Charming European bistro w/ Italian & French influences. Stellar roast chicken, breads & unique desserts. Perfect for a polished, yet cozy meal.
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.
This charming Noho establishment offers a polished, old-world bistro ambiance with a modern European menu featuring Italian and French influences. Standout dishes include their house-made breads, a perfectly cooked roast chicken, and a delicious pistachio rhubarb cake. While the food is generally well-executed, some diners note that the space can feel a bit cramped.
Raf's boasts a European-influenced menu with strong Italian and French roots. The house-made breads, including focaccia, sourdough, and milk buns, are highly recommended. Signature dishes like the roast chicken and beef tartare receive consistent praise. Desserts, especially the pistachio rhubarb cake, are also a highlight. While most dishes are well-loved, some diners have found certain items like the escargot or a ricotta appetizer to be less impressive or overpriced.
"The roast chicken and the house-made breads are frequently highlighted as must-try items. Diners also rave about the pistachio rhubarb cake and the corn and crab ravioli."
Customers generally have a positive experience, praising the well-executed food, particularly the roast chicken and house-made breads, and the charming ambiance. Some minor criticisms include cramped seating and occasional dishes being considered overrated or bland.
Important Note
Some diners find the seating area to be cramped, and a few specific dishes have been noted as overpriced or not living up to expectations.
"Raf's is included in a list of recommendations for splurging on a meal in NYC, with links to articles about fancy dining."
Positive"Raf's was included in a list of NYC restaurants that provide matchbooks."
Positive"This user visits Raf's primarily for their pastries and sweets."
Positive"Includes Raf's in a list of recommendations for places that might match the desired vibe."
Neutral"Suggests Raf's as a potentially good option."
Neutral"The pork chop was phenomenal, but the escargot is often ordered and considered overrated."
Positive"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."
Neutral"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."
Positive"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."
Positive"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."
Positive"This is a suggested dining spot for visitors, particularly for those with a flexible budget, offering a range of options."
Neutral"Rafs is recommended for its restaurant week lunch deal, offering two meals for $30."
Positive"Raf's is recommended and is participating in restaurant week."
Positive"Raf's is listed as a restaurant that the user likes."
Positive"The commenter had a very enjoyable lunch at Raf's during Restaurant Week, highlighting the tuna tartare, burger, and rigatoni as generous portions for the price."
Positive"This user recommended raf's for their corn and crab ravioli."
Positive"Raf's was listed as a potential restaurant that serves the type of pork chop dish the original poster was seeking."
Neutral"Raf's is recommended."
Positive
