One of the most talked-about restaurant openings in New York City of late is Raf’s, a delectable eatery from the team behind The Musket Room, that will eventually operate all day with a bakery and café as well. Located in the former Parisi Bakery, a historic Italian stalwart that was first established in 1903, Raf’s irreverently pays tribute to its predecessor’s storied past, while serving up hearty helpings of both fare and flair in a newly renovated interior by Post Company, in collaboration with project architects Shadow Architect.
Raf’s by Post Company: an intimate reprieve for New Yorkers
'We wanted to create an intimate reprieve for New Yorkers at Rafs,' says Jou-Yie Chou, partner at Post Company. 'The space is designed with a certain charm and familiarity that makes the restaurant feel like it has been there for years –establishing a welcoming environment for guests to celebrate, mingle, and connect. The atmosphere matches the same indulgent energy that makes the legacy of this city and its inhabitants so remarkable.'
Situated behind a glass and wooden storefront, complete with hand-foiled gold lettering, Raf’s immediately feels like it has been in operation for years. Historically appropriate yet of an entirely new design, the space boasts a statuesque wooden bar topped with Arabescato Rose marble, which welcomes guests with pastries, fresh flowers and mohair-topped stools, while the back bar glimmers with polished nickel rails and wine glasses. The front of the café features leather banquettes, stone inlaid tables and vintage café chairs that stand on an intricate mosaic floor, made from custom-cut marble and ceramic that conveys an elegant sense of imperfection.
Beyond this threshold, the main dining room is a vision with sculptural iron chandeliers and pleated glass sconces by In Common With, crisp plaster walls, moulded florets and an exquisite hand-painted mural featuring blue skies. Alluding to the grand European café society in both form and function, the dining room is anchored by an exposed kitchen where executive chef Mary Attea and pastry chef Camari Mick create a wood-fired evening menu, thus putting its carefully preserved, built-in bread ovens to work, and exquisite desserts to match. Specialities include a cast-iron sfincione (a Sicilian pizza), wood-kissed escargot, and a dry-aged côte de boeuf on the savoury end, as well as exquisite French pastries and a rotation of homemade gelato.
With breakfast, lunch and an aperitivo service to come soon, Raf’s is set to become a staple in New Yorkers’ address books.
Raf's
290 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012
-
Rio Kobayashi’s new furniture bridges eras, shown alongside Fritz Rauh’s midcentury paintings at Blunk SpaceFurniture designer Rio Kobayashi unveils a new series, informed by the paintings of midcentury artist Fritz Rauh, at California’s Blunk Space
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
LVMH watch week 2025: everything we know so farOur guide to LVMH Watch Week 2025, taking place in New York and Paris, starting 21 January; keep an eye out for our updates
-
Design practice Astraeus Clarke is inspired by cinema to tell a story and evoke an emotionIn a rapidly changing world, the route designers take to discover their calling is increasingly circuitous. Here we speak to Chelsie and Jacob Starley the creative duo behind Astraeus Clarke
-
Hella Jongerius’ ‘Angry Animals’ take a humorous and poignant bite out of the climate crisisAt Salon 94 Design in New York, Hella Jongerius presents animal ceramics, ‘Bead Tables’ and experimental ‘Textile Studies’ – three series that challenge traditional ideas about function, craft, and narrative
-
One to Watch: designer Valerie Name infuses contemporary objects and spaces with historical detailFrom vessels to furnishings and interiors, New York- and Athens-based designer Valerie Name finds new relevance for age-old craft techniques
-
First look: Matthew Fisher opens the doors to his first gallery in ManhattanHistory, design, and environmental consciousness converge at M. Fisher in New York City, offering an experience that is as meaningful as it is visually striking
-
Cooper Hewitt’s ‘Making Home’ triennial reveals an intimate side of the museum’s Gilded Age architecture'We live and work in the Carnegie Mansion, but it's not typically something that we engage with directly in our exhibitions,' says Alexandra Cunningham-Cameron, one of the co-curators
-
Forged in the California desert, Jonathan Cross’ brutalist ceramic sculptures go on show in NYCJoshua Tree-based artist Jonathan Cross’ sci-fi-influenced works are on view at Elliott Templeton Fine Arts in New York's Chinatown
-
Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano fuses natural perfection with industrial imperfectionEnrico Marone Cinzano's first solo show at New York’s Friedman Benda gallery debuts collectible furniture designs that marry organic materials with upcycled industrial components
-
New York exhibition celebrates Maria Pergay, the ‘pioneer’ of metal furniture‘Precious Strength: Maria Pergay Across the Decades’ is on show at New York gallery Demisch Danant (until 30 November)
