Rafele Ristorante
“Top everything off with the best and lightest tiramisu I think I've ever had, and amazing ricotta cheesecake, and a limoncello.”
“I love meat and I'd be totally content with getting this as a main course
Ravioli di spinaci: Also really good.”
“We were a fan of Chef Raffaele at Bella Vitae, and then at the lovely Palma, and this new venture exceeded our expectations.”
Rafele Ristorante
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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After my second visit to this restaurant I do think it's a nice place with good food but I really don't understand all the 5 star reviews.
Came with a big group this time so had tons of appetizers and entrees to sample.
So…appetizers were all lacking something, good food but average.
The fish stew entree was awesome! Mostly bc of presentation of a baked over bread top which was so fun and the stew itself was light and tasty.
And the ricotta cheesecake……oooo wow.!!!!Chocolate mousse and tiramisu were good as well but the panna cotta was a no no no.
Service was fantastic…very sweet and attentive.
Overall, I wouldn't mind going back if another event is planned there but I think the food is just fine for the price, nothing to write home.
The Quick: Beautiful Italian restaurant in the West Village, with outdoor seating. Everything is very tasty. Great complementary focaccia.
The Details: There are a ton of Italian restaurants in the West Village, but this one has definitely caught my attention. I've enjoyed everything I've tried here and would absolutely return. Obviously the pastas are incredible, but there are plenty of non-carb options to suit your fancy.
The Damage: Average to pricey for Italian
In one word: Delizioso! Ok, I'll elaborate… ; )
I came for dinner and we had quite the sampling of a variety of dishes, and each one was beyond delicious. To start, we had the crispy brussel sprouts, calamari and my two favs: the fried pizza (omg) and the arancini (four cheese fried risotto dumplings — double omggg). Then, luckily for me, I was sitting on the vegetarian side of the table, so I single handedly ate an entire dish of meatballs (lol)… so good! At this point, it gets a little fuzzy what else I tried because my food coma was setting in… there were two wonderful, homemade pasta dishes and the NY strip steak with salsa verde. Somehow, I was able to take a few bites of their famous baked ricotta cheesecake, which I declare to be the BEST cheesecake I have EVER had… I'm still thinking about it weeks later… The owner was so gracious, as was the entire staff. This uber cute restaurant in the West Village was the perfect capper to our NY trip. 5 stars very well deserved!!
Came here for my friends birthday. They were able to accommodate our 7 person group with a last minute table on a Friday night.
The appetizers were awesome, we split a lot of them of which arancini, Cavolfiore, tomato mozzarella.
I got the special fresh pasta with mushrooms and it just wasn't that flavorful despite the waiter recommending it as the best pasta dish on the menu. My husband got the pasta w guancale and he loved it, he said it was one of his favorite pasta dishes in a while. Everyone else seemed pleased. They brought out a yummy slice of cheesecake with a candle for my friend! Overall good spot!
Stopped here for an afternoon quick light snack. The ambience is really attractive inside. There is a wood burning oven for pizza. We got some kind of rolled eggplant and it was good but the sauce was a bit acidic. There is Italian beer on tap. I would be tempted to return for a full blown dinner since the reviews are excellent and the owner won on Chopped.
Rafael's is by far one of the best restaurants in the West Village. It's low key and unassuming but has EXCELLENT food. You can literally order anything off the menu and be impressed. What a great place. Ambiance. Music. Professionalism. The bartender, Gabriel, is amazing and the owner Rafael is a classy, friendly gentleman. I will continue to frequent this restaurant. I absolutely love it.
The polpo alla griglia was one of the best grilled octopus I have had in the city. Though I wish it came in a larger portion cause it was so nicely charred and juicy! The taglioloni al fungi was rich with truffle flavor and made al dente. It was perfection and definitely a dish I will order on my return visit. Zuppa di pesce was another winner, with chunks of seafood soaked in a huge bowl of strew with tomatoes, garlic and pepperocino. Equally unforgettable was the dish of crispy Brussels sprouts with parmigiano; it was very crispy!
We ended with a ricotta cheese cake, which was not too heavy without compromising on flavor. What a glorious meal.
A charming Napoli-inspired restaurant nestled in the West Village, Rafele serves wonderful, authentic southern Italian cuisine. Its open kitchen concept creates a welcoming, family-like atmosphere, and every detail, down to the weekly flower arrangements, is carefully selected in order to complement this feeling.
At 6:00 on a Saturday night, the restaurant was pretty empty, which initially concerned me. My slight skepticism of the high Yelp reviews was quickly replaced with awe the moment I took my first bite of ravioli di spinaci. This was honestly some of the best pasta I've ever eaten. The fact that it's homemade makes it even better. The ravioli are stuffed with spinach, naturally, as well as buffalo ricotta cheese. Roasted tomato and basil are incorporated into the sauce, but the tomatoes also act as a standalone ingredient, positioned around the plate to provide a bolder flavor.
Without a doubt, the filling of the ravioli is the dish's winning aspect. The spinach carried a significant presence, and most importantly, wasn't overpowered by the buffalo ricotta. Light, but tremendously satisfying, the ravioli were gone a few short minutes after they were placed on our table. Sadly, this means that I didn't have the chance to take a picture! Yes, they were that good.
It seems like pasta is Rafele's strong suit, as my boyfriend ordered the pappardelle, and similarly praised the dish. Before we even finished our food, we were already discussing our next visit! Needless to say, we can't wait to go back.