When Rachel Ray talks food, we listen—and for good reason. The chef and TV host has spent years tasting her way through the best kitchens around the country. Now, she’s dishing out her top 10 restaurant picks, and trust us, each one is worth a spot on your must-try list. Let’s dig into the places Rachel Ray can’t stop raving about.
10. Ippudo
Ramen, anyone? If you’re in New York City, then head over to Rachel Ray’s favorite ramen place, Ippudo. The popular Japanese chain is known for their tonkotsu, which is a ramen with a creamy and pork-based broth. Just note that the restaurant doesn’t serve any other dishes, so you’d have to choose from the different soups that they serve.
9. Mamoun’s Falafel
Another New York City restaurant is Mamoun’s Falafel, which is Rachel Ray’s favorite for being a cheap place and a restaurant open until late at night. Mamoun’s Falafel is a takeout-only restaurant that opened back in 1971, serving falafel. When you ask a New Yorker for a falafel place, they’ll likely recommend Mamoun’s Falafel.
8. Zahav
One of Rachel Ray’s favorite Philadelphia restaurants is Zahav, which serves Israeli cuisine. It even won the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant in America in 2019. The meals come in several courses, so a small portion goes a long way. While it is not required to reserve a table, it is recommended to do so.
7. Bowery Meat Co.
Back in New York, Rachel Ray’s favorite restaurant that serves steak is Bowery Meat Co. The restaurant focuses on classic steak cuts, but it also has a wide menu including porterhouse and tomahawk steak dishes. There’s also a list of starters and sides to choose from, and if you’re not in the mood for steak, then there’s chicken and lamb.
6. Sadelle’s
If you’re in for a good breakfast, then Sadelle’s is the place to be. Rachel Ray’s favorite place to grab a sandwich is Sadelle’s in New York. They also have other locations mainly on the East Coast, but now, they’ve expanded their reach in Dallas and Las Vegas. Sadelle’s offers baked goods like bagels and sticky buns. There’s also a New York delicatessen type of sandwiches with smoked fish.
5. Bar Pisellino
Another New York find is Bar Pisellino, which is Rachel Ray’s favorite place to get her c*ckt*ils. This place has muted lights as they’re meant for after-dinner drinks, but don’t worry, they also serve coffee and pastries in here. The place is modeled after Italian cafes and hotels to make it like you’re sipping a cup of coffee in Italy.
4. Wa Sushi
Craving for a good sushi plate? If you’re around Alhambra, California, then head over to Wa Sushi for lunch, which is Rachel Ray’s favorite sushi place (there’s even a small izakaya place beside!). The menu features traditional sushi, to non-fish and non-meat dishes. They also have a good selection of drinks to pair with your sushi.
3. Wu Chow
How about Chinese cuisine? Rachel Ray loves a good Chinese dish, and Wu Chow happens to be one of her favorites. If you’re around Austin, Texas, then head to Wu Chow as the chefs their craft several Chinese dishes. Here, they don’t change their recipes that often, so you’ll likely get that comfort meal of yours. They also source local ingredients and note that they serve dim sum on Sundays.
2. Madame Vo
Flying over to Vietnam (not literally), Rachel Ray’s got the perfect Vietnamese restaurant right in New York City. They focus on family recipes for their pho, rice paper rolls, and many more dishes. If you’re a regular at Vietnamese restaurants, then the menu is already familiar to you, but note that some dishes are lumped together under the vermicelli bowl category.
1. Loring Place
If you want to taste for yourself how Rachel Ray defines comfort food, then head over to Loring Place in New York. They serve California cuisine. If you’re also looking for a place to date with your lover, the Loring Place is featured on the Michelin Guide website as a better place to go on a date. Some of the food that they serve is wood-fired dishes, handmade pastas, and pizzas.