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RAKU RESTAURANT

Last Updated: ~1 month ago

Phone: (212) 989-4797

Address: 48 MACDOUGAL STREET 10012

TLDR

Crispy, juicy fried chicken & incredible udon noodles, a top NYC Japanese spot. Pricey but worth it!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 4 Reddit comments)

100% Positive

Tags

japanese 4udon 3View All

Neighborhoods

SoHo

Details

RAKU RESTAURANT is a must-visit Japanese eatery that excels in its noodle and fried chicken offerings. Patrons rave about the 'Tatsu-age', calling it the best fried chicken in NYC – moist, juicy, and reminiscent of authentic Japanese preparations. The udon noodles are another highlight, with the duck breast udon featuring a delicious fish-based broth earning particular acclaim. While the Sohi location is noted to be slightly less consistent, the overall dining experience is highly satisfying, making RAKU a top spot for those seeking quality Japanese comfort food.

Food Overview

RAKU RESTAURANT is celebrated for its Japanese cuisine, with a standout reputation for its udon and fried chicken. The 'Tatsu-age' (fried chicken) is frequently recommended, described as exceptionally moist and juicy, with one review stating it's the best in the city and closest to what one would find in Japan. The udon dishes, such as the duck breast udon with a fish-based broth, are also highly praised for their quality and flavor, though some find the udon itself to be pricey. While the Sohi location is mentioned as being good two out of three times, the overall food quality receives strong positive feedback.

Highlights / Recommended

"The 'Tatsu-age' (fried chicken) is highly recommended for its juiciness and authentic flavor, as is the duck breast udon, praised for its delicious fish-based broth."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a very positive experience at RAKU RESTAURANT, particularly praising the quality of their udon and fried chicken. While some mention that the Sohi location can be hit or miss, the overall consensus is that the food, especially the fried chicken, is exceptional and worth the price.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post highlights RAKU's Sohi location, specifically praising their fried chicken ('Tatsu-age') as incredibly moist and juicy, calling it the best in the city. The udon is also mentioned, though noted as pricey.
A brief comment recommends RAKU for its very good udon, noting that it's not particularly expensive.
RAKU is recommended by a user, particularly for its udon, suggesting it's a good option located near Washington Square Park.
This user specifically recommends RAKU's duck breast udon, noting its delicious fish-based broth and mentioning that the restaurant also offers other fish-only options like shrimp tempura.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Did I Do Ok With These Reservations

"The commenter, also from Hawaii, suggests trying Raku (known for udon), which is located not too far from Washington Square Park."

Positive
Apr 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Top Bites In Nyc So Far In No Specific Order

"The Sohi location is the best location. Udon is pricey but their chicken is so worth it SOO moist and juicy! Spicy mayo w/ roe is chef's kiss. Best fried chicken in the city."

Positive
Mar 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dinner In Soho On A Monday Night

"Very very good udon and not particularly expensive"

Positive
Mar 3, 2025View Comment →