Miami is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, attracting both locals and tourists alike with its diverse range of flavors and cultural influences. With such intense competition, it is crucial for restaurants in Miami to possess certain qualities that set them apart and ensure their long-term success.
With that goal in mind, Loews Hotels is partnering with an iconic New York City brand to forge success in Miami, FL. Rao’s Restaurant Group, a culinary national treasure widely acclaimed for its authentic, southern Neapolitan Italian cooking and home-style family ambiance, opened a new location in Miami, FL late last month. The restaurant is located within the St. Moritz Tower, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.
Rao’s opened 127 years ago in Harlem, New York and is celebrated as one of the oldest family owned and operated restaurants in the country. Staying true to original family recipes and dedicated to honoring the restaurant’s legacy, Rao’s co-owners Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci maintain a menu that pairs generations of authenticity and love with freshness and flavor.
Rao’s first opened its doors as a local saloon and 10-table restaurant in East Harlem, New York, in 1896. Its customers were city’s residents who came by after work to spend time with friends and family while sharing great food and drink.
“Rao’s is a legendary experience, where every night feels like a Sunday dinner, and we are excited that our iconic Harlem eatery and years of tradition can now be celebrated in Miami,” said Ron Straci, co-owner of Rao’s. “Our legacy continues to grow as we bring our passion for food and signature vibe to this new location. It feels like a natural next step for our family, and a place for the people of Miami to call home,” added Frank Pellegrino Jr., co-owner of Rao’s.
“When it came time to think about our new South Beach restaurant location, we had to look no further than to Rao’s and our dear friends, Ron Straci, Frank Pellegrino Jr., Chef Dino Gatto and the rest of the team, all of whom we have known for years,” said Alex Tisch, President & CEO, Loews Hotels & Co. “Similarly, like Loews, the Rao’s team knows what it takes to give customers a memorable authentic experience, one that will make Rao’s Miami Beach a remarkable addition to the Miami culinary scene.”
Rao’s Miami opens with dinner service seven days a week and offers a variety of traditional Rao’s classics including the legendary Rao’s Traditional Meatballs and Uncle Vincent’s Lemon Chicken, combined with contemporary dishes created specifically for the Miami location. Guests will experience the same level of comfort and service that they’re accustomed to in other locations, such as New York and Los Angeles.
With its widely recognized brand, innovative concept, exquisite cuisine, and unparalleled service, Rao’s new restaurant at Loews Miami is poised for resounding success.
