Best all around ravioli store I've found so far in NYC. Located in what used to be Italian Greenwich Village, Rafetto's is the authentic target. Walking in, the place hasn't been updated too much over the last century; they even still have their old school pasta cutting machine, which they actually use. The staff are either family or have been around forever, and they're the among best I've found in any Italian shop anywhere. Always very friendly and helpful. And of course, beyond the service and atmosphere, the food is consistently great.
Homemade ravioli options are large and varied, although you have to stake them out a bit to get one of the more unique combos fresh (like truffle). My favorites are the seafood (shrimp, crayfish, scallops, crab), the pesto, the chicken and smoked mozzarella, and the classic cheese and spinach. Those give you serious options for pairing with sauces, and the staff is happy to make some great suggestions if you need guidance. In general I've gotten the medium sized ravioli, which seem to be the perfect size. I haven't tried their fresh pasta, but given what I've seen with the ravioli, it has to be great. They also sell their sauces and a variety of Italian goods in the store as well; in particular, their vodka sauce and rice pudding are killer. In general, whatever you buy here, it's doubtful you'll be disappointed.
Don't be like me, living nearby and just walking past for years. So much time wasted buying mediocre ravioli. Come here and get the best. Oh, did I mention that their prices are cheap? It's like $6 for a box of 48 on average , which is good for 3-4 meals. Do the math. I make trips every 2 months and buy several boxes at a time. This is destination...
Read moreI used to shop here all the time when I lived in Little Italy for 24 years and would walk a little extra distance to get my fresh pasta and supplies from Raffetto's instead of the shops actually in Little Italy. - I was walking past there today and decided to pop in and buy some lasagna sheets and some other items, but the old feeling of a shop where people helped you and were friendly was completely lost. Instead I was met by a worker that I said hello to and they looked up at me with the most unfriendly expression imaginable and then just looked back down and continued to do what they were doing completely ignoring me.
There was another worker there that clearly knew I was there as well and ignored that I was there too. I don't mind waiting to be helped at all...a 'will be with you in a few' or something would have been sufficient, but wow...I just got the nastiest vibe. A vibe like they were pissed off I came in. What happened to you guys? I used to LOVE going to Raffetto's. I spent so much money there when I lived there. I'm hoping that they were just having a bad day and aren't that way to customers all the time now. But I had to say something here because Raffetto's has always been a special place to me. It...
Read moreRaffetto's is the best classic Italian salumeria around! The pasta is absolutely incredible; fresh, homemade, and decadent. My personal favorite is the fettucine and the cheese ravioli, but there is truly no pasta that I wouldn't recommend here. Another favorite from Raffetto's is their homemade pesto. I have tried nearly 40 different store bought pesto's in the area, and Raffetto's is the best by far. It's flavorful and fresh, with just the right amount of parmesan. Not to mention, it is the most affordable in the area BY FAR, which is worth noting considering the quality! And lastly, another standout from Raffetto's is the wonderful family that owns it and their staff. Each time I enter the store, I'm greeted with the unmistakable warmth of a family-owned business. The family and staff are knowledgeable, personable, and friendly; the exact type of business you WANT to give your patronage to! Sarah is the best for any and all recommendations on pasta or anything pasta-related. Overall, Raffetto's is the full package; a neighborhood gem with fantastic food, wonderful staff, and unbeatable prices!...
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