Rao's

Rao’s began as a humble saloon on 114th Street in northern Manhattan in 1896, and since then it’s transformed under family stewardship into a legendary Italian restaurant renowned for its Southern‑Italian cooking and storied traditions like generational “table rights” that have turned a meal there into one of the most coveted dining experiences in America. The restaurant’s transcendent atmosphere and simple, authentic food earned it intense acclaim — not to mention incredibly hard-to-get reservations.

In 1992, owner Frank Pellegrino, Sr., frustrated with having to turn away eager diners, packaged Rao’s signature tomato sauce for home enjoyment. Made with no sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, Rao’s Homemade sauces quickly established a reputation for authenticity and quality, expanding into soups, pasta, and more.

Today, though it’s owned by a major food company, Rao’s Homemade® remains committed to its slow-crafted, small-batch heritage. The brand’s continued presence honors its roots — bringing restaurant-style, soul-nourishing Italian flavors into kitchens across North America.