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RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN

Updated

Phone: (646) 744-4414

Address: 776 9 AVENUE 10019

TLDR

Handmade udon noodles, karaage, & tempura highlight this Japanese gem. A must-try for noodle lovers!

Reddit Sentiment for RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN(based on 101 Reddit opinions)

73% Positive23% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 91udon 66noodles 27japanese 11View All

Neighborhoods

Hell's Kitchen

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Details

This Japanese eatery is a must-visit for its exceptional udon noodles, with many diners highlighting the handmade, slippery strands that offer a perfect bite. Beyond their signature udon, the restaurant also shines with dishes like juicy karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and flavorful tempura. While generally praised, some suggest visiting during off-hours to avoid potential crowds and ensure the best experience.

Food Overview

Specializing in Japanese cuisine, Raku is most acclaimed for its udon noodles, described as handmade, slippery, and having a perfect bite. Other popular dishes include juicy karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and flavorful tempura. While most feedback is positive, one user reported receiving undercooked pork.

Highlights / Recommended

"Raku is highly recommended for its handmade udon noodles, with particular praise for the Niku Udon (Japanese beef udon). The Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and veggie tempura are also frequently recommended dishes."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • karaage(2)
  • udon(2)
  • niku udon(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the udon noodles for their exceptional texture and flavor. The karaage and tempura also receive high marks, though one diner reported a negative experience with undercooked pork.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN

A user raved about the Niku Udon at Raku, calling it their 'death row meal' and giving it a perfect score.
Multiple users strongly recommend Raku for udon, with one calling it arguably the best and noting its previous inclusion on the NYT Top 100 list.
This thread discusses the exceptional quality of Raku's udon noodles, with users praising their texture and buoyancy.
A user specifically recommends the Karaage at Raku, describing it as juicy boneless fried chicken.
A user advised skipping Raku, stating they were served raw pork a month prior.
The zaru udon and veggie tempura from Raku were specifically recommended in this thread.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user is asking for alternatives to Raku."

Neutral
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user agrees that Raku can be surprising when the check arrives, even when ordering the same items."

Neutral
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"While loving Raku, this user finds it slightly overpriced and notes the availability of good noodle spots for less."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Raku is a frequently visited restaurant for this user, often chosen for special occasions."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Raku is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Raku is listed as a frequently visited ramen/udon spot."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user agrees that Raku is consistently good, which they find important."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user recommends Raku."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wontonmen In Nyc

"The user mentioned seeing wonton as part of a Mother's Day special at Raku, but suspected it was udon, not ramen."

Neutral
May 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner

"The commenter loves Raku, specifically mentioning their udon and donburi dishes."

Positive
May 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lunch Spots Around Columbus Circlehells Kitchen

"Raku was recommended as a lunch spot near 56th and 8th avenue."

Neutral
Apr 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Gluten Freecoeliac Safe CaféS In Nyc Looking For

"The Raku location attached to Patisserie Fouet has one or two gluten-free options available, although they are not listed on the physical menu. The commenter advises asking the staff directly."

Neutral
Apr 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: My Almost Month Long Food Journey Through Nyc

"The author declared the Niku Udon their 'death row meal' with a 100/10 rating, indicating extreme satisfaction."

Positive
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese

"Raku is recommended for its udon, which has a chewy, mochi-like texture and is considered amazing."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese

"Raku is recommended for its beef udon, described as the commenter's favorite udon spot in the city with multiple locations."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese

"The commenter has been to Raku and found it to be good. They are considering it for lunch."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese

"Raku was mentioned as one of the commenter's favorite Japanese restaurants."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese

"Raku was recommended as a good mid-range Japanese restaurant."

Positive
Apr 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo

"Raku is included in a list of recommended restaurants."

Positive
Mar 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo

"Raku is mentioned as a good option for groups, with one location possibly taking reservations, and is known for udon but also offers other Japanese dishes."

Positive
Mar 30, 2026View Comment →