Widely considered one of the toughest reservations in New York, not to mention in Vegas, Rao's is an Italian dining legend that makes its Hollywood debut within a charming street front dining space painted a chic shade of Fascist red. The building may not look famous, but in the 1930s and 40s it was the Hollywood Canteen - one of the most famous dinner clubs in LA. Inside today, a small bar exudes notes of Sinatra and Martin with white glove staff by gentlemen named Ron and Frankie that provide the type of service you'd expect to find at nearby Musso & Frank in lieu of the latest restaurant hotspot. The main dining room offers an old world charm with walls trimmed in wood paneling bursting with black-and-white photos and glossy-gold framed mirrors.
The Food
A traditional menu rooted in Southern Italian comfort cuisine begins with hearty salads that don’t deviate from the NY original recipes followed by crowd-pleasing portions of baked clams, fried mozzarella and portions of those incredible meatballs many like to order as an appetizer. Main course sticks to classics like veal parmesan, Osso Buco and lambs chops in a boisterous setting that feels equal part formal dinning room and Hollywood supper club.
Last Word
NY’s Rao’s makes its LA debut in downtown Hollywood with showy dining room no seen since Les Deux.