Raku

What groups say

Small udon shop where parties of 6 or more are often split across booths and face long waits.

• Reviewers describe a small room with bar seats and tight booths, and only 1 long table that fits a bigger party.
• Groups of 7 and 8 report being split into 2 booths or waiting 30 to 60 minutes past the quoted time.
• Ordering is a la carte from a udon, don and appetizer menu, with the kitsune udon cited around $14.
• Several reviewers advise calling or booking ahead and asking specifically for the long table.

Drawn from 25 Google reviews of Raku that mention a group, a private room or a celebration, read September 2026. The reviews below describe a group visit, private rooms and larger events first, with the critical ones kept in.

• group dinner, party of 8

  The udon texture is perfectly chewy. The person booking our reservation and server were super nice. We had to split our 8 members party into 2 booths; definitely call ahead if you want the long table.

• group dinner

  Seems like they changed their recipe. Udon taste different And on top of that, they made us wait for almost 2 hours And kicked us out after 30 minutes of eating. Working continuously trying to take away our bowls, even though we were not done yet. And even when our group was seated separately at different times they automatically added 20% gratuity to the bill. Our other group was seated 15 minutes after us and were rushed out after 15 minutes of eating.

• family gathering

  This restaurant has many different locations. Not sure how other locations are but this location definitely overrated place. It’s a very small place, with bar seats and tight sitting areas. Not recommended for family or group gatherings. Food was average, don’t think it’s worth it to wait an hour for. Service was the worse part. Each person has their own attitude character, except the host.

• group dinner

  Raku is known for its udon, but that will be a separate review for me. This time I was craving Katsudon which I decided to order. The flavor was good, I wish that the pieces of meat were a little larger and most crispy, however everything mixed together really well. It came with a small soup which was delicious. And the pickles were solid as well, I wish there was more. I did have a big group, but I felt like the service was not as good as I expected. It was busy but also clear that the group next to us was getting more attention and care than mine - when it came to ordering, getting the attention of the waiter, drinks, etc. they also sat down after us…

• group dinner, party of 7

  Arrived at 6:52pm. Was told to wait an hour for seating for a party of 7. That was fine since it is busy, but was only able to be sat at 7:20pm. Probably was the only negative part of this fine experience. Upon seating, the aroma was nice and lighting made environment feel cozy. Food tasted great. Ordered the yaki natsu, ohitashi/hijiki/kinpira goba, and the popular katsu Don - all which were great and I highly recommend. The boylan ginger ale and kimino yuzu were okay - not something i would drink again. But will revisit this japanese restaurant to try everything i havent tried yet on the menu.

Good to know

Busy, minimal-chic room offering house udon specialties and Japanese small plates.

Hours, spend and amenities from Google. Private event hours and minimums are set by the restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

Can Raku host a large group?

Raku welcomes larger parties for group dining in NoHo / SoHo. Contact the restaurant for group reservations and any set menu.

How much does it cost to book a private event at Raku?

Guests at Raku typically spend $20 to $60 per person on a regular visit, according to Google, before drinks and tip. A private room is usually booked on a food and beverage minimum that scales from that per-head figure, and a full buyout is priced on the restaurant's expected revenue for the night. Minimums run higher on Friday and Saturday nights and through December. Contact Raku for the current minimum and deposit terms.

When is Raku open?

Raku is open Monday 5:00 to 9:30 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 12:00 to 9:30 PM, Friday 12:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturday 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, serving lunch and dinner. The restaurant takes reservations for regular tables. Private rooms can often be booked outside these hours, including daytime events, so ask when you inquire.

What kind of restaurant is Raku?

Raku is a $$ Japanese restaurant in NoHo / SoHo, New York City, rated 4.5 stars across 1,918 Google reviews. Google describes it as: Busy, minimal-chic room offering house udon specialties and Japanese small plates. It has outdoor seating and a wheelchair accessible entrance.

What do guests say about group dining at Raku?

Small udon shop where parties of 6 or more are often split across booths and face long waits. Reviewers describe a small room with bar seats and tight booths, and only 1 long table that fits a bigger party. Groups of 7 and 8 report being split into 2 booths or waiting 30 to 60 minutes past the quoted time. Ordering is a la carte from a udon, don and appetizer menu, with the kitsune udon cited around $14. Several reviewers advise calling or booking ahead and asking specifically for the long table. Reviewers praise: udon and karaage consistently praised, food arrives fast; reservations and earlier seatings make group visits smoother; large appetizer selection works well for sharing. Watch for: only 1 table fits a large party; groups often split up; long waits and waitlist order disputes, sometimes waiting outside; group service uneven; one party reported 20% gratuity added automatically. Based on 25 Google reviews of Raku that mention a group, a private room or a celebration.

Can you buy out Raku for a private event?

Yes. Raku can be reserved as a full buyout, meaning your event takes over the entire venue with no other guests. Regular service runs Monday 5:00 to 9:30 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 12:00 to 9:30 PM, Friday 12:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturday 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, so a buyout on a busy night carries the highest minimum.

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