Raku: Authentic Udon and Japanese Cuisine in Hell's Kitchen

Raku Introduce

In a city teeming with Japanese restaurants, Raku stands out as a true master of its craft, focusing on the art of authentic, handmade udon noodles. Located in the bustling Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that is both simple and profound, delivering rich flavors and impeccable textures that transport you straight to Japan. Raku is celebrated for its commitment to quality, with a menu centered around its star ingredient: the perfectly firm and chewy udon. The establishment's popularity is a testament to its excellence, drawing in both local New Yorkers and tourists in search of a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food.

Beyond its signature udon, Raku also offers a variety of traditional Japanese appetizers, donburi rice bowls, and a curated selection of sake and unique beverages. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, creating a cozy and welcoming space. While the space can be crowded during peak hours, the high quality of the food and the dedicated service make it a worthwhile destination. It is a place that feels authentic and is known for serving dishes with clean, refined flavors that are comparable to some of the best local spots in Japan.

Raku is situated at 776 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA. This location places it in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood. Its proximity to major subway lines and its central position in Midtown West make it easily accessible for anyone in the city. The restaurant is a convenient stop for a meal before catching a show in the nearby Theater District or for a relaxed lunch during a busy workday.

For guests with mobility needs, Raku provides wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons. While paid street parking is available, as is common in Midtown, public transportation or walking are often the most convenient ways to reach the restaurant.

Raku provides a range of services to accommodate its bustling clientele, whether they prefer to dine in or enjoy their meal elsewhere.

Dine-in: Experience the full, cozy ambiance of the restaurant with table service.
Takeout: For those on the move, Raku offers a quick and easy takeout service.
Delivery: The restaurant provides both delivery and no-contact delivery options, allowing you to enjoy their udon from the comfort of your home.
Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for a quick and seamless pickup experience.
Accepts Reservations: Raku accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for parties of 3-8, to avoid the long wait times that are common during peak dining hours.

The availability of these services, combined with its fast service, makes Raku a highly efficient dining option.

Raku is distinguished by several features and highlights that make it a favorite among its patrons.

Authentic Udon Noodles: The star of the show is the handmade udon. Customers consistently rave about the noodles' perfect texture and the clean, well-balanced broth. The **Niku Udon** and **Gyunan Udon** are particularly popular.
Extensive Menu: The menu offers a wide variety of options beyond udon, including appetizers like **Chicken Tatsuta-Age** and **Pork Gyoza**, and rice bowls like **Oyako Don**. There are also a number of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options available.
Unique Desserts: Raku collaborates with Pâtisserie Fouet to offer a selection of unique and high-quality desserts. The **Green Tea Tiramisu** and **Matcha Cheesecake** are standout choices that provide a perfect end to the meal.
Great Wine and Sake Selection: The drink menu features a range of Japanese-style cocktails, beer, and a carefully selected list of sake that complements the food perfectly.
Fast and Efficient Service: Despite being a busy restaurant, the service is praised as being quick and efficient, ensuring that guests are served in a timely manner.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The casual and cozy setting is perfect for a variety of diners, from solo diners to groups. It is also noted as a safe and friendly space for the LGBTQ+ community.

For inquiries or to make a reservation, you can contact Raku using the following details.

Address: 776 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

What is truly worth choosing at Raku is the quality of its udon. While some reviews mention that the experience can be "cramped" and that some dishes may not live up to expectations, the general consensus is that the udon is "on another level." The noodles are often described as "perfectly chewy" and the broth as "rich" and "savory." For those new to the menu, the **Niku Udon** with beef short ribs and the **Gyunan Udon** with sliced USDA Prime Zabuton beef are highly recommended and are the most popular choices.

Another major highlight is the quality of the appetizers. Dishes like the **Chicken Tatsuta-Age** (fried chicken) and **Pork Gyoza** are consistently praised, with some customers even calling the fried chicken "amazing." For those who prefer a lighter fare, the **cold udon** options like the **Zaru Udon** are lauded as being excellent and a standout for Japanese cold noodles in the city. The partnership with Pâtisserie Fouet for desserts is a unique and appealing feature, with offerings like the **Sake Panna Cotta** and **Matcha Cheesecake** providing a delicate and flavorful conclusion to the meal.

While Raku's popularity can lead to a wait, the ability to make reservations and the overall quality of the food and service make it a worthwhile stop. The value is considered reasonable for the high quality of the dishes, making it a great option for a satisfying and authentic Japanese meal without breaking the bank. It's a place that captures the essence of simple, good food, and for that reason, it remains a celebrated spot in New York City's vibrant dining landscape.

Raku Menu

Beer
Sapporo Reserve $7.00
355 ml.
Sapporo Light $7.00
355 ml.
Tokyo IPA $12.00
Tokyo Blonde Golden Ale $12.00
Wakayama Agara Craft Mikan Ale $10.00

Sides
Fukumaru Japanese Rice $4.00
Bowl of Koshihikari rice.
Kaedama $5.00
Extra noodles.
Nori Sansho Chili Oil $1.00
One oz.
Red Chili Sauce $1.00
One oz.
Spicy Mayo $1.00
One oz.

Bento Boxes
Menchi Katsu Bento $20.00
*DoorDash Exclusive* Katsu Wagyu Hamburg & Katsu Prawns. Served with asparagus, tonkatsu sauce, tartar sauce, Fukumaru koshihikari rice, pickled greens, spicy bamboo shoots, and kabocha. Served room temperature. Contains beef, pork, shellfish, egg, wheat, gluten, soy, alcohol, nuts, and sesame.
Wagyu Hamburg Bento $20.00
*DoorDash Exclusive* Wagyu hamburg, german potatoes, asparagus, kabocha, fukumaru koshihikari white rice with mustard greens. Served room temperature. Contains beef, pork, wheat, gluten, soy, alcohol, nuts, sesame, egg.

Beverages
Housemade Yuzu Lemonade $10.00
12 fl. oz.
Cold Brew Organic Earl Grey $5.00
12 fl. oz.
Ramune Japanese Soda $5.00
Original flavor.
Calpico $5.00
Boylan Diet Cola $5.00
Boylan Cane Cola $5.00
Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water (12 Fl Oz) $4.00
720 ml.
Hakata Kaju Ehime Mikan Citrus Juice $8.00
12 fl. oz.
Organic Iced Green Tea $4.00
12 fl. oz.
Iced Barley Tea $5.00
12 fl. oz.
Aomori Kanjuku Apple Juice $8.00
12 fl. oz.

Merch [LIMITED RUN]
Raku Baseball Cap (White Logo) $35.00
Raku Basketball Cap (Black Logo) $35.00
Raku Tote Bag $35.00

Hot Udon
Wakame Udon $18.00
Wakame seaweed, tororo konbu. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Kitsune Udon $16.00
Seasoned fried bean curd. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Curry Beef Udon $23.00
Thin-sliced Ribeye beef, onion, in thick curry soup. Broth contains fish.
Curry Wagyu Beef Udon $36.00
Choice of Mishima US Wagyu Zabuton or A5 Miyazaki Beef. Thick curry soup. Onions. Fish contains broth.
Tantan Udon $25.00
Spicy miso pork, peanuts, egg. Broth contains fish.
Niku Udon $28.00
Beef short ribs, honeycomb tripe, tendon, daikon. Broth contains fish.
Chikara Udon $24.00
Mochi, chicken, tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Kaki Udon $28.00
Oysters, Tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Curry Chicken Udon $22.00
Chicken, onion, in thick soup. Broth contains fish.
Sansai Udon $19.00
Mountain vegetables, organic maitake mushroom tempura. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Wagyu Udon $36.00
Choice of American Mishima or A5 Miyazaki beef. Tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Toriten Udon $22.00
Four marinated fried chicken. Broth contains fish.
Gyunan Udon $23.00
Thin-sliced Ribeye beef, Tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Nameko Udon $20.00
Nameko mushrooms, wakame seaweed. broth contains fish. vegetarian option available.

Bakery by Pâtisserie Fouet
Raspberry Almond Cookie [Pf] $9.00
Raspberry almond cookie w/ housemade raspberry jam and almond nougat.
Demi-Sec Box (6pc) [Pf] $33.00
Yuzu Pound Cake, Miso Pistachio Pound Cake, Sake Azuki Pound Cake, Matcha Financier, Kinako Madeleine, Raspberry Almond.
Sake Azuki Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Sake pound cake, azuki (red bean) center.
Kinako Madeleine [Pf] $7.00
Kinako (soy) Madeleine, dipped in chocolate and sesame seeds.
Sesame Berry Dacquoise [Pf] $9.00
Meringue sponge, black sesame buttercream, dried raspberries & strawberries. Gluten free.
Miso Pistachio Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Miso pound cake, housemate cashew cheese, pistachios.
Hazelnut Almond Dacquoise [Pf] $9.00
Meringue sponge, hazelnut buttercream, candied almonds. Gluten free.
Dacquoise Box (3pc) [Pf] $23.00
Matcha Pistachios Dacquoise [Pf] $9.00
Meringue sponge, matcha buttercream, pistachios. Gluten free.
Matcha Financier [Pf] $7.00
Yuzu Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Yuzu pound cake, yuzu icing.

Sake
Suigei $34.00
300 ml. Tokubetsu Junmai.

Desserts by Pâtisserie Fouet
Peach Blancmange [Pf] $12.00
Toasted almond milk pudding, peach compote, raspberry jelly, dill. Gluten free.
Green Tea Tiramisu [Pf] $12.00
Mascarpone, green tea syrup, biscuit, rice puffs. Gluten free.
Chamomile Mango Mousse [Pf] $13.00
White chocolate chamomile mousse, mango honey cream, sesame sponge, white chocolate pearls, matcha sponge.
Yuzu Green Tea Chiffon [Pf] $8.00
Yuzu chiffon, green tea chiffon, white chocolate drizzle. Gluten free.
70% Chocolate Cake [Pf] $11.00
Chocolate terrine, chocolate & ginger ganache. Gluten free.
White Sake Roll Cake [Pf] $13.00
Sake kasu mascarpone creme, yuzu white bean paste, white sponge cake. Gluten free.
Matcha Cheesecake [Pf] $13.00
Matcha cheesecake, cherry compote bottom. Gluten free.
Strawberry Shortcake Verrine [Pf] $13.00
Meringue, sponge cake, fresh cream, white chocolate, strawberries, pink peppercorn. Gluten free.
Mango Cheesecake [Pf] $12.00
Cheesecake, mango compote bottom. Gluten free.
Soba Pudding [Pf] $12.00
Soba infused pudding, Okinawa black sugar, soba cookie. Gluten free.

Desserts by Pâtisserie Fouet
Sake Panna Cotta [Pf] $12.00
Da hong pao caramel, orange jelly, fresh persimmon, contains alcohol** Gluten free.
Green Tea Tiramisu [Pf] $12.00
Mascarpone, green tea syrup, biscuit, rice puffs. Gluten free.
Mango Cheesecake [Pf] $12.00
Cheesecake, mango compote bottom. Gluten free.
Matcha Cheesecake [Pf] $13.00
Matcha cheesecake, cherry compote bottom. Gluten free.
Yuzu Green Tea Chiffon [Pf] $8.00
Yuzu chiffon, green tea chiffon, white chocolate drizzle. Gluten free.
70% Chocolate Cake [Pf] $11.00
Chocolate terrine, chocolate & ginger ganache. Gluten free.
Soba Pudding [Pf] $12.00
Soba infused pudding, Okinawa black sugar, soba cookie. Gluten free.
Shiso Fromage Blanc Mousse [Pf] $13.00
Light cheese mousse, raspberry mousse, shiso jelly, streusel. Gluten free.
Hōjicha Tarte Tatin [Pf] $14.00
Baked caramelized apple tarte, hōjicha whipped cream.
Chamomile Mango Mousse [Pf] $13.00
White chocolate chamomile mousse, mango honey cream, sesame sponge, white chocolate pearls, matcha sponge.
Strawberry Shortcake Verrine [Pf] $13.00
Meringue, sponge cake, fresh cream, white chocolate, strawberries, pink peppercorn. Gluten free.

Sushi / Sushi Bowls
Maguro Don $39.00
Bluefin tuna over sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Hamachi Sushi 6pc $24.00
Yellowtail sushi.
Assorted Sushi 6pc $26.00
2pc Tuna, 2pc Yellowtail, 2pc salmon.
Salmon Ikura Don $31.00
Salmon and salmon roe over sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Salmon Sushi 6pc $24.00
Salmon sushi.
Maguro Sushi 6pc $29.00
Bluefin tuna sushi.
Kaisen Don $33.00
Assortment of bluefin tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, and ikura (salmon roe) over sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Hamachi Don $31.00
Yellowtail over sushi rice. Pickled ginger.

Beverages
Boylan Diet Cola $5.00
Iced Barley Tea $5.00
12 fl. oz.
Cold Brew Organic Earl Grey $5.00
12 fl. oz.
Apple Juice $8.00
Aomori Kanjuku. 12 fl. oz.
Housemade Yuzu Lemonade $9.00
12 fl. oz.
Mikan Citrus Juice $8.00
Hakata Kaju Ehime. 12 fl. oz.
Boylan Cane Cola $5.00
Calpico $5.00
Saratoga Sparkling Spring Water (12 Fl Oz) $4.00
720 ml.
Ramune Japanese Soda $5.00
Original flavor.

Appetizers
Chicken Tatsuta-Age 10pc $22.00
6pc marinated deep fried chicken, spicy mayo.
Atsugiri Bacon $22.00
Thick-cut bacon, bean sprouts.
Hijiki $13.00
Simmered hijiki seaweed, carrot, bean curd.
Vegetable Gyoza $14.00
Six pan-fried vegetable dumplings, shiitake mushroom, Chunk™ soy, cabbage, onion.
Kinpira Gobo $13.00
Braised burdock root, carrot.
Sabazushi $20.00
Seven mackerel pressed sushi
Chicken Tatsuta-Age 6pc $14.00
Marinated deep fried chicken, spicy mayo.
Salada $17.00
Frisée, endive, fried kabocha, cashew, creamy sesame dressing. Vegan. Gluten free.
Salmon Oshizushi $26.00
Seven salmon pressed sushi, salmon roe, lemon zest.
Kani Salada $24.00
Spicy crab, frisée, endive, fried kabocha, cashew, creamy sesame dressing.
Ankimo $11.00
Monkfish liver, scallion, ponzu sauce.
Agedashi Tofu $11.00
Deep fried tofu, scallion, bonito flakes.
Pork Gyoza $14.00
Six pan-fried pork dumplings, cabbage, onion, soy.

Cocktails
Quarantini $25.00
12 fl. oz. Serves two. Sake, cocchi americano, apple, celery, walnut bitters.
Bloody Mari $25.00
12 fl. oz. Serves two. Sake, clamato, yuzu, mango, ponzu vinaigrette.

Sushi / Sushi Bowls
Salmon Ikura Don $32.00
Salmon and salmon roe over Fukumaru sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Maguro Don $40.00
Bluefin tuna over Fukumaru sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Hamachi Sushi 6pc $36.00
Yellowtail sushi. Fukumaru rice.
Assorted Sushi 6pc $36.00
2pc Tuna, 2pc Yellowtail, 2pc salmon. Fukumaru rice.
Kaisen Don $34.00
Assortment of bluefin tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, and ikura (salmon roe) over Fukumaru sushi rice. Pickled ginger.
Maguro Sushi 6pc $36.00
Bluefin tuna sushi. Fukumaru rice.
Salmon Sushi 6pc $31.00
Salmon sushi.Fukumaru rice.
Hamachi Don $32.00
Yellowtail over Fukumaru sushi rice. Pickled ginger.

Appetizers
Pork Gyoza $13.00
Six pan-fried pork dumplings, cabbage, onion, soy.
Sabazushi $20.00
Seven mackerel pressed sushi
Chicken Tatsuta-Age 6pc $13.00
Marinated deep fried chicken, spicy mayo.
Kinpira Gobo $13.00
Braised burdock root, carrot.
Hijiki $13.00
Simmered hijiki seaweed, carrot, bean curd.
Agedashi Tofu $11.00
Deep fried tofu, scallion, bonito flakes.
Salmon Oshizushi $26.00
Seven salmon pressed sushi, salmon roe, lemon zest.
Atsugiri Bacon $22.00
Thick-cut bacon, bean sprouts.
Ankimo $11.00
Monkfish liver, scallion, ponzu sauce.
Kani Salada $24.00
Spicy crab, frisée, endive, fried kabocha, cashew, creamy sesame dressing.
Chicken Tatsuta-Age 10pc $20.00
6pc marinated deep fried chicken, spicy mayo.
Salada $17.00
Frisée, endive, fried kabocha, cashew, creamy sesame dressing. Vegan. Gluten free.
Vegetable Gyoza $13.00
Six pan-fried vegetable dumplings, Chunk™ soy, cabbage, onion, mountain yam, hijiki.

Hot Udon
Gyunan Udon $24.00
Thin-sliced USDA Prime Zabuton , Tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Nameko Udon $21.00
Nameko mushrooms, wakame seaweed. broth contains fish. vegetarian option available.
Tantan Udon $26.00
Spicy miso pork, peanuts, egg. Broth contains fish.
Wakame Udon $19.00
Wakame seaweed, tororo konbu. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Wagyu Udon $40.00
Choice of American Mishima or A5 Miyazaki beef. Tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Toriten Udon $23.00
Four marinated fried chicken. Broth contains fish.
Curry Wagyu Beef Udon $40.00
Choice of Mishima US Wagyu Zabuton or A5 Miyazaki Beef. Thick curry soup. Onions. Fish contains broth.
Niku Udon $29.00
Beef short ribs, honeycomb tripe, tendon, daikon. Broth contains fish.
Kitsune Udon $17.00
Seasoned fried bean curd. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Chikara Udon $25.00
Mochi, chicken, tokyo negi. Broth contains fish.
Sansai Udon $20.00
Mountain vegetables, organic maitake mushroom tempura. Broth contains fish. Vegetarian option available.
Curry Beef Udon $24.00
Thin-sliced Ribeye beef, onion, in thick curry soup. Broth contains fish.
Curry Chicken Udon $23.00
Chicken, onion, in thick soup. Broth contains fish.

Cold Udon
Yamakake Udon $18.00
Grated mountain yam, quail egg, bonito flakes.
Buta Shabu Udon $24.00
Pork belly, cucumber, shiro goma, kopert cress.
Zaru Udon $16.00
Chilled noodles, shiso leaf tempura, dipping sauce.
Ja Ja Udon $23.00
Spicy miso pork, cucumber, tomato, poached egg.

Donburi
Kiji Don $23.00
Teriyaki chicken and tokyo negi scallion. Ground chicken with simmered with ginger and
Buta Don $24.00
Stir fried pork belly with onion, ginger, garlic, spicy miso, over rice. Poached egg. Garnished with scallion and fried onion. Served with soup.
Unatama Don $28.00
Bbq eel, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Oyako Don $22.00
Chicken, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Katsu Don $24.00
Deep fried Japanese corn-fed pork cutlet, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Gyutama Don $38.00
American Mishima reserve beef, onion, Tokyo negi, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.

Cold Udon
Buta Shabu Udon $25.00
Pork belly, cucumber, shiro goma, kopert cress.
Zaru Udon $17.00
Chilled noodles, shiso leaf tempura, dipping sauce.
Kani Maze Udon $27.00
Crab roe, cucumber, butter, yuzu, iwanori.
Yamakake Udon $19.00
Grated mountain yam, quail egg, bonito flakes.
Sansai Bukkake $24.00
Maitake tempura, fresh nameko mushrooms, mixed mountain vegetables, fresh grated daikon, umeboshi, tenkasu, daikon sprouts, poached egg.
Ja Ja Udon $24.00
Spicy miso pork, cucumber, tomato, poached egg.

Sides
Fukumaru Japanese Rice $5.00
Bowl of Koshihikari rice.
Red Chili Sauce $2.00
One oz.
Kaedama $6.00
Extra noodles.
Nori Sansho Chili Oil (2 Oz) $3.00
Two fl oz.
Spicy Mayo $2.00
One oz.

Bakery by Pâtisserie Fouet
Raspberry Almond Cookie [Pf] $9.00
Raspberry almond cookie w/ housemade raspberry jam and almond nougat.
Miso Pistachio Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Miso pound cake, housemate cashew cheese, pistachios.
Black Sesame Dacquoise [Pf] $7.00
Layers of meringue sponge w/ black sesame buttercream. Gluten free.
Matcha Financier [Pf] $7.00
Demi-Sec Box (6pc) $33.00
Yuzu Pound Cake, Miso Pistachio Pound Cake, Sake Azuki Pound Cake, Matcha Financier, Kinako Madeleine, Raspberry Almond.
Dacquoise Box (3pc) [Pf] $17.00
Hazelnut Dacquoise [Pf] $7.00
Layers of meringue sponge w/ hazelnut buttercream. Gluten free.
Sake Azuki Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Sake pound cake, azuki (red bean) center.
Kinako Madeleine [Pf] $7.00
Kinako (soy) Madeleine, dipped in chocolate and sesame seeds.
Yuzu Pound Cake [Pf] $7.00
Yuzu pound cake, yuzu icing.
Matcha Dacquoise [Pf] $7.00
Layers of meringue sponge w/ matcha buttercream. Gluten free.

Donburi
Oyako Don $21.00
Chicken, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Unatama Don $27.00
Bbq eel, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Buta Don $23.00
Stir fried pork belly with onion, ginger, garlic, spicy miso, over rice. Poached egg. Garnished with scallion and fried onion. Served with soup.
Katsu Don $23.00
Deep fried Japanese corn-fed pork cutlet, onion, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.
Kiji Don $22.00
Teriyaki chicken and tokyo negi scallion. Ground chicken with simmered with ginger and
Gyutama Don $37.00
American Mishima reserve beef, onion, Tokyo negi, egg rice bowl. Served with soup.

Raku Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Raku Photos

Raku Location

Raku

New York New York County New York 9th Avenue

776 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Raku Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 182 user reviews.

udonbrothbakerytempurafried chickensushiramenagedashi tofubowlyuzu

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Was very excited to eat here, but was disappointed before even taking the first bite. The restaurant is very crowded so I was sitting shoulder to shoulder between two other people. With it being so crowded, I could barely talk to the person in front of me. The food quality did not make the experience better. The wagyu sushi was very tough and bland, the tantan ramen was not tasty. The zaru was not too bad, but a small portion. I have had better elsewhere. The tempura was soggy, not the slightest crunch existed. Overall, it was a cramped and bad tasting meal. Would NOT recommend.
August 15 · Jaelee J
Stopped by for lunch on a weekend around 2pm. No wait, was able to get a booth right away.Uni sushi was excellent - very creamy and fresh. We got cold noodles, and I LOVED the thin noodles. The texture was also amazing.I would go back to try other dishes, especially their udon.
July 26 · A. K.
A very welcoming ambience. Highly recommended by a local. It was her favorite ramen place in NY and it did not disappoint. Recommend to get a reservation as place really fills up quickly. Servings were generous and dishes were flavorful. Highly recommend the agedashi tofu. Love too how the facade of the building is so simple.
April 03 · Manette Hidalgo
Chance upon this place in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s both a pastry and noodle shop which is quite a large place in the neighborhood. The decor is very simple and there is a long shared table at the center with cubicles on the sides. Ordered the bits shabu for my main - cold noodles with trips of pork belly cucumber and daikon sprouts with a side of white creamy sauce. It tasted well and not too salty. Had the mango cheesecake which was just ok. The cheese part was a bit hard and the layer of mango at the bottom seems too little to appreciate.
August 23 · JV Ante
Living in New York, Raku has always been my favorite udon spot and it has never let me down. I usually go to the original East location and have been to the Soho branch as well. This was my first time at the West location, and while it was still good, the food quality was a bit of a letdown compared to the other spots. It was the first time I’d ever seen the beef on my usual Niku Udon come with so much fat clinging to it, which was surprising. And the udon was slightly undercooked, the texture was oddly chewy — not quite sure how to describe it, but it was weird texture I’ve never had udon like that at Raku before, so it definitely caught me off guard. After I finished my udon, the server wiped down the table before bringing out the frozen grapes — but the cloth they used had a really strong dirty rag smell, which was pretty unpleasant. There was a noticeable sticky substance all over the small bowl that held the frozen grapes — it definitely didn’t feel clean, which was disappointing. The acoustics of the space made every conversation echo so loudly that it felt like people were shouting. We also had to speak very loudly just to communicate, which made it difficult to enjoy a calm, comfortable meal. Our server was very friendly
June 30 · perle75nyc