Excellent food and service. Staff was all very friendly, and the food was reasonably priced for a relatively upscale restaraunt!

This is one of my favorite Italian places in the neighborhood. The food is delicious and authentic. The ambience is fantastic is great for couples, friends and family. The owner is such a wonderful and hospitable person and you will never go wrong at this place. read more

We got tickets for school of rock on Broadway and booked a reservation at this restaurant for 9:45. We arrived about 10 minutes late and the proprietor was waiting for us. We were seated and asked our waiter to suggest a few things. My wife had a ravioli handmade in the restaurant which included inside shrimp, cherry tomato, spinach and garlic. I had veal Raghu in fettuccine that was also fantastic. Everything about this small restaurant was just excellent. read more

A little gem on 1st! We hadn't heard anything about it and chose it because of proximity to Ophelia rooftop where we went for predinner drinks and view. We were blown away by our experience from start to finish. Raffaele greeted us personally and walked us through the very reasonable high quality wine list as well as recommendations for our meal. The food was beautiful and delicious. Highly recommend the octopus appetizer and any pasta, it's hard to decide but you can't go wrong with any of them. It reminded us of some of the fantastic osterie that we went to in Italy. Definitely will be one of our regular places from now on! read more

What an amazing experience and fantastic service. I was pleasantly greeted when I arrived and was attentively taken care of until the very end. The chef even gave me the most delicious cookies with my coffee read more

Marvelous . The arugula salad w fennel , the vegetarian off the menu pesto lasagne and asparagus risotto were to die for. The desserts were amazing . The personal attention and chefs attention made it for a must return here restaurant read more

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Da Raffaele restaurant reviews are spot on. My wife and I stopped into this romantic Italian eatery a block from the UN and enjoyed dinner. The waiters - were prompt, courteous, kind and treat their patrons so well! It was a joy to dine in a space with plenty of room between tables. I enjoyed a special of squid ink pasta, mussels, clams, and scallops that was absolutely delicious. If you're in the mood for Italian, treat yourself to a delicious meal and don't forget the limoncello! read more

Live in area and thought we would give this place a try, lots of nice reviews. We started off with an artichoke that was tough and undercooked. We told the server and he took it away without even an apology or saying a word. Next came the pasta with truffles. Ok but nothing to write home about. The main course was a tuna special, asked for it medium rare and got it well done. At no time during any course did the server come to the table and asked if we enjoyed our food. Waiting here endlessly for our check. When we asked to speak to the chef he refused to even acknowledge the fact that his server did a lousy job and never offered an apology for the service or the poor quality of food. Advice....... Pass on this place. There are too many better restaurants in the area! read more

I was last night here and I have to admit that was one of my best experiences ever had in a restaurant. The service was amazing from the start to the finish. The waitress took time to explain the questions that we had. When the food arrived at the table she came by again to see if we are doing good and she also asked if we like the food . I will definitely be back and I will recommend this restaurant to anyone who will ask me for a good food and good service. read more

This restaurant was highly recommended to us. It was a cozy, intimate environment. Food and service was amazing. Everything was delicious!!! read more

The best Italian in NYC. Raffaele great owner, better chef that never disappoints. I loved the papardelle pasta with wild boar. My wife had the branzino with clams oreganata. Delicious. We will definitely be back soon! read more

First time at this very warm and friendly restaurant. Four of us and all of the entrees were fabulous. Monk fish, Oso Buco, pasta with clams, and fish special, all were great. Love a restaurant where you feel welcome! The chef visited and sent out orangecello for the table. We will be back, maybe one more time before we head back to California. read more

Food was sub par at best - I could barely get half of my meal down. Felt bad because the service was truly great.

Wonderful restaurant! We were looking for delicious, authentic, reasonably priced food and we found it. Cozy atmosphere, small but ample menu items and lots of specials. We don't usually get dessert but we decided on the Italian Ricotta Cheeaecake and it was the right choice. We visited early by NYC standards on a Wednesday and made a reservation that was unnecessary but I would imagine would be required during peak times. Worth a visit for sure. read more

Thanks so much! These guys have absolutely amazing food! The wait staff was incredibly amiable, and the food was absolute perfection. Real traditional Italian goodness. read more

Da Raffaele is a wonderful place to eat! The atmosphere is great, the lights, the music, the wine is all fascinating. Rich meals, fresh, exquisite ingredient, pasta tastes like homemade; the seafood pasta was incredible delicious It makes you feel as if you were in Italy in every sense of the word. The dessert was incredible delicious as well. The owner of the restaurant is super nice and very helpful. I love this restaurant! We'll definitely be back! Thank you. read more

Would never have thought to come here but my aunt lives near by. Had an incredible meal. Perfectly cooked polipo, al dente pacceri with a fresh and savory eggplant sauce, and a reasonably priced bottle of Barbera! The service was impeccable, thanks Aaron. Chef Rafaelle came out and chatted with us after- even gave us some incredible homemade arancello! Will definitely return to this gem! read more

Perfect and authentic from the minute we walked through the door. I'm assuming it was the owner who waited on us- he was welcoming and attentive throughout. The food was AMAZING, particularly the wild boar papardelle and the grilled octopus. Highly recommended. read more

We called for take out. Restaurant smelled very fishy. The anchovy salad was good. The stuffed pasta was a very small portion as were the artichoke appetizer. Not a great value. read more

While my husband and I were walking by we decided to go in and check this restaraunt out and we were very pleased! Great environment and very cozy. The food was excellent. First we were served bread and fried rice balls at the table and then we ordered the penne stuffed with cauliflower, cabbage, and sausage and it was amazing. The wine selection is great. The servers were very hospitable and professional. At the end of the meal we were served an orangecello (like limoncello) on the house! I would recommend this place to anyone! read more

This restaurant is such a gem I hate to share it with all the people in the neighborhood because I want to keep it all to myself. Rafelle's food is so fresh and delicious, the pasta is amazing the fish is delicious you can't go wrong with anything here he is very accommodating for any special dietary restrictions he's charming the restaurant is elegant the bar is great perfect size martini. I can't say enough things about it I've been there five times in the last three weeks and can't wait to go back don't miss out on this one he is an absolute delight and a professional restauranteur. read more

I came here tonight with my boyfriend for dinner and it was absolutely incredible. The atmosphere is inviting, intimate and charming. It reminded us of Italian bistros in Positano and Ravello. The owner and staff were attentive and friendly. The food was also superb. We had the burrata, which was to die for, as well as the spaghetti with artichokes and stuffed shell special. To top it off, we ordered the lava cake and cheesecake. We finished every plate, not a single bite left. They kindly gave us orangecello as well. Nonetheless, we will absolutely be back to this neighborhood gem. read more

Great food, the best Italian Chef in NYC (and friendly) and also the best Tiramisu! I couldn't ask for more!

We enjoyed a fantastic meal at Da Raffaele tonight. Excellent service and an absolutely wonderful meal. We will definitely be back! Thank so much for a spectacular evening. read more

Had special appetizers, entrees and dessert and each one was perfect and delicious. Amazing service and look forward to going back soon!!

Owner was present and attentive in this small comfortable restaurant. There were three of us. We had the mista salad which was lightly dressed and full of fresh flavor, the chicken dish with mushrooms and artichokes, and the spaghetti which was made in a light garlic sauce with fresh baby artichokes. It was all delicious. The desert of the day was cannoli, made with ricotta and just enough citron to give it a wonderful flavor. As a treat at the end of the meal the owner brought us orancello, which he made. Although we do like to try new restaurants I will want to go back! read more

Really solid dining experience tonight. The owner waited on us and the food was delicious. Will most definitely be coming back.

Da Raffaele is absolutely fantastic. Understated restaurant with great service and top notch food. We had all the specials of the day: a mozzarella based appetizer, black linguine and a halibut. You could taste the quality. The owner was friendly and around for the service which makes the place even more charming. Highly recommended! read more

I came here with my girlfriend and had zero complaints. It exceeded every expectation I had. Very authentic food with very authentic employees. Raffaele helped us with everything and was truly one of a kind. The food was exceptional and the service was as well. I will absolutely be back. Cin cin! read more

Great lunch spot! I had the chicken parm, and it was delicious. I think the owner waited on me -- such a lovely man. I'll definitely be back. read more

Died and gone to Heaven--A true Italian experience. Here are the top 10 reasons why this restaurant is so incredibly special. 1) Relaxed and intimate atmosphere- 15 tables at most 2) Attentive service from the owner- we were made to feel like we were the only customers 3) Fresh baked bread served at the perfect temperature 4) Accommodated our special meal requests 5) TAGLIOLINI- out of this world stuffed meatballs --and the ravioli special- OMG 6) POLO CON CARCIOFI- light and packed with flavor 7) The Ricotta cheesecake is by far the best dessert in the world 8) The crepe dessert is by far the second best dessert in the world 9) The cost of dinner was incredibly reasonable 10) Left feeling like family We will be back... maybe even tomorrow -- it was that good. read more

Service was fantastic but the food was the worst I've ever ordered in a NYC restaurant.

This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to! The atmosphere is beautiful, the service is amazing,and the food is unbelievable. The owner really went above and beyond! I will definitely be back read more

Love going to Da Raffaele. It's a local favorite. Raffaele the owner and chef has been a favorite in midtown East. He greets every customer like you are family. His waiting staff is amazing as well. The food is great and much less expensive than the other over priced Italian restaurants in the neighborhood. I highly recommend.. read more

I discovered this place recently, and I have to say it is by far the best Italian restaurant in the neighborhood. The food is authentic and delicious, definitely comparable to the food I had in Italy. They serve a fried seaweed bread at the start of the meal, which was crunchy, savory, and wonderfully unique. We ordered the veal ragu parpadelle special, the pasta was fresh, and had a perfect bounciness in the bite. The risotto was creamy and rich and the rice was very tender. The service is attentive and friendly. Such a good find! read more

I don't know were to start because everything at this restaurant is more than great . I was surprised from the beginning to the end. I was super happy that i made the reservation because the food was just amazing, the best authentic Italian food i have ever had. The service was also on point, and will be back for sure with more people for another great experience because i love Italian food and I believe that at DA Raffaele they serve real authentic Italian food. read more

Excellent in every way. A simple perfect Caesar salad and delicious lasagna. Great variety of specials and Raffaele takes your order. Lovely dining room with attentive professional service. Bellisimo! read more

Excellent neighborhood restaurant. I almost don't want to review this restaurant, because I always want to be able to dine here without a wait. Owner host Raffaele is warm and generous. His kitchen matches his attention to the front of the house. Seafood is exquisite. Baby squid cooked with the lightest of touch and tender. Quail sauced perfectly. I am looking forward to tasting my way through the menu. Full bar and excellent wines. read more

Amazing food and great service. The restaurant has great ambience and we had a great conversation to close our night. Definitely will be back next time in NYC read more

This little hole in the wall is amazing. There's no other way to describe the food, the authenticity, the service, the feel. Just try it. You will not be disappointed. read more