Charming Italian-French bistro w/ stand-out breads, pastas & wood-fired mains. Don't miss the roast chicken & pistachio rhubarb cake!
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.
Raf's offers a charming, classic bistro experience with a menu blending Italian and French influences. Renowned for its excellent house-made breads and creative pastas, the kitchen, helmed by Chef Mary Attea and Pastry Chef Camari Mick, delivers well-executed dishes. Standouts include the beef tartare and roast chicken, while the pistachio rhubarb cake is a must-try dessert. Despite potential seating congestion, the polished ambiance and flavorful food make it a destination worth visiting.
Raf's boasts a European-inspired menu with Italian and French influences, noted for its excellent house-made breads, creative pastas like mafaldine with lamb ragu, and wood-fired mains such as dorade and roast chicken. While most dishes receive praise, some reviewers found the ricotta appetizer bland and overpriced, and the escargots were described as 'mid'. The pistachio rhubarb cake is a highly recommended dessert.
"Standout recommendations include the roast chicken, beef tartare, corn and crab ravioli, and the pistachio rhubarb cake. The bread basket is also a must-try."
Customers generally have a positive view, praising the well-executed food and polished ambiance, though some mention the seating can feel cramped.
Important Note
The seating area can feel claustrophobic with tables being tightly packed. Some dishes, like the ricotta appetizer, have been noted as bland and overpriced, and the escargots were described as 'mid'. Reservations are recommended, though the bar is an option for walk-ins.
"Raf's was recommended as a dining option for a celebration."
Positive"Raoul's (likely a typo for Raf's or a separate mention of Raoul's) is mentioned as a potential option."
Neutral"Raf's is suggested as an option with beautiful candlelit ambiance and more approachable price and food."
Neutral"This user has heard great things about the espresso martini at RAF's but has not tried it themselves."
Neutral"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
