Rao's Hollywood

History

As a bright & resourceful young man Charles Rao bought a small saloon from the George Ehret Brewery at the corner of 114 Street & Pleasant Avenue in upper Manhattan. It was 1896. He called the place Rao's. In 1930, Charles' sons Louis & Vincent became the operating owners. Louis Rao enjoyed being behind the bar at Rao's & ran the place until he passed in 1958. Vincent Rao preferred cooking in the kitchen at the saloon. He was born in 1907 in the house next door to the Rao's Bar & Grill & lived there all his life. In 1974, business had become so brisk that Vincent's wife, Anna Pellegrino Rao, brought her pots & recipes to the restaurant. Anna's deft touch improved all the traditional Italian dishes & Rao's became a favorite for a small army of steady customers. It was Anna's wish that everyone would someday be able to enjoy a good homemade marinara sauce, & in 1993 Rao's Specialty Foods was formed. Cousins Frank Pellegrino Sr., Ron Straci, & Frank Jr. now co-own all 3 Rao's locations.

Specialties

Rao's is famous for its warm hospitality and delicious homemade Italian food. Modeled after the original New York location, Rao's Hollywood incorporates many of the details and decor that were made famous by the Upper Manhattan restaurant. With red leather booths, intimate seating, and a welcoming outdoor patio, our location offers guests a cozy and warm place to enjoy some Neapolitan cuisine. For generations, guests have enjoyed our heartwarming dishes like our famous meatballs, lemon chicken, and our seafood salad, and we love serving our family's favorite recipes to new and returning customers alike.