Da Raffaele — Restaurant in New York

Da Rafffaele is a cozy intimate Italian restaurant, planted in Midtown East.

the restaurant is softly lit in the evenings. the space is small to medium--with a variety of tables for couples and groups. the space feels cozy without being cramped or crowded. a full bar is tucked in the back with some seating--there's a flat screen TV at the bar. colorful modern art brightens the walls and overall, the interior has that fine dining feel (white linens) without being stuffy and stiff.

the food ranges from solidly good to very good to great.

the grilled octopus appetizer really flavor and appeal is the the accompanying flavors that come with the charred octopus. the portion is small but shareable between two. ~$18. i'd bypass and order the paccheri or head straight to the pasta entrees.

the tagliolini with stuffed meatballs is so freaking good. al dente healthy serving of pasta (very shareable). flavorful sauce with savoriness and that touch of tomato acid and sweetness. the meatballs are soft, yet hold firm. the meatballs are stuffed with cheese, pignoli, and more. so good.

the filet mignon is just okay to good. parmesan topped filet mignon with a polenta cake and some veggies. in terms of steak, i'd pass on the "carne" and focus on pasta bc that is where the kitchen excels. ~$40. i'd bypass and order another pasta or a seafood entree.

tiramisu. shareable. sweet. perfectly sweet end to a dinner.

the restaurant has a nice flexibility from being great for a casual date night or a celebratory bday dinner. the restaurant has a local regular residential crowd that frequents it. it's less of a destination restaurant which is nice alternative to tourist trap places which are all flash and no substance. that said, the crowd here leans to an older set...so it's a bit more quiet and less hectic which is refreshing.

drops mic cuz i am mastering the...

I have been eyeing the restaurant for two years so I was thrilled to finally try it out! From start to finish the complete restaurant experience lived up to my hope. First, I chose the restaurant for the vegetable sauces that accompany dishes from pasta, risotto to seafood. Ordering was easy, we just got three entrees for the two of us: We started with the pappardelle with zucchini puree and walnuts, with a dollop of ricotta. The pappardelle had nice ribbed edges and the sauce was creamy and flavorful with leaves of fresh basil.

Next: I ordered the Mixed Seafood Grill, which was chock full of different kinds of seafood, including monkfish (!), scallops, shrimp, calamari. It was just wonderful with nice size pieces of seafood. My husband got the special of branzini pasta (first time ever seeing branzini served this way), which had a light pomodoro sauce.

Wine was nicely poured, a chardonnay (Rode) and a chianti.

Service was outstanding (everything was at a nice pace, not ever being rushed, but never having to wait, either).

Lovely atmosphere: beautiful large artwork on the walls, white table cloths, and best of all, tables well spaced apart.

Everything was first rate here at Da Raffaele. We can't wait...

Please do yourself a favor and think carefully before coming here. A lot of people pick their restaurants based on online menu’s but do not make that mistake here.

Price: The menu doesn’t match and the prices online are significantly lower. This place is wildly overpriced compared to the other restaurants in the neighborhood, even restaurants closer to Times Square are less. I ordered a lamb osobucco special and it was $44. I could’ve gotten a filet elsewhere.

Quantity: One of the things you can typically depend on with authentic Italian food is generous portions but definitely not here. The portions are very small and come with absolutely no side at all. No pasta, nothing. My wife’s chicken had a piece of cauliflower just stuck on top congealed into the cheese?

Quality: again, lacking. I’m sad to say that this place presents itself as authentic old school Italian but the flavors are absolutely not there. We were criminally overcharged for food that I could make a more tasty version of.

Obviously we will not be returning and I caution others to read carefully and adjust expectations. I’m not trying to tank a local business but enough is enough. This place is taking advantage of people. 2/5...