Raku

In the bustling culinary landscape of New York City, finding a reliable, delicious, and friendly neighborhood spot is like striking gold. For residents of the Upper West Side, Raku has established itself as just such a gem. This Japanese restaurant, nestled on West 76th Street, offers a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to various cravings, from fresh sushi to comforting ramen and hearty bento boxes. It's the kind of place that becomes a staple in your rotation, known for its consistent quality and approachable vibe.

Raku stands out for its commitment to providing a good quality Japanese dining experience without the pretension or exorbitant prices often associated with Manhattan eateries. Many locals praise it as an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, whether you're dining in or opting for delivery. The emphasis here is on fresh ingredients and well-executed dishes that satisfy, making it a go-to for many in the area.

Beyond just sushi, Raku offers a broader spectrum of Japanese cuisine. Patrons frequently highlight their ramen, noting the generous portions of meat and vegetables, and the convenience of broth delivered separately from noodles – a thoughtful touch for maintaining texture. This versatility ensures that Raku can be your destination for a light sushi fix, a warming bowl of noodles on a chilly evening, or a complete Japanese meal. It's a testament to their aim to be a comprehensive and satisfying option for the neighborhood's diverse preferences.

What truly solidifies Raku's place in the local community is not just the food, but the overall experience. The friendly and professional staff contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making diners feel welcomed and valued. This combination of good food, decent prices, and warm service creates a compelling package that keeps New Yorkers coming back for more. It’s a true neighborhood spot where quality Japanese cuisine meets everyday convenience.

Raku is conveniently located at 57 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of the Upper West Side, a vibrant and residential neighborhood renowned for its charming brownstones, cultural institutions, and proximity to Central Park. Its location on a quieter side street off the main avenues makes it feel like a true local discovery while still being incredibly accessible.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Raku is easily reachable. The restaurant is just a short walk from several subway stations that serve the Upper West Side. The 1, 2, and 3 subway lines, which run along Broadway, have stops at 72nd Street and 79th Street, both within comfortable walking distance. Similarly, the B and C trains, which run along Central Park West, have a stop at 72nd Street, also making Raku highly accessible. This excellent connectivity ensures that whether you're coming from another part of the Upper West Side or venturing from downtown, getting to Raku is a breeze.

The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll before or after your meal. Central Park is just a block away to the east, offering beautiful green spaces and recreational opportunities. The charming residential blocks and local boutiques contribute to the neighborhood's appealing ambiance. While street parking in Manhattan can always be a challenge, the robust public transport options make Raku a convenient choice for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a quick pick-up after a busy day. Its prime Upper West Side location truly establishes it as a central and convenient spot for quality Japanese cuisine.

• Dine-in Service: Raku offers a casual and cozy setting for dine-in customers, suitable for individuals, couples, or small groups looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Take-out: A highly popular service, Raku provides efficient take-out for customers who wish to enjoy their Japanese dishes at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Raku partners with major delivery platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, ensuring that their delicious Japanese food, including sushi and ramen, can be conveniently delivered hot and fresh to homes and offices throughout the Upper West Side and beyond. Delivery is often praised for being swift and professional.
• Lunch Specials: Raku offers excellent value through its lunch specials. These often include various options such as sushi lunch combos, bento boxes with choices like Teriyaki (Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Shrimp), Katsu (Pork, Chicken, Salmon), and Tofu Steak, served with miso soup or salad and rice.
• Full Japanese Menu: Beyond sushi and sashimi, Raku provides a comprehensive menu including kitchen appetizers like Gyoza, Shrimp Shumai, Soft Shell Crab, and Beef Negimaki, as well as a variety of Entrees such as Teriyaki, Katsu, and Sukiyaki.
• Ramen and Udon: Patrons can enjoy various hot noodle soups, including different ramen and udon options, praised for their rich broths and generous fillings.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes various vegetarian-friendly dishes, such as vegetable gyoza, vegetable tempura, age tofu, and a selection of vegetarian sushi rolls.
• Desserts: Raku offers a selection of desserts, including various ice cream flavors (green tea, red bean, vanilla) and other unique Japanese-inspired sweets.

• Good Value for Quality: Raku is frequently highlighted by customers for offering good quality Japanese food at very decent and reasonable prices, especially for a New York City establishment. This makes it a great spot for an affordable yet delicious meal.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: The staff consistently receives praise for being very friendly, attentive, and professional, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While offering decent sushi and rolls, Raku also excels in other Japanese dishes like ramen (praised for its delicious broth, generous meat and veggies, and hot delivery) and bento boxes, providing a wide variety of options for different preferences.
• Efficient Service and Delivery: Customers commend Raku for fast and hot delivery, with food well-packaged, separating hot and cold items, making it a reliable choice for take-out and delivery orders.
• Neighborhood Go-To: Many reviews position Raku as a beloved "local spot," "go-to delivery option," and "neighborhood standby," indicating its consistent reliability and popularity among Upper West Side residents.
• Cozy and Casual Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "nice spot" with a casual, cozy atmosphere featuring preserved wood benches, creating a homely and welcoming feel suitable for a relaxed meal.
• Fresh Ingredients: The food is consistently described as "fresh" and "delicious," with high-quality ingredients, particularly noted for the sushi and ramen.
• Generous Portions: Reviewers mention "generous portions" for dishes like ramen and "amazing portions" for rolls, suggesting good value for money.

Raku is particularly well-regarded for its Lunch Specials, which consistently receive positive mentions from customers for their excellent value and comprehensive offerings. These specials are a significant draw for locals, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy a high-quality Japanese meal during the day. Typical lunch special options include:

• Sushi Lunch: Often featuring a selection of fresh sushi pieces and a roll, sometimes accompanied by soup or salad.
• Two or Three Roll Combos: Allowing diners to choose their favorite rolls at a set, attractive price.
• Bento Boxes: These popular lunch boxes come with a main dish (like Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Katsu, or Tofu Steak), served with white rice, a choice of miso soup or house green salad, an appetizer, and a vegetable or seafood sushi roll. Some even come with a scoop of ice cream, adding to the value.
• Teriyaki and Katsu Entrees: Available at special lunch pricing, served with rice and soup/salad.

In addition to their consistent lunch deals, Raku also offers a 5% discount on all online orders placed directly through their website. This is a great incentive for customers who prefer the convenience of ordering ahead for pick-up or delivery, ensuring a little saving on their meal. While specific, limited-time promotions beyond these are not widely advertised, their continuous dedication to providing value through their lunch menu and online ordering discount makes Raku a financially appealing option for regular patrons on the Upper West Side. It’s always a good idea to check their official website or delivery platform profiles for the most current offerings.

• Address: 57 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA
• Phone: (212) 873-1220

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in or frequently visiting the Upper West Side, Raku stands out as an exceptionally suitable Japanese restaurant for a multitude of reasons. Its appeal lies in its harmonious blend of quality, value, convenience, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, making it a true neighborhood staple.

Firstly, Raku’s commitment to providing "very good" food at "very decent prices" is a critical factor in New York City, where dining costs can quickly add up. Locals appreciate finding a place where they can consistently enjoy fresh sushi, flavorful ramen, and other Japanese favorites without feeling overcharged. This value proposition is particularly evident in their highly praised lunch specials, which offer substantial and delicious meals at an attractive price point, perfect for a midday break or a quick, satisfying meal.

Secondly, its prime location on West 76th Street makes it incredibly convenient for Upper West Side residents. Being just a short walk from major subway lines and Central Park, Raku is easily accessible whether you're heading home from work, enjoying a day in the park, or simply looking for a nearby dinner spot. The option for swift and reliable take-out and delivery further enhances its suitability for the busy New York lifestyle, allowing locals to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes. Reviews often highlight the efficiency and professionalism of their delivery service, ensuring hot food arrives hot and cold food stays cold.

Moreover, Raku’s diverse menu ensures there's something for every palate. While the sushi receives positive remarks for its freshness and decent portions, the ramen is a consistent highlight, praised for its rich broth and generous ingredients. This versatility means locals aren't limited to just one type of Japanese cuisine but can explore various dishes, from savory appetizers like gyoza to hearty entrees. This broad appeal caters to different cravings and occasions, solidifying its role as a versatile dining option.

Finally, the friendly and professional staff contribute significantly to the inviting atmosphere. In a city that can sometimes feel impersonal, Raku offers a warm and welcoming environment where customers feel valued. This commitment to good service, combined with the consistent quality of the food and the excellent value, makes Raku not just a place to eat, but a cherished part of the Upper West Side community. It's truly a reliable and enjoyable destination for authentic Japanese cuisine that genuinely understands and serves the needs of its local New York patrons.

Raku

57 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023, USA