TLDR
European-inspired bistro serving expertly prepared roast chicken and house-made pastas in a refined, candlelit setting. A NoHo staple for elegant yet approachable dining.
Instagram Posts References
Raf's in NoHo provides a bistro experience, reminiscent of Paris, and offers a dry-aged beef burger on its two or three-course lunch menu for Restaurant Week. The burger is topped with gherkins and a special aioli, which contribute a briny and sour element. Despite these tangy flavors, the burger maintains a deep richness from the meat and cheese, creating a well-balanced and incredibly juicy experience, served with 'incredible' fries.
Raf's NYC was a key participant in a collaborative event that also included Chambers NYC and Greenpoint Fish Co. The author expressed great satisfaction with the culinary offerings.
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.
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
A polished NoHo destination blending Italian and French influences, this bistro is celebrated for its well-executed European-inspired menu and glowy, refined atmosphere [1]. While the space can feel somewhat tightly packed, diners consistently praise highlights like the roast chicken and signature bread basket [1], [2]. It remains a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on French and Italian fusion, featuring standout items such as the whole roast chicken, which is widely lauded for its perfect execution [1], [2]. Customers also highly recommend the burger and fennel salad [4], [5], though the escargot is often described as average or overrated by frequent visitors [2], [3].
Caveats
The seating area can feel claustrophobic, with some diners noting the tables are placed too close together [1], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RAF'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Week Where Have You Gone And Was It
"The diner had a great lunch, particularly praising the salad and burger."
PositiveFrom post: Help Brunch Spots For After Courthouse Wedding In
"Suggested as an option if willing to travel slightly north."
NeutralFrom post: How Is Crownshy I Am Trying Out New Restaurants
"Recommended as a better alternative to Crown Shy, particularly for their chicken."
PositiveFrom 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."
Neutral