ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Soho
Best Burgers in Soho
Master Critic Review
Raoul's
8.6
A SoHo fixture since the 1970s, Raoul’s is a dim, classic French bistro known for peppery steak au poivre, escargots, and a small but coveted bar burger. Regulars lean on it for late-night dates, celebratory dinners, and a transportive room that still channels old downtown energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with pommes frites, Bar burger, Escargots
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running SoHo bistro for steak au poivre, martinis, and moody charm.
Who should go: Date-night diners craving classic, slightly rowdy French bistro vibes.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or late reservations for full nightlife energy.
What to order: Steak au poivre, escargots, and the off-menu bar burger if available.
Insider tip: Ask about bar seats for a shot at the limited bar burger instead of only booking the dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoHo, especially after 6pm; nearest paid garages are within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; dark denim is fine but most guests skew polished for date-night atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy; conversation is doable but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open unpredictably.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Raoul’s does not serve weekday lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable; a few starters and pasta-style mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Very limited; expect only 1–2 possible modifications and no dedicated entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some items, including select mains and salads, can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, tight tables, and old-school bistro energy create a romantic setting, especially if you want something lively rather than quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — bar seats are your best shot, and going early or very late increases your chances. Prime-time walk-ins are tough.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; the space is narrow, noisy, and geared toward adults. Teens comfortable with bistro menus may be fine, but it’s not suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic French comfort dishes, late-night dining, and a moody, nostalgic SoHo atmosphere that feels more original than many newer bistros.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad dietary flexibility, or more modern, lighter French cooking — newer brasseries handle those needs better.