Rao's 1896

10/07/2021

To our guests,

Rao’s Caesars Palace announces today they will be closing their location in Las Vegas after an incredible 15-year run and will be serving its final meal on Sunday, November 28th.

Rao’s Co-Owners, Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci provided the below statement.

"When we opened Rao's Caesars Palace in December of 2006, we didn't fully understand the impact it would have on all of our lives. Nearly 15 years later, as we prepare to close these doors for the final time, we are filled with a variety of emotions and will always look back and cherish the memories made within these walls. While our future in Las Vegas is not yet decided, we are very excited about the possibilities of what lies ahead."

“It's a rare feat for a restaurant to be open on the Las Vegas Strip for 15 years,” said Sean McBurney, Caesars Entertainment Regional President. “We will always be grateful to Frank Pellegrino Sr., Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci for their partnership in bringing their legendary brand to our guests.”

For those looking to relive the homestyle Italian cuisine and family-like service that has made Rao’s a legend in the hospitality industry since 1896, reservations can be made https://www.opentable.com/raos-caesars-palace-las-vegas.

03/28/2019

Watch Frank Pellegrino Jr on Jimmy Fallon cooking our famous meatballs!

Jimmy meets Rao's co-owner Frank Pellegrino Jr. at the exclusive New York City restaurant where they dish on its celebrity-filled history before heading to t...

11/12/2017

11/12/2017

https://instagram.com/p/BbZ2AabhhRc/

Fatimah Madyun Frank Pellegrino Marie Joe Chef Dino

17 Likes, 1 Comments - on Instagram: “Rao’s meatballs at Mina Tailgate! We are so excited to be a part of this! …”

11/12/2017

Michael Mina so excited!

02/04/2017

Presiding over a hallowed New York establishment elegantly entrenched in a bygone era of Packards and Parodis, Frank Pellegrino was an impeccable curator of the City’s gritty, glorious past. Born May 19, 1944, Frank was a familiar face in the works of Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and David Chase, his most enduring work is a 10-table boite with a tin-stamped ceiling on the corner of 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue; to him and his coterie it was “the Joint”, but the world knows it as Rao’s. Rao’s opened its doors in 1896, but it was under Pellegrino’s inspired stewardship that it became the City’s most coveted dining destination, a place where the A-list and the hoi polio found common cause in food, song and unbridled revelry. Rao’s counter-intuitive quirks were pure Pellegrino, the place is perpetually festooned in Christmas decorations and is closed on weekends. The interminable waiting list, the celebrity sightings and mouth-watering fare were an experience that spawned faithful satellite locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles as well as a thriving food company. Pellegrino was the last of the great hosts, his exquisite style and effortless elan brought the room to life, his voice, especially when leading the raucous throngs through a chorus of “My Girl”, could bring down the house. The only aspect of Frank Pellegrino that exceeded his stentorian voice was his heart; he worked tirelessly on behalf of Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School and The Ronald McDonald House, and donated countless tables that were auctioned off for staggering sums that benefitted myriad causes. Frank Pellegrino served in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict; he is survived by his wife Josephine (nee Nicita), his son Frank Pellegrino Jr, his daughter Angela; grandchildren Annie Pellegrino, his daughter-in-law Caroline Pellegrino, Derek Potterat, and Alexandra Potterat. A memorial Mass will take place on Feb. 14th at 11am at Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 473 E. 115th St., NYC.

02/01/2017

Rao's iconic co-owner, Frank Pellegrino Sr. passed away on January 31st in the presence of his family and loved ones. He was 72 years old. While the entire Rao's family mourns his loss, they also celebrate his life, and know he'd be adamant that the show must go on.

Presiding over a hallowed New York establishment elegantly entrenched in a bygone era of Packards and Parodis, Frank Pellegrino was an impeccable curator of the City’s gritty, glorious past. It was under Pellegrino’s inspired stewardship that Rao’s became the City’s most coveted dining destination, a place where the A-list and the hoi polio found common cause in food, song and unbridled revelry.

Rao’s counter-intuitive quirks were pure Pellegrino, the place is perpetually festooned in Christmas decorations and is closed on weekends. The interminable waiting list, the celebrity sightings and mouth-watering fare were an experience that spawned faithful satellite locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles as well as a thriving food company. Pellegrino was the last of the great hosts (here we speak of T***s Schor and Elaine Kaufman), his exquisite style and effortless elan brought the room to life, his voice, especially when leading the raucous throngs through a chorus of “My Girl”, could bring down the house.

The only aspect of Frank Pellegrino that exceeded his stentorian voice was his heart; he worked tirelessly on behalf of Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School and The Ronald McDonald House, and donated countless tables that were auctioned off for staggering sums that benefitted myriad causes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School or The Ronald McDonald House.

Information regarding a memorial service will be made available via Rao's page as soon as the details have been finalized.

Photo Credit Bruce Weber

12/27/2016

Join as we celebrate 10 Years at the iconic Rao’s Caesars Palace. Space is limited and reservations can be made by calling (702) 731-7778 or by emailing [email protected].

We hope to see you there!