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Raku It's Japanese
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Raku It's Japanese
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Raku It's Japanese is a high-volume Midtown East standby where office workers and neighborhood regulars come for reliable sushi, noodles, and bento-style plates. UberEats and delivery platforms show thousands of recent ratings, and in-house diners praise the balance of fresh nigiri, hearty udon, and generous combo platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Deluxe (9 pcs), Yakiniku Udon, Sashimi Regular
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Massive volume with a 4.8-star delivery score shows remarkably consistent sushi, udon, and bento at friendly neighborhood prices.
Who should go: Office regulars, groups, and families wanting dependable Japanese comfort classics.
When to visit: Weeknights for efficient dine-in or lunch for office-friendly combos.
What to order: Sushi Deluxe set, Yakiniku Udon, Sushi and Sashimi entree.
Insider tip: Use it for group delivery platters—large combo trays travel surprisingly well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots and heavy competition. Nearest paid garages on 3rd Ave typically run $25–$35 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Casual to business-casual. Office attire fits right in, but jeans and sneakers are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate. Lunchtime is brisk but still conversation-friendly; dinner tends to be lively but never overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for small parties; groups may wait 20–30 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, though the 12–1pm rush can briefly add a 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—veggie rolls, tofu dishes, udon, and mixed vegetable apps.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—avocado/cucumber rolls, seaweed salad, and plain udon or rice bowls with veggie add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Some options exist (sashimi, certain rolls without soy sauce, plain udon substitutions), but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates. The menu is broad, service is efficient, and conversation is easy. Not ideal if you're aiming for a romantic, candlelit atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost always. This is a high-volume spot built for turnover—walk-ins are the norm, especially for lunch and early dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu has approachable items (teriyaki, noodles, tempura), and the pace is quick enough for younger kids. Best for ages 4+ given the tight Midtown seating.
Best For
Better for: High-volume consistency, quick service, reliable combo sets, and affordable sushi relative to nearby Midtown competitors.
Skip if: You're seeking omakase-level precision, premium fish cuts, or a destination dining experience—specialty sushi bars nearby will outperform on craftsmanship.
Raku It's Japanese
7.9
Neighborhood Japanese restaurant where sushi, bento, and bowls of ramen anchor a broad menu geared to office workers and locals. Ramen here is satisfying, if less specialized, and benefits from flexible hours and delivery reach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ramen, Chicken Katsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A reliable Japanese all-rounder where ramen is one of many strong comfort options.
Who should go: Office workers and locals wanting sushi, ramen, and bento variety.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for efficient, quieter service.
What to order: Pork Ramen, Chicken Katsu Ramen, a simple sushi roll to share.
Insider tip: Use it as a versatile fallback when your group can’t agree on just ramen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce during business hours. Closest paid garages are within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — office attire fits in, but jeans and clean sneakers are perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate — buzzy during peak lunch and early dinner, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; this area is quieter on weekends, with waits rarely exceeding 10–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the dining room fills with office traffic between 12–1 PM.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available, including vegetable ramen, salads, and basic veggie sushi rolls.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based sides and simple veggie rolls, but broth-based ramen may not be fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Select items can be made gluten-free (e.g., sushi, some rice dishes), but ramen noodles are not GF and there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual, low-pressure first date — comfortable seating and a calm atmosphere at off-peak hours. Not ideal if you’re looking for ambiance-driven romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. During peak lunch, you may wait briefly, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids — the menu is broad, portions are manageable, and service is efficient. Space is somewhat tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: A dependable, broad Japanese menu and long hours — ideal when your group wants ramen plus sushi and bento variety.
Skip if: You want highly specialized, destination ramen with complex broth styles or ultra-focused craft noodle work; seek out dedicated ramen shops instead.