# Raku Page: https://privatedinnerlist.com/restaurant/raku JSON: https://privatedinnerlist.com/venues/raku.json - Cuisine: Japanese - Neighborhood: NoHo / SoHo (https://privatedinnerlist.com/private-dining/soho) - Space: Full Buyout - Price range: $$ - Typical spend: $20 to $60 per person - Google rating: 4.5 (1,918 reviews) - Address: 48 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA - Website: http://rakunyc.com/ - Hours: 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 - Reservations: Takes reservations - Outdoor seating: Yes - Wheelchair access: Accessible entrance - Data updated: 2026-09-20 Raku transforms group dining into an intimate Japanese ritual, where your party takes over this hidden NoHo gem's entire space for an evening of exceptional kaiseki and robatayaki cooking. The restaurant's master chefs orchestrate each course with theatrical precision at the central robata grill, creating an immersive experience where smoky aromas and artful presentations become the backdrop for unforgettable conversations. With complete privacy and the undivided attention of Raku's acclaimed team, your group will feel like honored guests at an exclusive culinary performance. ## Group dining, from guest reviews 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. What works: Udon and karaage consistently praised, food arrives fast; Reservations and earlier seatings make group visits smoother; Large appetizer selection works well for sharing. Watch out 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. Distilled from 25 Google reviews that mention a group, private room or celebration, read 2026-09-20. ## 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.