NYC's most exclusive Italian classic. Legendary status w/ notoriously hard-to-get tables.
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.
This iconic Italian-American institution in East Harlem is famed for its nearly impossible-to-secure reservations, operating more like a private club than a traditional restaurant. While the food, including praised meatballs, calamari, and pasta dishes, is considered classic and well-executed, the true draw is the legendary exclusivity and the experience of finally gaining entry.
The restaurant serves classic Italian-American fare, with notable dishes including large, flavorful meatballs, calamari with a spicy sauce, and various pasta dishes like vodka pasta and clam pasta. While generally well-regarded, some find the food good but not extraordinary, with one opinion suggesting it's mediocre at best and has gone downhill.
"The meatballs are frequently highlighted as a must-try, described as large, soft, and flavorful. Other recommended dishes include calamari with a spicy sauce and various classic pasta preparations."
Customers acknowledge the food is classic and good, but the overwhelming sentiment revolves around the extreme difficulty of securing a reservation, with many experiencing repeated attempts to get in.
Important Note
Securing a reservation at Rao's is notoriously difficult, often requiring connections to regulars or participation in charity auctions. Walking in without a reservation is generally unsuccessful, and the restaurant has a reputation for being exclusive and difficult to access.
"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"OP (cy_ko8) enthusiastically supported the idea of dining at Rao's, sharing a personal story about living near the East Harlem restaurant and their dog receiving treats from the staff."
Positive"The commenter suggested trying to get into Rao's for the OP's special dinner, highlighting its exclusivity and desirability."
Positive"The user lists Rao's among several restaurants that live up to their hype."
Positive"If you go to the bar enough, tip enough and have a good energy, eventually you will be asked if you want to eat at a second sitting."
Positive"Mid quality red sauce Italian American."
Negative"The fact that ppl would even do to this extent for medicore food is sad."
Negative"Would be cool to go in there, see some old schoolers lol."
Neutral"We were shocked to be paying double for seriously bad overcooked food. It’s really gone downhill."
Negative"Rao’s food is absolutely phenomenal."
Positive
