Seemor

Raoul'sA-Worth Trying

Name: Raoul's
Address: 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012 · French restaurant, Bistro · 4.4/5 Google (1324 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Historic SoHo French bistro with iconic steak au poivre and buzzy bar; delicious but pricey, cramped, and strict reservation policies—go for classics, expect attitude and a wait even with a booking.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Raoul's delivers exceptional food quality anchored by its legendary steak au poivre and cult-favorite burger, earning solid A-grade standing among respected neighborhood bistros. Strong service knowledge and iconic SoHo setting reinforce its destination appeal, though tight quarters and inconsistent service warmth prevent higher territory. Recent trend softening around policies tempers what remains a beloved classic.

Restaurant Summary

A storied SoHo spot where the bar hums and the walls glow with art, Raoul’s feels warm and bustling from the first martini. Service ranges from charming to curt, but diners keep coming back for the signature peppercorn classics. As one fan put it, the steak arrived “perfectly seared and cloaked in a sauce that just works,” even if the room can feel cozy and cramped and waits run past reservation times. Expect old-school charm with a side of downtown attitude. The kitchen leans elevated traditional French, not avant-garde, pairing premium seafood and beef with rich, textbook sauces; think steak au poivre, Dover sole, and a cult-favorite burger with a peppery dip. The culinary approach leans refined bistro and ingredient-led: confident technique, some modern touches, but no theatrics. If you love classics done right in a lively room, you will be very happy here—just know the peppercorn can be assertive. Families should note the space is tight and the flavors skew rich and pepper-forward. There is a brunch burger, soufflé pancake, and simple sides like pommes frites and watercress salad that kids might try, but there is no dedicated kids menu. For picky eaters, consider nearby options; adventurous teens may enjoy the brunch burger route.

At a Glance

Iconic steak au poivre and a cult-favorite burger with standout peppercorn sauce
Classic SoHo bistro ambiance with a lively, old-school bar
Tight, noisy room with frequent bumps and occasional service brusqueness
Strict cancellation policy; multiple disputes reported
Pricing is high (many mains $38-64; full meal $90-125 before drinks)

What Sets It Apart

iconic_steak_au_poivre
historic_soho_bistro_vibe
buzzy_bar_culture

What People Love

Peppercorn sauces that elevate steak and burger
Buzzy, timeless bar energy
Well-judged oysters and French classics
Comforting desserts like profiteroles and bread pudding

Points of Concern

Cramped seating and loud room; expect bumps and tight quarters
Strict cancellation fees even for emergencies; little flexibility reported
Host stand interactions can feel brusque; waits past reservation time occur
Some find the pepper profile heavy or burgers small for price

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$90-125 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

If sharing, start with oysters ($28-30) and artichoke vinaigrette ($24) to balance the rich mains
Pair steak au poivre with pommes frites ($14) and haricots verts ($14) to cut through the sauce
Seafood lean: Dover sole ($54-59) or Mediterranean sea bass ($48) as lighter mains

Perfect For

Date night with classic French cravings
Celebratory dinners for sauce lovers
Bar snacks and martinis before a Soho night
Out-of-towners chasing New York restaurant legends

Location Insights

Area: Trendy SoHo block with fashion retail and nightlife; attracts locals, industry folks, and destination diners.

Safety: Busy, well-lit commercial area with steady foot traffic; typical Manhattan vigilance advised.

Nearby: Near boutiques, bars, and other restaurants; convenient for pre/post-dinner drinks and late-night bites.

SoHoSoHo offers a mix of high-end dining, casual eateries, and trendy cafes, attracting a fashionable crowd that enjoys both innovative cuisine and classic New York dining experiences. The area is bustling with activity, especially during evenings and weekends, and is known for its stylish and creative atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–23:00 Tuesday17:00–23:00 Wednesday17:00–23:00 Thursday17:00–23:00 Friday17:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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