For 117 years Rao's has been serving top-notch Southern Italian fare. Originating in East Harlem, NY, Rao's is the toughest reservation to get in America! At the NY location co-owner Frank Pelligrino
Jr. Is known as "Frankie No" for all of the customers he has to turn away. Regulars pay from $1,000-$25,000 to reserve a weekly table on a Friday night for the year. I'm not kidding! In Hollywood, patrons can call between 10 and 2 to make a reservation. Rao's
is only open Monday through Friday, so either go on a week night or book way in advance! Chef Nicole Grimes (Rao's Las Vegas) cooks up a storm at Rao's LA amidst the celebrity head shots, dark wood, and white linens. For appetizers we enjoy the Traditional
Rao's Meatballs. ($16). Ground veal, pork, and beef are mixed with Italian breadcrumbs, seasoning, and Rao's famous marinara sauce to make the world's best meatball. Two huge meatballs come in an order and your server will split them in two for you. Penne
Vodka ($28) is our favorite pasta and is served with San Marzano tomatoes, prosciutto cotto, and vodka cream. This is a great dish to split! Linguini and Clams ($28) is buttery, rich, and full of Manila clams, garlic, white wine, red pepper flakes, parsley,
in a red or white sauce. We adore the white! Veal Picatta Scaloppine ($28) incomes in a white wine, butter, caper sauce. The winning dish however, is the Lemon Chicken ($26). Half a chicken is charcoal-broiled, bone-in, topped, with a tangy lemon sauce. If
you've saved room, do order the New York Style Cheesecake ($12) or the Tiramisu ($12). Tiramisu is the best we've had with its espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mousse, and cocoa powder. For a true old school Italian meal, nothing beats Rao's! Rao's
1006 Seward Street, Hollywood. (323) 962-7267.
Recommended Dishes: Meatballs, Lemon Chicken,
Vodka Penne, Tiramisu.