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RAKU RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 989-4797

Address: 48 MACDOUGAL STREET 10012

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TLDR

A cozy Japanese spot famed for its exceptional udon noodles, offering a delicious and comforting dining experience.

Reddit Sentiment for RAKU RESTAURANT(based on 6 Reddit opinions)

83% Positive

Tags

japanese 6udon 5noodles 4View All

Neighborhoods

SoHo

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
Where To Eat In Soho

Raku offers an affordable Japanese dining experience in Soho, specializing in udon noodles, with other branches in Midtown and the East Village.

Melissa McCart • Apr 28, 2026
Read More →
Eater

Details

Raku offers a highly recommended Japanese noodle experience, with users praising their duck breast udon and beef udon as some of the best in the city [1], [2]. The restaurant is described as a place that feels like a 'warm hug,' providing nourishing food in a calm, cozy atmosphere [3]. Diners can enjoy various hot and cold udon preparations, alongside other Japanese staples [4].

Food Overview

Raku specializes in Japanese udon noodles, with particular acclaim for their duck breast udon featuring a delicious fish-based broth and their beef udon, which is called the best in the city [1], [2]. The menu also includes shrimp tempura and gyoza, with options for both hot and cold noodle preparations [4].

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended dishes include the duck breast udon with its flavorful fish broth and the beef udon noodles, which are considered among the best in the city."

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise Raku for its delicious udon dishes and comforting, warm atmosphere, with many recommending it as a top choice for noodles [1], [2], [3].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About RAKU RESTAURANT

/r/FoodNYC/comments/1np8wj9/reccomendations_and_thoughts/
This user highly recommends Raku's beef udon noodles, stating they are the best in the city. The comment also notes Raku's udon as a deciding factor when choosing between it and soba options.
/r/FoodNYC/comments/1uhlhn0/whats_your_favorite_preparation_of_duck_in_the/
A user mentions the kamonan udon at Raku, expressing a preference for the Soho location over the East Village one.
/r/FoodNYC/comments/1tpq6i7/wheres_a_forlorn_gal_taking_herself_out_to_dinner/
Raku is recommended as a comforting dining destination that feels like a 'warm hug' with its nourishing food and calm, cozy vibe.
/r/FoodNYC/comments/1lq5ajv/fishbroth_ramen/
The duck breast udon at Raku is highlighted for its delicious fish-based broth. The restaurant also offers other fish-only options like shrimp tempura.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Whats Your Favorite Preparation Of Duck In The

"The commenter mentioned the kamonan udon at Raku, noting that the Soho location is preferable to the East Village one."

Positive
Jun 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres A Forlorn Gal Taking Herself Out To Dinner

"The commenter recommended Raku on MacDougal Street as a place that feels like a 'warm hug', with nourishing food and a calm, cozy vibe, sending strength to the original poster."

Positive
May 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Reccomendations And Thoughts

"In response to a question about choosing between Raku and Cocoron, this user stated they love both and the choice depends on whether one wants soba or udon noodles. Raku is known for its udon."

Positive
Sep 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Reccomendations And Thoughts

"This user recommended Raku, highlighting their beef udon noodles as the best available in the city. Raku has multiple locations, including one near SOHO."

Positive
Sep 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fishbroth Ramen

"The user mentions Raku in the West Village, highlighting their duck breast udon with a delicious fish-based broth. They also offer other fish-only options like shrimp tempura."

Positive
Jul 3, 2025View Comment →