I found this little Italian restaurant, Rafele, on a foodie tour I did in Greenwich Village, New York recently. The food was tasty, authentic and very reasonably priced. When I googled it on trip advisor I was surprised to see it’s rated 14 out of 11,362 restaurants in NY but then again I wasn’t – it’s excellent.
Born and raised in Naples, Rafele owner and chef, Raffaele Ronca comes from a family of butchers, fishermen and restaurant owners and has had a passion for food all his life.
Working in his uncle’s restaurant in Naples and helping his mother make fresh pasta daily, Raffaele developed a lifelong passion for food. He immigrated to Americam at 21 and has worked in some of New York’s most authentic Italian restaurants including Palma ( also in the village) as the executive chef.
A few years later, Raffaele and an old friend Romeo from Naples decided to open their own restaurant to showcase their beloved Naples’ cuisine.
Having discovered this gem it was difficult to keep away. I asked the chef for the recipe of the delicious Polpettine and back came a list of ingredients with “a little bit of love.”
No wonder Mama’s recipes are so good.
If you’re in the village it’s a must. Evening bookings are essential.
29 7th Avenue, New York City, NY