Handmade udon noodles, karaage, & tempura highlight this Japanese gem. A must-try for noodle lovers!
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.
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.
"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."
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.
Important Note
One user reported receiving undercooked pork. Another user found the restaurant to be a bit too loud and hip, preferring a more low-key alternative.
"This user is asking for alternatives to Raku."
Neutral"This user agrees that Raku can be surprising when the check arrives, even when ordering the same items."
Neutral"While loving Raku, this user finds it slightly overpriced and notes the availability of good noodle spots for less."
Neutral"Raku is a frequently visited restaurant for this user, often chosen for special occasions."
Positive"Raku is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
Positive"Raku is listed as a frequently visited ramen/udon spot."
Positive"This user agrees that Raku is consistently good, which they find important."
Positive"This user recommends Raku."
Positive"The user mentioned seeing wonton as part of a Mother's Day special at Raku, but suspected it was udon, not ramen."
Neutral"The commenter loves Raku, specifically mentioning their udon and donburi dishes."
Positive"Raku was recommended as a lunch spot near 56th and 8th avenue."
Neutral"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"The author declared the Niku Udon their 'death row meal' with a 100/10 rating, indicating extreme satisfaction."
Positive"Raku is recommended for its udon, which has a chewy, mochi-like texture and is considered amazing."
Positive"Raku is recommended for its beef udon, described as the commenter's favorite udon spot in the city with multiple locations."
Positive"The commenter has been to Raku and found it to be good. They are considering it for lunch."
Positive"Raku was mentioned as one of the commenter's favorite Japanese restaurants."
Positive"Raku was recommended as a good mid-range Japanese restaurant."
Positive"Raku is included in a list of recommended restaurants."
Positive"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