Famed New York City restaurant Rao’s is to bring its Italian-American culinary experience to the Rusacks St Andrews in Scotland this summer, with a four-month seasonal pop-up.
The exclusive collaboration, Rao’s at Rusacks, will create an unparalleled dining experience overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course at the Home of Golf.
Marking Rao’s first residency outside of the United States, this four-month event will provide guests a rare opportunity to experience the eatery’s infamously exclusive offerings, which will be transported from city to coast for a limited time only.
Founded in 1896 in East Harlem, New York, Rao’s has remained a family-run business for nearly 130 years, celebrated for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine and uniquely intimate, legendary atmosphere. The restaurant is famed for its 10 tables, each ‘owned’ by generations of regulars or auctioned for charity, making reservations among the most coveted in the world.
Cultivating a mystique unlike any other, Rao’s blends simple, homemade food with an experience steeped in family traditions, festive décor, impromptu performances, and a guest list that ranges from locals to celebrities, sports icons, and international tastemakers.
Rusacks St Andrews was established in 1887 as the world’s first purpose-built golf hotel, and has solidified itself as one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. Rusacks St Andrews joined the Marine & Lawn brand in 2021, a collection of hotels and resorts set along some of the world’s most coveted golf courses, launched by real estate firm AJ Capital Partners.
The hotel’s design takes inspiration from its unique destination, coastal positioning, rich golf history, and legendary storytelling. With historic 1800s charm and a rich blend of modern style and amenities, the hotel is a centrepiece of the town of St Andrews in what is an unrivalled location at the ‘Home of Golf.’
The hotel sits alongside two of the most famous holes in the game of golf — overlooking the iconic opening and final holes of the Old Course. Golfers looking to walk in the footsteps of the game’s greats can enjoy the ultimate bucket-list experience with a stay at Rusacks, which will now be further enhanced with the introduction this summer of Rao’s at Rusacks.
From May through September 2026, Rao’s will operate a seasonal, dinner-only restaurant service at Rusacks. The curated menu will celebrate the essence of Rao’s cooking — simple, seasonal, and full of flavour — paired with the finest Scottish ingredients.
While the official menu remains under wraps, guests can expect signature dishes such as meatballs, seafood salad, marinara, and roasted peppers with burrata. Rao’s at Rusacks will take over the One Under Bar at Rusacks St Andrews, an intimate underground dining space and bar, that will be intentionally designed with signature décor inspired by the iconic New York City eatery.
“Rao’s has always been about family, tradition, and creating unforgettable experiences around the table,” said Ron Straci and Frank Pellegrino Jr., co-owners of Rao’s. “Bringing Rao’s to St Andrews for the first time in our history is incredibly meaningful to us. To share our Southern Italian heritage in a setting as iconic and storied as Rusacks—overlooking the Old Course—allows us to introduce the spirit of Rao’s to a new audience while staying true to the warmth and authenticity that have defined us for nearly 130 years.”
“Rao’s is synonymous with tradition and legacy, and there is no better setting than the birthplace of golf to help share its story with new audiences,” said Ben Weprin, founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “Bringing my long-time friends at Rao’s to Rusacks St Andrews is a natural fit, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that feels both timeless and true to the place.”
To make a booking, visit www.raosatrusacks.com.