Old-world European bistro with Italian & French influences, praised for house-made breads, standout chicken, and unique pasta dishes.
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, old-world bistro blends Italian and French influences with a modern touch. Diners rave about the meticulously crafted dishes, from the must-order house-made breads and escargots to unique pasta creations. While some find the tables a bit cramped, the overall experience is polished and enjoyable, with highlights like the impressive whole dorade and perfectly cooked half-chicken.
Raf's offers a broad European menu with Italian and French influences. The bread basket, featuring focaccia, sourdough, and milk buns with butter, is a standout. Popular dishes include the chicken (described as pretty good to impressively cooked), beef tartare, and the pistachio rhubarb cake. Some customers have recommended the corn and crab ravioli, while others found the warm fresh ricotta appetizer to be bland and overpriced. The restaurant also has a lamb special on Easter Sunday.
"Highly recommended are the house-made breads and butter, the chicken (especially with pan bread and salsa verde), beef tartare, and the pistachio rhubarb cake. The corn and crab ravioli also receives praise."
Customers generally have a positive view of Raf's, often recommending its dishes and overall experience. While some find the hype surrounding the restaurant to be a bit much, many are willing to return, particularly for specific items like the burger. One negative experience with a cold burger was reported.
Important Note
Tables can be tightly packed, and some dishes may be considered overpriced for their offering. One diner reported receiving a cold burger.
"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"While this commenter likes Raf's, they are unsure if it's a suitable choice for an anniversary dinner."
Neutral"Raf's is suggested for a nice experience and meal, with a chance of celebrity sightings. It's a choice between Raf's and Kabawa based on cuisine type."
Positive"Raf's is recommended specifically for their breakfast pastries. The commenter advises against getting a meal there."
Neutral"Raf's is suggested as a dining option if you are willing to walk west a bit from the LES."
Neutral"This user recommended Raf's for their bread and olive oil."
Positive"This user agrees with the previous suggestion of Raf's rhubarb pistachio cake, implying it's a good recommendation."
Positive"This user suggests Raf's pistachio rhubarb cake as a dessert option."
Positive"The original poster states that Raf's, along with Au Cheval, had 'off the chart' ambience, scoring it 10/10, and was particularly impressed by its beautiful interior during a daytime visit."
Positive"Reports being served a cold burger at RAF's, a negative experience."
Negative"Recommends the Chicken with pan bread and salsa verde at Raf’s ('Thank me later'). Also mentions Crevette's roast chicken is insanely good."
Positive"Mentions Raf’s chicken was pretty good when they had it. Also suggests a high-low combo of Bonchon wings with creme fraiche, caviar, and champagne."
Positive"Suggests Raf's, noting they often have a lamb special for their Easter Sunday brunch."
Neutral
