Raos
Italian
455 E 114th St, New York, NY 10029
OUR SCORE
Accolades
- Consistently hailed as one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City
- Featured in numerous publications like The New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal
- Rated as a top restaurant in Zagat Survey
- Featured on the television show "Top Chef"
- Celebrity favorite dining spot
- Historical significance as one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in New York, established in 1896
- Rated highly for its classic Southern Italian cooking and exclusive atmosphere
- Praised for its legendary meatballs, considered some of the best in the city
Restaurant Summary
Certainly! Rao's in New York City is an iconic dining establishment known for its exceptional Italian-American cuisine and exclusive, almost private club-like atmosphere. Located in East Harlem at the corner of 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue, this historical eatery has been a culinary landmark since its inception in 1896.
The restaurant's exterior is unassuming yet welcoming, with a classic red-and-white-striped awning that harks back to the old world. Inside, the space is intimate, featuring only a handful of tables that are often booked months in advance by loyal patrons and celebrities alike. The decor speaks of its rich history, with walls adorned with photographs of famous guests, vintage memorabilia, and a plethora of Christmas decorations that remain year-round, adding to its unique charm.
Rao's offers a menu that captures the essence of homestyle Italian comfort food, prepared with the finesse that you would expect from such a prestigious institution. Guests can indulge in a variety of sumptuous dishes that have been perfected over generations.
One of the standout dishes at Rao's is the legendary Meatballs, known for their tenderness and flavor, served in Rao's famous marinara sauce. Another classic is the Lemon Chicken (Pollo al Limone), a Rao's specialty that pairs perfectly with their crisp, house salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For pasta enthusiasts, the Penne alla Vodka is a must-try, featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with a pleasing hint of vodka.
Seafood lovers will revel in the Seafood Salad, brimming with fresh calamari, shrimp, and lobster, meticulously tossed in a zesty citrus dressing. For a hearty main course, the Veal Parmesan is a testament to traditional Italian cooking, with breaded veal cutlets topped with Rao's celebrated marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Finally, no meal at Rao's is complete without sampling their delectable desserts. The classic Tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, is the perfect way to round off the dining experience.
Rao's is not just a restaurant; it's an exclusive slice of New York City's history, serving mouthwatering Italian-American dishes that continue to draw in a discerning clientele who appreciate the fine balance of authenticity, flavor, and exclusivity.
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