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RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN

Last Updated: 7 days ago

Phone: (646) 744-4414

Address: 776 9 AVENUE 10019

TLDR

Handmade udon noodles, imported from Japan. Famous for their slippery, bouncy strands and also serves bomb karaage & pressed sushi.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 62 Reddit comments)

73% Positive23% Neutral5% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 57udon 39noodles 17japanese 6View All

Neighborhoods

Hell's Kitchen

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Details

This Japanese restaurant is a haven for udon lovers, with many commending the exceptional quality and texture of their handmade noodles, imported from Japan. Beyond udon, the menu features delights like juicy karaage (fried chicken) and a unique pressed sushi. While most reviews are glowing, one diner reported an issue with undercooked pork.

Food Overview

This Japanese restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional udon, with many users highlighting the handmade noodles imported from Japan for their unique texture and 'buoyancy.' The karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is also a standout, described as 'juicy' and 'bomb.' The restaurant also offers pressed sushi (oshizushi). While the food generally receives high praise, one negative review mentioned being served raw pork.

Highlights / Recommended

"The udon noodles, particularly the cold udon and zaru udon, are highly recommended for their exceptional texture. The karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is also a must-try, described as juicy and flavorful. Pressed sushi (oshizushi) is also available and recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • karaage(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment is highly positive, with frequent praise for the exceptional udon noodles and delicious karaage. A rare negative experience involved undercooked pork.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Multiple users overwhelmingly recommend Raku for its exceptional udon, with comments praising the noodles' texture and quality, often comparing it favorably to other establishments. One user noted it's a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
A user specifically recommends the zaru udon and veggie tempura from Raku, highlighting these dishes as excellent choices.
This post highlights the deliciousness of Raku's karaage, describing it as 'juicy boneless fried chicken.'
One user advised against Raku, sharing a negative experience where they were served raw pork a month prior.
A user shared that Raku lived up to the hype for them.
Several comments confirm that Raku offers pressed sushi, specifically mentioning oshizushi.

Recent Mentions

From post: 7 Days In Nyc How Did I Do

"This commenter, a New Yorker, considers Raku one of their favorites."

Positive
Nov 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: 7 Days In Nyc How Did I Do

"The original poster clarified that the udon noodles were from Raku in the East Village."

Positive
Nov 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: 7 Days In Nyc How Did I Do

"This user inquired about the origin of the Japanese ramen mentioned in the original post."

Neutral
Nov 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: 7 Days In Nyc How Did I Do

"The author and their parents found Raku perfect for a rainy day, appreciating the different broths and incredible noodle texture."

Positive
Nov 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user recommended Raku as a place for Udon, noting its location in the East Village/NoHo area, walkable from Gramercy."

Positive
Nov 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommend Me A Restaurant

"The original poster found Raku to have a poor price-to-value ratio, particularly due to extra charges for toppings, despite liking the texture of the udon."

Negative
Nov 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Tantanmen Ramen

"This user listed Raku as a recommendation for Tantanmen Ramen."

Positive
Oct 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Plan Ideashelp Please

"Found Raku to be a bit too loud and hip, preferring Udon St Marks as a more low-key alternative."

Negative
Oct 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recs Near Carnegie Hall

"Raku, located at 9th/52nd, was recommended as a great place for udon."

Neutral
Oct 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Plan Ideashelp Please

"Expressed strong positive sentiment for Raku's udon, calling it 'so freaken good'."

Positive
Oct 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Plan Ideashelp Please

"Raku is recommended for udon, noted as a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in the East Village that is not excessively expensive."

Positive
Oct 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dinner Before Play That Goes Wrong

"Raku is another recommended spot for Japanese food."

Positive
Oct 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: First Time Nyc Trip Looking For Food Recs

"Raku is listed as an Asian food option in Hell's Kitchen."

Positive
Oct 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Food Suggestions For Funemployment

"Raku is listed as one of several well-regarded Asian restaurants in Lower Manhattan that are not difficult to get into."

Neutral
Oct 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Places To Eat Close To Time Square Not Super

"Raku is mentioned as a great restaurant option alongside Tatsuda Omakase."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Options In Midtown Eastsutton Place

"Raku is listed as a recommendation for lunch options."

Positive
Sep 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Missing Japan

"Raku is recommended for udon."

Positive
Sep 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Go To Repeat Restaurant

"This restaurant is mentioned as a place in the East Village where a good dinner can be had for $35."

Positive
Aug 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For First Timers

"Raku's Midtown location is listed as a personal favorite in the Hell's Kitchen/Hudson Yards area, known for its Japanese cuisine."

Positive
Aug 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Good For Vegans And Non Vegans In

"Raku is listed as one of the restaurant suggestions."

Positive
Aug 19, 2025View Comment →