TLDR
Charming bistro w/ Italian & French flair, known for standout roast chicken & beef tartare [1]. Highly recommended bread basket & desserts [1].
Instagram Posts References
Raf's is enthusiastically recommended for its burger, with a strong endorsement stating, 'if you love pickles you will LOVE this burger,' indicating a particularly flavorful and well-prepared burger with a notable pickle presence.
Raf's has an 8.2/10 rating. The author expresses not understanding the 'hype' but would still consider returning to try the burger again. The image shows a burger served with a side of french fries.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Raf's, a new Italian and French-influenced restaurant in Noho, highlighting its polished ambiance and standout dishes like beef tartare and roast chicken, while noting some issues with table spacing and pricing.
Details
Raf's, a charming establishment in Noho, offers a delightful fusion of Italian and French influences, creating a polished dining experience. Known for its well-executed dishes, the menu features standouts like perfectly cooked roast chicken and flavorful beef tartare. The highly recommended bread basket is a must-try, and while some dishes may be pricey, the overall quality and ambiance make it a compelling choice for a memorable meal [1].
Food Overview
Raf's presents a menu blending Italian and French cuisines, with a strong emphasis on well-executed dishes. The bread basket, featuring focaccia, sourdough, and milk buns with butter, is a highly praised starter [1]. Notable dishes include the beef tartare, whole dorade, and a standout half-chicken, which is described as perfectly cooked with rich, jus-soaked sourdough [1]. While the pasta dishes are considered fine and some desserts, like the white chocolate budino, are recommended, some patrons find certain appetizers, like the warm fresh ricotta, to be bland and overpriced [1]. The burger is also a recurring recommendation, particularly for pickle lovers [2].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the pistachio rhubarb cake [1], corn and crab ravioli [2], and the roast chicken [3]. The burger is also a notable favorite, particularly for those who enjoy pickles [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •burger(3)
- •pork chop(2)
- •escargot(2)
- •roast chicken(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a positive experience at Raf's, praising the well-executed dishes and pleasant ambiance. While some find the seating a bit cramped, the quality of the food, particularly the bread and certain mains, often leads to a desire to return [1].
Caveats
Some patrons find the seating area in Raf's to be tightly packed and potentially claustrophobic, with limited space between tables [1]. Additionally, while many dishes are praised, a few items like the warm fresh ricotta appetizer have been described as bland and overpriced [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RAF'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Im Bored Of Italian Food Italian Restaurant For
"Raf's is suggested as another Italian/French fusion option."
PositiveFrom post: The Unemployment Dining Tour
"Commenter listed Raf’s as a restaurant to visit."
NeutralFrom post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy
"Raf's is described as fantastic."
PositiveFrom post: Postelopement Dinner
"Raf's was recommended as a dining option for a celebration."
PositiveFrom post: Alternative To Le Coucou After Proposal
"Raoul's (likely a typo for Raf's or a separate mention of Raoul's) is mentioned as a potential option."
NeutralFrom post: Alternative To Le Coucou After Proposal
"Raf's is suggested as an option with beautiful candlelit ambiance and more approachable price and food."
NeutralFrom post: Espresso Martini
"This user has heard great things about the espresso martini at RAF's but has not tried it themselves."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Where To Splash Out A Bit
"Raf's is included in a list of recommendations for splurging on a meal in NYC, with links to articles about fancy dining."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants Cafes Bars That Give Matchbooks
"Raf's was included in a list of NYC restaurants that provide matchbooks."
PositiveFrom post: Rafs
"This user visits Raf's primarily for their pastries and sweets."
PositiveFrom post: Is There A Restaurant With A Similar Vibe To Polo
"Includes Raf's in a list of recommendations for places that might match the desired vibe."
NeutralFrom post: Is There A Restaurant With A Similar Vibe To Polo
"Suggests Raf's as a potentially good option."
NeutralFrom post: Rafs
"The pork chop was phenomenal, but the escargot is often ordered and considered overrated."
PositiveFrom post: Rafs
"The roast chicken at Raf's is very good, especially the bread soaking up the jus. The escargots were also considered 'mid'. The reviewer agreed that the seating area can feel claustrophobic with people brushing past."
NeutralFrom post: Rafs
"The roast chicken at Raf's was outstanding, and all the vegetable dishes were also loved. However, the space felt claustrophobic with poor energy. Despite the ambiance, the food was excellent, prompting a desire to return."
PositiveFrom post: Rafs
"Raf's was great about a year ago, with excellent atmosphere and service, feeling like a hidden gem. While the food was good, it wasn't super memorable. It's definitely worth going to, though it's now harder to get a reservation."
PositiveFrom post: Rafs
"While the food at Raf's isn't exceptionally memorable, it is well-executed. The service and ambiance were terrific, leading to a great solo dining experience at the bar."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations Please
"This is a suggested dining spot for visitors, particularly for those with a flexible budget, offering a range of options."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurant Week Menu
"Rafs is recommended for its restaurant week lunch deal, offering two meals for $30."
Positive