"Rao’s is among New York’s most iconic Italian restaurants and is famous for being one of the hardest reservations to score in the country. Luckily, the location in Hollywood doesn’t have anything close to that problem. The food at this red sauce spot isn’t anything to write home about (except the meatballs), but you aren’t here for inspiring Italian food. You’re here because the wreath-adorned dining room feels like you’re back in East Harlem, and the crackling fireplace will, at least briefly, trick you into believing it’s not 78 degrees outside." - brant cox