Invite-only New York restaurant to open at ‘incredible’ Scottish destination this summer
An exclusive American restaurant opening its first overseas eatery in Scotland this summer.
Legendary New York City institution Rao’s will bring its timeless Italian-American culinary experience to Rusacks St Andrews with a four-month seasonal restaurant in summer 2026.
The exclusive collaboration, Rao’s at Rusacks, will offer a new dining experience, overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course in St Andrews.
Marking Rao’s first residency outside of the United States, this four-month event will pair the two restaurants to provide guests a rare opportunity to experience the eatery’s 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 and sports icons.
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 property firm AJ Capital Partners.
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.
Ron Straci and Frank Pellegrino Jr., co-owners of Rao’s said: “Rao’s has always been about family, tradition, and creating unforgettable experiences around the table.
“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.
Ben Weprin, founder and CEO of AJ Capital Partners added: “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.
“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. Reservations are strongly recommended given the highly sought-after nature of this seasonal restaurant.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.