Raf's

- 290 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

In the ever-evolving and highly competitive New York City dining scene, a restaurant that can maintain a sense of intimacy and specialness while garnering widespread acclaim is a rare find. Raf's, located in the heart of NoHo, is a prime example of such a place. It's a culinary haven that seamlessly blends the rustic charm of a European-style bakery with the sophisticated allure of a top-tier restaurant. From the team behind the Michelin-starred The Musket Room, Raf's has quickly earned a reputation for its impeccable food, beautiful design, and an atmosphere that feels both casual and upscale. It’s a restaurant that has been named to prestigious lists, like the New York Times’ “best 100,” and yet still feels like a neighborhood gem—a place where you can feel at ease whether you're celebrating a milestone or just stopping in for a coffee and a pastry.

The overview of Raf's reveals a place that is more than just a restaurant; it’s a full-day culinary experience. By day, it functions as a bakery and café, offering freshly baked goods and coffee. By night, it transforms into an intimate dining room with a menu centered around a historic, wood-fired oven. The dual identity of the space—a French-Italian restaurant and bakery—is what makes it so unique. It’s a popular destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and is celebrated for its ability to deliver both comfort and excitement through its thoughtfully executed dishes. The fact that it still feels "special and intimate" to a frequent visitor, even after being one of the most talked-about spots in the city, speaks to its enduring appeal.

Raf's is strategically located at 290 Elizabeth Street, in the charming and lively NoHo neighborhood of New York City. The restaurant’s address places it on a beautiful, quiet street that is a welcome departure from the hustle and bustle of nearby main avenues. This location makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal in a more relaxed urban setting.

The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearby R and W trains at Prince Street and the 6 train at Spring Street are all within a short walking distance. Its location in NoHo, just a stone's throw from SoHo and the Lower East Side, makes it a convenient meeting spot for people coming from different parts of Manhattan. The beautifully restored storefront with its deep red hue and hand-foiled gold lettering pays homage to the building's history as a century-old bakery, adding to the allure and accessibility of the space for those exploring the area. The restaurant also provides wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating, ensuring it is a welcoming space for all patrons.

Raf's offers a refined and comprehensive set of services to create a memorable and seamless dining experience.

• Service Options: The restaurant provides a full dine-in experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and enjoy the table service.

• Dining Options: Raf's is an all-day destination, with extensive menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It also offers a dedicated dessert menu with incredible pastries and plated desserts.

• Offerings: The offerings are diverse and high-end, including a bar onsite with a "great cocktails" and "great wine list." The menu features a variety of small plates, coffee, and alcohol, ensuring there is something for every taste and occasion.

• Reservations: Dinner reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant's popularity means it's often busy. The ability to accept reservations is a major convenience for guests planning a special evening.

• Amenities and Payments: The restaurant provides a bar onsite and a restroom for guest convenience. High chairs are available, making it a good option for families with children. The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

These services collectively underscore the restaurant's commitment to providing a top-tier and accommodating dining experience.

The features and highlights of Raf's are what truly make it stand out as a premier dining destination in New York City.

• Dual Identity: The unique combination of a refined restaurant and a European-style bakery sets it apart. The bakery offers a wide array of pastries, breads, and cookies, while the restaurant provides a full dining menu with dishes that are both comforting and thoughtfully executed.

• Exceptional Food Quality: The food is a major highlight, with reviews praising dishes like the "delicious" dry-aged beef burger and the "incredible" desserts. The "tuna tartare is a dish I insist on ordering in any form it appears on the menu," notes a reviewer, speaking to its consistently high quality.

• Atmosphere and Ambiance: The atmosphere is a key feature, described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale. The restaurant's design, which includes hand-painted murals and vintage iron chandeliers, creates a beautiful and inviting space that feels both intimate and grand.

• Top-Tier Talent: The restaurant is helmed by acclaimed chefs, including a James Beard Award-nominated pastry chef. This talent is evident in the "delightful and memorable" meals and the "incredibly" good desserts.

These features, from the ambiance to the quality of the cuisine, create a rich and rewarding experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

For those looking to experience the charm and culinary excellence of Raf's, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 290 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA

As Raf's does not have a public phone number, reservations should be made online, which is a convenient way to plan ahead and secure a table.

In a city overflowing with dining options, what makes Raf's a truly worthwhile choice? The answer is in its ability to combine European elegance with a relaxed New York sensibility. Customer reviews consistently highlight a restaurant that delivers on its promises. A brunch experience is described as one of the best in NYC, with a burger that is a "new favorite" and a dessert that is "incredible." While some minor critiques exist, such as a different preference for how a dish is spiced, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. A reviewer who is a repeat customer notes that Raf's "continues to impress me every time I visit," and "every item I have tried has been thoughtfully executed."

Choosing Raf's means opting for a restaurant that is both critically acclaimed and genuinely beloved by locals. It’s a place that provides a luxurious experience without being pretentious, perfect for a special occasion or a simple treat. The combination of the all-day bakery, the romantic atmosphere, the friendly and attentive staff, and the top-tier, thoughtfully executed menu makes Raf's a destination that is consistently worth visiting for a delightful and memorable meal.

Raf's

290 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA