Rao’s – Italian
Stepping into this legendary East Harlem institution feels like entering a private family dining room, where wood-paneled walls and year-round Christmas lights cast a warm, nostalgic glow over a handful of coveted tables. The air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered marinara and searing garlic, heralding a feast of soul-warming Neapolitan classics like velvet-textured meatballs and crisp, zesty lemon chicken. It is a timeless sanctuary of red-sauce tradition, where the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of intimate conversation create an atmosphere of exclusive yet heartfelt hospitality.
455 East 114th Street, NY 10029 +1 212-722-6709 http://raossince1896.com/Rating: 4.4/5 (648 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$$$
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 7:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- Closed
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its legendary status and old-school charm, Rao's offers an unforgettable dining experience where guests feel the history from the moment they arrive. Diners rave about the "unreal" food, specifically highlighting the fried mozzarella, meatballs, and veal parmesan as standout dishes that steal the show. The service is frequently praised as warm and attentive, with the Maitre D’ personally guiding guests through the menu, though visitors should note the establishment is cash-only. While some grocery store products receive mixed feedback, the restaurant itself remains a bucket-list
Restaurants near Rao’s
- La Nostra — Italian
- Sam's Famous Pizza — Italian
- Bardolino Pizza — Italian
- Enzo Bruni La Pizza Gourmet — Italian
- Delizia 92 — Italian
- LaRustica — Italian
- Sfoglia — Italian
- Astoria Family Pizza — Italian
- Il Carino — Italian
- Milano Pizza Shop — Italian
- Nocciola Ristorante — Italian
- La Nostra — Italian
