Raku Soho – Japanese
Step off the bustling Soho streets into a minimalist sanctuary where the air is thick with the comforting, umami-rich aroma of simmering dashi. Hand-crafted udon takes center stage with its signature silken chew, served in oversized bowls alongside delicate, lace-like tempura and refined small plates. It is a masterclass in Japanese soul food, offering a warm and rhythmic escape that balances modern urban energy with focused, timeless craftsmanship.
48, MacDougal Street, New York, NY, 10012 +1-212-228-1324 https://rakunyc.com/Rating: 4.5/5 (1748 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Currently closed
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for some of the best udon in NYC, diners rave about Raku SoHo’s authentic, chewy noodles and comforting broths. Standout dishes include the rich tantan, the light nabeyaki with perfectly fried shrimp tempura, and the flavorful chicken tatsuta-age appetizer. While the cozy, intimate space often draws long waits and tight seating, guests find the fresh, high-quality food worth the queue. Reviews are mixed on service, ranging from prompt to inattentive, but the overall consensus highlights a satisfying meal perfect for udon lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raku Soho
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Raku Soho is unique for its hand-crafted udon with a signature silken chew, authentic dashi, and minimalist, intimate sanctuary atmosphere.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Based on the provided data, 80% of the listed dishes accommodate vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb dietary requirements.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include rich tantan, nabeyaki with shrimp tempura, chicken tatsuta-age, vegetable tempura, and hojicha pumpkin panna cotta.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners highly praise the 4.5/5 rated restaurant for its authentic udon and chicken tatsuta-age, despite long waits and mixed service.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Raku Soho has a total of 1,748 reviews, which contribute to the restaurant’s overall average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Raku Soho by visiting their official website at https://rakunyc.com/ for more information about the restaurant.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Raku Soho is currently operational, as indicated by its active website at https://rakunyc.com/ and recent customer reviews.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Raku Soho is a minimalist sanctuary and cozy, intimate space featuring tight seating that balances modern urban energy with timeless craftsmanship.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Raku Soho is categorized as having a moderate price range, which is represented by the price level ($$).
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features 44 diet-specific categories including vegan, keto, and gluten-free options across udon, tempura, and various Japanese small plates.
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