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RAKU HELL'S KITCHEN

Last Updated: 3 days ago

Phone: (646) 744-4414

Address: 776 9 AVENUE 10019

TLDR

Must-try handmade udon noodles, praised for their exceptional chew and slippery texture. Don't miss the juicy Karaage (Japanese fried chicken).

Sentiment Overview(Based on 49 Reddit comments)

73% Positive24% Neutral2% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 44udon 31noodles 17sushi 4View All

Neighborhoods

Hell's Kitchen

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Details

This Japanese eatery is a celebrated udon specialist with multiple locations, consistently earning high praise for its exceptional noodles, which are described as slippery, handmade strands with superior buoyancy and bite. Customers rave about the udon, with many preferring it over other popular noodle spots. Beyond udon, the restaurant also offers other Japanese delights and is particularly known for its juicy boneless fried chicken, Karaage, and crispy shrimp tempura.

Food Overview

This Japanese restaurant is renowned for its udon noodles, which are described as handmade, slippery, and having a perfect bite. Customers highly recommend both hot and cold udon, with many preferring it over other noodle shops. The Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is also a standout dish, noted for being juicy and flavorful. Shrimp tempura is also available and well-received.

Highlights / Recommended

"The udon noodles, available both hot and cold, are a must-try, with many considering them the best in the city. The Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is also highly recommended for its juicy and flavorful bite."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • karaage(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the udon, calling it exceptional and superior to other establishments. The Karaage is also a highly recommended dish.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Multiple users highly recommend Raku for udon, with one calling it 'arguably the best udon place' and noting its inclusion on the NYT Top 100 list. The noodles are consistently praised for their texture and quality.
A user specifically recommends the zaru udon and veggie tempura from Raku. This highlights their ability to cater to vegetarian preferences while maintaining high quality.
This thread delves into the exceptional quality of Raku's udon noodles, with descriptions emphasizing their 'slippery, handmade' nature and perfect texture. It sparked curiosity about their sourcing and preparation methods.
The Karaage (boneless fried chicken) at Raku is specifically praised as being 'juicy' and a personal favorite, indicating its appeal for a wide range of diners.
While seeking katsu, one user reported a negative experience at Raku, mentioning being served undercooked pork. This is a significant caveat to note.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Recommendations For East Asian Cuisine

"Raku is recommended for excellent udon and is a good option for pre-theater meals. For late-night snacks in the area, Halal Guys or Adel's are suggested."

Positive
Jul 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Vegetarian Noodles In Manhattanbrooklyn

"The user recommended the zaru udon and veggie tempura from Raku."

Positive
Jul 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats One Food Spot In Nyc Thats Actually Gotten

"Raku is listed as a restaurant that has potentially improved."

Neutral
Jul 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places

"Raku is recommended for its Wagyu Udon (American Mishima beef)."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Cold Asian Noodles Especially Spicy Lower

"The cold udon at this restaurant is described as incredible. It's recommended in a discussion about cold Asian noodles."

Positive
Jul 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where Do You Grab Dinner

"Raku is mentioned as one of the many restaurants suitable for takeout or a quick meal."

Positive
Jul 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Moved To Greenwich Village Need Suggestions For

"This restaurant was recommended as a casual dining option in response to the original poster's request for casual eats in Greenwich Village and surrounding areas."

Positive
Jun 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user agrees that Raku has better food across the board, even if Tsuru Ton Tan offers different flavors."

Positive
Jun 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user agrees with the general sentiment that Raku is great for udon."

Positive
Jun 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user agrees with a previous comment, stating that Raku is very good."

Positive
Jun 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user considers Raku superior to Tsuru Ton Tan and would go out of their way to visit Raku."

Positive
Jun 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user considers Raku to be arguably the best udon place, noting its previous inclusion on the NYT Top 100 list."

Positive
Jun 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Go For The Best Udon

"The user states that Raku is great for udon."

Positive
Jun 18, 2025View Comment →