Century-old NYC restaurant selling dinner for 4 on eBay for charity; $5,000 minimum bid

Bids for dinner at old NYC eatery start at $5,000

NEW YORK — With just 10 tables, it’s hard to get a reservation at the popular, century-old Rao’s restaurant in East Harlem.

But if you have at least $5,000, you can make an eBay bid on dinner for four at the Italian eatery. The winners must dine on July 27.

Proceeds will go to the nonprofit National Italian American Foundation for educational programs, such as grants to study Italian or to pursue research in Italian studies.

Rao’s provides old-fashioned Neapolitan-style comfort food. Dinner normally runs about $80, more with a fine wine.

The Rao’s phenomenon exploded in 1977, when a New York Times food critic gave it a three-star review.

It no longer was a local secret.