Famed Italian eatery Rao’s reopens, but will keep online ordering

Rao’s has reopened.

The impossible-to-get-into Italian eatery welcomed again in-person diners this week for the primary time for the reason that pandemic hit, in accordance with state guidelines.

We hear the hotspot’s meatball maestro, government chef Dino Gatto, stated of the doorways swinging open once more: “Everybody was joyful to be again within the restaurant. It was like seeing your loved ones for the primary time in 14 months.”

However the East Harlem establishment can be going to keep its Rao’s to-go operation going in order that diners can nonetheless get takeaway orders.

“They wish to keep it going for everybody who supported Rao’s throughout this time,” a daily stated. Amongst these hoofing it again to the spot in-person was famed foot specialist Dr. Rock Positano, spies stated.

With simply 4 tables and 6 cubicles, Rao’s one of many metropolis’s most unique reservations — earlier than the coronavirus put town’s heated eating scene on ice. We reported that throughout the pressured closure, homeowners started to make ordering out there online, and even launched a pop-up “ghost kitchen” for supply downtown with different prime eateries.

Its Los Angeles location all the time supplied to-go orders.

Manhattan eating places have been in a position to reopen at 50 p.c capability since March, and allowed to move to 75 percent this week, in keeping with state tips. The Publish has reported that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has stated limits on capability will be lifted later this month.

Rao’s had additionally been donating meals to staffers at space hospitals throughout the pandemic, in addition to members of the FDNY and NYPD.

The Publish beforehand reported in 2019 that the 123-year-old East Harlem establishment had been booked solid for 42 years. The spot has been on the identical Manhattan nook since 1896.