Reviewing the Most Exclusive Restaurant in the United States

[@brianpeterson6976]

This is a perfect example of when a restaurant has lost its priorities, money is now more important than than quality.

[@authorizedacc8016]

This shop is a living definition of Quality of Quantity

[@ryancooper2901]

Why not make it bigger ???

[@suzannerinato8725]

I always thought Rao’s was a gimmicky joke.

[@suzannerinato8725]

I love you guys but Jessi please stop saying noodles for pasta 😢😢

[@ajl8198]

I am happy to know i am not missing out on the food from Raos. Thank you guys for your honest review : )

[@gregorybryant6610]

one persons opinion would stop you from trying something,The only thing would stop me is the price ,especially if I could go to the (Olive Garden) and get my food hot and fresh. What if he said he didn't like food from a place you love would you stop going ?.

[@ukuduku]

The thing with pasta is that when you put hot pasta into a airtight container it's will continue cooking from the residual heat. You would have to get the pasta in the restaurant to eat it on a plate to stars the difference. The plastic lid on the container acts as a pot cover and the left over steam cooks the pasta more

[@AriesSupertramp]

Yea but when most people are only able to get take out food, you should take this into account, right? I mean.. when I finish my pasta in the pan, I also take this into account which means I take out the pasta sooner than usual.

[@rob12371]

So you are saying the Restaurant does not know how to sell its to-go food. Because If I can only order it to go and it sucks when I get home, I have a horrible impression of what they serve and will not return a second time or even bother to wait for a table opening.

[@fkcoolers2669]

@@rob12371 Well I'm also not sure the restaurant should assume someone has like a 40 minute commute after picking up their order, either. It's just a content video anyways lol

[@Simplylivinglifethebestican]

I would love to see you recreate the meal yourselves. Show us how it should really be made with recipes and the cost to make it! Love you guys ❤

[@jeanineskitchen2607]

That’s what I’m gonna do on my channel I wanna see what the hype is about their meatballs

[@rapture724]

You guys are too nice. If your gonna tip, i suggest doing it when you get upstairs to the apartment. Never tell the driver your a tourist. Unfortunately there are some bad apples out there who will try sneaky tactics to squeeze money from you. Just say thank you and head up. Dont look back. Then tip a few mins later. If your not sure the tip went through. Wait a day, check your bank account and then see.

[@krankykrista]

Excellent advice! This applies to most big cities - NY to Miami all the way to LA.

[@krankykrista]

I went to Rao’s in Vegas many times before they closed it. I know it’s not the “original” Rao’s cooking but the restaurant was insanely good. I absolutely loved everything they had on the menu. We even made our plans around the reservation time to not miss a dinner there. I sigh when I think of them closing the location. And, so sad to hear the original is not great. Back to the Italian food drawing board! 😕

[@ginaguadalupe2972]

Jessi and Alessio I absolutely love watching your videos !! You both are so lovely, it's always such a blast to watch your videos. Thank you for sharing such warm and informative, fun videos .I can't wait to see future videos.

[@ThePasinis]

Thank you so much Gina❤️

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Your cat was warning you, “Give to me, I’ll enjoy it more than you ever will!” 😂 We get their sauce from the supermarket regularly, but never been to the restaurant despite all the times I’ve been to NYC since I live in the metro area, and now I see why. Shame it doesn’t live up to the hype and boy is it overpriced. But we appreciate your honesty! “I’m pissed” I’m sure he’ll never be as pissed as he was when he realized Italy didn’t qualify for neither the 2018 nor the 2022 World Cup

[@John-iq7ry]

I'm pretty sure eating in the restaurant is a lot better than the takeout, although I'm also sure the restaurant itself is over-hyped. Their grocery items are good for what they are.

[@Marielm1]

I am laughing so hard. Comparing Rao’s to Olive Garden. We Italians here don’t compare anything to to Olive Garden because we have never been there! You guys are great.

[@Fatguylittlecoat1996]

Olive Garden is awesome! Good food for a good price.

[@mister8116]

I made the mistake of going to the Olive Garden but never again!

[@MrKarmapolice97]

Olive Garden is a complete JOKE, I don’t even know if they made anything fresh it taste like they microwave frozen precooked meals. Olive Garden is the Applebee’s no let me rephrase that, Olive Garden is the McDonald’s of Italian food. On the other hand about their review he said it took 40 mins to get there so they drove 40 mins back home I’m not sure you would get a get experience unless it’s in the restaurant. I have never been my to Rao’s I do buy the jars of marinara which I like but I’d like to see a recipe from inside the restaurant.

[@Fatguylittlecoat1996]

@@MrKarmapolice97 My friend managed Olive Garden, everything is made from scratch except the pasta and breadsticks. Like most restaurants everything is prepped by portion to insure proper food safety and profitability. While it’s not authentic Italian cuisine ‘ it is very tasty and affordable. Authentic Italian cuisine can be expensive and some of it tastes like shit. In America Italian food is hit or miss. Reason being is all Italians think their recipes are the best even if the food tastes like burnt popcorn.Olive garden has chefs that research flavors , dishes and recipes based on food panels designed to gather information about what people actually enjoy therefor eliminating the Italian narcissistic chef who’s food maybe or not be burnt popcorn.

[@TheVillest]

dont speak for all italians... plenty of italian people have been to olive garden in their lives

[@rebeccabrown1951]

I make my own Italian food after watching about a zillion Italian chefs on KZbin. Simplest is best. Onion, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, a little salt and pasta. Can't beat it.

[@Markinfilm]

Truffles never hurt. Don't forget sage, rosemary, thyme which we use quite a bit.

[@charliebarrow7086]

Pasta Puttanesca and Pasta a la norma are my two favorite pasta dishes. Make them at home always. Have yet to find a restaurant that makes them as good as I do...

[@Ccamero123]

Mushrooms. Don’t judge me.

[@thomasrider8221]

First of all, thank you both for taking one for the team. We appreciate your review and will of course dine elsewhere. I did try the one in Las Vegas some years ago and thought more favorably about the wine than the food. Nice to know it wasn't just me. I think the problem is that the place has become a tourist trap for the wealthy...those who can afford to pay for the use of the tables. That doesn't make it great food, just exclusive food. The problem with touristy places is that many times, the food is less seasoned as tourists (read as non-regulars) have a different palate profile, so the tourist gets their food seasoned down so as not to offend the buyer. Even a mediocre 5-6 meatball will be consumed by the very people who don't know better, and think they're getting great food because of the restaurants reputation. Just look how Peter Luger's fell from grace by the New York food critics.

[@SCORPION89199]

If this is the case and that restaurant is not as good as people say it is that's really too bad they're really hurting the reputation, they've been around since the 1840s or 1850s they're like the oldest restaurant or one of the oldest restaurants in New York City and they treat people like that I guess they know they're going to make a lot of money either way since they don't have enough space for anybody who's not a regular.

[@heekim1991]

Your cat is licking its chops lol. I was waiting for your cat to swipe a meatball off the table lol. Love you guys.

[@docohm50]

I knew he would not be impressed. I appreciate you guys taking the Ubers and spending time and money and filming the content. Alessio obviously can cook and you're used to his cooking. These days it's really hard to compete against a home chef with years of experience. I enjoyed the video. God Bless you guys 🙏

[@johnsradios484]

I’m from 3 blocks from Rao’s lived in East Harlem in the 1960 / 70’s. My parents where from Italy and I never heard of Rao’s until many years later. If it was great maybe that time has passed. By time we all hear about a place it’s original owners have all moved on or pasted away and the place is a tourist attraction. I went to Buffalo many times and wanted to go when they invented buffalo wings. Went to the Anchor Bar, the wings where good. But every place in Buffalo the wings where just as good. I went to Buffalo many times and asked a local where the place Buffalo wings where? She told me a place and it was in a residential area and they where much better wings.

[@MaShcode]

Thanks guys. I used to live right around the corner from Rao’s in East Harlem and on the street it was always considered over rated. Better off going to some of the local Spanish restaurants for cheap and tasty cuisine.

[@ThePasinis]

I agree do you know some Spanish restaurants?

[@francescopennisi2741]

@@ThePasinis you guys need to try johnnys pizza in mount vernon its about 35-40 mins from nyc but well worth it , some of the best pizza in NY

[@MaShcode]

@@ThePasinis Yes, for Mexican, El Paso on 110th between Lex and Park Avenue is a local favorite. Contento on 88 E 111th St has very good Peruvian.

[@afcgeo882]

@@MaShcode You need to give them a good PR of DR recommendation instead. Those cuisines are hard to find outside of NYC.

[@circlesoft]

@@afcgeo882 Casa Adela for PR food

[@thebeautylounge87]

after this video I just can't stop asking myself "why is this restaurant so exclusive?!": that quality food shouldn't be exclusive at all, in Italy you can find those dishes (except for the penne) in every trattoria and it would be definitely better. Penne alla vodka was a trend in the '80s but not anymore (like the famous strawberry risotto 😂), that chicken is an ordinary roasted chicken with a lot of watery lemon juice, meatballs maybe are the only things that can be saved (but 20 dollars for two meatballs...!)😂Jessi's expression when she tasted the penne was amazing 😂

[@cmeflywva]

Always trust an Italian's emotions, especially when there is food involved.

[@sgarrita2561]

I love you guys and always enjoy your videos… as a born and raised New Yorker (Arthur ave was my neighborhood) of italian immigrant parents, who ate at many top restaurants over the years, but never Rao’s… i am so devestated by your review i had to shut it off …i’ll be back but cant watch this one 🤦🏻‍♀️ ❤

[@fivemjs]

Curious….why does it make you sad? Is it because you’ve heard so many good things about it?

[@classicac16]

Sorry to hear that .. I’m not from that state but you can sure tell that chicken look like from my local grocery store smart and final..

[@dalehoward3704]

THANK YOU! An honest interview. You didn't so we don't have too👍

[@maryellenshea1055]

Just picked up a jar of Mutti tomato sauce with basil from the grocery store. As good as my friend's Nonna's summer sauce. Less expensive than Rao's jarred sauce.

[@aznmochibunny]

Never thought I'd hear the day when Alessio said something at Olive Garden is better.

[@John-d5j9o]

Keep being honest whatever you do still hard to watch you eat food I wish I had and just call it garbage have you ever eaten out of the garbage I bet not I'm not going to go into my culinary experiences and my level of wealth in the past but I sit here and watch you guys even when I'm starving to death and I watch the stuff you guys call crap and I pray that I had it nothing personal love you guys and your channel you guys are awesome You're sweet keep it up I'll keep watching I know there's prove what I know it I know good food when I know it and I know you're right I don't disagree with your opinions at all I wouldn't watch this is hard for me it's not your fault Great food is better than average food good food is better than crappy food it's just hard to know the difference and watch when you have nothing to eat not your fault you guys are living a blessed life enjoy your family while you have them and keep doing what you're doing cuz I'm going to keep watching thank you❤❤❤i

[@franktalk2]

I really like the format and content, and I believe the honest review. Please make more!

[@afcgeo882]

I don’t know about other places, but in NYC, all rideshare drivers are professional drivers. You have to have a special class state DL, a taxi and limousine commission license, and your car must have special registration/inspections. Waiting until your customer walks into the front door is normal behavior, for your safety. It has nothing to do with tips. It’s to make sure you’re in, safe. As far as Rao’s… during the pandemic most New Yorkers got a chance to find out that Rao’s food actually sucks. It’s not just not Northern Italian food… it’s generally not Italian food.

[@Eyl279]

can you do a comparison between italian american and italian food? when i went to italy, i was struck by how much lighter and fresher the food tasted. there was a cleaner, simpler taste to the food. the sauces in the states taste heavy and muddled by comparison

[@iluomobravo]

You two are the cutest. I am surprised however to hear her refer to the pene as a “noodle”. 3x!!! It wasn’t a slip. That’s a term I would expect someone completely inexperienced with Italian culture or cuisine to say. But someone married to an Italian? Brought a tear to my eye😊🇮🇹🇮🇹 Noodles are noodles, pasta is pasta!!!😮‍💨

[@My5sons1114]

My Sicilian heart broke a little…😢😂

[@phill3583]

I'm glad I'm not alone 😂

[@jojogian2428]

Saying Noodles almost as bad as cracking spaghetti. 😖

[@michele-kt]

Ive eaten macaroni my entire life and am not used to calling it pasta. Why did everyone start calling it pasta instead of macaron anyway?? I cringed when she called it noodles.

[@tomchirillo1663]

Her Italian husband should have corrected her.

[@lauraautry6992]

I love your cat so sweet…wanting you to share 😋. Always enjoy watching you too.I love Alessios explanations 🤗🤗

[@lindaheter6350]

Thank you for your honest reviews. Love you guys and your channel ❤

[@jade1997]

Did you try Carmine's? It's another Italian-American spot and their servings are HUGE!

[@anthonymarocco955]

Nice Honest Review You Guys! Love The Channel! Anthony

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

If people want to snag a Rao's reservation, they have a better chance at doing so at their Los Angeles location which is bigger (96 seats) but has the same atmosphere as the NYC one. They also had another location in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace with 260 seats, but they closed it in 2021 after being there for 15 years. The Rao's in NYC was started in 1896 by Joshua Anthony Rao, who moved with his parents from Italy to the US. He bought a small shop in Italian Harlem, once a very large Italian-American community, and ran the restaurant until his death in 1909. Though small, Italian Harlem culture is still kept alive by Rao's and the Giglio Society of East Harlem.

[@gardenx5574]

I love your honesty. Thank you.

[@ThePasinis]

We always try to be honest with you guys!

[@kimberlybender7046]

I’ve actually pretty much stopped eating out. I’m constantly getting disappointed in the taste of their food. My thought is always “I can make it better at home”. There is only one restaurants food that I can’t make better at home

[@highjinx6519]

That’s what my child’s father and I discovered a long time ago. Way overpriced and not as good as you can do yourself. And it sounds like this place is pretentious as hell on top of it all. I would be livid.

[@leahr.2620]

That's the way I feel too.

[@TeddyBear090311]

Agree here. Even places that used to have more of a home cooked food feel, have sadly gone down hill

[@ChirumboloFilm]

Which restaurant is that?

[@eleanorlamont7375]

I agree with you 100%. When we go out to eat I always think "I could have done better at home." I am a very cook cook now at 66 years old. Was I always? NO! So, if you are reading this always remember you CAN learn to cook and get better with time!

[@doylekreutzer9255]

I've heard Edmonton alberta Canada is alot like new York when it comes to food and the art atmosphere I've never been to New York but I've lived in Edmonton and I'm only 4 hours away from it so I've always been to Edmonton and love the food that's around the city

[@Ccamero123]

Born and raised in Edmonton. Love Sorrentinos in Wolf Willow. Had horrible Italian food in New York. We have so,Amy Italians in Edmonton. What are neibours could make with the ingredients at the time was the best. I love the big Italian shop on 170 street.

[@tracys694]

I am shooketh to the core. This has been THE restaurant to get into for years in NYC. Thank you for ending 10 years of serious FOMO for me!

[@tiredofit4761]

It certainly shows to be more hype than substance. It does not look appetizing at all!

[@millsykooksy4863]

I have heard that it's virtually impossible to get a reservation here. The jarred sauce is phenomenal.

[@puebloking8280]

They tried it they don't lie any American style sauces with to much ingredients they say.

[@ald8612]

I am so tired of paying huge prices when going out to eat only to get mediocre food. I mean, it happens all the time anymore. If I am going out and paying a high price, I expect EXCEPTIONAL food quality with EXCELLENT TASTE and be full when I leave. There is nothing more irritating than going out to dinner and paying premium prices only to need to stop for something else to eat on the way home.

[@phyllisnicholas2603]

We rarely eat at Italian restaurants. I grew up in a Sicilian household. Always had the best homemade Sicilian/Italian food. My closest friends are of Sicilian descent as well. We all grew up together in Monterey, California. Whenever we get together, which is often, and eat Italian food that we’ve made, we have to critique everything we prepared. I don’t know if it’s just a Sicilian thing or what. So, you can only imagine when we go to an Italian restaurant…

[@TheVillest]

my wife is from naples. we dont go out for italian food. we just make it at home and its better than any "italian" resturant

[@phyllisnicholas2603]

Napolitani cuisine is so wonderful. No need to ever go out and search for “Italian” food.

[@regdrums1]

Same here Sicilians live in San Francisco since 1904. I’m not that old old.

[@Lucarus100]

Raos is overhyped in my opinion. Last year, they allowed takeout through texting so I tried their food. $25 dollars for Chicken Parm but no pasta. People are really friendly though. They also closed their larger restaurant in Vegas last year. Try John's of 12th street, they been around for about 100 years, much easier to get to and one of the better red sauce joints in NYC

[@stefanadam6040]

Thank you so much for giving us your honest thoughts and opinions! Always trust the Pasinis!

[@mikeymutual5489]

LOL

[@melindawineholt610]

Love you guys. My question is about your fur baby Micha. I am surprised that you take her along on vacations. Does she adjust well to new surroundings?

[@charliebarrow7086]

I have three cats, we live in Europe and I took them to Croatia (roughly 1600 Kilometers) on a vacation. We had an apartment overlooking the Adriatic Sea and stayed for three weeks. They loved the view from the terrace, watching sailboats, standup paddlers and people walking past. I take mine everywhere, camping, holidays and to our cabin. They are used to driving in the car and going places. I could never leave them home alone for three weeks, so I trained them to come with me wherever I go.

[@palmspringsanimationfestiv2053]

Just want there in Feb. It was amazing. I have no idea let alone drive so far and expect to have the same experience

[@amyt2400]

I’m glad that Rao’s now offers take-out on their website but the you can’t fully recreate the Rao’s experience...the year-round holiday decor, the conviviality among the diners, the jukebox, there’s no substitute for that. It is so worth it!

[@fionajane56]

A restaurant is about the food, sorry, ambiance is empty calories

[@jakecortez4795]

@@fionajane56not true some people go for the ambiance and the decor eg. My parents they absolutely don’t care about the food but care about the environment itself

[@iReporteriReporting]

I swear by Pasquale's for everything on the menu when I visit Rhode Island. It's real Italian. And so am I.

[@jules3048]

You could tell that chicken was burnt just by looking at it

[@katielauer]

He needs to open a Italian restaurant in the US! Authentic 🙌🏼

[@6thwatergateplumber]

Never ate at Rao's but I think their marinara bottles at the store are pretty good actually. Haven't tried the others.

[@TheVillest]

they're good but you can doctor up a bottle of prego just as well for half the price

[@63ah1275]

Rao's jarred sauce sucks.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@63ah1275 It does *not* suck, but there are some better ones that less people talk about.

[@phillipfournier7880]

You both make me want to find my amore:) couple goals!!!!! Sending love from Canada ❤❤❤❤

[@Whoopdido777]

I just ordered some Mutti tomato purée based on one of your earlier videos. I can’t get it anywhere nearby so I just ordered it from Amazon. It’s supposed to show up tomorrow. Rao’s Arrabbiata has been my “go to” sauce for years. It’ll be fun to try something new. I know it won’t have as much flavor, but I have a bunch of spices I can throw in if I really want to spice it up, rather than keep it light and fresh.

[@teresamoscatiello]

Mutti passatta is NOT tomato sauce it is tomato purée that you need to cook. Put onions in olive oil, sauté then remove the onions add the tomato, salt, pepper and basil bring it to a boil then lower it to simmer for about 40 mins. If you want marinara use garlic instead of onion also flavor oil then remove garlic.

[@Whoopdido777]

@@teresamoscatiello Thank you, but I already know that Mutti is not tomato or pasta sauce. I literally wrote that right in my comment. I said I bought some Mutti tomato purée. And just for the record, unfortunately I didn’t like it. I’m a lazy cook so I didn’t want to actually bring real onions and olive oil to a simmer and then remove the onions and all that jazz. I simply heated up the purée, but added salt, onion powder and some garlic powder. I can’t imagine that doing it the other way would have ended up much differently. The sauce just ended up being way too bland for me. Oh well. I gave it a try and it just wasn’t for me I guess.

[@kaylaflowers9314]

I’d love to see y’all try to find a good gnocchi in the US/NY. I have always made them fresh with my grandma and have yet to find any I like in a restaurant. Love y’all’s videos, makes me feel like I’m with my family, loud opinionated Italians!!!!

[@markantony3875]

Making them at home is always better.

[@lisac.2616]

Sadly places like Raos where it is impossible to get a reservation and it's all hyped up are usually overrated. Smaller hole in the wall places like Pasta Eater, where you two visited in one of your videos, is a perfect example of a hidden gem with great food and a cute atmosphere. But nothing can compare to cooking meals at home. Honestly unless you can get a reservation to a Michelin star restaurant specializing in the cuisine you so desire and are prepared to drop some serious cash you may want to stay home. Thank you both for the honest review and for posting your videos. ☺🍝🍷

[@hawkssight3086]

I am so very glad that I found you two . You have such a great relationship . Finding that you have a cat ,he/she is so cute . I really enjoy your posts .

[@kennyprak6607]

That would be hilarious if you guys hung out with Carlo & Sarah!!!

[@oaktree1628]

That’s very surprising. I would have thought Raos would be much better. Have you tried Carmine’s ? They have a very busy restaurant in Times Square. Also, Tony Di Napoli also has a very busy restaurant in Times Square. Both are popular for Italian food served family style. I would be very interested in your review of these 2 very popular Italian restaurants.

[@TheVillest]

carmines is good but its just as commercial as many other places

[@oaktree1628]

@@TheVillest Carmines may be very commercial, but they also have THE BEST eggplant parm dish anywhere that I’ve ever had, and it’s HUGE…. my go to take-out when I’m in an Italian mood :)

[@dovrose5155]

Carmines may be 'Merigan but the sauce is good with braciole sausage and meatballs

[@nikkicicero7730]

I’m glad to learn that Rao’s is much ado about nothing! I had a feeling it would be mediocre. But glad you shared with us. Rao’s Should be ashamed of themselves, that pasta looked hideous.

[@highjinx6519]

The sauce looked like cat food or vomit.

[@TheVillest]

its just an iconic name, nothing more. 50+ years ago when they still had italians making the food it was probably still good. but now, its just living off its name from the past

[@mikeymutual5489]

Yes, believe everything that they say, especially after eating from takeout containers. You are brilliant.

[@robertkosyk8856]

Hi Jessi and Alessio.....Sorry you missed one of the best Italian restaurant in NYC while you were on Arthur Ave in the Bronx. It's DOMINICK RESTAURANT (2335 Arthur Ave.) It's the best. I have been eating there for over 40 years and the place has never let me down. Generation of families have been going there. It's CASH ONLY. Everything tis fresh and comes from the local stores on the Ave. There calamari is out-of -this world. Everything is delicious and their Sunday Gravy is fantastic. Try it and you will see.

[@JEDI938]

He doesn't look pleased after you rushed him to get going and it was just a pick up and return home. Just subscribed.😂😂😂😂

[@mariag8061]

As she dips the chicken..."the courage of this girl!" lol. Always enjoy your videos.

[@tommyoerding5194]

The Uber thing is sketchy. You don’t have to like..wait to leave the vicinity in which you’re dropped off to end the trip or even tip lol. You just.. leave. I don’t even tip right away as I’m usually carrying bags or with friends. So I tip later when the app reminds me to rate the driver. Just thought this was weird. First time? 😂 j/k Love your vid’s ❤

[@mazieferreira7757]

Hey guys, you shouldn't have to worry about the tip. It's totally optional so I recommend you do what I do- get out the car and don't worry about the driver. I sometimes forget about rating the driver and only do it the next time I call an Uber. Rao's sells their marinara sauce for like $7 a jar, which is insane. Also, you took a Uber to get there so def add that to the price of the meal🙄 You guys are super cute❤🙏

[@fee4900]

Raos sells their sauce, and I love it. Raos has good sauce for spaghetti.

[@tamarathejudeochristianmedium]

Oh you can always tip way later with Lyft and Uber. Just say “Bye, I’ll catch you on the app with the tip!” 💙🙏🏻💙

[@patriciayohn6136]

I really enjoyed your jarred sauce taste test video. After watching that I tried your choice of Barilla traditional sauce and it is quite close to the homemade sauce at a local Italian restaurant that makes their own pasta and sauce fresh daily, they also make their own sausage and meatballs, it is family owned and operated and Barilla is quite close to their sauce.

[@joanparkan8563]

I love Barilla because it has less sugar, but I rely on Mezzetta Roasted Garlic sauce for ravioli/meatballs/pasta.( It is a California Company so may not be available in all markets.)

[@gracelovell77]

Your the most beautiful couple ive ever seen the love and honesty u both have is an inspiration. Your food vlogs and review is gold honest and truthful i would follow ur food recommendations alessio knows his food.

[@bradp4513]

I just discovered you both... I really am enjoying your analysis of the food.

[@jyc313]

Rao's is definitely one of those places where the reputation, lore, and ambience increases the realistic quality of the food by about 300%.

[@heatherlivingstone7877]

Is he a November baby? You two are adorable !

[@catherinerobey79]

Most restaurant Italian food disappoints me, but I was also lucky to grow up with Italian immigrant grandparents. Lidia's in Pittsburgh and Chiarello's restaurant in Napa were both completely underwhelming. Mutti is my grocery go-to; I find Rao's to be rather acidic.

[@serene889]

As a New Yorker i always tip cash which delivery people appreciate more. You all should eat Italian at that restaurant on East 17th. If i'm correct address is 45 E 17th st. Most of the Authentic Italian restaurants were in Little Italy which use to be much bigger. The lockdown killed them all

[@cedricvegas2437]

When you guys go to Italy, will you do similar spoofs on the awful "American" food being sold over there? For instance, pizza with hotdogs and fries on top -- that's something we don't do here.

[@mikeymutual5489]

How about some of the crappy Italian things they eat in Italy? Will they be honest about that? Not on your life.

[@bethking7348]

Dear Lord, hotdogs and fries on a pizza in America is virtually unheard of! Where are you getting your information from?

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@bethking7348 What part of "that's something we don't do here" do you not understand?

[@bethking7348]

@@mikeymutual5489 it's pretty simple. Hotdogs and fries on a pizza. What don't you understand?

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@bethking7348 I don't understand why you are arguing with the OP when he is agreeing with you. Reading is fundamental.

[@MoooNMoooD]

i think these two Really see themseleves as food critiques now :D

[@conanruisi]

When I said try Raos I had no idea they had a fucking restaurant that’s dope

[@LoriDunbar-on9nl]

They should have tried the seafood salad and spaghetti with seafood. Back in the day it was the father who was a tremendous cook...

[@mellio9077]

Yeah, that chicken was soooo suspect, even from way over here! 😂

[@alisondonly8074]

The nice things abut cats is if you hate it the cat will still love it...

[@stevest55]

It is not possible to get a reservation at Rao's New York. If you want the Rao's experience, you can go to their Las Vegas restaurant. Also, food rarely travels well, which is why I also rarely order take-out (from anywhere).

[@robertbowdoin5215]

Rao's Las Vegas is CLOSED !!!

[@stevest55]

@@robertbowdoin5215 Ah, too bad. At least I had the chance to eat there once!

[@Pinkytoe40]

Thank you. It makes me regret buying their fettuccini that was on sale at the grocery yesterday. I also got fresh Rana and Rommo is coming today. La Molisano when I can get it somewhere for a sensible price (I live in a very rural town). Back to Raos... I've always felt they are more about marketing than food quality. I do love the sauce, it's convenient, but due to the sodium I am back to making my own and am happy. They sell it though giving the impression that their restaurant is "family" oriented or old world traditional Italian. It's very disappointing to see that it's all lies. Maybe the children got business degrees instead of learning to cook. You took such care with making this video. It was not only interesting, but you answered all of the questions I had. I'm sorry you had such a poor meal. It makes watching you share meals you love so much more enjoyable. Wishing you a safe winter and wonderful holidays

[@ThePasinis]

Thank you very much for this beautiful comment! I'm working on a video where I'll explain the various types of pasta! I was curious to try this restaurant because you can never tell if it's good or not until you try it! I think that if you eat at the restaurant it is better! the plastic container which will have contributed to being too hot and cooking the pasta more! the meatballs weren't bad but the chicken was terrible! I personally wouldn't go back but that doesn't mean other people would like it! sorry for my English un saluto da Alessio

[@johnsepulveda8729]

Hi, you remind me of my cousin and her husband his is from Sicily, I think, but she is older then my father and I am 45 he is the baby of 9 kids. All I remember at thanks giving is he would cook some dish for the adults and have lots of wine. He at that time I sometimes couldn't understand him when he would talk he had a really thick accent. All I know is he was a chef in Beverly Hills for an Italian place

[@lojosol]

I tried Rao's sauce before and as expensive as it is i was expecting a lot more than what it tasted like. Not sure what they hype is about other than it just being an exclusive place as you said in the video.

[@MistyMightBeManicShaklefor7416]

I was underwhelmed by it, too. And it gave me heartburn

[@douglasliebig5625]

Guys, come on, it's almost impossible to judge a pasta dish as takeout. It is why I don't do takeout with anything other than Indian and Thai. As far as the grated cheese, that's probably their "to go" cheese. Pretty sure their not using Kraft in the space.

[@bgivesumoore]

That's a cool cat that looks like knows that you two eat some good food.

[@NilsBreckoff]

Wow, I feel like I could beat this with any of the creole Italian restaurants in New Orleans. Good review!

[@mssendfitness]

If you like to try non-Italian, I suggest Asuka Sushi, it is delicious. However, Casa Toscana artisan eatery- Bombolone Nutella YUM!

[@ThePasinis]

grazie mille per le suggestioni

[@douglasjames6697]

Raos jar Sauce in grocery stores is excellent… expensive but well worth it

[@markantony3875]

It tastes nothing like sauces in Italy. You would be better off making your own sauce at home.

[@dineyashworth8578]

Looking at the penne al vodka could already tell it wouldn't be good. I use a vodka jar sauce from a company called Paesana and the things in it from Italy and when I make it with cheese it looks way better than the one you got from Rao's. Looks like they barely put any cheese on it as well! Also had Rao's jar sauce and it's good but not nearly as good as Paesana.

[@LarryJnyc]

QUESTION: If you were in Rome for 3 days before Xmas and staying in this area Largo Angelicum, 00184, where would you eat for pasta? My wife and daughter are traveling and I would love a recommendation, if possible 😀...

[@HansDelbruck53]

I would cut the meatball before putting on the sauce. That way, the sauce won't roll off. "Olive Garden is better". That's a phrase you will rarely ever hear.

[@GaryAndHeatherBush]

Oh how sad!! I’m not getting to-go food anymore from anywhere. It’s just not good by the time you get it home. I can’t fathom spending that much on one dinner, plus the taxi fare and tip and you probably ate again later! Blessings. 💕

[@Boredoutofmywits]

RAO is now a commercial industrial sauce company that keeps the restaruant opened for branding.

[@cbruno12180]

Amore this is no lemon sauce I love him!! U guys re both great!! My name is carlo I live upstate in Albany I’m from siderno Calabria would love to link up with u guys my mother would love to cook for him too seeing he’s probably homesick from missing his mothers cooking I’m sure good little Italian boy he is

[@Reps-qd2qe]

New York born and raised and always thought Raos was overrated. They’re popular because you can’t get a table, not because the food is good.

[@superioradvantage]

So glad you made the video. Raos off the list.

[@LarryHatch]

You can buy Rao's pasta, jar sauces, jar soups, and frozen entries all over the eastern US now. I didn't like jar alfredo until I bought their label ($7-9) because it uses real parm, and romano, cream, and lots of butter. I'd spend that much on making it myself so it's a good value considering the quality ingredients.

[@markantony3875]

Their jar sauces are not that good. Maybe better than the really cheap ones, but still not good. You are better off making it yourself.

[@LarryHatch]

@@markantony3875 I don't care for their tomato sauces but compared to other grocery store alfredo costing in that price range, it is better than most.

[@imperialdagger]

As soon as you said most exclusive I thought immediately about Rao's. This is a "scene" restaurant that you don't really go to for the food. Lots of places like this. If you're famous enough all doors open. I assumed you paid the earth for that food. And that was before the tip and the cost of going there and back.

[@emilybalcerak7861]

As a native New Yorker who's hardly ever heard of Rao's, I can now see why 😆

[@alisondonly8074]

Your cat is gonna love that chicken...

[@zoomer313]

The noodles are overcooked and the chicken is watery. That's because it's been locked in a plastic box for over 45 minutes . That's not really fair to them.

[@eileenvandernoot3867]

It’s really getting cold. Just eat it already!

[@axiomist4488]

Dont forget that the pasta keeps cooking from the heat in the container. If you came a long distance, it would definitely be overcooked . Im surprised the food is so bad. They have a really big reputation. $20 for two meatballs ??? Thats insane. I guess it goes with New York's $6000 rents .

[@GG-uk3dn]

Ive had Rao’s meatballs from the frozen section of the grocery store. I dont know if they are the same as these….. but I really like them- especially fav of frozen meatballs.

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

I love Sicillian marinara, I am used to it.