Festa per il 50° anniversario di Raoul
Inside the SoHo French Bistro’s Star-Studded Night with Jennifer Lawrence and Chloë Sevigny
Raoul’s — the beloved French bistro that has anchored SoHo’s dining and cultural scene for five decades — marked its 50th anniversary this December with a star-studded celebration that reaffirmed its status as one of New York City’s most cherished institutions.
A Timeless SoHo Institution
Opened in 1975 by Alsatian brothers Serge and Guy Raoul, Raoul’s has remained remarkably consistent in both menu and atmosphere even as the neighborhood around it has transformed from gritty industrial lofts to luxury boutiques and high-end galleries. Its classic French menu features enduring favorites such as steak au poivre, oysters, and other bistro staples that have drawn generations of diners.
More than a restaurant, Raoul’s is a cultural touchstone where artists, creatives, and trendsetters have gathered for decades. Its pressed-tin ceilings, intimate booths, and unaltered décor evoke an old-world New York that guests say feels unchanged by time.
The Anniversary Event — A Night of Food, Art, and Style
On the evening of December 9, 2025, Raoul’s hosted an elegant yet exuberant anniversary dinner and party attended by New York’s most notable cultural figures. The event was co-hosted by Chloë Sevigny, longtime Raoul’s regular and one of its most ardent champions, Lauren Santo Domingo — who also released a limited capsule collection with Moda Operandi to commemorate the milestone — and Karim Raoul, son of co-founder Serge Raoul.
Celebrity Guests and Creative Tastemakers
Among the evening’s guests were Oscar-winning actor Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Cooke Maroney, both photographed enjoying a rare date-night outing at the historic bistro. Other attendees included fashion designers, stylists, and cultural influencers from around New York.
Sevigny shared personal memories during the event, noting that she had brought her husband to Raoul’s on their first date, highlighting the restaurant’s deep emotional resonance for many of its guests.
Cuisine and Celebration Highlights
The evening menu honored Raoul’s French-American heritage with classic dishes like oysters, trout almondine, and its famously consistent steak au poivre, which nearly every guest selected. Cocktails flowed freely throughout the night, and a grand anniversary cake served as a centerpiece for toasts that blended nostalgia with forward-looking cheer.
Entertainment took a creative turn with burlesque performances and jazz interpretations of familiar pop songs, adding levity and historical nods to Raoul’s bohemian roots.
Preserving Legacy in a Changing City
Raoul’s longevity reflects more than its cuisine; it reflects its role as a social hub where artists, actors, and New Yorkers of all stripes can converge. Over time, the restaurant has evolved with the city yet retained the character that made it special — a place where tradition and contemporary culture intersect.
Today, Raoul’s continues to embody a living piece of New York history: unchanged in spirit, embraced by multiple generations, and celebrated not just for food but for the unique cultural tapestry it represents.
Images courtesy of Moda Operandi
