“Be glad you didn’t. The chicken was bitter, their marinara tasted like unseasoned Hunts tomato purée (it would have been 1000% better had they used their own jarred sauce) and the meatball was mid at best.”
4.7/10Italian
AI-generated summary
People argue about Rao's. Some say the is the best they've ever had, others say it's ordinary red sauce they could make at home. Most agree you're paying for the room and for knowing someone who can get you a table. The lemon chicken comes up as dry. The jarred sauce gets steadier praise than the restaurant does.
NYC classic — Joshua Anthony Rao, an Italian immigrant, bought a small shop in Italian Harlem in 1896, and after his death in 1909 his sons Vincent and Louis carried it on. The tiny dining room has stayed in the family for well over a century, and the New York Post called it one of the hardest places to get into in the city. Wikipedia
“Be glad you didn’t. The chicken was bitter, their marinara tasted like unseasoned Hunts tomato purée (it would have been 1000% better had they used their own jarred sauce) and the meatball was mid at best.”
“Honestly, it’s super hyped and impossible to get in, but also they have the best meatballs I’ve had in my life. And I’ve had a fair share of good ones from my year living in Italy. Their “famous” lemon chicken however, was extremely dry”
“It was great!! We are from Chicago, so we have access to awesome Italian food, and this was on par.”
“There’s nothing special about it beyond being in a place where you need to know a guy.”
“many famous restaurants bordering exclusive clubs more than places to dine (Rao's, Four Charles, Carbone, etc.)”
“Worst meatballs ive ever had”
“The ambiance, experience and service are excellent. The food is good, not great.”
“Raos might be the single most overrated place of all time. I don’t get it. Very middle of the road pasta dishes, on par with any other basic Italian place in nyc.”
“It’s an exclusive red sauce joint for Italian-American cafones who want to LARP as mafiosi. Like you said, and as is the case with most red sauce joints, the food is mediocre at best. Nothing you can’t make at home, and probably better at that.”
“The jar sauce is 🔥”
“Food was really good. Like someone’s family cooking it. Not high end Italian. Fantastic for what it is. Worth the trip if given the oppurtunity.”
“Rao’s is entirely about the experience, which is pretty ineffable. Well worth going at least once.”