The invite-only East Harlem institution - where tables are “owned” and reservations are nearly impossible - will offer a seasonal restaurant this summer overlooking the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland.

New York, NY – March 2, 2026 - Legendary New York City institution Rao’s will bring its timeless Italian-American culinary experience to the storied Rusacks St Andrews, a Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts® property, with a four-month seasonal restaurant in summer 2026. The exclusive collaboration, Rao’s at Rusacks, will create an unparalleled dining experience at the birthplace of golf overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland.

Marking Rao’s first residency outside of the United States, this four-month event will pair two icons together to 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. Located on 114th Street, 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.

Across the pond, Rusacks St Andrews was established in 1887 as the world's first purpose-built golf hotel. Overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews, Rusacks St Andrews 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 centerpiece of St Andrews hospitality with 118 rooms and suites, three distinct dining venues, and an unrivaled location at the “Home of Golf.”

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 flavor—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 place.”

To make a booking, visit www.raosatrusacks.com. Reservations are strongly recommended given the highly sought-after nature of this seasonal restaurant.

Media Contacts

Berk Communications
raos@berkcommunications.com
On Behalf of Rao’s

Lauren McKirgan
lmckirgan@ajcpt.com
On Behalf of Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts®

About Rao’s

Rao’s first opened its doors as a local saloon and 10-table restaurant in East Harlem, New York, in 1896. Its customers were city’s residents who came by after work to spend time with friends and family while sharing great food and drink. After receiving three stars by then New York Times dining critic Mimi Sheridan, the restaurant enjoyed increased popularity and is now widely thought to be the toughest reservation to land in the United States. Rao’s has been covered by Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, SAVEUR, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times; and featured on programs such as Good Morning America, TODAY, Fox & Friends, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Top Chef All-Stars and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. For more information, please visit: raossince1896.com.

About Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts®

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts® launched in 2021 from real estate investment firm AJ Capital Partners. There are currently six properties within the collection, with two more at various stages of development. Each Marine & Lawn property offers a refined approach to hospitality and proximity to some of the world’s most prestigious courses, with the legends of centuries of golf history woven into design details throughout each hotel. The first two properties in the collection, Rusacks St Andrews and Marine North Berwick, both launched in 2021. Marine & Lawn grew its presence in Scotland with the opening of Marine Troon in 2022 and Dornoch Station in 2023. The brand expanded to Northern Ireland with Slieve Donard in 2023 and Portrush Adelphi in 2025. Most recently, Marine & Lawn acquired Greywalls in Gullane, Scotland and Mid Pines Inn and Pine Needles Lodge in Southern Pines, North Carolina with plans to relaunch as an expansion of the collection. For more information, please visit www.marineandlawn.com