I kind of kicked myself for a long time. Many, and I mean many years ago, I was watching an auction for a table for four. It sold for something like $4,000 and that seemed like a high price at the time. High enough to hesitate and not get the bid in. Years later I see tables going for $16,000+. Yeah, I'm not playing that game. At that point it really doesn't matter, but it's true that doesn't include the food either. So, I never made it to Rao's. Doing a little more research on the place thanks to things like Grok now I saw the bar is open to the public and people sometimes game it enough to grab a table. You need to be in the right place, at the right time, and be pitied enough but I guess it has happened. I would bet on it and through the years it seems like this happens rarely. Fast forward to today and when someone asked, "Do you want to go to Rao's?" I was like, tell me the date so I can just clear my calendar from whatever is happening that day. Though I don't think I can say the experience is worth $16k it is still priceless. Part of that comes from being with the table owner, which isn't going to happen if you get it from an auction. The stories, Tommy the Maître d' slash waiter, the owner of the place itself, yeah, that's not going to be there in the same way for an auction. Still, it's a restaurant and it does come down to the food in the end. Could anything really live up to a reputation like this? Well, in the case of Rao's it does. Everything we touched for the night was amazing and I mean everything. Can you get the food experience at their Miami location, or Hollywood (I still miss the Vegas one)? The short answer is that it comes close enough to still go (espcially since one CAN get reservations there) but those places don't come close to the experience and quality of the original. read more

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Food 4.0/5.0 Service 4.0/5.0 Value 2.0/5.0 Decor 5.0/5.0 Overall 4.0/5.0 First of all, let's be clear... this is a bucket list kind of experience. So no matter what the reviews are, if you can get yourself here, you should do it -- no question. Now, I came with reasonable expectations and that was helpful. You come to Rao's for the experience, not necessarily the food. Don't get me wrong -- the food is good. But it's not the main event. The bar is popular but its just a normal bar. You get seated, and you get talked through the day's options. There is no paper menu, and you're largely guided fairly heavily through the ordering. The portions are very large. The dishes are generally good, but they it's not really a home run on every dish. Think of it as a typical-but-still-very-good traditional red sauce sort of place. Spicy fried calamari was very good. Seafood salad good. The meatballs were large but just kind of meh, and we really didn't need anywhere near one per person. The steak was decent but didn't leap out at me. Pastas were good, but very large... probably could have done with just one. Standard desserts at the end. Pricing is on the high side... and a bit of a surprise at the end. Very clear that the experience is pretty cool... but if just for the food, there are definitely other options around town that are just as good if not better. It's the kind of place where I'd give away my table most nights if I had one... but I'd be plenty happy to go once every couple of months. read more

The meatballs are incredible. And the shrimp was also incredible. The service is great and the food was even better.

There sauce is SO Wonderful they sell it in glass jars at local grocery stores! Highly reccomended! read more

Always a amazing meal This place is one of a kind From the apps to the mains Everything I mean Everything is amazing we had seafood salad,roasted peppers,baked clams,fried calamari to start then 2 pastas that we all shared and then the mains veal,shrimp and lamb All amazing read more

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Loved the atmosphere and food. D the bartender is the man. Been a few times and this plce just hits right every time

My second time at Rao's, and it's always an experience. The food was spectacular as always, the company was amazing, and the staff are just incredible--like friends and family on a Sunday evening. The baked clams, calamari in red sauce, seafood in oil, and pastas were all finger-licking good. Must try: Meatball Absolutely must try: Salt and pepper shrimp--it's out of this world. Finished it off with blackberry ice cream, cheesecake, espresso, and a little Frangelico... just perfect. read more

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The Veal marsala, lemon chicken, spicy calamari, meatballs, Penne Vodka, Sausage with macaroni were all excellent dishes,The atmosphere was great.The service was unbelievable and so on, It's harder to get a table at RAOS then getting a super bowl ticket. read more

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I've wanted to come here for so long, I was shocked when the restaurant was able to live up to the height. When you sit down and an older gentlemen grabs a chair and sits at your table, and then asks you what you'd like for dinner, you know you are in for a unique experience. We ordered way too much food, but truly everything was amazing. I hope I can come back some day read more

Rao's - The crew - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Came here for our 8-year anniversary dinner and had a great experience. The pastas, meatballs, and salad were all excellent--fresh and flavorful. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was attentive. Our server did make a mistake with our drinks, but he handled it well, corrected it quickly, and made sure the rest of the evening went smoothly. We left happy and would definitely return. read more

My experience was so amazing the warm intimate atmosphere and unmistakable air of exclusivity all added to the charm. The food was incredible, the seafood super fresh. Service was amazing, made me feel like a regular even on my first visit. read more

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It's not what you know, it's who you know... Last night I was fortunate to have had a dining experience at Rao's, probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (at least for me). Based on the reviews I didn't have very high expectations for this exclusive, historical, and family owned East Harlem hot spot. I was totally blown away... not only was the staff amazing and friendly, but each and every dish was delicious, all served family style. The Maitre d' sat with us and walked us through the different courses and options (there's no written menu). We started with the seafood salad and baked clams, followed by the pasta arrabiata and orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage, accompanied by the biggest and tastiest meatballs smothered in Rao's amazing sauce. For entrees we got the shrimp oreganata and veal with hot peppers. For dessert I tried the chocolate raspberry ice cream. The restaurant had a warm and intimate vibe. We even had a chance to visit the kitchen! I had such a lovely experience that I'm grateful for. Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to patronize this establishment again in the future. read more

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Loved the atmosphere and food. D the bartender is the man. Been a few times and this plce just hits right every time.

Bucket list item for sure. Dining here was an incredible experience! The inside is small, only enough for about 10 groups at a time, but tables vary in size. Every staff member was incredibly kind (especially since I came straight from work and arrived a little early, and the rest of my party a little late, they sat me at the bar and had a lovely conversation with me while I waited even though they seemed to be extremely busy. There was no menu, the Maitre D' sat down with us at our table and told us our options for each course. He helped us develop a well rounded menu that would serve all of our tastes and it ended up being just enough for us four. Obviously the meatballs were incredible, but the veal over pasta was our favorite. I'm still dreaming about it! read more

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Always a great experiences. Excellent food. Amazing service. And a space unique to NYC.

Came here on my birthday with my wife just to see the place and get a drink. We wound up getting fed and making some friends! We've been back twice since, and it is truly my favorite place. Stop in, have a drink, say hi to Dee behind the bar. Put some money in the jukebox and play DJ. That alone is well worth your time. And you never know, Joe just might come over and say those immortal words, "You guys wanna eat?" read more

We eat nothing but Rao the rail's restaurant whenever we're in New York it's so much like my own cooking.

Best Italian food in the city. Period! Their veal is fork tender and their homemade, made to order pasta is always perfectly Al dente. Their linguine with clams, veal with roasted peppers are two of my favorites. read more

The stars are for the amazing meatballs. Some of the best I've ever had, really delicious....as long as I don't think too much about the fact that they're made from veal. The pasta was extremely regular, something you'd make yourself in 10 minutes when you're feeling lazy and have jarred sauce on hand. The salad was salad, lots of iceberg lettuce, lots of raw onion to pick out. The lemon chicken was just disgusting. I hate food waste and feel guilty and time I have to throw food away, but neither my husband nor my son could finish a bite of it. The texture, the taste, the sauce....just terrible. Like most New Yorkers, I've held out hope that one day a nice mobster would invite me to a fabulous dinner at Rao's.... I can still hold out hope for Tiro A Segno! The $80 was worth it to let me know that I wasn't missing anything, no more known unknowns. read more

Rao's - Penne, meatballs, salad, lemon chicken - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Extraordinary experience! Great service and superb cuisine! I highly recommend it! The pasta and lamb dishes are outstanding! read more

Got Rao's for quarantine takeout for the Taste of Rao's for two for $80. Knowing I will probably never have the honor of dining at Rao's we signed up for the waitlist for the next best thing. I received a text three weeks after joining the waiting list and we were able to jump at the opportunity. The meal comes with a house salad, penne marinara, meatballs, & lemon chicken. Totally worth the $80 which includes tax and tip. The lemon chicken was a bit on the sour side for me but cooked perfectly. The meatballs!?!?!? Ohhhh the meatballs!!!! It's like eating a cloud with sauce on it, a-mmmazing! The penne and sauce a staple that you can go wrong with. The salad, a typical house salad served with gorgeous tomatoes. If you get the chance sign up on Instagram, if you get the call don't hesitate to jump on it! Great opportunity! Happy to support our local restaurants. Hey Rao's hit me up when you reopen if you have a table open up! read more

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DELIRIOUS DEFENSIVENESS For me, this business model deserves a poor review. However, who cares, because the owners want you not to come here, anyway; and there is literally no reason why you would want to come here: food is bad, the business culture is bad, space is bad, and the atmosphere is boring. This is a restaurant that basically promotes people to book tables for life, and trade their reservations, to those who do not hold the privilege of owning a table. This di facto has created a club of old members whose prerogative is to benefit from the possibility for others to gain access to the restaurant. PROVINCIALISM Users and owners, ended up trapped in a provincial sense of ownership and advantage, based on seniority, that as a side-effect has made this spot one of the most dire cauldron of gerontology in the five boroughs, over the years. That is the funny thing: they do massive efforts to exclusively own something that no one really would want to use. And that is what makes this place what it is. If you are expecting to find here a lively atmosphere where generations and cultures mix, you are wrong. The delirious appetite for exclusivity, ended up turning this place into a glorified elders day care. GASTRONOMIC ILLITERACY Food here consist of bad overcooked versions of Italianish cliches, made on the greasy and stodgy side. Basically, this is food that people who are illiterate in gastronomy can like, and that those who really know about gastronomy and about the richness and delicacy of Italian cuisine would be embarrassed by. Not great ingredients to start with, a lot of fried tomato, vulgar overcooked pasta and melted cheese all over. Any conventional Italian restaurant would basically do not worse than this. UNWELCOMING, BECOMING A FORM OF UNEXCITEMENT But beyond the poor quality of the food, It is really uninspiring to think of a restaurant as a place that does not welcome customers; and that makes its culture out of illiteracy and exclusion. The same people, week after week, year after year, eating the same spaghetti. Sounds like a nightmare, right? The fact that a group of guys have a privilege membership status because they arrived before is a dreadful notion of a society; and makes these people's lives repetitive. A society with neither hospitality nor interest for those who come, for visitors, for foreigners; is a society that rots in selfreference, lack of imagination, intolerance and bore. THIS RESTAURANT IS NOT NEW YORK The beauty of New York is that it is a city that welcomes everyone, without fear. Diners are there for the rich and for the poor. For the local and for the visitors. Since 1762, Fraunces Tavern has been pulling out a plate of great food and a beer to anyone who was hungry or thirsty, and who wanted to contribute to the improvement of the city. This is a city that makes everyone feel welcomed and at home. It makes those that come in a greyhound bus escaping from a hell of a town notice that they belong here. It becomes once and again the best city in the world because it attracts and celebrates different cultures, because it is neither afraid of changes nor of the intelligence of those that are different and unique. IF THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT, YOU CAN BE MORE DARING Maybe this whole club should consider to move their aged dusty club, their overcooked spaghetti and meatballs to the depth of an underground abandoned mine, where depth would allow them to totally isolate themselves, and make sure no fresh air and no one with new ideas would ever ventilates the rarified hovel. They would became as exclusive that no one would ever know that they exist. Maybe one day some speleologist would find their skeletons, and their plastic dentures chewing spaghetti as death founded them. I would definitively remain on the surface, enjoying the company of many others, and welcoming the richness New York is made of. read more

We were lucky enough to get invited in and let me just say! It is everything great anyone says anout this place! It lived up to the stories and the hype. It was an incredible experience read more

I had a buddy order me some food while he was having dinner. Let me tell you that there is about a two year waiting list to sit down and dine. Yeah. You got that right so you have to jump on the reservations when the book opens up or know a guy/gal giving up their spot. This place has history. It's been around since the 70s and if the walls can talk. I won't get into it but research and you will be at awe. Players in the city call this spot home. Don't think you will find parking in the area if you were lucky to score a seat. There is none available. The area is not the safest but they have an arrangement with the neighborhood. ( yeah ) So now the food. First time I was here I had tried there meatballs and they were delicious. Best meatballs you will ever have. Soft and so Much flavor you will just come Back for them. Tonight I had their penne ala vodka with chicken parmigiana. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious that it had to be passed down by generations. ( Homemade ) Pasta was cooked perfectly so zero companions. The staff here have been employed for 40yrs , 25 yrs and etc...... it's not only a family style restaurant but I believe the staff here are family. Not by blood but the bond they have working side by side here. Inside it's gorgeous with photos of The Who's who of New York City. Out of respect for the patrons privacy I refrained myself from taking pics inside with the customers. read more

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Look, here's the deal it's one of the greatest dining experiences that I've ever had! Everything that we had was incredible! I've eaten in the LA restaurant and they closed one in Vegas, but they don't hold a candle to the original. If you ever get the opportunity to die in there, you will never forget it the rest of your life. read more

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All I can say is wow..... I have waited my whole life for a way to try Rao's and it's truly as good as I would've imagined if not better. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana and the rigatoni alla vodka, and they are both superb!!! The homemade pasta takes it to the next level and the parmigiana is so light and beautifully cooked. This has exceeded my expectations and I will hopefully order many more times prior to the end of their takeout option. Even if I never experience the honor of dining in Rao's, I can live peacefully knowing I've at least tried it. Order while you can!!!! read more

Rao's - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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*this review is solely for takeout!* To any New Yorker or foodie, Rao's is a bucket list item. When I found out they were offering take out, I JUMPED on the opportunity. I knew it wouldn't be the same as dining in, because take out never is. To order take out, you have to text the manager Mon-Thurs between the hours of 12-4 for pick up the next business day. If you text on Friday, then you will be picking up monday. You text that you want takeout, and he will reply with the next steps and menu. You then send ONLY your name, order, and pick up time slot. You then wait hours for a text confirming your pick up. If you text in between ordering and their confirmation, you will lose your spot in the queue!! The food was solid. It was very good. Was it the greatest meal I've ever had? No. Was it close to that? No shot. I had to make a 2-hour round trip journey to pick the food up in Harlem from Murray Hill, and my local Italian takeout on Postmates was just as good. When I arrived to pick up my food, they don't allow anyone inside, but they have huge windows. I was saddened to see that no one inside (several waiters and chefs preparing the takeout) were wearing masks :( if this were any other restaurant, I would've declined the food. But because it was Rao's and I went all the way up to harlem, I ate it (and didn't get sick, but still...). The prices are fair, and the portions are large. I got the meatballs (2) and penne vodka, and it lasted 2 big dinners for me. It was very good but very generic. I still think it's worth trying while you still can, but I won't be making the trip back to Harlem unless it's for a coveted dine-in table. read more

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Another great meal at Rao's. This was my 6th time. I've been lucky through the years to have friends that have access to a table. Everyone is so friendly and such a fun relaxed ambience. The meatballs never disappoint, seafood salad, rigatoni , orecchiette with sausage, lemon chicken, clams oreganata, steak pizzaiola. Can't wait until the next time read more

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Another great meal at Rao's. This was my 6th time. I've been lucky through the years to have friends that have access to a table. Everyone is so friendly and such a fun relaxed ambience. The meatballs never disappoint, seafood salad, rigatoni , orecchiette with sausage, lemon chicken, clams oreganata, steak pizzaiola. Can't wait until the next time. read more

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Been meaning to give a review of Rao's NYC for a number of months. Two of us were fortunate to grab seats at the bar when we went without reservations. We had to hang for a bit but eventually the hanging paid off. First, reading the reviews posted lately one would be very confused, both from an experience perspective along with some horrible grammar and over-the-top drama. Either it's great or it sucks, or you're not really sure what the reviewer is trying to convey. We felt it's somewhere in the middle. It's an institution of sorts, small, tucked into an area of East Harlem (don't let the location of "Harlem" throw you off, much has changed over the years, all for the good), has been around since the late 1880's (!), and has a regular and loyal clientele. The staff was very friendly and the food was good, nothing outstanding but certainly not awful. The overall experience, though, was fantastic. We're at Rao's...they said it couldn't be done! read more

I have been to many restaurants all over the city . Some with 3 Star Michelle ratings. The food that's served here I would think twice before I gave it to my dog!! First they don't know how to make a tomato sauce. The meatball are disgusting the shrimps are soft and old and fishy the calamari's are deep fried in old dark grease same for the chicken resembling diesel oil... I could go on and on. When you first come in a waiter comes to the table and basically sells you drinks and dinners like a car salesman . Oh yea then there's a bill I almost forgot 5 people $1900!! Are you kidding me? What else to say? All of that aside I was nice to be in an iconic restaurant!! read more

We were a party of 8. I am going to try to list every dish we had because they were excellent to outstanding. That is except for the meatball which was, as advertised, incredible. The baked clams were also out of this world. Oh yeah the seafood salad too. Apps of Tomato & Mozz, Fried Calamari, Orecchiette with Brocoli Rabe & Sausage, Filetto Pomodoro over Rigatoni, Rib Eye Steak, Lemon Chicken, Shrimp (I forget if it was Oreganata or Francese) plus the aforementioned meatballs, clams, and seafood salad. And, even though we were never there before, everyone treated us like family. I'm talking the entire staff as well as other diners. Ignoring the cost for a moment, I'd go back on a second's notice. The food was that good. It is noisy and it is kind of cramped and the a/c was only so-so but that is all part of the legendary Rao's experience. The cost of the dinner was about $300 a couple but we did have a lot of food and drinks and a couple of bottles of wine. The real expense that I would love to have avoided was winning a charity auction for the table. I know it went for a good cause but it was a lot of money to "just get in the door". Then again, it was a bucket list experience. Hey, if there are any table owners out there reading this that would like me to be their guest, it would be my pleasure. LOL!!! read more

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Not good and I found a weird hard thing in it that didn't look like food. Grossed me out.

The toughest table in town. Now is the time to try Raos because they are offering take-out ~ this may be your only chance. Definitely have to try the meatballs. I'm vegetarian so my favorite was the eggplant parmesan. Really nice and down to earth staff for such an iconic restaurant. And they gave me some free slices of cheesecake. Thanks Raos! read more

Rao's - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

The anticipation of going to Rao's was really huge, ain't gonna lie and let me just say the experience of not only the food which was truly amazing and then add in the atmosphere the history the great people eating, talking and truly enjoying themselves not only at our table but the whole restaurant had a truly amazing vibe that anyone would enjoy but especially to myself and people like me that grew up Italian and spent many days eating around the kitchen table with family, it's memories that very few restaurants in my life have been able to recreate! If I ever get the opportunity to go there again it would be a true joy and blessing! John Tedesco read more

Ultimate disappointment. Ive been living in east harlem for 4.5 years and aways wanted to try this place. It is such an icon. So i got their takeout as advertised on instagram during the covid quarantine. $80 for 2 people. You get 2 large meatballs, some ziti (definitely dried pasta) and sauce, a salad and some lemon chicken. It wasn't worth $30. The sauce was so basic- underwhelming tomato sauce. The canned stuff is better. The meatballs were tender and good. The chicken was cooked well but the lemon sauce was really just lemon water. And the salad was just sad. Buy a box of pasta, jar of rao's sauce and save yourself $70. Too bad this place was such a ripoff and the food did not deliver. I requested the food on 4/17 and they didn't get back to me until 4/29. read more

Rao's - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Finally got to try the famous Raos actual food. Not just the jarred stuff. They started the take out during quarantine and a friend picked up for us. Nothing was that good. Especially for the price. We were all very underwhelmed. Meatballs were probably best thing and not that good. Pasta was like school lunch. Anyway its distance,price, over all taste, and difficulty actually getting a table I am completely fine never trying again. Belmont Tavern in Belleville NJ is 15 minutes from us is way way way better. Everything they have is good. read more

Rao's - Salad pasta meatballs chicken (All not very ordinary) Not impressed. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

When you look up in the dictionary "old school Italian" Rao's in East Harlem is what comes up. As someone that loves the history and culture of New York from the day of yesteryear stemming from the 19th century through the 1980's, this place is "the place". It's in a neighborhood that many of us have read about, how it's its' own little enclave with many historic people who've dined here from the right side and on the wrong side (and I'm not talking politics). Yes there were a few known people recently here, one with us, to enjoy a great meal and share stories of his peers in the acting world. But the evening was a night of going back in time, chatting with DDP and interacting with staff as if we were long standing family. We flew into NYC only to dine here. And quite frankly even though we were offered a table and came, we really expected mediocre overrated food much akin to what we typically experience in NY, but we were so wrong! Dinner started with bread and as Ron said why stuff yourself with bread when the food is so good? And he was right. They gave us time to catch up and reminisce without impeding on us and then Joe pulled up a seat and asked for our preferences. There was a lot to choose from and through negotiation we came up with a dinner plan. Wanting to sample as much as we could we may have overextended the ordering but who cares when you're going through such a cool experience that many don't get a chance to try. We started with mozzarella caprese which was very good, clams oreganato which was delicious and a dish of roasted peppers. After that we went with their very good meatballs. Maybe not as good as Steve Martorano's Fort Lauderdale meatballs but these mini football sized ones were still great, second place so far on the US, straight out of a early 20th century kitchen from Nonna. And then the pastas, do you want the best bolognese sauce you've ever had? Then you'll need to come here. With rigatoni this was the best hands down. If you're from another generation and experienced Sunday cooking with a dividing line between gender responsibilities, then this is where you'd come to remind you of how good the past was, and how much many of us miss the "old days". We also had linguine with a soup of garlic and oil, also great although with a wish of the pasta being Al dente in lieu of soft. The wine was flowing and the stories kept on coming... with multiple reasonably priced but excellent Brunello's. And then ... an OMG chicken parmesan made by The Almighty himself, the best I've ever had, bar none. No one has ever come close. We also had their lemon chicken which is unique and delicious. Finished off with a great pistachio tartufo and cheesecake, rubbed our bellies with content, took a few pictures with staff to cement a night of great affair, and left with big smiles on our faces. This is a gem with history that is so rare to find today. If you somehow get lucky enough to dine here do so. You're not going to regret it. read more

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A NY classic that opened up to us plebs during the time of Rona- a thin silver lining in this crazy year. Order was ready before our scheduled time. Picked up the order and walked just a bit more east to eat in the fresh air (and swooshing traffic) and view of water. Meatball was the star of the show, would get three of these over the chicken any day. Rich, beef flavor that also didn't feel overwhelming even in humid summer night. Penne was a bit past al dente, but still delicious from the sweet and tender tomato sauce. Could've benefited from some fresh grated Parmesan The lemon of the chicken made it a bit brighter and flavorful but was still a little overcooked. Forgot about the salad until other reviewers mentioned it. Standard greens but dressing was good if a bit messy to have outdoors. read more

Rao's - Meatballs, Penne, Lemon Chicken, Pasta Combo Variety Pack Marinara Sauce Cases Lemon Cooking Sauce - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Can not get enough, we could eat more! The parmigiana and tomato sauce is the best, can not wait to order again! Truly a New York gem. read more

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