Seemor
Downtown Manhattan › SoHo › Raku
RakuA-
48 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
· Udon noodle restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· SoHo
Raku is a highly popular udon destination with genuinely standout noodles and broth, but the experience is often defined by long waits, tight seating, and inconsistent service that can overshadow the meal.
Why this grade
Raku delivers exceptional food quality centered on chewy noodles and rich broth that justify its strong reputation, supported by excellent location appeal and loyal following. However, inconsistent service, tight seating, and isolated hygiene concerns prevent grade A territory—this is a destination for the bowl itself, not the overall dining experience.
One caveat: The wait can be punishing, especially on weekends and prime dinner hours.
What to order here
- Udon noodles
- Tantan Udon
- Chicken Tatsuta-Age / Karaage
What stands out
- The noodles trigger real devotion — chewy, springy, and deeply satisfying.
- The broth is consistently praised as rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
- The fried chicken and tempura hit that sweet spot of crispy and juicy.
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–21:30
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–21:30
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