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Raoul’s: Steak au Poivre, Tarot & Blackout Martinis – An Oral History
- For 50 years,Raoul's has been a cornerstone of SoHo's dining scene,attracting a clientele ranging from local artists to international stars.
- Guy and Serge,a chef and businessman respectively,signed a lease in 1975 for an old Italian restaurant in SoHo,a neighborhood then characterized by factories,warehouses,and emerging art galleries.
- The restaurant's trajectory shifted dramatically with a visit from james Signorelli, a producer for Saturday Night Live, in the late 1970s.
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Raoul’s: A SoHo Institution and Celebrity Hotspot
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For 50 years,Raoul’s has been a cornerstone of SoHo’s dining scene,attracting a clientele ranging from local artists to international stars. This article details the restaurant’s history, its rise to fame, and the notable figures who have graced its tables.
Last updated: December 7,2025,20:10:06 EST
The Early Days: From Italian Restaurant to Bohemian Hangout
Guy and Serge,a chef and businessman respectively,signed a lease in 1975 for an old Italian restaurant in SoHo,a neighborhood then characterized by factories,warehouses,and emerging art galleries. They established Raoul’s, serving classic French bistro fare like steak au poivre and martinis until 2 a.m. to a local crowd.
The restaurant’s trajectory shifted dramatically with a visit from james Signorelli, a producer for Saturday Night Live, in the late 1970s. Signorelli was seeking a post-show hangout for the cast and crew. Raoul’s quickly became a favored destination for the show’s team,transforming into a lively,bohemian gathering place.
A Magnet for Celebrities
Raoul’s soon attracted a diverse and influential clientele.Actors tim Belushi and John belushi were frequent patrons, as were filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
The restaurant also became a site for notable romances. Julia Roberts famously recounted how she felt an immediate connection with Benjamin Bratt upon meeting him at Raoul’s, describing it as being “hit over the head with a bat.” People Magazine detailed their relationship, which ultimately did not last.
More enduring connections were also forged within its walls. Julianna margulies met her husband, Keith Lieberthal, at a friend’s birthday party at Raoul’s in 2007.
An Enduring Legacy
Raoul’s continues to operate today, maintaining its reputation as a classic New York dining experience. A memorable anecdote highlights the restaurant’s unpretentious atmosphere: Guy’s wife, who briefly served as the maître d’, once failed to recognize Mick Jagger upon his arrival, seating him at a central table without special treatment.
The restaurant’s longevity is a testament to its consistent quality, its welcoming ambiance, and its ability to attract a diverse and discerning clientele. Raoul’s remains a vital part of SoHo’s cultural landscape, a place where celebrities and locals alike can enjoy a classic bistro experience.