Raku it's Japanese

In the bustling culinary scene of New York City, where Japanese restaurants abound, finding a place that truly stands out for its exceptional food and heartwarming service can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. Raku it's Japanese, nestled in Midtown East, is precisely that kind of gem. As its name, "Raku" (meaning "happy" in Japanese), suggests, this restaurant is dedicated to delivering not just a meal, but an experience that leaves you profoundly content, if not outright ecstatic.

Raku it's Japanese has quickly become a beloved destination for locals seeking an authentic and memorable taste of Japan. From their meticulously crafted sushi rolls that are described as "chapters of the greatest novel never written" to their comforting hot dishes and delightful appetizers, every item on the menu is prepared with precision and passion. Beyond the phenomenal food, it's the genuine warmth and respect from the waitstaff that truly elevate the dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. For New Yorkers looking to fill both their stomach and their soul with delectable Japanese cuisine, Raku it's Japanese promises a journey of flavors and hospitality that will have you eager to return.

Raku it's Japanese is conveniently located at

212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Getting to Raku it's Japanese is straightforward, thanks to New York City's extensive public transportation network. The restaurant is just a short walk from several subway stations, including the 6 train at 51st Street and the E/M trains at Lexington Avenue/53rd Street. This excellent connectivity ensures that whether you're coming from another part of Manhattan, or even a different borough, a delicious Japanese meal is never far away. The area is also well-served by various bus routes, offering even more convenient options for reaching this highly-regarded establishment.

Raku it's Japanese offers a comprehensive menu and dining services to cater to a variety of tastes and occasions, ensuring a delightful experience for every patron.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the welcoming and artful ambiance of the restaurant, where you can savor your meal in a comfortable and respectful setting.

• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A wide array of fresh and expertly prepared sushi and sashimi is available, including classic rolls like California and spicy tuna, as well as creative signature rolls such as Crazy Dragon, Sakura, and Rainbow rolls. They also offer a variety of nigiri and sashimi options.

• Japanese Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Raku it's Japanese offers a rich selection of hot kitchen entrees. This includes popular choices like Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Negimaki, various Tempura dishes (shrimp, vegetable, mixed), and Katsu options (Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsu). They also feature premium choices like Filet Mignon with Wasabi Garlic Sauce or Teriyaki, and Grilled Chilean Sea Bass.

• Udon & Ramen Noodles: A comforting selection of noodle soups is available, including Spicy Miso Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Vegetable Ramen, and various Udon noodle soups like Kitsune Udon (sweet fried tofu), Tempura Udon, and Nabeyaki Udon. Stir-fried Yaki Udon dishes are also on the menu.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty rice bowls such as Oyako Don (chicken and egg), Katsu Don (pork katsu and egg), and Unagi Don (grilled eel) provide satisfying meal options.

• Appetizers & Small Plates: A broad range of appetizers to start your meal, including Edamame, Gyoza (pork and vegetable), Shrimp Shumai, Soft Shell Crab, Yakitori, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Calamari, and unique offerings like Crispy Brussel Sprouts with ikura.

• Beverage Selection: Offering a selection of beer (including Japanese brands like Asahi, Sapporo, Orion), wine, and sake to complement your meal. They also have non-alcoholic options like Ramune and Calpico.

• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes several vegetarian-friendly dishes, such as Vegetable Gyoza, Vegetable Tempura, Age Tofu, various vegetable sushi rolls (e.g., Walnut Veggie, Veggie Delight, Futo Maki with vegetables), and vegetarian ramen and udon options.

• Takeout & Delivery: For the convenience of New Yorkers, Raku it's Japanese provides takeout and delivery services through popular platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food wherever you are.

Raku it's Japanese has garnered significant praise and stands out for several key features that contribute to its exceptional reputation:

• "Emotional Rollercoaster" of Flavors: Customers consistently describe the food as "absolutely amazing" and an "emotional rollercoaster" of flavors, highlighting the incredible taste and balance in each dish, from sushi to appetizers.

• Artfully Crafted Sushi Rolls: The sushi rolls are a major highlight, praised for their fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and inventive combinations. Rolls like the Crazy Dragon, Sakura, Rainbow, and the classic California are singled out for their perfection and unique characteristics.

• Impeccable & Warm Service: The waitstaff receives glowing reviews for their "kindness," "warmth," and "respect." Patrons feel treated "like a visiting dignitary," emphasizing the exceptional level of hospitality that enhances the dining experience.

• "No Skips. No Regrets.": This repeated sentiment from a customer review encapsulates the consistent quality across the entire menu, from the main dishes to side orders like edamame and miso soup.

• Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Even simple items like "Futomaki roll... tasted fresh," indicating a commitment to quality ingredients across the board.

• Inviting Ambiance: The atmosphere is described as being conducive to truly appreciating the food and conversation, contributing to the overall positive "soul-filling" experience.

• Broad Menu Appeal: With a vast selection of sushi, kitchen entrees, noodles, and appetizers, Raku it's Japanese caters to diverse preferences, making it suitable for various dining moods and dietary needs.

While the provided customer reviews do not explicitly detail ongoing daily specials, Raku it's Japanese, like many popular New York City establishments, typically offers value through specific menu structures and potentially seasonal deals.

• Lunch Specials: Online menus for Raku it's Japanese indicate the availability of various lunch specials, which are often a great value for Midtown East diners. These can include sushi/sashimi combos, ramen/roll combos, or bento box options at attractive price points during weekday lunch hours. For example, a "L/Sushi" (Chef's choice of 7 pcs sushi with California roll) for $16.00 or "L/Ramen w.California Roll" for $19.00.

• Delivery Platform Promotions: It's common for Raku it's Japanese to participate in promotions offered through delivery services like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. These might include free delivery for members, discounts on minimum orders (e.g., "$6 off on orders of $20+"), or specific item giveaways (e.g., "Spend $39, Get One Tori Kara Age Free"). New Yorkers looking for a deal on delivery should check these apps directly.

• Catering Options: While not a daily special, their catering menu, offering party trays for sushi and appetizers, can be a cost-effective solution for feeding groups, whether for an office lunch or a home gathering.

For the most current and precise information on any ongoing promotions, Happy Hour details (if applicable), or seasonal menu additions, it is always recommended for New Yorkers to visit the official Raku it's Japanese website or contact the restaurant directly.

To experience the highly-praised Japanese cuisine and service at Raku it's Japanese, or for any inquiries, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

• Phone: (212) 355-3272

• Website: While not explicitly provided in the initial information, Raku it's Japanese maintains an online presence. Searching for "Raku it's Japanese NYC" will typically lead to their official website or online ordering platforms where you can view their full menu and potentially make reservations.

Given the enthusiastic reviews, it's a good idea to consider making a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you can secure a spot and embark on your own "emotional rollercoaster" of flavor.

For New Yorkers who demand not just good food, but an exceptional and memorable dining experience, Raku it's Japanese in Midtown East is an undeniable contender. It embodies everything a local could ask for in a Japanese restaurant: from the incredibly fresh and artfully presented sushi that "fills your soul" to a diverse menu that caters to various cravings, including satisfying hot entrees and comforting noodle dishes. The consistently high quality across all offerings means there are "no skips, no regrets" on your culinary journey here.

Beyond the delicious fare, what truly sets Raku it's Japanese apart and makes it so suitable for the discerning New Yorker is the unparalleled service. The staff's genuine warmth, attentiveness, and respectful demeanor create an atmosphere that feels truly special and welcoming, making you feel "like a visiting dignitary." In a city where dining can often be a hurried affair, Raku it's Japanese offers a peaceful and deeply satisfying escape, reminding locals that food can indeed be art and service can be reverent. Whether it's for a quick, delicious lunch, a soul-filling dinner, or to simply discover a new favorite spot that leaves you feeling "happy," Raku it's Japanese is a destination that earns its glowing recommendations and promises to become a regular fixture in any New Yorker's dining rotation.

Raku it's Japanese

212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA