Rao's Restaurant
New York, NY 10025-1710
Phone: (212) 722-6709
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Pleasant Avenue
- Directions:
- 6 at 116th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 7pm seating only
Editorial Review for Rao's Restaurant – by Dirk Standen
The Scene
Martin Scorsese has been known to treat his editing crew to dinner here, and it's easy to see why. Entering this small room--beautifully restored to its former glory after a fire destroyed the premises--is like walking onto the set of "Goodfellas." But unless you're a friend of owner Frank Pellegrino or otherwise "connected," you might as well forgeddabout it. You'll age a year before you get a reservation.
The Food
The best homestyle Italian cooking and service (Menu? What menu?) in New York. In fact, you can't really say you've arrived in this town until you've scored a table here and made the pilgrimage to east Harlem for luscious pastas and chicken in vinegar and lemon.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Look GoodCan't get a reservation at Rao's? Check out Baldoria, the theater district restaurant owned by Frank Pellegrino Jr.
User Reviews for Rao's Restaurant
11/01/2004 Posted by wineturtle
Wineturtle worked with Nick in the old Daleys Rest by Bloomies 30 some years ago and he was the best barman around in those days,an half step slower now but still sitting at his bar is magic ,watching a master mixer run this old time bar is still a treat and the staff he has trained....well they would shine anywhere else but next to Nick every one takes a back seat(alas even Wineturtle). Some say Frank is the show,some say the food is the show,both right BUT NICK IS THE BEST!
Pros: Nick , The food, Franks 'songs
Cons: , Hens teeth are , hard to get.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
07/27/2003 Posted by galano
I have been to Rao's probably 15 times the past 3 years and it keeps getting better. For those that go once and don't enjoy it, all I can say is that they just don't get it. Rao's has the best service and atmosphere in NYC. Good luck getting a table.
Pros: Parking is easy, Celebs, Impossible to get in
Cons: Expensive, Impossible to get in
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