Rao's
Permanently Closed
Upscale Italian eatery with homestyle classics, generous portions, and wine
![Rao's by [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66756464/o.0.jpg "Rao's by [Official Photo]")
Upscale Italian eatery with homestyle classics, generous portions, and wine
"Famous for being the hardest reservation to get in the world (or something like that), Rao’s Hollywood location is thankfully much easier to get into than its New York spot. Located on a side street south of Santa Monica Blvd., Rao’s is old-school New York Italian food with a warm interior that makes you feel like you’re in Manhattan. But it’s that back patio where holiday party glory truly begins. Capacity: Full patio buyout available for up to 60 people. Regular reservations available for any size party." - brant cox
"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
"Rao’s is the Hollywood location of the classic NYC Italian restaurant - famous for being one of the hardest tables to get in the city. In LA, it’s not too hard to snag a reservation, and it’s a great option when East Coast grandparents are in town who’ve always wanted to go, but couldn’t. The menu is stacked with every red sauce classic imaginable (the meatballs are a must), and the red booth-adorned dining room will make everybody want to party a little." - brant cox
"There are very few restaurants that do Christmas spirit like Rao’s. Come holiday time, the Hollywood location of the classic NYC Italian spot is decked out with every wreath and clump of tinsel they could find. Is it overkill? Sure. Is it exactly what you want on Christmas Eve? Yep. The menu has every crowd-pleasing, red-sauce classic you and your family could want, but if you leave without getting the meatballs, Christmas is canceled." - brant cox
"At just $6, this is an incredible deal. Plus you can pretend like you’re strolling through the Italian countryside while carrying it (instead of the Silver Lake 365 we know you’re at)." - kat hong
