishes delivered to you. The price is 50 dollars for a dinner for 1, it comes with lemon chicken, meatballs and penne and a salad (all small portions). In the great looking packaging you get a mug (plastic from Thrillist) a fancy plastic wear set of utensils, and a T shirt from rao's, when it arrived I couldn't belive what a deal I was getting, I live in Queens so delivery to me was put of the question, but I work down town so I had it delivered there, it arrived almost 45 minutes early and that was a pleasant surprise. When I started on the meal I was expecting to be dropped with flavors, I was, but it was over powering flavor. The chicken was not even edible it was so strongly seasoned with lemon, it was hard as well. The salad had there "famous" dressing on it, but it all tasted stale. The meatball and penne were really good, they were done to perfection and were well seasoned cooked and presented, but nothing overwhelming, I've been to plenty of places that do it just as good, and all that food came packaged on what I call a cafeteria plate. I say all that to say, I'm sure I will never get a chance to sit and eat at rao's to experience everything in person and I cannot say that this is the experience you will have if you were so lucky to score a table and eat there, but as far as getting it delivered and there brief partnership with Thrillist it was a BIG mistake. That's my 2 cents, everyone stay safe and happy eating
I am a long way from NYC.. But I purchased their tomato basil sauce from the grocery store, I don't know if it is their exact recipe or if it is close so they put their name on it. I though it was really good but definitely a little bitter. I guess Jimmy the Greek, and Tommy two toes like bitter sauce.
Lets be Honest here , Its a place you go for status! The food is Common Italian food of average quality. You rub shoulders with celebs and well known folks but the food is just average unless you never had a home cooked Italian meal in your life. A good friend of mine owns a table and brought me with him at least 8 times in the past 2 years while the experience is great the food is not.
I was only able to order take out because I was with a famous regular. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. Meatballs were better than spaghetti, which was just like any other pasta dish.
If you stand by your hard earned name, you are expected to be "meticulously anal" about who and how is using it. (Isn't this a great opening or what?) 2 simplistic scenarios: 1. you walk into the RAO, good food, reasonable service. Weeks later you find RAO's frozen pizza in your neighborhood supermarket. Recalling your near perfect RAO's experience you cook it, using instructions and you are getting ... (image attached). 2. you are in your local supermarket scavenging for the late supper deal and accidentally stumble upon RAO's frozen pizza. You cook it, per instructions and you get ... (image attached). Some time later, roaming NY's Upper East, you stumple upon RAO Pizza place. Q at hand: would you consider using their servvices? Net result: 1 customer lost. Wonder if RAO ever conducts lessons learned ... Hope this helps.
Hilarious place !... is so bad that it makes me laugh. I call for a reservation; the voice message on the answering machine is a true soprano comedy! With perfect accent QUOTE: "Hi, you reached Rao's restaurant, we do not accept reservations at this time. Have a nice day, thank you for calling." Then I looked closely at the pictures and read the menu; please do not confuse this food with Italian food.
Your frozen food sucks. I can make a much better lasagna & I am Irish!!! Dry & very little meat sauce. I only bought it because it was on sale. Never again. Your prices are ridiculous! Goss? No send button?
Went there a few weeks ago and don't understand the craze. Its Italian food that's marked up with some pretty rude employees. Everyone knows pasta is cheap, makes no sense that someone can charge such high prices for it. Parking was horrible and you're in Harlem. Don't walk around by yourself at night, its definitely not safe. Way better options out there that don't make you wait months for reservations.
This place is a joke! They have been reading their own press clippings too much. Tried to call for a reservation. There was a recorded message that they were not taking reservations, so just come to the restaurant to walk in early. Paid a $60 cab ride for nothing. Empty restaurant, but they would not seat me. Rude and obnoxious! Don’t waste your time with these jerks…
Wont let u in the door but has the nerve to sell you there sauce in stores, the jar sauce sucks also 😂
I've seriously had fast food that was better.....
Save your money. The Diner serves better Italian food. All these recipes originally are Greek anyway. The food is not that good. I'm sure you can boil pasta and heat up sauce 😂
Pretentious place. Came here on a cold night, the place had several tables available but they wouldn’t let my friend and I eat because we didn’t have the right “connections”. Spent over $50 in drinks and they still wouldn’t let us eat. Don’t bother!
For An Exclusive Restaurant It Is Anything But That. Food Is Very Mid, My Mom Makes Better Italian Food. Got Reservation Through My Good Friend T. Chalamet Who Has Been A Couple Times. Won't Be Back. Way To Cramped Inside.
I was really excited to visit this place for the first time since I’ve seen their sauce on the shelf’s of Costco and Walmart. But be cautious of visiting this restaurant In person, they don’t seem to mention needing a reservation on their website or on the Google listing but they refused to sit me and my Asian friend despite an abundance of tables. When I asked about making reservations for a future visit, I was told they can only be made in person with the manager and they open new reservations in November for a few years in advance. They seem very selective in which people are allowed to dine at this restaurant and many patrons may appreciate a more open and welcoming atmosphere.
Was there and saw Kash P there. Quickly lost my appetite and will not be going that way again. Hope they are able to clean up the riff raff
Place genuinely Needs a revamp asap, make it make sense it's 2025 you're telling me you need to know someone to eat here or get take out ? Come on really But yet any random person can order from the bar So it's not really an exclusive dining experience. Location is in harlem but somehow all the latest customers are out of towners from Wisconsin? Yeah I'm good.
Frankie and Jimmy the Fish didn’t pay me proper respect when I walked through the door. My mink coat wasn’t checked in a timely fashion. Bobby the Grouch was hardly grouchy. I’m a made guy and demand tribute. The meatballs were fantastic tho. Absolutely delicious. One star.
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455 E 114th St, New York, NY 10029
Albans, NY 10029
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