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Rao's Hollywood
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Rao's Hollywood
8.2
An old-school red-sauce room with a lively, clubby feel and a menu built for crowd-pleasers. The lasagna lands in the classic lane—meaty, saucy, and generously portioned—making it a reliable go-to for a nostalgic Italian dinner in Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lasagna, Meatballs with marinara, Lemon chicken & capers
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hollywood outpost of a storied red-sauce institution with a strong lasagna game.
Who should go: Groups craving classic Italian.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours before shows.
What to order: Lasagna, meatballs, lemon chicken.
Insider tip: Order family-style—portions are built to share.
Rao's Hollywood
8.4
An Old Hollywood take on red-sauce Italian with plush booths, a cozy patio, and a menu built for sharing. Happy hour is a smart way to sample the house classics alongside strong martinis and Negronis.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rao’s meatballs, Penne alla vodka, Chicken Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Italian comfort in a true Hollywood hideaway setting.
Who should go: Fans of timeless Italian and martini-forward bars.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before a show nearby.
What to order: Meatballs, pasta alla vodka, chicken parm.
Insider tip: Ask for a patio table if you want a quieter meal.
Rao's Hollywood
8.6
The West Coast outpost of the famed New York red-sauce spot delivers big, comforting Italian-American classics in a polished but relaxed room. It’s a crowd-pleaser for multigenerational tables, with familiar flavors and a menu built for picky eaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatballs with marinara, Lemon chicken piccata, Rao’s marinara over rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school Italian-American standards executed at high volume without slipping.
Who should go: Big families and out-of-towners craving classics.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easiest reservations.
What to order: Meatballs, a red-sauce pasta, chicken parm.
Insider tip: Order family-style pastas to share; portions go far.
Rao's Hollywood
8.6
This Hollywood outpost of the legendary New York institution delivers red-sauce classics with velvet-rope energy and a clubby, candle-glow dining room. The kitchen leans into comforting, well-seasoned pastas and crowd-pleasing mains, while the front-of-house runs like a polished old-school supper club. A great pick for a “dress-up and linger” date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rao’s meatballs, Linguine with clams, Chicken Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic NYC-style Italian glamour with reliably dialed-in staples.
Who should go: Couples seeking a lively, upscale night.
When to visit: Prime time weekend dinner.
What to order: Meatballs, vodka pasta, chicken parm.
Insider tip: Book early; later slots bring the best energy.
Rao's Hollywood
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Hidden Gems Heaven
The legendary East Harlem institution brings 127 years of Neapolitan family recipes to Hollywood's studio district. Red leather booths and Christmas decorations year-round create the authentic New York vibe while classic dishes like famous meatballs and Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken honor generations of tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Meatballs, Uncle Vincent's Lemon Chicken, Seafood Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: LA outpost of impossible-to-book NYC institution with 127-year family legacy
Who should go: Those seeking authentic Neapolitan red-sauce Italian with old-school charm
When to visit: Friday and Saturday evenings for full atmosphere experience
What to order: Famous meatballs, Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken, seafood salad
Insider tip: Much easier to get reservations than the legendary NYC location
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking on Seward - arrive early or use valet
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - nice jeans acceptable but most guests dress up
Noise level: Lively but conversational - booths offer good intimacy despite bustling energy
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins nearly impossible Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: More flexible but still recommend booking 3-5 days ahead
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent pasta options and eggplant parmigiana, but limited beyond Italian staples
Vegan options: Very limited - possible to modify pasta dishes but not their specialty
Gluten-free options: Available upon request but red-sauce Italian means pasta-heavy menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic booths, impressive legacy story, and reliable food create confidence without stuffiness
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins on weekdays, but don't count on it - this is still Rao's, book ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - welcoming to families with children's menu, though weekend dinner crowds skew adult
How does it compare to the NYC location? Same family recipes and decor aesthetic, more accessible reservations, slightly larger space but less impossible mystique
Is it worth the hype? If you appreciate old-school Italian-American tradition over innovation - absolutely. Don't expect modern techniques or farm-to-table
Best For
Better for: Old-school red-sauce Italian with authentic family legacy, special occasions needing reliable crowd-pleasers, impressing out-of-town guests who know the Rao's legend
Skip if: You want modern Italian, seasonal innovation, or intimate quiet dining - try Bestia or Osteria Mozza instead
Rao's Hollywood
8.3
This Hollywood outpost of the legendary 1896 East Harlem institution serves family-recipe Neapolitan cuisine in red leather booths with year-round Christmas decorations. Famous meatballs, Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken, and seafood salad maintain the warm hospitality that made the original nearly impossible to book.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Meatballs, Uncle Vincent's Lemon Chicken, Veal Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Sister restaurant to NYC's most exclusive Italian spot, established 1896
Who should go: Italian food lovers seeking authentic Neapolitan home cooking without pretension
When to visit: Reservations required, quiet Seward Street location avoids Hollywood Boulevard chaos
What to order: Meatballs, lemon chicken, penne alla vodka, finish with New York cheesecake
Insider tip: Restaurant sells the famous Rao's jarred sauce available in grocery stores
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available, street parking on quiet Seward Street typically easier than main Hollywood corridors
Dress code: Smart casual - no need for jackets but avoid gym wear, date-night appropriate
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - cozy booth seating keeps sound controlled
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated on weekends
Weekday lunch: More flexible but still recommend booking ahead
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - classic Italian vegetable dishes, pasta marinara, eggplant preparations
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pasta dishes, ask kitchen about oil-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Possible but not extensive - inform server, kitchen accommodates where feasible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic red leather booths, warm lighting from Christmas decorations year-round, impressive pedigree without stuffiness. Conversation-friendly noise level and quality food make strong impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult - this is the accessible version of NYC's impossible-to-book original, but still requires advance planning. Try calling day-of for cancellations or visit the bar area if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - family-style Italian cooking welcomes all ages, booths work well for families, and the homestyle comfort food appeals to younger palates. Not stuffy despite the fine dining designation.
How does this compare to the NYC original? Same family recipes and warm hospitality, much easier to actually get a table. Hollywood location offers the legendary food without the decade-long waitlist.
Is it worth the price? Premium pricing reflects both the heritage and quality - you're paying for 125+ years of family recipes and famous meatballs that live up to the hype. Portions are generous, ingredients are quality.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan home cooking with serious pedigree, special occasions that need a story behind them, impressing out-of-towners who know the NYC legend, classic red-sauce Italian without modern reinterpretations
Skip if: You want cutting-edge modern Italian, need last-minute availability, prefer minimalist contemporary decor over old-school charm, looking for budget-friendly options
Rao's Hollywood
8.3
The legendary East Harlem restaurant's Hollywood outpost brings home-style Neapolitan cooking to the studio district since 2013. Red leather booths, intimate seating, and welcoming outdoor patio create old-school charm while classic dishes like Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken, famous meatballs, and veal parmesan deliver generations of family recipes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatballs, Uncle Vincent's Lemon Chicken, Veal Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: LA outpost of impossibly hard-to-book NYC institution serving Neapolitan classics since 1896
Who should go: Groups seeking warm Italian hospitality and red-sauce classics
When to visit: Dinner nightly, reservations much easier than NYC original
What to order: Start with meatballs, try Uncle Vincent's lemon chicken and seafood salad
Insider tip: The cozy atmosphere feels like old New York without the impossible reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking on Cahuenga - arrive early or use nearby lot on Vine
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts recommended, jeans acceptable if dark/dressy
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - low music, close tables create cozy buzz without shouting
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner only operation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant parmigiana, pasta marinara, side vegetables available
Vegan options: Very limited - marinara-based pastas can be modified, call ahead to confirm options
Gluten-free options: Limited - some meat/seafood dishes work, no dedicated GF pasta but can accommodate carefully
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic red booths, dim lighting, and intimate atmosphere create classic date night energy. The storied reputation adds conversation starter without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, but dining room reservations strongly recommended. Much easier to book than NYC location but still fills up, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - welcoming family atmosphere with classic Italian-American comfort food kids enjoy. Earlier dinner times (6-7pm) best for families. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Historic restaurant experience with legendary status - you're eating at a Hollywood version of a 128-year institution. Better for warm, old-school Italian-American hospitality over trendy innovation. Superior for intimate celebrations where you want familiar excellence.
Skip if: You want adventurous modern Italian or lighter coastal cuisine - this is traditional red-sauce cooking. Skip if you need extensive vegetarian/vegan options or prefer louder, scene-y energy. Choose elsewhere for lunch or spontaneous dining without reservations.