Rao's Restaurant

Not worth the trouble for getting a reservation. Pure hype. Went with some friends who have a secured a table and noticed that the pasta they use was De Cecco - which can be bought in the store. Plus if you go with friends or family is almost impossible to have a conversation without other people listening what you are saying. Frank Pellegrino was nice and tried to be a great host but doesn't go further than that. I also found very annoying apeople looking from the bar to our table. Definitely not a place that a public figure would like to go. One of the person at our table was within that category and he didn't enjoy the experience. I guess what keep the business going is the reduced number of tables they have available. Very unlikely will be able to fill a bigger space and keep customers coming. Pros: familiar atmosphere Cons: reduced space, luck of privacy more

It was good, but didnt live up to the hype. Id rather eat at Il Mulino any day. The worst part of dinner... more

It was good, but didnt live up to the hype. Id rather eat at Il Mulino any day. The worst part of dinner was having to see whoopie goldberg at th... more

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. more

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 more

I was at Rao's last Wed. for Meetball Night. The service was excellent, the food was excellent, but the entire experience was very cool. It's true, you feel like your in a scene from Goodfellas. Nicky the Nose at the bar is a treat. If you wrote a bad review, it's because you don't understand what Rao's is all about. I can't wait for the nex time. more

Been there, done that, and New York, it's not that big a deal. The food is decent at best, and the ambience, well, it's a matter of opinion, some may consider it to be a sweet thing, I thought it was just annoying. If celebrities make you sweat, then your in for a ride, but if your like most around these parts then you'll just yawn and wonder whats with all the hype. Rao is a good restaurant, but it's nothing special. Pros: friendly service Cons: cramped, difficult to get in, so so food more

it has been at least 16 years since I have eaten at Rao's. The food was unbelievable then and I am sure it is still so. If I ever get to New York again I can only hope I can get a chair in a corner for any meal. more

Seriously, this place kicks ass. The atmosphere is unheralded, the service impecible, and the food magnificant. Best Italian food I ever had (and being Italian, that means alot). It is nearly impossible to get a table, so if you ever have the chance to go here for dinner, DO NOT pass it up. more