Legendary French bistro in SoHo known for its classic ambiance and exceptional steak au poivre and burgers. A go-to for romantic dinners and great martinis.
Stepping into Raoul's is like stepping back in time, to a classic SoHo French bistro that has maintained its allure since the 1970s. It's a place that balances a bohemian, artsy atmosphere with consistently delicious food, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Diners rave about signature dishes such as the pepper steak au poivre, often hailed as one of the best in the city, and their burgers, which are a subject of much discussion and adoration. Beyond the steaks and burgers, the menu also features delights like crab beignets and a classic profiteroles for dessert. The martinis here are also frequently mentioned as being exceptionally well-made. Raoul's offers a romantic ambiance, making it a great choice for special occasions or a sophisticated night out. While it's a place that many return to time and again, be aware that some of the most sought-after items, like the bar-only burger, have limited availability, and securing a reservation can sometimes be a challenge.
Raoul's is celebrated for its classic French-American cuisine, with particular acclaim given to its steak au poivre and burgers. These dishes are frequently cited as must-tries, with many deeming the burger the best in NYC and the steak au poivre exceptionally well-prepared. The restaurant also offers other notable dishes like crab beignets and profiteroles. While most feedback on food is positive, one recent diner found the burger too peppery and the fries to be a letdown. The restaurant's martinis are also frequently praised.
"The steak au poivre and burgers are consistently lauded as standout dishes, with the steak frites also receiving strong recommendations. The restaurant's martinis are also frequently mentioned as being exceptionally good."
Customers generally have a positive view of Raoul's, often highlighting its classic French bistro atmosphere and reliable food quality. The steak au poivre and burgers receive frequent praise, with many considering them among the best in the city. The restaurant is also noted for its good martinis and romantic ambiance. However, some comments suggest that reservations can be difficult to secure, and one reviewer found the burger to be overly peppery and the fries disappointing.
Important Note
The highly praised burger is often only available at the bar and in limited quantities per night, sometimes requiring specific timing like weekend lunch or arriving early.
"Raols is recommended as a romantic option."
Positive"Raoul's is recommended as a romantic dining option."
Positive"Raoul's in Soho is listed as a favorite spot for dining alone at the bar."
Positive"Pinch Chinese is recommended for its Peking duck, though it's not a traditional style. Raoul's across the street is suggested for a non-Chinese preparation."
Neutral"Raoul's is mentioned as having elite duck."
Positive"Raoul's was listed as a top vibe place, confirming its suitability for the user's request."
Positive"Raoul's was suggested as a place with a good vibe."
Positive"This restaurant was suggested as a hot vibe place with good food, fitting the user's criteria for a work dinner."
Positive"Regarding Raoul's, the user noted that the overall atmosphere or 'vibes' can be inconsistent."
Neutral"A user points out that the overall atmosphere or 'vibes' at Raoul's can be inconsistent."
Neutral"The user praised Raoul's for serving an exceptional martini."
Positive"Raoul's is highly praised for its exceptional martinis."
Positive"Raoul's is suggested for its lobster risotto, although the comment notes that securing a reservation there is challenging."
Neutral"Raoul's burgers are primarily available for weekend lunch, and the user suggests that the steak au poivre is excellent, while also noting Minetta's burger is superior."
Neutral"The commenter states that Raoul's is also overrated."
Negative"The commenter confirms Raoul's serves the best burger in the city but cautions that it's only available in limited quantities, often requiring a Sunday visit."
Positive"FootpathDriver mentioned having the Au Poivre burger at Raouls and found it phenomenal, though they hadn't tried the steak frites there."
Positive"The commenter advises checking with Raoul's about burger availability with a reservation, as they recall it's only served at the bar in limited quantities."
Neutral"The user clarifies that Raoul's burger can only be ordered at the bar and cannot be reserved for tables."
Neutral"The user informs the original poster that the burger at Raoul's is not typically available with a dinner reservation."
Neutral"The commenter suggests Raoul's, stating it is 'pretty good', especially if having a tablecloth is a priority for the dining experience."
Positive"Raouls is mentioned as one of the most common recommendations for solo dining in NYC on the subreddit."
Neutral"Raoul's is highly recommended for its martini and steak frites, which are described as unmissable."
Positive"Raoul's is recommended for its 'iconic burger with au poivre sauce,' with a note that only 12 are available per night and to arrive at 4 PM for the 5 PM opening."
Positive"The user finds Raoul's steak au poivre amazing and considers it the best in NYC."
Positive"Raoul's is praised for having the best burger in the city and also offers a good martini."
Positive"Raoul's is mentioned alongside two other restaurants as a recommendation."
Neutral"This user strongly loves Raoul's burger, expressing sadness that another user couldn't finish it, despite acknowledging it might not be for everyone."
Positive"The user found Raoul's burger to be excessively peppery, to the point they couldn't finish it. They also highlight the fris\u00e9e salad as an "unsung hero"."
Negative"Raoul's is the user's first choice for a burger and martini combo, specifically praising their martinis as "killer"."
Positive"Raoul's is simply recommended."
Positive"The user visited Raoul's, finding the burger very good (8.5/10) and the martini good but needing to be colder (7/10). However, the fries were poor and the service at the bar was lacking, leading to a mixed overall experience."
Neutral"Raoul's is believed to have declined in quality, becoming overly packed at the bar, and a recent steak experience was negative."
Negative"Raoul's is strongly recommended, specifically for its bar-only burger, which was described as exceptionally good."
Positive"Raoul's is mentioned as a place to consider."
Neutral"A user expressed disappointment with Raoul's burger on a recent visit, stating it was 'more than disappointing' despite previously loving it."
Negative"The user had a reservation for Raoul's but did not end up going, as Monkey Bar became available."
Neutral"A user suggested Raoul's as another restaurant to try."
Neutral"The commenter lists Raoul",s as a restaurant with great service."
Positive"It is suggested to try the burger at Raoul's bar."
Neutral"Raoul's is suggested as a dining option."
Neutral"This user recommends Raoul's for a burger fix, noting it's an off-menu item served at the bar and only 20 are made per day."
Neutral"The author lists Raouls as a recommended option for burgers in NYC."
Positive"The commenter suggests the OP (who loved the Gramercy Tavern burger) should try the burger at Raoul's (presumed from 'Rapul's'), implying it is a comparable or noteworthy option."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's for steak, noting their steak frites is $64 but includes fries, unlike many places. Highlights their au poivre sauce as incredible, suiting someone wanting more than plain grilled steak."
Positive"The author expressed love for Raouls overall, rating their burger 8.5/10 and particularly praising its poivre sauce. They also mentioned that the steak au poivre is equally good."
Positive"The author recommended Raoul's, a French bistro, as a restaurant option for the couple's wedding dinner."
Positive"Raoul's is recommended by author Henrygrins for solo dining, noting that the restaurant staff often treat solo diners like regulars."
Positive"eringobrah21 enthusiastically praises Raoul’s Au Poivre sauce, saying they want to be drowned in it."
Positive"Henrygrins recommends Raoul’s for both its food and atmosphere."
Positive"eringobrah21 recommends Raoul's as a place to go in SoHo/Greenwich Village."
Positive"The pepper steak au poivre at Raoul's is a standout dish that blew the author away."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's."
Positive"Describes Raoul's burger as the most delicious they've ever had and something they dream about."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's."
Positive"Suggests Raoul's."
Positive"Expresses love for Raoul's for brunch."
Positive"Expresses surprise that people often miss the Raoul's burger, implying it's excellent and well-known."
Positive"Claims Raoul's has the best burger in the city."
Positive"Suggests Raoul's."
Positive"Recommends Raoul’s as a top burger spot."
Positive"Considers Raoul's to have the best burger in their opinion. Recommends going during brunch to guarantee getting the burger and making a reservation."
Positive"OP likes Raouls, describing it as a great bar with incredible food."
Positive"The user agrees Raoul's lives up to its hype, specifically mentioning the steak au poivre, and also praises the fun party atmosphere."
Positive"The user specifically mentions Raoul’s for its burger, implying it lives up to the hype."
Positive"The author mentioned Raoul's Burger Au Poivre (limited availability) is reportedly quite delicious."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's (along with Lupa) for a complete meal, calling it a classic NYC spot."
Positive"Suggests having Champagne and Frisèe aux Lardons at Raoul's."
Positive"The commenter lists Raoul's as a potential recommendation for a French birthday dinner."
Neutral"The user suggested Raoul's as a dinner option."
Positive"Suggests Raoul's as an option for the user's solo birthday meal."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's as a classic NY spot."
Positive"The commenter lists Raoul's as a recommendation."
Neutral"The restaurant's neon sign is mentioned positively as an example of good vibe implementation ('used sparingly'). The commenter values vibe but emphasizes it shouldn't compromise food quality."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's in Soho as a classic French bistro offering phenomenal steak frites and unique, limited burgers available only at the bar."
Positive"Recommends Raoul's for solo French dining."
Positive"Reviewer notes that Raoul's is insanely hard to get into."
Neutral"Included in a list of recommended Manhattan restaurants, known for French cuisine."
Positive"Recommended Raoul’s for its warm service, intimate atmosphere, and very good pepper steak."
Positive"Lists 'La Rapielle' (likely typo for Raoul's or similar French bistro) as a great little French place, mentioning an angry owner but a fun experience."
Positive"User suggests Raoul's as another option in the area that is still 'on point'."
Positive"Raoul's is not available"
Negative"Raoul's is cozy and European with good food. Not pretentious at all."
Positive"French: Raoul's (Soho) still a scene after all of these years and they have great steaks"
Positive"Can’t speak to Raoul’s but just tried Le Petit Village on Perry and 7th and their steak frites was fantastic."
Neutral"Raoul r s has always been a super easy reservation to get, unless something has changed in the last year or two."
Neutral"Raoul r s mentioned as a recommendation."
Neutral
