Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rao's Miami Beach

    4.1 (190 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndItalian
    Closed 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM

    Rao's Miami Beach Photos

    Business Info

    RAO'S MIAMI BEACH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Rao's Miami Beach

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    dino's salad

    Great food and very fast service. Loved the Dinos salad. The meatball and pasta sauce is really incredible, and the spaghetti was great. Also liked the pistachio gelato. Great atmosphere and well decorated. Will definitely go back.

    Francine M.

    Classic. My family and I love coming here. The vibe the food and the service. Everything is to be die for. When in doubt just come to Rao's. This have been our go to spot for good Italian food since they opened here in Miami.

    Rao's Meatball appetizer
    Sergio F.

    When an Italian restaurant has red and green drapery and you hear Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra more than once on the sound system, you know it's legit! I've been waiting to check out Rao's since it opened since it's reservation list is allegedly as complex as another well-known New York import Italian restaurant. However, yesterday while enjoying South Beach with my lady friend, after sulking another dolphins loss, we decided to stop it and enjoy their Miami Spice menu. Sidenote, we pregame at their lobby, bar myself with my Cab Sab red and her with her classic Pinot Grigio. Then we entered by their photogenic wine cellar! The portions are huge! I started with the classic meatball appetizer, with a main course sized meatball soaked in a yummy marinara sauce. The plate had two meatballs, perfect for sharing as I also tried her mozzarella sticks (I mean mozzarella carroza). By the time I got to my main course of chicken Parm, I was already stuffed and could barely finish my New York cheesecake dessert, garnished with fresh berries. The chicken Parm itself was tasty, not overly breaded and served with their deliciously robust sauce. The final reason why Rao's gets five stars is the excellent service we received. From the hostess recognizing us when we came back after pregaming at the lobby bar, to our waiter Efren slicing up and preparing sharing plates of the chicken Parm and the lemon chicken she ordered, to even packing up the food instead of having us do the work in to go containers as many restaurants do, was top notch.

    Mariana S.

    A delicious food and great dining experience! You have to get the meatballs and calamari for the apps, these were both 10/10. I tried three different pasta dishes and the pesto pasta surprisingly was the one that stood out to me the most - it was yummy and fresh. Also, you cannot go wrong with the cheesecake for dessert.

    Bar seating
    Haniyyah B.

    Went to Rao's Miami after work without a reservation and had such a good experience! We sat at the bar right away, which actually ended up being a great spot -- cozy, lively, and perfect for people-watching while still feeling relaxed. The staff was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and you could tell they really know their regulars, which gave the place that neighborhood-Italian charm. We ordered two pastas to share along with the meatballs. The pesto pasta was the standout for me -- perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, fresh pesto that had just the right balance of flavor. The other pasta was solid as well, and the meatballs were hearty and flavorful (definitely worth ordering). The whole space has an old-school Italian vibe but with Miami energy -- warm lighting, bustling but not overly loud, and a mix of locals and visitors. It feels like the kind of place you could come for a special dinner but also just drop in for a midweek meal and still feel welcome.

    Drinks at the Raos Bar!
    Steven F.

    South Beach Deco meets modern sophistication here at Raos in South Beach. Rich dark tones transport you on a wonderful dining experience. The wait staff is professional and looks the part in their white dinner jackets.. The menu is Italian and delivers. Make sure you make a reservation in advance. I'll be back for sure!

    Lemon chicken
    Madison N.

    White glove service with an atmosphere that's reminiscent of all New York, and delicious food to top it off! I went to Miami spice week and got such a great deal on their prefix menu! The meatball was incredible, I could've only eaten that and been very happy I also got the lemon chicken, which was good, but it was not seasoned enough, so I needed to ask for salt. Once I added some salt, it was perfection. Finally, the tiramisu was everything you wanted it to be, cold, and creamy with just the right amount of espresso and chocolate flavor. It was not overwhelming, borderline refreshing!

    Meet balsa and towards the back you can see the mozzarella
    Cristy R.

    Totally loved this Italian Restaurant! The romantic dim lighting , elegant and cozy at the same time. Tables are set up with good distance. ( no wait- we walked in with no reservations) We were surprised to learn that the restaurant was participating with Miami Spice. So we definitely jumped on that! As appetizer we ordered meatballs and mozzarella sticks. (Both a very good size- not skimpy at all. The meatballs were 2 and it was such a good size that it was just right! The tomato sauce was delish! Just perfect! Not too strong nor too sweet. As for the main dish we ordered lemon chicken and chicken parmigiana. It was a big portion ... perfect to share too! We actually had enough for both of us to take home leftovers. ( that I'm so excited to have for lunch and Dinner) so yes the portion are definitely shareable and plenty to take home. The desert was a Tiramiso and cheesecake. I was full by then but my gentleman friend said it was good but he enjoyed the cheesecake a little more. ( packaged and taken to go too) They custom my package to include a glass of Champagne . I also had two glasses of wine that went well with my meal. But not only was the food great but what can I say what an amazing staff all around! From the moment walked in ...we were greeted by a happy outgoing face. The waiters are dressed with a white button shirt and white suit with black neck bow and pants. It looked so chic! The waiters were not hiding in the kitchen. They were visible and very attentive. Everything was great from start to end! The waiters actually package out leftover and going the extra step of splitting the meal between 2 and giving us both the right portion size for each of us to take home each the lemon and chicken parmigiana home. He even included bread. He separated the lemon chicken in 1 package and parm in another box. Like that was excellent service by our waiter Efren! He definitely deserves recognition. My only regret is we should have ordered spaghetti too! I saw a plate and it looked sooooo good! All around I would say this is 5+ stars in all the aspects!

    Tiramisu
    Cathy P.

    Nice vibe inside the Loews hotel. A spin off of nyc restaurant. Loved the meatballs and chopped salad. And then basil pasta and vodka pasta was delicious. Tiramisu and cheesecake made it a great night. Service was top-notch.

    Fried mozzarella app
    Maddy B.

    We came for Miami Spice! I didn't even know Rao's had an actual restaurant! We had amazing service at the bar. The portions were full menu sized portions, so much food for one person. We ordered different items so we could try each other's plus a glass of wine each. Service charge is included, so the whole meal came out to be a little over $100. I have leftovers of my entree and dessert because the apps were filling and they give bread with the best whipped butter I've ever had! I would highly recommend coming here to check it out for Miami Spice!

    Atmosphere was good
    Michael R.

    Well if you have been to the original one on Harlem don't think you are going to get that level of service or food. Service is average at best. Lots of help walking around. Our waiter came by table max of 3 times. We poured our own win after sitting with open bottle of wine and empty glasses. Food was a 7 on a scale of 10. 10 bring the original.

    Mona E.

    As somebody who has lived in the New York area, I was super excited to try this place as it is impossible to get a table in New York City. This restaurant lived up to the hype for me. We got some of the meatballs, which were huge, and really delicious. We also got the chicken Parm, which was very very good, we also got the Ragu which is wonderful. Every single dish was very flavorful very well seasoned and prepared relatively quickly. We also got the Brotto, which was also very very fresh. I recommend coming here and getting the meals family style as you're gonna want to try different dishes make sure you come your hungry though because portions are large and you're gonna want to try different things, the server was extremely friendly and had a great recommendations and really explained the menu to us. He was very honest on how big the portions were. The highlight for me was the table side, espresso, martini probably one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had. It was very decadent, and it was the perfect ratio of alcohol and coffee.

    Bolognese.
    Andrew R.

    Memorable dinner at Rao's, Miami. In the Lowe's Miami Hotel Complex. Very sleek restaurant design. Server Dennis was very pleasant and professional. Fresh bread Dino's Salad Meatballs app Several pasta dishes NY cheesecake dessert Wine Asparagus Peas and Prosciutto Our table had an absolutely delicious Italian dinner. Check did not cause a heart attack although you can do some financial damage if you order certain items. Really had a good time. Lived up to its famous reputation.

    Ricotta ravioli cranberries

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ron W.
    0
    48
    19

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of J D.
    0
    429
    490

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 5
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mariana S.
    281
    107
    162

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L G.
    0
    4
    0

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steven F.
    10
    119
    25

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michael R.
    115
    134
    85

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheri H.
    365
    3069
    4090

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Hiro O.
    473
    414
    1963

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike F.
    0
    26
    22

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of I A.
    0
    8
    1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Rao's Miami Beach

    Is it possible to get a reservation that does not involve Resy, which I despise?

    Does Rao's except walk-ins for bar area or tables?

    I have walked in and sat at the bar a few times without an issue (as a single person, but I often see couples). There are two bars, a larger one and a smaller one. A "gatekeeper" is still at the front host podium - you can't just walk in.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 27,557 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Macchialina Taverna Rustica - An off menu pasta, another highlight!

    Macchialina Taverna Rustica

    4.1(948 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    Dinner at Macchialina was one of those experiences that reminds you why simple, well-executed…read morerestaurants are often the most memorable. The space feels stylish but completely unpretentious, lively without being loud, and polished without trying too hard. Sitting at the bar turned out to be a great choice (great for couples or solo diners). The food was excellent across the board. The veal Milanese was the standout; perfectly crisp, well-seasoned, and balanced. The insalata tricolore was also a pleasant surprise, a refreshing change from the typical boring restaurant salad. Service deserves a mention too. We had hiccup with one of the dishes and the team handled it gracefully and professionally, without making it awkward, exactly the kind of response you hope for in a good restaurant.

    Checked out this place at a recommendation of some friends. It's hidden on the beach and definitely…read morea place I would come back to just for the polenta! You walk in through their outdoor venue, which is full of greenery and a nice ambiance. They lead you to the bar as you wait for your table. Only con about this is the bar was super full, with people sitting there eating dinner as well. It makes it awkward trying to order a drink and putting your glass down once finishing it. You also are awkwardly stuck moving around to allow the waiters to walk by. Once sat, the service is quick and the waitress we had was super knowledgeable and friendly. Out of all the dishes we tried the polenta was the best! It was perfectly creamy and tasty. That was my first time every trying it and I was pleasantly surprised. You could share two apps with someone and get full easily. The pasta dish I ordered was okay and the tiramisu wasn't anything crazy.

    Photos
    Macchialina Taverna Rustica
    Macchialina Taverna Rustica
    Macchialina Taverna Rustica

    See all

    Osteria Positano

    Osteria Positano

    4.5(212 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Romantic vibe

    Want a piece of Positano Italy without going there? Look no further! Osteria Positano has some of…read morethe best pasta and pizza I've had outside of Italy in the Italian way, made from scratch. Service is super helpful and friendly - we asked for recommendations specifically catered for non pork options and the staff was kind and attentive and offered a lot of different options. We ended up with a tartufo gnocchi and a burrata pizza but put the mortadella on the side. Perfect to share for two people. The space just looks like you're transported to the coast, great vibes, even singing for birthdays you can hear from other tables, a real treat from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. Highly recommend if you want something a bit more chill and relaxed with great food made with care in the Italian way.

    Arrived to the restaurant with a reservation at 845 and it was very busy. Beautiful elegant and…read morecozy interior and cute outdoor area. The woman that sat us handed my daughter and I menus and said "for the lady", and handed my very pretty but short haired wife a menu and said nothing. An awkward interaction at best. Next our server came and took our orders and served some delicious warm bread with olive oil and vinegar. The food: Salmon dinner: son said the salmon was tender and flavorful and the veggies were tasty. The potatoes arrived a bit cold. Linguini with clams: my order and everyone at the table snagged a few bites. It was very flavorful with a great presentation. A slightly small portion. Cesar salad with chicken: wife's order. Salad was fine but the chicken was dry. Caciao a pepe (I think) table side pasta dish with pasta tossed in a big cheese wheel with burrata cheese and truffles. This dish was $$$$ and expectations were high. Unfortunately the pasta was VERY COLD and the truffle flavor was completely overwhelming. After about ten minutes we finally got our server's attention and he brought the dish back to the kitchen to reheat. I like truffles to the point where I get truffle fries whenever I can, and have a bottle of truffle oil at home that I use regularly, however, this was a pretty intolerable level of truffle flavor. We left with the dish, mostly uneaten. Besides the food, we ordered three Shirley Temples and one glass of Pinot Grigio. Our total bill was around $280. I had high expectations but for the price point we left feeling very disappointed.

    Photos
    Osteria Positano
    Osteria Positano
    Osteria Positano

    See all

    Café Prima Pasta - Calamaretti Fritti (happy hour menu)

    Café Prima Pasta

    4.5(1.4k reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    If you're hunting for one of the best happy hour deals in Miami Beach, head straight to Cafe Prima…read morePasta during their Super Happy Hour (Monday-Saturday 4:30-6pm, Sunday 4-6pm). This North Beach classic delivers authentic Italian flavors at seriously discounted prices without skimping on quality. It's the perfect spot to unwind with generous portions and that old-school Miami charm. Food (5/5) Hands down, the Black Linguini Seafood (squid ink pasta with lobster seafood sauce) is the best dish on the menu -- and at just $19.98 during happy hour, it's an absolute bargain. You can choose between a bright tomato sauce or their rich creamy lobster sauce. I went with the lobster version and it was luxurious -- silky, flavorful, and packed with generous pieces of seafood. This dish alone makes the trip worth it. The rest of the Super Happy Hour menu shines too: appetizers like Calamaretti Fritti, solid entrées (Chicken Parm, Marsala, etc.) in the high teens, and craft cocktails like Aperol Spritz or martinis at $9.98-$12.98. Vibe & Service (5/5) The restaurant has a warm, lively neighborhood feel -- think cozy Italian trattoria with friendly staff who make you feel like regulars. It's bustling but not chaotic during happy hour, with a mix of locals (dates and families) and visitors. Cafe Prima Pasta's happy hour is a true gem -- excellent value, standout dishes like that squid ink seafood pasta, and consistent quality after 30+ years. Come early, grab a table, and treat yourself without the splurge. Easily 5 stars for a smart, delicious Miami Beach evening. Highly recommend!

    We had dinner at Café Prima Pasta with our best friends, and it was fantastic. We've been before…read morebut forgot how good it was. The complimentary bruschetta and bread bowl was delicious. Nick and Andre kept our glasses full and tables squeaky clean throughout the entire night. Now for the food... for apps, we had ricotta meatballs, fiocchi, and truffle fries - all 10/10, but man, that fiocchi was mind-blowing... some of the best we've ever had. For mains. I had crab ravioli (perfection), my bestie had cacio e pepe, my husband had gnocchi with chicken, and my friend's hubs had an off-menu mushroom risotto with shrimp that was suggested by the server - literally no misses here, everything was top-tier. Dessert? Tiramisu, creme brulee, and Nutella mousse/ice cream hybrid - all amazing. The ambiance was great. Even the valet was reasonable. Great night, great food. Would go back in a heartbeat.

    Photos
    Café Prima Pasta - At check-in

    At check-in

    Café Prima Pasta - Tiramisú

    Tiramisú

    Café Prima Pasta - Famous people and celebrities have enjoyed Cafe Prima Pasta

    See all

    Famous people and celebrities have enjoyed Cafe Prima Pasta

    Lucali

    Lucali

    3.9(937 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    This is a great fast-casual spot if you're looking for something quick, tasty, and affordable. The…read morefood is consistently good, with fresh ingredients and solid portion sizes that make it feel like you're getting great value for the price. The menu has a nice variety of options, so it's easy to find something you're in the mood for whether you want something light or a more filling meal. Everything comes out quickly, but still tastes like it's made with care rather than rushed. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, making it a perfect place to grab a quick lunch or an easy dinner without spending a lot. Overall, it's a reliable go-to when you want good food that won't break the bank.

    I visited Lucali Miami in advance of a cruise and to no small degree planned my day around dining…read morehere! So my very high level of anticipation may certainly be partially to blame for my average-ish experience. I was pleasantly surprised to get a table with no wait at ~6:30 on a Wednesday evening. Staff were attentive and friendly. Prices were high, as expected, but at least the pizzas are of reasonable size. The $32 pasta portion probably could've been a bit more generous. But anyway, on to why we're all here - The Pizza: The crust had a great crunch but I felt lacked nuance beyond that, no chew and a touch on the dry side. Cheese and sauce were fine but also unremarkable. The heaps of basil provided some bright freshness that was definitely appreciated. I feel even more compelled now to try the NYC location for comparison! This wasn't a bad pizza by any stretch but not something I would ever pick over my favorite NYC standouts.

    Photos
    Lucali - Table set + Beer

    Table set + Beer

    Lucali - All Beef pepperoni

    All Beef pepperoni

    Lucali - The dining room just before the lunch rush.

    See all

    The dining room just before the lunch rush.

    Rao's Miami Beach - italian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...