Legendary Italian-American institution; classic dishes, impossible reservations, and a true NYC experience.
After multiple attempts and a bit of luck, the authors finally secured a table at the legendary Rao's in East Harlem, detailing their journey and the classic Italian dishes they enjoyed.
Rao's is an iconic Italian-American restaurant in East Harlem, famed for its incredibly elusive reservations and old-school charm. The dining experience is often described as a taste of a bygone era, with classic dishes served in a convivial atmosphere. Securing a table is part of the adventure, with many patrons relying on connections or persistence at the bar.
The food at Rao's is classic Italian-American fare, with dishes like meatballs, calamari, and various pasta dishes frequently mentioned. While some reviews rave about the phenomenal quality, others describe it as mediocre. The perceived exclusivity often influences opinions, with some feeling the food doesn't live up to the hype or the difficulty of obtaining a table.
"The meatballs are frequently highlighted as a must-try dish, with descriptions praising their size, texture, and flavor. Other dishes like calamari and various pasta preparations also receive positive mentions."
Customer sentiment is polarized, with some praising the phenomenal, classic Italian-American food and others finding it mediocre and overrated, often overshadowed by the difficulty of securing a reservation.
Important Note
Rao's is notoriously difficult to get into, with reservations essentially being impossible to secure for the general public. The restaurant operates more like a private club, and the food quality is debated, with some finding it mediocre and not worth the effort.
"Commenter shared a personal experience at Rao's where they were offered a table after waiting, advising to get to the bar early, enjoy drinks, and engage with regulars."
Positive"Commenter asked if the previous advice about getting into Rao's was personally experienced and mentioned being laughed at when trying, adding that they are a woman."
Neutral"Commenter explained that securing a seat at Rao's bar early is possible, and if the staff likes you, there's a chance of getting an empty table."
Positive"Commenter responded to the suggestion of getting into Rao's by saying 'Good luck with that plan'."
Negative"Commenter suggested going to Rao's early to get a seat at the bar and expressing a desire to eat if anything is open."
Positive"The commenter mentions Rao's, noting they haven't eaten at the NYC location but had an amazing experience at their Las Vegas outpost."
Positive"A commenter stated that the meatballs from Raos, which they had during Covid takeout, were some of the best they've had, described as huge, moist, and flavorful."
Positive"Contrary to fears of feeling out of place, this commenter had a very positive dining experience at Rao's, noting that the staff was excellent and they even had a pleasant chat with a member of the ownership family."
Positive"Rao's functions more like a private club where tables are "controlled" by regulars who pay annual fees, rather than a traditional public restaurant. This system, with some tables costing thousands annually, explains the extreme difficulty in securing a reservation for outsiders."
Neutral"This commenter expresses concern that someone new to Rao's, even with a reservation, might feel uncomfortable and out of place due to the restaurant's exclusive, private club-like atmosphere, potentially leading to an unpleasant experience."
Negative"The bar at Rao's is generally for drinks only, but it is considered a good spot for people-watching."
Neutral"Rao's reservations are often found in charity auctions, though they tend to be very costly. Other ways to get in include having a connection to a regular or waiting at the bar."
Neutral"Reservations for a table for two at Rao's are frequently made available through charity auctions."
Neutral"Getting a reservation at Rao's is notoriously difficult, often requiring a connection to someone who "owns" a table. An alternative suggested by The Infatuation is to try sitting at the bar and hoping for a chance to dine."
Neutral"To get dinner at Rao's, one might need to know a table owner or try their luck at the public bar by being charismatic, as occasionally this can lead to getting a table."
Neutral"In a jocular response to a question about getting into Rao's with the critic's help, the commenter jokes that it might turn into an Indian restaurant, playing on the critic's name."
Neutral"The author makes a humorous query asking if the new critic, Tejal Rao, could help them secure a reservation at Rao's, implying its well-known exclusivity."
Neutral
