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Hollywood - Rao's restaurant
7.1

Rao's

  • Hollywood
  • $$$
  • Elevated
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Tasteful dishes, modest creativity

Large amidst small seems to be the modus operandi of Rao's food. The acclaimed Meatballs Appetizer is moist and packed with authentic flavor. The New York-Style Cheesecake, a divine must-try. The Sunday Gravy Meal tastes of family traditions, savory and exquisite. The creativity took a backseat, with the basic menu, but the enormous portions surely dominated the table and left no room for leftovers. Taste and freshness wavered between wonderful and welfare, depending on who's eating and what's being eaten.

  • Great Portions

    Enormous portion sizes hailed; shared enjoyment for groups, no leftovers waste.

  • Okay Quality

    Food quality mixed: fresh pasta and flavorful seafood, but some dishes bland.

  • Variety

    Menu lacks variety, innovation, and is described as basic and unimaginative.

Top 3 dishes at Rao's

  1. 1

    Meatballs Appetizer 🏆

    Exceptionally moist, huge, with authentic flavor; often described as the best ever.

    Meatballs Appetizer dish
  2. 2

    New York-Style Cheesecake

    Frequently described as the best, divine, and a must-try item.

    New York-Style Cheesecake dish
  3. 3

    Caesar Salad

    Cold, crisp, perfectly dressed with a creamy garlic-anchovy dressing.

    Caesar Salad dish

Vibe: Intimate romance amidst innovative cocktails

Stepping into Rao's comes with a sense of being teleported to an Italian street corner. The ambiance is cozy and charming, just like grandma's house, who also plays some fun background music. Dark lighting accentuates the romantic vibes, making it a perfect spot for sentimental celebrations. A quirky cocktail or a selected choice from the vast wine list isn’t just an addition but a vital part of the experience.

  • Great for Dates

    Intimate dark lighting enhances romantic vibe for memorable date nights.

  • Okay to Entertain

    Background music adds to a fun atmosphere, though not always aligned.

  • Buzz

    Focus on being trendy and exclusive overshadows the quality of food.

Perks: Welcomes groups, a decibel dilemma

The charm of Rao's resides beyond food and drinks. It extends to the friendly staff, proud of their heritage, ever ready for serving sizable groups. They swiftly and efficiently manage large number of patrons alongside specific dietary requirements, ensuring nobody feels left out. The accessible street parking and valet service is a cherry atop. However, the din can sideline the charm, often overwhelming casual conversations, getting conversations lost in translation.

  • Great for Groups

    Accommodates large groups with excellent service, spacious seating, great ambiance.

  • Okay Outdoor

    Patio provides a nice backyard feel, but some find it just fine.

  • Kids

    No kids menu available, not ideal for family dining.