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Raku It's Japanese
ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in Midtown East
Best Ramen in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
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.