TLDR
Must-try Japanese spot famed for its incredible udon & izakaya dishes. Perfect for groups & pre-theater meals.
Reddit Sentiment for RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN(based on 89 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Raku is a Japanese restaurant that serves various noodle dishes. This post specifically highlights their Niku Udon, which is a hearty soup dish featuring thick udon noodles in a savory broth, accompanied by tender slices of beef and fresh vegetables like bok choy and carrots. The dish is visually appealing with a sprinkle of green onions and a rich, amber-colored broth.
Raku is a long-time favorite of the author. They specifically recommend the tantan as the best thing on the menu, implying that not ordering it would be a mistake.
Raku is a famous Japanese spot, particularly noted for its cold udon, which the author prefers over the hot version.
The user dined at Raku with friends, ordering chicken karage and ebiten udon with shrimp tempura. The restaurant has a cozy, traditional Japanese aesthetic and also offered complimentary frozen grapes.
Details
RAKU is a highly acclaimed Japanese restaurant renowned for its exceptional udon noodles and authentic izakaya fare. Many patrons laud the chewy texture and rich broths of their udon dishes, with specific recommendations for the Niku Udon and Wagyu Udon. It's also recognized as a great option for takeout, pre-theater dining, and group gatherings.
Food Overview
RAKU is celebrated for its authentic Japanese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on its udon noodles, which are frequently described as having an exceptional chewy, mochi-like texture. Patrons highly recommend various udon dishes, including Wagyu Udon, Niku Udon, and cold udon. Other popular items include shrimp tempura and chicken karage. While generally well-loved, one user found the crab udon to have a faint flavor and soft noodles, though they enjoyed the tatsutaage appetizer.
Caveats
One user found the restaurant to be a bit too loud and hip, preferring a more low-key alternative. Another comment mentioned that while Raku has gluten-free options, they are not listed on the menu and require asking the staff directly. There was also a comment suggesting that the price-to-value ratio could be a concern due to extra charges for toppings.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Do You Order In From In The City When Youre
"Raku is mentioned as a good option."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do You Order In From In The City When Youre
"Raku is mentioned as a good option."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Where You Can Find A Dan Dan Noodle
"The commenter expressed a liking for the Dan Dan noodle soup at Raku."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Where You Can Find A Dan Dan Noodle
"The commenter suggested Raku as a place that might offer a Japanese version of Dan Dan noodles, known as Tantanmen, which is typically soupy."
NeutralFrom post: Where Do You Order In From In The City When Youre
"Raku is mentioned for its udon."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do You Order In From In The City When Youre
"Raku is mentioned for its udon."
PositiveFrom post: Toddler And Baby Friendly Ramen Restaurant In
"If the user is open to noodles other than ramen, Raku in Midtown is suggested as a great option for udon, implying it might also be a suitable environment for a family."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user recommended the nabeyaki udon from Raku in Hell's Kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user is asking for alternatives to Raku."
NeutralFrom 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."
NeutralFrom 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."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Raku is a frequently visited restaurant for this user, often chosen for special occasions."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Raku is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Raku is listed as a frequently visited ramen/udon spot."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user agrees that Raku is consistently good, which they find important."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user recommends Raku."
PositiveFrom 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."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"The commenter loves Raku, specifically mentioning their udon and donburi dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Lunch Spots Around Columbus Circlehells Kitchen
"Raku was recommended as a lunch spot near 56th and 8th avenue."
NeutralFrom 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