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Italian restaurant favorite Rao’s to close after 15 years on the Las Vegas Strip

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Frank Pellegrino Jr. dishing up Rao’s Sunday gravy at the Caesars Palace restaurant.
Photo: Christopher DeVargas

Rao’s at Caesars Palace announced Wednesday it will permanently close on November 28. The legendary Italian restaurant born in East Harlem in New York City originally expanded to its Las Vegas Strip location in December 2006.

A statement from co-owners Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci noted a future Las Vegas restaurant could be in the works: "When we opened Rao's Caesars Palace, we didn't fully understand the impact it would have on all of our lives. Nearly 15 years later, as we prepare to close these doors for the final time, we are filled with a variety of emotions and will always look back and cherish the memories made within these walls. While our future in Las Vegas is not yet decided, we are very excited about the possibilities of what lies ahead."  

Known for its homey cuisine such as Sunday gravy, giant meatballs and lemon chicken, Rao’s at Caesars Palace is located near the resort’s pool and the Bacchanal Buffet. Reservations are available at OpenTable.

“It's a rare feat for a restaurant to be open on the Las Vegas Strip for 15 years,” said Sean McBurney, Caesars Entertainment Regional President. “We will always be grateful to Frank Pellegrino Sr., Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci for their partnership in bringing their legendary brand to our guests.”

The New York City flagship restaurant opened in 1896 and famously became one of the toughest reservations in the country after a New York Times review in 1977. The company has expanded through the years with a few restaurants and a retail line of premium pasta sauces and other food products.

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of managing editor at Las Vegas Weekly ...

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