They also have a gluten-free menu and gluten-free soy sauce if you ask! Service can be a bit slow if it's busy, but the food is well worth the wait. Love it!
(5)
Shad M.
This place is very hit or miss for me. Some days the rolls are bangin' and other days they're very mediocre. It's very centrally located, which makes it a convenient place. But it does not rank in my top three sushi spots of bethesda. The only useful thing I can remember is that the large seaweed salad has a lot of mixed greens in it. So if you're expecting a lot of seaweed - that's not this dish.
(3)
Connie L.
I absolutely love sushi but my experience at Raku was underwhelming. We ordered one of their sushi platters as well as an actual entree. For the same price, I could have gotten much higher quality food elsewhere. Additionally, the seating in Raku is incredibly cramped. The tables are replaced within maybe 1.5 feet away from each other, just enough for someone to squeeze through. I could easily hear the conversation from the table next to us and took away from the overall experience.
(3)
Alek K.
Been coming here for years and they have their good days and not so good with some of the trickier sushis like Uni not so fresh, but most of the time both the rolls and the sushi are very good. I particular like their Deluxe Jo Nigiri. Quality for price, this is probably the best place in the DC area. This is true of the Bethesda location, the DC location is much worse in all regards.
(4)
Priscilla Y.
This is one of those trendy Asian Fusion restaurants that young hip crowds or rich Bethesda folks will flock to. It is pretty pricey and the food is nothing to brag about. Great place to bring a date, I guess. It can get cramped inside. I ordered the Red Dragon Roll (Salmon, Eel, Avocado, topped with spicy tuna and spicy pepper) and salmon sashimi. Interesting roll. It was pretty good. My brother ordered the Jo Nigiri, which was normal fish nigiri. Nothing special.
(3)
Kathryn L.
Patio seating was mandatory for my annual birthday Sushi meal (not that I don't eat Sushi often), but it's my extra gift to myself before the big day/night of fun. I tried very hard not to allow my experience hinder my special day. The hostesses were the highlight of my culinary outing. There were two of them & those pint size ladies were in sync with their wait list & seating duties. Our wait time was 30 minutes which wasn't too bad for this cramp yet busy little spot...off to the bar where my Sister & I sat until our table was ready. When I say cramp, I'm being generous as this place is a tight space, with the sushi bar being the biggest object in here. & the pickup station which seems to almost overlap the bar area, causes a bit of hectic traffic/friendly collisions. It was a unique visual appetizer watching the commotion. & speaking of the bar, there was only one bartender, not sure about that game plan in place for the early SAT Night, as it was already crowed when I arrived & became more crowded by the minutes. Now I'm very cognizant to the culture & language barriers, yet please don't be in the mixology service of all positions of the restaurant industry if you don't have any patience or social interaction. 5 minutes to be acknowledged, 5 minutes for the Wine List & another 5 minutes to place my order. The 2 glasses of Malbec was not a tall order yet the bartender came off very timid...multi-tasking must not have been her strong suit. Additionally, there were only two other people at the bar, so not sure why the frantic looks when I asked for a glass water with lemon. Flip side, our wait wasn't a full 30 minutes so I became excited when the one of the dual hostess came & got us. As I scanned the patio when approaching the restaurant, I saw how condensed and small the tables were, so I wasn't surprised when were seated. Our server was a jazzy & witty individual who embraced the cultural variations. She was pretty quick with our order & the food didn't waste it's time coming out. I ordered the Petite Sashimi & the portion mirrored the name perfectly. For $15, I would have expected more than a few slivers of Tuna, Salmon, Whitefish and Octopus, in which I swapped out for more of whatever the Server told me I would get...no customer substitutions please. Hence, I was still hungry after that brief consumption so I ordered the Red Dragon Roll. It had a great combination of Salmon, Ell, Avocado, Cucumber, Spicy Tuna, Serrano Peppers and Eel sauce; this selection definitely put me in a better foodie mood. When it was time for the check (we went Dutch), it took our savvy server two times to get our check right, wasn't too much of trigonometry going on, just a glass of wine on each check. I must say my Sushi Roll was very good and will be the only reason I come back, but overall the customer service needs to improve.
(3)
Debbie L.
KAY - was our really polite and attentive server who made our dinner very very enjoyable!! A couple times, she let us know our food was coming out shortly, brought us more than one cup of hot water, and was quick with our bill. PROTIP: you can ask to split the Coconut Red Curry noodle soup in two, and they will bring it out in two bowls. Between a friend and I, we split the noodle soup, and ordered two rolls of sushi (and paid less than $20 overall including tip!!). Very filling and enough noodle soup for leftover lunch the next day.
(4)
Judi G.
Deserves the stars and rave reviews for great food, fare pricing and wonderful service. Al fresco dining. Indoors is noisy but comfortable. Small fast paced restaurant with open kitchen. If you are lucky enough to try the ramen noodle bowl with chars u pork on special, a new dish, go for it. The correct balance of rich flavorful broth and perfectly cooking ramen noodles. Ask for the seasoning hiker to bump up the flavor. Salads are a mist here, roasted wild mushroom with arugula and a simple mixed with ginger was bright and engaging to the tastebuds before tucking into salmon belly rolls, soft shell crab roll and hamaki. Do save room for poached pear for dessert. Large enough to to share
(4)
Mary Margaret E.
Seating is a bit tight. I was less than a foot away from the person in the next table. It's definitely really intimate, but the music and crowd is loud enough to have a private conversation. The broth of the soups are so savory. I'd come back just for those. Can't go wrong with the Beef Tokyo Dashi Broth with Egg Noodles. The rolls are super fresh and bigger than most places. Chesapeake Bay Roll was awesome! Bento boxes are a great option of you're craving a bit more variety.
(5)
Arabella B.
Super fresh sushi and even tho I waited quite some time for my food it was worth the wait. Very good!
(5)
Ruth C.
Three and a half stars. Small bar to the right, patio seating available, pretty limited lunch menu, decor clearly aiming to establish themselves as a date night option. Service is polite and a little overwhelmed during peak hours. For a slightly steep Asian fusion spot, I'd say sashimi's not their strong suit-- decent quality fish, but thin and uneven cuts. Octopus was poached a little too long, especially stingy on mackerel, and the eel teaser in the menu description never showed. More rice than fish in the deluxe chirashi to fill you up, but at least they have the decency to add a generous mix of goodies to the lightly seasoned base layer: diced tamago, shredded nori, ikura, kanpyo, etc. On the other hand, I liked their ginger pumpkin soup enough to be intrigued by the less raw half of their menu. Will probably return to try Szechuan crispy chicken, coconut red curry noodle soup, Chinese five spiced duck breast; Chilean sea bass tempura roll, Maine lobster roll.
(3)
Taha E.
I found a huge bug in my miso sauce after I ate the entire salmon box lunch. I would give them 1 star but they comped my lunch and my friend's lunch as well and he probably ate $40 worth of sushi. But all I got to say is Ewwwwww!!!!
(2)
David B.
Great Sushi-so fresh! We love eating outside when it is nice.
(4)
Kirk S.
Simply not impressive. Raku is yet another sushi place in the Washington D.C. area, albeit one without anything really impressive about it. The sushi is tasty, but does not stand out amongst a sea of other places with good sushi. The restaurant itself is somewhat crowded, to the point where I felt like I could not fit into the booth - and I'm a reasonably-sized dude. The ambiance was bland. In other words, there are a number of places that do the food or ambiance better than Raku, so I don't find this a particularly appetizing choice.
(3)
Hannah H.
Raku is an Asian fusion restaurant that has two locations - one in Bethesda and one in DC. I came here to meet a fellow Yelp friend (Lissa B.), and I was excited to try out one of her suggestions! We sat outside (thank goodness for the actual nice weather, as I am totally not a sun person, but I loved the large shades and no attack-age from any insects/birds), which was a nice change from dining indoors. The menu offers appetizers (edamame, dumplings, chicken, calamari, etc.), soups, salads, bento boxes, noodles, and soups. We ordered the following: Chicken & Pork Dumpling (nicely and crisply fried with a pineapple star anise sauce with chive oil - the dumplings themselves were actually pretty solid, and it was an interesting mix of flavors from the tangy and sweet pineapple sauce it was sitting in); and, a 'Seoul' Train Roll (very cute name; a maki roll with a Korean sauce (bibimbop sauce), tuna, kimchi, kalware, and scallion - I didn't taste the kimchi, and the tuna itself was okay; the maki itself was more dressed with the bibimbop sauce). For our entrees, we had the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box (this came with miso soup (that was okay), fresh California rolls (great avocado), house salad, fried shrimp shumai (I was actually impressed with these as I am usually not a fan of shumai; slightly crispy exterior with a nice mound of shrimp inside), and portobello-green beans (loved the fresh mushrooms, green beans, as well as the salty carved cheese). Lissa pointed out that the DC does not have this particular meat as part of their bento box selections, which I found quite odd and interesting. The tenderloin was cooked nicely, as it was very juicy and flavorful - they were set on top of mashed potatoes. It was a nice meal, and I suggest in ordering Chicken & Pork Dumplings as an appetizer and ordering the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box as your meal. I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box
(3)
Janet L.
The first thing I felt when I was ushered to my table was how crowded some of the seating is. If you are looking to come here to have some sort of semi-private dinner conversation with your friend, this isn't the place! But aside from that, the food was a-okay... a bit on the pricier side of things. I ordered from the special menu, the 6 piece nigiri sushi combo and a miso soup. The fish was alright.. miso soup was also standard. Their dessert menu is also delicious. The staff was really friendly; our waitress took the time explain everything on the menu to us. Close to metro, plenty of street and garage parking nearby.
(3)
Robert H.
The service was very friendly and I give them points for that, but the sushi (which is the most important part) was decidedly average in my humble opinion. For $80+ I expected more and I was a little disappointed.
(3)
Linda O.
I did not have a positive experience here. The tables are close together and it seemed like I could hear everyone else but my dining companion. The service was slow; the food was so so. The hot dishes that we ordered had cooled off considerably before they were presented. And, I had a green salad, a mesclun mix to be exact, that was truly slimy--should not have been served to me. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the bus boys I encountered, everyone had their eyes on the ground and seemed hopelessly lost in their work. Hard to get someone's attention, so just gave up on the whole meal. Not a happy place to be or eat. For the prices they are asking--I expected more.
(2)
Esther Y.
I think Raku has some good entrees and sushi. I would still rather go to yuraku in Germantown for just sushi, but if you want an assortment, this place has a great variety. It's situated right by mussel bar off woodmont ave. parking is available on the street or in the garage (meter parking). My go-to meal is the red curry udon noodles. You can choose to add veggies, chicken, beef, shrimp or seafood variety. It's comes in a large bowl and its good for sharing. Just ask for an extra bowl. Their sushi is good. I've tried some and it's s hit or miss. Their appetizers are appropriately sized for two people. I liked the dumplings and shrimp rolls. I think some of their things are over priced, but then again they are located in downtown Bethesda. The seating is crowded and you may most likely end up waiting and being crammed right next to another party who can hear all of your conversation. But they do the best they can for a small place. I think this place is perfect for a casual date night or going out with a few friends for sushi and drinks. I definitely wouldn't take a big group (4 or more) there. There's just not that much space. Expect to pay at least $15+ a person for food and drinks.
(3)
Kate B.
Horrible food poisoning from Raku. Just finishing two hours of horrible vomiting etc from lunch today. I've eaten there countless times, but I will never go back again.
(1)
Colleen G.
Stopped in to Raku for lunch. It was busy and I was alone so I sat at the bar which was fine by me. I was quickly brought a water and my order was taken, the deluxe bento box. My miso soup arrived fast, my meal... Did not. About 28 minutes after I finished my miso the waitress rushed over with an order of edamame apologizing for the wait. This was a nice gesture but would have made more of an impact about 15 minutes earlier. Approx 1 minute later my actual meal arrived. Everything was tasty it was just quite the wait for a lunch time meal. If you have a short lunch break I wouldn't suggest it.
(3)
Ahmed M.
The problem with this place is the service, it is so slow. Food is okay but not the best. You can find much better Sushi for the same price. I cannot recommend the place.
(2)
Chris K.
I really don't understand the popularity. It was passable food, and just barely. Very small portions of mediocre sushi and very large portions of substandard junk in a bento box. There was nothing I would order again. Service was a little slow too.
(1)
Andrew W.
A decent place that seemed a bit overrated. There is no parking. The food here is a pricey and the rolls are small and seemed to be constructed with a haphazard manner. Upon looking around the store paint was chipping off, utensils were still dirty, the placement matt was broken and I never got a refill on water. The popularity of this place is most likely atttorbuted from its location. Sadly, this place is a total let down.
(2)
Casey K.
Really enjoyed the food! Service was terrible, the restaurant is very cramped, while suffering from being terribly laid out on top of the seating not being that comfortable. HOWEVER, the food more than made up for it. I had the coconut red curry noodle bowl originally ordered with udon noodles. Our waitress came back to inform me they were out of the udon noodles so I picked soba noodles. Did not mind the noodle change at all considering the bowl of deliciousness that appeared before me. It was huge, so much so that I took it home and had a hearty helping for lunch the next day. I would order this again hands down and have been craving it since. The taste and texture of the tofu was so spectacular. I had a couple dumplings to start with, which were great as well and a perfect palette primer, they are fried. I can't wait to go back, that noodle bowl is calling my name.
(4)
AL K.
3.5 stars. Off the bat I gotta say that the bench type of seating is very uncomfortable. The pads were all flat not providing any cushion at all plus its so narrow making it difficult to scoot over if someone has to use the rest room. The bento boxes are blah. The ala carte sashimi are fresh but the cuts are tiny, nigiri is fresh and yum. SErvice is great....A bit on the pricey side.
(3)
Michelle N.
Sushi was mediocre, but their curry udon was delicious! The broth itself was great, but the udon and different sea foods made the dish come together perfectly!
(4)
Cristina K.
Amazing sushi. No reservations but quick turnaround. They have uni. Noodle soups are huge so be prepared to take home or just have the soup. Staff is nice and accommodating. Wine selection is outstanding. Ambience is cool. With the ceiling decked out with oversized upside down geisha like umbrellas, sleek modern booths and a cool sushi bar, this place is both great for family and a couple wanting to go out for a date. Highly recommend the uni with quail egg, Seoul roll, double salmon roll, and deluxe spicy tuna roll. Both noodle soups are also out of this world.
(5)
Gretchen K.
Raku is our 'go to' restaurant in downtown Bethesda.. It's consistently excellent...wonderfully fresh sushi, but you can also get a full meal if you're not a sushi lover.. Watch their 'specials' for some creative choices. Great selection of wines and their plum wine sangria is a real treat.
(5)
Sioux T.
Greà t sushi variety. Service takes a very long time. We waited 50 minutes for our simple entree order to arrive.
(2)
Angel W.
I visited Raku with two friends so I am rating the experience collectively as 4 stars. Seating is extremely limited at Raku. To put it in perspective, the kitchen is the same size as the dining area. I am surprised we were able to get seating at 5pm without a reservation (Raku closes and then re-opens at 5pm). I recommend reservations on a Friday or weekend. One of my friends is gluten-free and Raku is easily able to accommodate dietary restrictions; however they discontinued several of their gluten-free items but have yet to remove those items from the menu. We started out with edamame. It's the best edamame I've ever had. The pods were perfectly salted and the beans were flavorful and fresh. For dinner, one of my friends had the Deluxe Spicy Tuna sushi with tuna, jalapeno, sriracha, ginger, avocado, cilantro, tempura flake, spicy mayo, and scallion. He said it was the best sushi combo ever. But he also equated the experience to eating at Krispy Kreme - the first bite is outta this world and it goes downhill from there. He also had the Philly Roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber, shisho herb, and lemon caper sauce. This roll also comes highly recommended. My other friend is gluten-free and had the Mesclun & Herbs salad but substituted the dressing for mustard vinaigrette that is gluten free. The salad comes with kaiware sprouts, red onion, crispy ginger and cilantro. I also had the same salad but with miso dressing. I thought the salad was decent. My friend also had the Salmon Roll which was fresh and appetizing. I had the Veggie Futomaki with spinach, avocado, cucumber, kaiware, shitake, inari, asparagus, and lemon basil sauce. Next time I will just stick with a regular avocado roll. The lemon basil sauce was a nice touch. Prices are very reasonable with many rolls priced at approximately $8, and even lower prices are offered at lunch. Raku's website menu is not inclusive of all of their offerings. Don't click on the lunch and dinner menu, instead click on the printable menu to view the full menu. Service was decent. The server was in training and did a fine job. The seats are bench-style and my one complaint is that the person seated behind me was sharing the same bench and he bounced around and it caused my seat to move like a see-saw. Note: the location is on Woodmont Ave but with the construction I had a hard time with my navigation. Raku is located across from Cosi and Jaleo and next to Mussel Bar.
(4)
Maggie Maria T.
I always go for their Tokyo dashi broth with udon noodles and beef which is so filling and delicious!! I'm sure that the rest of the menu is as good as their soups but after having all this broth honestly I can't even order dessert because it's that filling! The only thing I don't really like about this restaurant is their seating, so if you're looking for an intimate date or conversation you should not consider this place since the tables are so close. There are booth tables available as well, but these are exclusively for bigger parties 3+.
(5)
Marc P.
The sushi here is as good as it gets...their other food is great too...if you want a great place in Bethesda, MD; this is the place to go. I highly recommend Raku....
(5)
Georgina S.
Rain or snow, we thank Raku for their consistent great food and service. Millie does an awesome job seating people based on their request (booth for two) and serving portions are just right! There has been a recent change of servers but the new ones are just as good or better! Great job and keep it going...
(5)
Stephen M.
The line out the door doesn't lie: this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area (although, to be truthful, the competition is not that stiff). Raku is a sure bet for a date or taking out colleagues--the menu is extensive enough that it suits all tastes, and it's hard to find a poorly prepared dish on the menu. Going late night for a small bite or heading there at dinnertime for a multi-course (and multi-hour) dinner, this place has it covered. Outside sitting area is very cramped, far beyond "cozy" or "intimate," and a just a few inches away from Bethesda drivers trying to park their oversized SUVs. Suggest getting a table inside, even though it tends to be loud. Small quips aside, Raku is among the best places in Bethesda. Will def return.
(4)
B L.
Great food...very nice preparation and presentation...prices are very reasonable for the selections and quality...
(4)
Bunk O.
I got the corn soup (on their special menu) and one of the vegetarian rolls. The sushi was good, especially the green mint based sauce that came with it. The sweet corn soup was honestly one of the worst things I've tasted. I couldn't even take more than 5 sips of it! It was soo sweet, like they had added sugar. It hurt my teeth as I tried to eat it. A good waitress would have recognized my almost untouched dish and asked if everything was okay. But she just took it away. We also had to flag her down to take our credit cards for payment as we had been waiting for 20 minutes to get her attention. The restaurant was not super busy. I don't think I would recommend this place for vegetarians and definitely not that corn soup!
(2)
Marivic L.
This place is my fave place, so far, for sushi in Bethesda. The staff is helpful, the sushi and drinks are on point, and the atmosphere is fun and modern. Everyone from families to people on dates come here, and we're all ready and willing to wait during regular meal hours. If you're smart, you'll go earlier or later - and I just opt to sit at the bar often. I actually prefer it over the table seating.
(4)
Kay H.
Raku is consistently busy -- it's not uncommon to see a line of people waiting for a table. That said, if you are in good company, you won't mind the wait. You will LOVE Raku for being hip, crowded, and feeling so alive with people in a great neighborhood. Allow time to eat, talk, and enjoy for the best experience. I recommend Raku when there is no rush for getting in and out. The staff are attentive and helpful as can be expected given the restaurant is consistently busy. I also request a booth which less crowded than the tables.
(4)
Paloma B.
I use to come for the sushi until i had the thai curry bouillabaisse and since then that is all i get! A MUST!!
(5)
Le L.
I tried their bento box and it was so cute. I always wanted to have a bento box with different food in it. I got the salmon teriyaki. The flavor was okay but it was a little salty. I didn't like the fact that they put too much sauce under the salmon and made it so salty and I couldn't just eat it by itself. Overall it was good beside the sauce.
(4)
Anthony C.
Raku is a great place to eat. It is always packed and reservations are needed for any night 6 to 9 pm. It is small and the seating is tight but the food is outstanding. Good sushi, and their udon noodle soup is amazing. Their offerings are unique, but not so much as to fall into the chasm of becoming a foodie-place. It is well thought out, with fresh ingreedents and well worth the price of admission.
(4)
Hilda K.
Tables are close, too close. Food did not do anything for me neither did the sake martinis I had. Service was good though - we had a very attentive waitress. Will not return willingly
(3)
Dan F.
Went with a group of eight to Raku on a Friday evening. The restaurant was very busy, and even though we had reservations, we had to wait a bit. If you go with a group, don't go with more than six people. The restaurant is small, and we had a table added on to our booth to accommodate, leaving little room for staff and customers to walk by. Definitely make reservations for the weekend, preferably in advance. Raku offers a variety of sushi, which I am not a fan of, but everyone in my group seemed to really enjoy their meals. Raku has non-sushi offerings as well. I enjoyed my crispy chicken appetizer and the duck entree, both were prepared well and plentiful. I would go again, but not with such a large group.
(3)
M B.
Great sushi quality, great service, lots of selections, and they are very attentive regarding adjustments to orders.
(4)
Sabrina H.
I am a super fan of Japanese food having lived there for the past two years. Being back on US soil I have had some difficulties finding authentic Japanese chefs that prepare the dishes the way they do back east. Coming in at lunch time when its kind of busy isn't too bad per say, but be prepared for a bit of crunchy attitude from the spicy waitresses. To be fair, I ordered a dish that included shrimp and imitation crab, when I realized that I made sure the waitress knew I did not want shell fish and that I had an allergy. First round, my plate comes over and there is a beautiful shrimp and imitation crab in my California roll looking up at me. I smile and explain I asked for no shell fish, Madame spicy with the spikey red hair assisted him in correcting. Round two, my plate came back with the imitation crab still on it, I smiled again and explained that although the crab is imitation, I can not eat it. This lady argued with me. Big no no in my book, but I kept smiling and apologized that I hadn't been more clear before. Next thing I know another waitress is replacing her and asking what else I might like instead. Wow. I'm happy to say that the food was good and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but I can do without the rudeness. Definitely ate up more of my lunch hour than necessary. Just saying.
(3)
Monica S.
I have been here a couple of times now. The food is very good but the service is not always up to par. I understand that they can get very busy. That being said if I feel a need for a sushi fix and I can't make it to Dupont I will come here for sure. I really like that they have outdoor seating when the weather is nice. I have ate at the bar, outside and at a table. I would have to say eating at the table is where I got the best service. Even eating at the bar I still had to ask the bartender for my check even though my plate had been cleared for quite some time. I also had to ask for refills on my water, even with my glass being in clear sight of the bartender. Will I come back, why yes I would. Would I recommend it, yes but having had better I would suggest other places first!
(3)
Caroline B.
My friends and I love Raku because of the great food and great prices. Service always sucks, servers don't speak good English and they are slow. But once they put your food in the system, the food will come fast! Everything on the menu tastes good. My favorites are - Tofu salad - soft shell crab roll- shrimp udon and all the spice rolls! Summer months are perfect here since you can sit outside and enjoy the weather !
(4)
Sameer A.
Had dinner at Raku late Saturday night. Was packed. Clearly business is good !! The California rolls were average as was the coconut curry noodle soup. The most disappointing was the time it took for them to serve us. And the rather unwelcome waitress. I have seen them do better in the past. For business to stay good they need to fix a couple of things.
(3)
Karen S.
I ordered vegan corn chowder, a soft shell crab roll and a grilled salmon harasu roll. The chowder was just veggies in water. I liked the touch of putting a bit of pesto on it, but i thought a chowder was supposed to be creamy. You can make a vegan soup creamy-- blend some corn up! It just seemed misleading. The soft shell crab roll was very bland and for $8.50 the five pieces didn't contain much crab at all. Whatever sauce it came with didn't taste like anything and the roll kind of fell apart when i dipped it in soy sauce. The salmon had a nice smoky flavor and crispy skin but was definitely overcooked and dry. I also got a california roll and spicy tuna roll to go and those were no better than College Park sushi... which is sad. I've been to Raku once before, in its Dupont location, and I did like the ginger pumpkin soup I got that time. Service was good. I came early and waited for my friends for around half an hour, and the wait staff didn't bother me as I waited and took up a table, even as they started to get busy. Our water could have been refilled more, but that's my only complaint. The waitress split our bills up by person (there were four of us), which was really nice. There are better restaurants in Bethesda!
(2)
Gerry B.
On a Monday night, the place was packed, so definitely popular, and they seem to be trying, but the place is so cramped that if you are sitting near an aisle, you're going to have someones a** in your face if they are trying to get by a waiter or another patron. If the food was worth it, I'd be happy to accept it as part of the "atmosphere" but the food seemed rushed, not a lot of flavor and even the salmon sashimi was meh, didn't taste bad, but just kind of there. No kids menu, but they were able to bring a grilled chicken breast for our 3 year old and the waiter was very good engaging with him. May try it again, but it seems pricey for the quality, they charged for milk refills for our son which I've never had happen.
(2)
Sarah P.
My rating of 3 stars has to do with several issues - the prices are high for the size and quantity of sushi you get, the restaurant is loud, and the fish was so-so. Coming from New York and New Jersey, I'm not impressed. Though for DC standards, this place is fine, the thought of spending 50% more and getting half as much nagiri sushi that is less in quality is difficult to stomach. My personal experience with the service was great though. And having no reservations, my party and I were able to sit right down at the sushi bar. All in all, if I get a craving, I'll probably come back, but there is much improvement that could be made!
(3)
Dan M.
Great great time here. We had a maki-fest, going with four choices that filled up our hearts and stomachs with endless joy: We had the aspara-avo-q roll, crunchy tuna, red dragon roll, and volcano roll. Not a one disappointed. They were served up in a beautiful assortment, all tasted as fresh as you could ever hope for. Honestly, I think you could get any random mix of sushi and be pleased. The list they have available is long, and you'll find something fun and delicious you haven't had elsewhere. The bar also had Van Gogh's double espresso vodka - we could see the dark brown vodka smiling at us from across the room, standing out amongst the cookie cutter bottles (i.e. the ones not adorned by a master painting from a renowned artist), but neither our waitress, or surprisingly, the bartender himself, knew what it was. I had to get up and point to the bottle before they got it. Nevertheless, the drinks were delicious and well worth the hassle. This aside, the service was great. The only downside is the way they pack you in tighter than the poor tuna we devoured so quickly. Seriously, there is no more than 2 inches between the tables. My date had to have people at two different tables stand up for a moment just to get into the "inside" seat, the one with another diner sitting immediately behind you (I took the outside seat like a champ). Very uncomfortable setup. Also, for the guys, be aware of the bathroom situation. Apparently, the men's room door has trouble staying unlocked, and the staff frequently has to jimmy it open with a knife. I stood there doing my pee-pee dance for a good five minutes wondering what was going on in the bathroom before someone saw me and opened it. While she went to work on the lock, I couldn't help but stare nervously at my date (who was waiting for the women's at the same time) at the thought that we were about to bust open the door on a poor, unsuspecting bathroom-goer. Thankfully, disaster was averted, I did my thing, and we went on our way. It was a nice date, and we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Addy C.
After remembering the long lines from our last visit, we came right at 11:30 to indulge ourselves after some unsuccessful Christmas shopping. After reading a tip from FourSquare that the Deluxe Bento was plenty for two people -- we decided on that, plus the Roasted Mushroom & Asparagus appetizer. The bento had a lot of food and we probably could've skipped the app. ROASTED MUSHROOM & ASPARAGUS - $7.50 Warm appetizer of roasted shiitake and portabello mushrooms, asparagus, asiago cheese, and Yuzu vinaigrette. Pretty good, and more than enough for 2 people. DELUXE BENTO - $17 Tuna, salmon, and shrimp sushi (1 pc each); California roll (3 pcs); Tuna, salmon, whitefish sashimi (2 pc tuna, 1 pc salmon, 3-4 thin pcs of whitefish); Beef tenderloin w/ sauteed spinach and mashed potato salad; Seaweed salad on a bed of shredded cabbage & greens; Shrimp and various vegetable tempura; Miso soup. Haha, now do you believe me this is definitely shareable between 2 people? :) The deluxe is a great choice if you like variety. I love bento :) Service was ok - like last time, they do try to rush you at the end which is understandable with the line of people waiting inside.
(4)
Valerie L.
This is our go-to Asian-food craving establishment (mainly because it's so close to our house.) I will be honest and say that this isn't exactly authentic Japanese/Thai/Sushi/etc HOWEVER it is delicious nonetheless. We live in Chevy Chase, and unfortunately there are only a handful (if that) of Asian restaurants within walking distance (other than Sushi-ko, which is OK.) For this reason, the closest alternative to walking is a short drive to Bethesda Row for our sushi/udon/octopus fix. The ambiance is beautiful, despite the cramming of several tables in such a confined space. The service is ALWAYS accomodating and friendly and food is yummy. As I previously stated, definitely don't make the trip here if you are seeking authentic sushi or Japanese dishes as most of their dishes have been modified to suit American palettes, but they have done a great job in doing so. They're noodle soups are super flavorful (the Red Curry with Udon noodles are our favorite) and their sushi rolls are equally as tasty (even if the "special BBQ Sauce" isn't exactly a specialty found across the Pacific.) Their very generaous portion of their Fruits de Mer appetizer with various seafood in a citrus-u/vinegar-y sauce is also super yummy. In short, your trip here will be an overall positive one long as you leave your pre-judgements at home regarding authenticity, and don't mind being slightly crammed into close quarters. Just keep an open mind and your tastebuds will be be happy :)
(4)
Lucy X.
This is an overdue review but I came here with a friend about a month and a half ago for Bethesda restaurant week. The restaurant week menu was just okay I'd say, kind of disappointing they didn't at least have their pumpkin soup on there, but it did have a decent variety of choices from Japanese to American style dishes. Other than the assortment of nigiri, which was by far the worst!--dry and NOT FRESH, the salmon tartare, NY strip, and baked apple dessert were all pretty good. An overall satisfying dinner, though I'd come here again just to try their pumpkin soup, and get it with one of their steaks, which, according to this nice old couple who were seated next to us (who told us they were frequentters of Raku), 'go absolutely perfect together'.
(4)
Maria S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bethesda! I used to work right down the street from Raku and would frequent the place! Thinking about their food makes my water water! The Good ~Food is amazing! Gazpacho in the summer, pumpkin-ginger soup in the fall....AMAZING Udon in curry....really great sushi. I can go on and on, the veggie bento box, the garden rolls....yyyuuummmy The ginger sorbet is one of my all time favorites!! What could be better ~Can get crowded between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and place is small ~It's a pricey, but sooo worth the taste! If I give it 5 stars
(5)
Derek W.
Really good sushi. Always crowded. We almost always get take out.
(5)
Alan V.
I'm a fan of good food and large portions. The Raku Deluxe udon noodle met the latter but not the former. The noodle dish has plenty of chicken, beef, and a couple tempura shrimps. The shrimp was the best part. However, the broth, which is the most important part of this dish, is rather bland. It tasted like it was vegetable broth, which makes business sense for making it versatile for vegetarian dishes, but it was quite bland without the meat flavor. On a positive note, the outside seating was quite nice and the bathroom sink was certainly unique.
(3)
Jessica A.
The service was great, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and y'know what...I even liked the miso soup. Quite a bit, actually. I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi. And so after seeing the reviews, I really was excited. I was disappointed. The sushi left much to be desired. I wasn't a fan of the philly roll, the cilantro kind of threw me off and the after taste was just not my cup of tea. I did enjoy the spicy crunchy avocado roll - that was different and delicious. spicy crunchy tuna and shrimp tempura were also quite good, as was the volcano roll (kind of) - not the best I've had, but decent enough after some holiday shopping right next door. I probably won't be back.
(2)
Tim R.
Had lunch. Rude waitress and hostess. The food is ok here and other visits have been better so maybe it was just a bad day for them.
(2)
Ack A.
Had Raku for lunch today with a friend, and I'll say that it is the most consistently good sushi in Bethesda. The service is good. But more important, the food is always fresh. We had about 6 different rolls -- everything from spicy tuna to Seoul Train to Double Salmon -- and all were excellent. The sushi is very very good. Don't expect to be blown away, but it's highly unlikely that you will be disappointed.
(4)
Fred V.
Fantastic Sushi; great service; great location I had a spicy tuna crunch roll; a spider roll; a tuna tar tar and a few other standard fare sushi items, during a business lunch there it was perfect - ambiance, food, company. They are happy to custom make or alter your order. the freshness and quality of the food is obvious and the service is quick - keeping a lunch meeting right on pace.
(4)
Jessica P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda...and I grew up here, so that's saying something! I pretty much always get the same thing: Raku Roll (eel and avacado) and Crunchy Shrimp with a seaweed salad. The crunchy shrimp roll is what got me and my best friend hooked and kept us coming back! I can never resist it! Also, the poached pear in caramel sauce is far and away one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life. If you're not into sushi, there's a huge variety of bento boxes, soups, noodle and fish dishes to try. For me, I just figure why fix something that's not broken haha...Crunchy Shrimp roll will make me happy every time. The service is also very reliable...and the staff must be fairly happy working there because there are at least three waiters/waitresses who have been there since it opened a number of years ago. Really great place, the only drawback is that it gets crowded because it's so popular and delicious. If you're a party of two, you can usually get seated pretty quickly, but don't try to walk up with a four or six person party on a Friday night and expect to get a table in under 30 minutes.
(5)
Jennifer T.
Raku has been hands down our favorite restaurant, for years! The staff is very accommodating (esp. of children) and helpful. If you have to wait much at your table, it's pretty unusual. We love the cha-mame, (edamame), nigiri of all kinds, ginger pumpkin soup, dumpling soup and the large soup bowls. Everyone loves the summer roll. They have some non "asian" type meals for those who don't do Asian - a nice steak with heavenly mashed potatoes a lobster and salmon among other things. Mostly, though, even better than the food is the fun and happy ambiance. If you're not happy there... you're not happy anywhere.
(5)
Leslie M.
Love this place! It's pretty much always crowded and you are on top of other diners but the foord is awesome. I always get the Roasted Mushroom Asparagus appetizer and the Crunch Tuna Cilantro Roll.
(4)
Ryan B.
The sushi is really good and you can never go wrong here. The only thing I don't like about this place is due to the spacing, it gets too cramped when there is a full room.
(4)
Sasha R.
shopping and desperate for some lunchtime eats, we stumbled in here. at 1p on a weekday, it was PACKED. figuring this many people knew something special, we waited the 10 minutes for a bar seat. not sure if it was worth it. the sushi special ($28!) had fresh buttery uni, salmon and yellowtail, which, as my faves, was worth the wait, if not the price. weirdly the salmon and yellowtail belly (?) had been seared on one side, making the texture oddly dry and cardboard-like. the cornbread calamari was perfectly fried. I KNOW why get the calamari at a japanese place, but it's a good thing we did. because the veggie & tofu noodles was completely tasteless. HUGE portion, but the broth was completely devoid of flavor.
(3)
Brandon L.
The first time I came here was the exact moment I discovered that I had a food allergy. Only a bit too late x). Still, I managed to finish the dish before I was rushed to Suburban haha! The strength of Raku is in it's consistency to deliver quality fusion cuisine. Fish is as fresh as you'll get in Bethesda, meat entrees are always cooked exactly the way you request, and the presentation of the sushi dishes is always creative (hello #instagram) Dishes you must try on your visit: 1. Salmon Carpaccio (my favorite) 2. Red Dragon Roll 3. Uni (Sea Urchin-FRESH) 4. Tako (Octopus) 5. Ikura (Salmon Roe. Reminds me of Nemo's siblings-probably not the most agreeable image) They are very busy on Fridays and Weekends from 6:00-9:30. Reservations can't be made during this prime time so allot at least 30 minutes wait time prior to seating. The atmosphere is tumultuous and energetic, the patrons are either entire families or adults pushing their 30s/40, and if you're a party of two, the seating is an intimate experience of personal space-bubble sharing. For those couples out there, it's a great place to have a date. There's enough background noise to keep those awkward silences at bay (if you're not much of a conversationalist) and yet it's easy enough to talk over. The waiters/waitresses are amiable and willing to help advise you (ask, they know what's good on the menu!) and since it's an older crowd, many will probably manage a smiling glance at you two, reminded of their former days of youthful unabashed love. Have fun!
(5)
Muriel H.
This restaurant was good. Not the best sushi i have had but definitely a cool spot for a late dinner date. When my fiance and I went it was super busy so we had to wait a while for a table. Typical downtown Bethesda sushi spot. We had the white wine sangria which was pretty darn good and the Butterfly Prawn was our appetizer. Also pretty good. The sushi was delish but, I expected a little bit more pizzazz..I think people like this place more because of the trendy setting rather than the food.
(3)
Maria F.
Love this place and go there quiet often with my folks. Fresh, delioscious sushi , my favorite appetezire in the world salmon and apple carpaccio to dye for, try out salmon toro nigiry and the crunchy spice salmon. Passionate fruit lemonade is just perfect. Tel lme where else you can get a huge ( at least for me and I am sure for any other person with modest appetite) bento box + miso ( usually I get sashimi bento box) for $14??? Highly recommend this place
(5)
Thuy L.
J'adore this place! The first time I went I had the waitress that looks like the costume maker from the Incredibles. (You'll know who I'm talking about.) She highly recommended the beef tataki and salmon teriyaki bento box. Both were delicious! Everything in the box is tasty. The portobello, green bean, wonton, parmesan cheese and vinaigrette salad is such a treat. I trek all the way up to Bethesda just for this food sometimes.
(4)
Samuel R.
Raku Sushi in Bethesda has high quality sushi and many low-cost options! I love good sushi. But then again, I can say, "I love good (insert any type of food here)." Ms. Classy and I visited Raku in Bethesda a week before and since it was a date, we didn't break out the cameras and take notes (that really kills the date mood - as Ms. Classy informed me on a couple of occasions). However, she was out of town this weekend, so I decided to return with my notepad and camera dusted off (it HAS been a while since I've posted, hasn't it?) and ready to sit down and do some serious eating. The day was warm and I was quite hungry, so I started with a Sapporo beer. My empty stomach combined with my low alcohol tolerance gave me a nice buzzy feeling while waiting for the waiter to return for my full order. To start a sushi dinner, I like the seaweed salad or edamame. At most places, these are fairly small portions that are not meant to be shared. At Raku, the seaweed salad seems high at $7.50, but there's plenty to go around. It was a large dish, which sufficed as an appetizer for two. The edamame was nice and tender. I prefer it with a little salt, which is how it is served at some places, but not here. Oh well, nothing stopped me from adding it myself. I chose one of my favorite beers for out-door warm-weather dining, a cool and light Sopparo. I think it's one of the best drinks for a warm, sunny day. For the main course, there are two rolls worth highlighting at Raku: the Crunchy Spicy Tuna ($6) and the Wasabi Dynamite Roll ($8). The touch of cilantro in the Crunch Spicy Tuna roll, aside from the satisfying crunchy texture and the spicy zip, makes this roll a must have. The Wasabi Dynamite Roll comes with a combination of three fish (tuna, salmon, and yellowtail) with wasabi-flavored roe. It's not as spicy as the name suggests, but I really enjoyed the flavor and texture of the roe along with the cool, savory fish. For a third roll, if you like your rolls smooth, simple, and creamy, try any of the Ava-Q rolls using whichever fish you prefer. One thing I really like about sushi (besides the yumminess) is the control you have over your final bill as opposed to most other cuisines. Oh sure, you can break the bank with multiple specialty rolls, but if you choose carefully, you can have a nice meal without having to recalculate your budget. You can get a smorgasbord of simple rolls or go with one specialty roll with a simple roll on the side. Ms. Classy and I usually do the latter. If you need to watch your wallet, this is not the everyday place to hit, but it's a nice place to bring a date. You'll enjoy the quality of food and the penny-pincher inside all of us will enjoy the wide variety of rolls $6 and under. -Someone of the male gender who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(4)
Mark M.
Pretty good lunch place, crowded so they must be doing something right. The food was good, the table was small and uncomfortable, but that's kinda typical of the genre so no complaints. I'll go again if I come back to Bethesda.
(3)
Samantha G.
I finally got to Raku-- people have been telling me to eat here since August. The wait is always too freakin' long and I can never get a reservation...but last night, I had others wait for an hour while I popped in at the last second- gotta love that! I actually don't see what all the hype is about in terms of the sushi. The couple I was with said the soup is excellent but I was already sweating (it was HOT and crowded in there) so I decided to pass on that. I ordered a Maryland California Roll (cali roll with real crab meat), some edamame and a salmon avocado roll. The salmon/avo roll was TINY and the salmon was hard. Sushi-grade salmon is supposed to be buttery-melt-in-your-mouth goodness and I could barely eat this. The Maryland California roll was decent but could have used some spice on the meat. The two rolls, edamame and a glass of wine was about $30. I'd be willing to try this place again for the other dishes people rave about (tofu lunch box, Chilean sea bass) but never again for the sushi. Matuba is right around the corner and their sushi is WAY better and cheaper. This makes me want to go back and give Matuba another star b/c I was docking them for all their other weirdness rather than the food. Anyway, if you want good, quick, no-wait sushi in Bethesda, I'd pick Matuba over Raku. Even though it doesn't have the ambiance and trendy-factor, the fish is better and that's why you go to eat sushi- right?
(2)
Fay F.
You have to try the salmon green apple appetizer, really original and flavorful. I ordered the grilled ginger pork chop. And the part that amazed me wasn't the pork chop, but the vegetables came with it. There were carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, and russel sprouts. They were...AMAZING. And I generally don't like carrots and cabbage, but they had me at first bite....lol. The pork chop was grilled in a perfectly sweet+salty sauce, just a bit overcooked. The portion was good, flavor was good, and the service has always been great. I'd recommend this place.
(4)
James P.
This was one of my family's favorite restaurant since they opened. I don't know if management changed, but their service is quickly diminishing. It was never great service at the restaurant, but now, servers don't seem to care. I don't know if food changed much, but when bad service is given, food always taste worse.
(2)
Melanie A.
SO GREAT! The staff is friendly and seems to remember you - or at least are really friendly to newbies and regulars. I always get the Chicken Udon Soup, which is heavenly, especially on a chilly day. The sushi is great and the dishes are unique and very good. The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Great place to go with family or friends - but not too big of groups because they have few big tables.
(5)
Chris R.
Went here for bethesda retaurant week. 30 bux for snow crab soup, fettuccini salmon pasta, and steak. The everything was pretty good overall, but I felt like it was too pricey even with the deal. Would rather go to Benihanas happy hour.
(3)
Josh S.
Got a bento box. Each little square contained a culinary concoction of unequaled quality. It ain't cheap, but worth it for a nice dinner out.
(5)
Jessica M.
This place had the BEST edamame I've ever had! I asked our server what made them different, he said they're not regular edamame, they're chamame edamame. They have so much flavor, without tasting salty, and they don't even need soy sauce! I can't believe I'd never tried these before. I'm now on a hunt for all restaurants that serve this! The sashimi bento box I had was pretty good, and they were nice about accommodating my request for only salmon and tuna (no whitefish). The salmon was great but the tuna was just ok, mostly because it was too tough to chew. I liked all of the stuff that came in the bento, there were a bunch of things! Most of them were pretty interesting, too, not just the typical bento box selections. Not sure if the bentos are just on the lunch menu, but I was a little bummed they didn't have any less expensive lunch specials. The quality was pretty high, though, so it makes sense. I like the ambiance of this place, very classy, but the tables are basically right on top of each other (I live in NYC and deal with this everywhere, but in the 'burbs I guess I expect a bit more space!). Our server was nice but didn't make himself available unless he was needed. Waters were always refilled, plates were taken when they needed to be, overall the service was fine. I would come back here just for the edamame!
(4)
Sam S.
The food here is delicious. I recommend the fruit de mer, its very well done with a great vinaigrette sauce. The sushi is very fresh and tasty with different herbs added to the fish to give it a unique taste. If you're not in the mood for Sushi, I would highly recommend the Chilean sea-bass. The service is hit or miss, and the place is packed on the weekends. I mean you are literally sitting right next to the table next to you unless you wait 30 min for a booth (which we always do). overall A+ for the food B- for the ambiance and service.
(4)
Carla B.
Aside from the fact that this place is noisy and you might as well be sharing your meal with your neighboring tables, I will go to Raku from time to time. Why? Because it is simply delicious. I had the pleasure of trying their Garden Summer Roll for the first time, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The peanut sauce, coupled with the light shrimp roll was mouth watering. The sushi, per usual, was spot on. Raku is the kind of place that I can only go every once in a while, but when I do, I am rarely disappointed with the food.
(4)
Emily P.
If I'm in the mood for Japanese cuisine, this is probably one of the last places I'd go to satisfy my craving. Serving size is huge, which may be a plus for some, but I hate filling up on food that's just really not that great. On top of that, most times I've been here, its been so busy for some reason.
(2)
Liv C.
Raku? More like Cracku! Seriously, I'm still not convinced the "crunch" in their crunchy spicy tuna roll isn't crack cocaine, because it is TOTALLY addicting! When I lived in Bethesda I was dining here at least twice a week, Jeremy Piven style. I love sushi but I'm picky about where I eat it because of, you know, the whole parasite thing. But it's clear Raku is a cut above the rest -- their fish is extremely fresh and the restaurant is clean. Get there early because both indoor and outdoor seating fills up FAST! My top picks: - seaweed salad (they flesh it out with mixed greens, but you can ask for all seaweed) - chicken nappa salad (has a pleasant, spicy mustard-ish kick to it) - shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer - crunchy spicy tuna roll - any of the dragon rolls (I love the red dragon, personally) - red coconut curry noodle bowl (so delicious and comforting in the winter ... but don't wear white ... slurp slurp) - Princess Bamboo sake
(5)
Sarah C.
We frequent this asian diner because the location is convenient. Also the hubs enjoys having choices in sushi/sashimi locations. I tag along since I heart the boy and they offer a variety of 'warm' dishes. I strongly suggest making reservations if possible. I find it humorous how they always give me the sushi/sashimi plates instead of asking who receives what. I'm still trying to 'appreciate' the raw deals but in baby steps. I'm a fan of protein like most but my current definition of raw is 'medium rare'... not even near seared yet o_O. Hubs had tasted their Tuna Tartare and Seaweed Salad many times before his raw delights while I have sampled their Chicken and Pork Dumpling along with the Corn Meal Crusted Fried Calamari. We've had other starters/appetizers but these came to mind immediately. While the better half had his fresh picks (he's into all the raw goods), I usually chose the Pan Roast Chicken Breast or the Strip Steak Szechwan Style. I've tasted their noodle soups but honestly I don't remember which ones. The Pan Roast Chicken Breast entree is tasty for the lemony basil sauce and the two sides which are the Thai-styled sauteed egg noodles and asparagus. The sauce and asparagus are my faves in this dish. The Strip Steak Szechwan Style has a tasty mildly spicy chili flavor with potato puree (paste-like - not mashed) on the side along with green beans (haricot verts). They have a long menu with various choices that should satisfy each individual who visits this casual establishment. You will be among the crowd. Raku consistently attracts foot traffic.
(3)
Jae S.
It should be called Crap-Pu not Raku... Is it just me or does Americans love Asian-Fusion cuisine?? Let me say one thing, I know Asian food... because I'm Asian. HA! Well, the fusion thing they did is pretty good, I like some of their dishes. But it;s too Americanized, I didn't get that "Asian" feel to it. You can't really mess up sushi, except if you do too much with it, and they did a lot of garnishing and "poof" on their sushi. Sushi = rice, fish. Service is not the fastest, it barely made my cut of "acceptable". One thing I did not like is that the tables are too close together. If I wanted to have dinner with some strangers I would have gone to a bar. 3 stars from me. Thanks!
(2)
Anita C.
Came here for a lunch date yesterday, and had mixed reviews. We were seated quickly as a party of 2 at 12:30pm on a Friday, so it wasn't a bad wait. We ordered two items: 1) Tokyo broth with egg noodles and chicken (~$8.50) A customizable noodle soup dish. The chicken-based broth was a bit bland, but I added the seasoning on the side to spice it up a bit. The chicken was nice and flavorful, and the egg noodles well-cooked. TIP: you can ask to split the bowl into two if you're sharing, and you still get nice, evenly-sized portions. Options: Protein - chicken, shrimp tempura, beef, or tofu & veggies Noodles - egg, sobu, or udon Broth - Tokyo (chicken-based) or the red coconut curry 2) Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki ($11.95) I didn't enjoy this meal. True, it comes with huge portions: lots of chicken teriyaki, portobello beans, fried shrimp shumai, house salad, miso soup, and California rolls. The California rolls were dry and unflavorful. The chicken was extremely dry and tough to chew. The dressing on the house salad was just A-OK. Overall, I might come back for the noodle soup, which I did enjoy. If you're looking for large lunch portions are an OK price, you should come to Raku-An. The restaurant has a nice, easy ambiance. I wouldn't return for dinner - the bento boxes are +$5 more expensive and the food not enough to warrant it.
(3)
john c.
Excellent all the way around! I go here for sushi when im at my place in Bethesda, Sushi is as fresh as can be and if you sit at the bar they will make you "special" rolls :) I like my spicy tuna roll special topped with cobia. you would be a fool to overlook their full menu as well, I had roasted branzino (whole fish)the other night and it was awesome and i think an excellent value. As for the long lines, they are there for a reason (the food is good) As far a service goes, look this place is like eating in Manhattan. Its a busy place that has an excellent quality of food and the dishes are very nice to look at. Dont come here thinking you will be pampered because you wont, but they will serve you with a smile. You are paying 2 star prices for 5 star food so get over your self and come eat good sushi at a cheep price. and yes it is cheep for what you get. Banzai!!
(4)
Hayes W.
If you like grocery store sushi, this is the place for you. Let me give you the run-down: Arrived on time for our reservation (myself and girlfriend) and were seated within 8 inches of another table. This was not a huge deal, until more people showed up. Throughout our whole meal we felt like we were intruding on other people's conversation and vice versa. We ordered drinks, A beer (sapporo) and a "vodka/sake" martini. If that 9 dollar martini had vodka in it then I need to go to the doctor and have my tastebuds tested, because it was honestly the most underpoured martini I've ever tasted. We had to wave on our waitress EVERY TIME we needed drink refills, check, etc. She never once came over on her own free will. Now to the food: We ordered 4 different plates, around 30 rolls varying in style. I can honestly say, after living all over the country, that I have never payed so much for such crap sushi. I honestly feel like I could have gone to Giant grocery store down the road and gotten better sushi. It was plain, boring, unoriginal in presentation, and just all around blah. After paying our 51.05 for our below average dinner, and waving over our waitress for the umpteenth time, we payed and left. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone, and I will be telling everyone I know in Bethesda to avoid at all costs. Step your game up, this place sucks!!
(1)
Amanda D.
I just want to say that the entrance to this place is really badly designed. The hostess both is hidden and it says to wait to be seated at the bar. But there isn't anyone that pays attention to you enough to be seated. Anyways, I heard about this place and decided to go on a warm day, of course the wait was 30+ min for outdoor seating. We came back later and asked if they had any seating. We waited another 10 minutes and were finally seated. Ordered some sushi, and it was okay. I don't consider myself an expert, but been around to enough sushi bars to know what tastes good and was is mediocre. And the salmon sushi I had was mediocre. My friend's rolls fell apart before she even got it to her mouth. Sushi is okay, service is alright. Would I come back here? Probably not.
(2)
Christiane V.
raku is my favorite restaurant in the bethesda row area. i love eating at raku for lunch outside on a nice day. the food and service are consistent. my favorite items on the menu are the beef tenderloin bento box (only served during lunch), seaweed salad, healthy tofu salad, chicken and pork dumplings, and the udon. the udon is really big. if you ask to split it, they will do it for you at no additional charge. the sushi is not the best i've had but there are a few specialty rolls that i like to order once in a while. my only complaint is the same as everyone else's. if you come as a party of two they tend to cram you inside the restaurant really close to your neighbor. in the winter it tends to get a little smoky inside too. i recommend coming right when they open for lunch and if you come for dinner, expect a wait. it is a popular spot.
(4)
Katie P.
Great place for rolls and different fusion-type asian cuisine. Would not recommend for those who want traditional type sushi and sashimi... I loved the crunchy spicy tuna roll and Seoul train roll. I love spicy rolls, so they really hit the spot. The sushi was ok. I've had better ones, but I loved their creativity and uniqueness. The noodle entree we tried wasn't that great. It was tempura with chicken...The soup was too salty, and didn't have much flavor to it other than soy. There were so many other interesting items on the menu I wanted to try...will definitely go back and try others!
(4)
Regina P.
Their steak appetizer is incredible!! It's got a hint of sweetness that compliments the saltiness of the steak perfectly! The tofu salad is OK. The sushi isn't bad. A nice place for a more upscale datenight but definitely not the best sushi in town.
(3)
hoot k.
i'm sorry - will never go to this place ever again! arrived for an early dinner on a sat.. and just everything was a complete disappointment! honestly i was so disappointed in this place.. i'm not even sure how this place has the positive review that it does! ordered some plates.. which looked like someone threw up on (will upload photo)... a few rolls.. which i believe my 8 yr niece could do a better job.. just a joke of a place.. almost was embarrassed for them.. in MoCo.. if it's not yuraku, dont' even bother! bethesda is trying but overall food is not up to par.. if you want sushi.. save your $$ and go to whole foods or even harris teeter.
(1)
Amy S.
EXCELLENT food. Almost impossible to get a table w/out a reservation. Not to be confused w/the Raku in Dupont Circle area. They are not related and the Bethesda restaurant is the tops. Love the healthy tofu salad.
(4)
Mr. L.
Lunch on a Saturday is crazy. The wait time is long but the food was worth it. I can't say it's the best sushi in the area, but it's not too bad. My family mainly ordered sushi. It's quite fresh.. Portion is a little small but adequate, I guess, for lunch. My kids always enjoyed the fried calamari - bite size, hot and crispy. Services can be improved but it's hard during peak lunch hours.
(4)
Martin B.
I thought that this place was great! It was a cold day today, and in the aftermath of the Snowstorm of 2010 the girlfriend and I needed a good place to eat. After passing by this place for many, many years I decided to give it a shot. The first thing we noticed was that it was really packed. I mean, yeah a lot of schools and local (and the federal) governments were closed, but for 1:40PM on a Monday there was a lot of business. Generally a good sign. After about a minute or two we were promptly seated. The menu is pretty extensive, but its main focus is a variety of sushi. My girlfriend and I each ordered a dish of crispy sushi. This is basically sushi with what appeared to be basically tempura in it. She got the eel, I got the spicy salmon. Both rolls were great, although I was more partial to the salmon. There was just enough of the crispy stuff in there to give it some crunch without overpowering the flavors of the salmon, which was delicious. But oh no! It turns out that big guys like myself can't be satisfied with just six pieces of sushi! So I decided to split an order of soup with my girlfriend. This was the Tokyo broth soup, with chicken and udon noodles. What's great is that they serve the soup in two bowls; it's definitely something you want to split with another person. The noodles were thick and tasty, but they could have given you more (I'm a noodle fiend). The chicken was great quality, and the vegetables were also nice complements to the meat. And the broth was just fantastic; I was slurping it up long after my stomach was saying "NO MORE, NO MORE." And all of this meal ran only $23 bucks or so. It's now nearly five hours since we ate, and I'm not hungry at all (which is very rare for me). Congratulations Raku, you've just found yourself two very loyal customers.
(5)
Christine A.
Atmosphere: 3.5 stars There's nothing really fancy about the interior. Nice lighting. You can carry conversation at normal speaking volume. Some of the upholstery needs repair. Most weekday evenings finds Raku bustling. Regardless, the place has a good vibe. Service: 3 stars Some days, the service is on point. Other days, it takes a little while to get the attention of the wait staff. But it's not horrible. Food: 4 stars Consistently fresh, quality ingredients. That's crucial for good sushi/rolls. If they had some more creative rolls, they'd get a 5 out of me. Their pumpkin-ginger soup is delicious.
(4)
Billy M.
come here all the time, sushi is very fresh and delicious
(4)
Trevor M.
If it were only an Asian Diner...then I can get yaki soba or takoyaki After several tries coming here...All that I can really say...is that it is moderately acceptable. Came here on my final time for a late lunch on Monday. It was crowded due to the Labor day holiday. You can tell the server was visually annoyed to have another table. Food: We had the lunch special sushi platter. 12 pieces of nigiri for $26. Moderate pricing for this area. So, that's ok. What was frustrating was that the server when ordering never told us that there were some items that was exchanged since they were out of it. I specifically wanted Uni and the blue fin tuna. Did not get it. I asked the server about this and he checked with the sushi bar, but came back rather incoherently stating that some items were swapped out. Now, one of the reasons why people do a sample platter is to experiment or have a variety. It's proper for a server to actually tell you what is on the plate. This did not happen. Now, the sushi was of decent quality...was it the best. No, but for $26... you get what you pay for...actually, here I didn't...since, I didn't get what I initially wanted. The miso soup and miso/ginger dressing was too salty and meh. Standard items really. The dumplings that I had was also incredibly salty. The nigiri rice was moist, but flavorless. The ebi was not as sweet as it could have been. The seared tuna had a light sear and you can taste it nicely. Service/Staff: Unprofessional, slow and lacked the ability to speak...English properly. Now, beyond that was he a good server. No, he was not considerate to give us the proper information regarding the change of sushi menu when placing the order and the bar made the change without letting us know. I eat sushi a lot. I write about sushi a lot. I would expect an Asian Diner in Bethesda to be more professional. Price: Moderate for this area. Return rate: I don't think so...even if they may be one of the few Asian diners with outtside seating. Bottom Line: Servers come and go. But a staple of a good restaurant is consistency and quality in both food and service. This place has a long way to go.
(2)
Jihea P.
Dinner at Raku last night: Appetizer: Bonsai Tree Roll Entree: Volcano & Rainbow Rolls for me, Raku Assortment Sushi dish for friend Drink: Hot Sake I am a fan. Price was very resonable and the food was good. I didn't enjoy the Bonsai Tree Roll too much - perhaps my expectations were high but I did not expect an actual roll to come out as an appetitzer. It was good though. Good was very good and I would return for the food. No complaints! We sat outside, and it was perfect. We first opted to sit inside, but the tables are literally on top of each other and you have to pull out a table to get since the space between the tables are so small. Even outside, I heard every word of the people sitting around me. I would also expect that it gets very loud as people are so close to one another. For that, it gets a three.
(3)
Sharon M.
EXCELLENT Service. Came here for a lunch with coworkers -- they were extremely courteous and the manager(? i think?) came out to tell us he was pushing tables together to accommodate our big group -- wait was less than 10 minutes despite it being their lunch hour and very busy. They are on top of things. The waitress was great, too, she dealt with our large group and separate check request and some nit-picky requests with absolute grace. Thanks, guys.
(5)
Dennis M.
We eat here all the time. You can't go wrong eating here. We have never had a bad meal or bad service here. When you eat out you want good food, good service at a good price. I think this place has all of this.
(5)
J J.
Raku does not disappoint! This place has good quality sushi, unlike some other places. The rolls and sashimi are always fresh. Every time I have gone, there was either no wait or a short wait even when they are busy during dinner time. Raku is probably the best sushi restaurant in the Bethesda/Rockville area. If you are hungry, I would definitely recommend one of the boats!
(5)
Irena N.
Tasty appetizers, pretty good sushi (I was especially impressed by the Korean tuna roll, which has kimchee and spicy sauce in it), and very friendly and speedy service. So why only three stars? Well, for one thing, all my sushi was decent until I ordered toro. It was the worst toro I'd ever had. What kind of a sushi place doesn't know good toro from bad toro? Second, I'm just not crazy about any of their entrees. They aren't bad, but aren't particularly good either. Just... eh. There are too many other sushi places around (Tako Grill, for one thing) that consistently deliver. I'll still go back, especially since Raku has outdoor seating and it's quite pleasant in nice weather. But it's not a favorite.
(3)
Thanh P.
This place is great. There are 2 other locations in DC but they can't match this one both in the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of food. Sushi is great, and the BBQ skirt steak appertizer is really yummy. but the real winner is the Wok-charred Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. I believe that this dish should be illegalized the way Wal-mart was banned from NYC to protect the businesses. This seabass puts all other seabass dishes from anywhere to shame. If more people know about this seabass, all the other restaurants in the US might as well take the poor yet delish little fish off of their menus. After a break up, a divorce, or a wedding, this will make everything all right again. It has been proven to cure depression. There also have been reports that it may cure cancer and AIDS. Anyone should at least go try this chilean seabass once in their lifetime before it gets banned. This is the Walmart, the Maldives, and a girl's youth of Bethesda. I reckon that it will disappear soon.
(5)
Adam L.
What they lack in creativity, they make up with quality ingredients. Very good selection of veggie rolls (that taste good). It's true, the seating process could be improved, but it's tasty sushi on Woodmont Ave right across from the theater. All the decent restaurants are crazy busy.
(4)
Bill P.
If you are a single named restaurant RAKU and throw in some foo-foo protein and have reasonable prices and quick servers you will be successful......Sushi Damo in Rockville has to get its learn on. :) The bento box deal at Raku for $10-15 is the prob. the best in the area.... I got the Korean-style BBQ chicken box with all of the trimmings.....the California rolls could have been wrapped a little tighter but all in all a very good deal with 6-7 items to enjoy and a delicious peach ice tea to quest the thirst. On the patio in DC a little more relaxing than being squashed inside at the Bethesda location.
(4)
Ellen W.
This place is tiny and crowded. I've been here a few times but never on a week day. We told the host that there were 2 of us and he asked if we wanted a seat at the bar. I said no but we will get a drink at the bar. He then proceeded to say that was fine but we would have to leave if there are others that want to eat at the bar. I didn't remember him writing our names down and decided to check 5 minutes later. He didn't remember talking to me and said he didn't put our names down. I was a little irritated by then and told him he just talked to us and now there are like 3 more people ahead of us. We got seated shorty after that but I thought the whole organization of the restaurant was horrible. We had 4 rolls and the seaweed salad. Seaweed salad was yummy and I loved the dressing. They were out of the lobster rolls but didn't tell us until later, right before our food came out. The other rolls were alaskan crab roll, double wasabi dynamite roll, rainbow roll, and spicy crunchy tuna roll. I liked the alaskan crab roll the best. The rest of the rolls were just ok. I'll probably go back there again to try their other dishes. We saw what some of our neighbors ordered and it looked so good. It was a salmon dish. Next time I want to try that or the chilean sea bass that everyone's raving about.
(4)
Evsi W.
Raku is soooooo delicious! Anything you order will be fantastic! The sushi ( quality of fish) excellent. The Wasabi roll, Salmango are my recomendation because they offer different flavours with perfect balance that you cant get anywhere else. The Pumpkin Ginger soup is rediculously good and i don't even like pumpkin nor do i ever order soup in a restaurant! To top it of you have to try the banana's foster! Yum Your evening won't be a dissapointment. Prepare to wait for a table about 20 -30 min! Or reserve ahead of time
(5)
Michael D.
This was our second visit to Raku. First the positives: Sushi (good), sea bass (very good) and a noodle dish (good). Prices aren't cheap ($20-25 for entrees, $8 for a glass of wine), but not unreasonable for Bethesda. Now the negatives: Slow service on a Saturday night (it was busy, but 20 minutes to ask if we wanted anything to drink?) The hostess was unfriendly, and our waitress appeared disinterested. It would have been nice if she asked 1)did we want our water glasses refilled or 2)did we enjoy our meal.The restaurant is crowded and loud in the evening. We were seated near the front of the restaurant, and were surrounded by people waiting for tables at 8 PM. The cramped setting and less than attentive service would have bothered me less if our bill wasn't $120 for four. So, my feelings are mixed. The food was good (3-4 stars), but the staff and overall setting weren't (2 stars). Raku thus receives a very weak 3 stars. Would I go again? Probably not. There are other restaurants in the area where the food is as good/better where I've felt much more welcome. One other warning. If you're driving, parking in Bethesda on a nice Saturday evening is a challenge. Most municipal lots are filled by 7 PM. Allow 15-20 minutes to search for parking. Nearby private lots charge 4-5$.
(3)
Tracy K.
Poor Customer Service!!! There is definitely a lack of communication at this restaurant. We arrived at 2:45pm on Labor Day Monday. Hostess seated us outside. We asked the waiter for a drink menu he brought it to us, then it took him almost 10min to come back and take our order. Once he returned we ordered our drinks then ordered the 12 piece sashimi from the lunch menu. We were told that he wasn't sure if we could still order since lunch was over at 3pm. We said it is not 3pm and we woud like to order the sashimi special from the lunch menu. We also asked if we could keep the standard menu in case we wanted to order a few more items later. He said no because the entire restaurant closes at 3pm. (so it wasn't the lunch specials that were over at 3:00pm, but that the restaurant CLOSES at 3pm!!!!! My question...why would they seat us at 2:45 and not tell us they close at 3pm. That made for a VERY bad start to our late lunch. We received our sashimi order and it was supposed to include Uni as one of the pieces. Uni is our favorite and we were very upset that it was missing from our order. Asked the waiter and he said they were out of Uni and they substituted it with crab. Okay...Uni does not = Crab (if you are an Uni lover, you'll understand). Asked the waiter why he didn't tell us ahead of time they were out of Uni, and he couldn't say anything. At that point, we ate our sashimi and left. The only consolation was that the fish was pretty fresh, but it wasn't anything special. I'll never go back. I don't care if you have AMAZING food, if the waitstaff/hostesses and chefs cannot communicate with eachother, let alone their customers, it becomes too frustrating to eat there.
(2)
Daniel H.
Have been coming here for years. Just had another phenomenal meal -- Haddock "Hong Kong Style" as one of their specials. Sushi is alway fresh and beautifully presented. You couldn't have a bad meal here if you tried!
(5)
Kevin L.
Classy, upscale ambiance which is strangely paired with polite, quick service... if you can flag someone down. We were rapidly sat on the sidewalk with such pleasant weather going on, but waited... and waited... and waited... yet no server came to our table to offer us drinks or to take our order. Eventually, we just had to call someone over, and they were quick to help us out. This particular afternoon, Raku was offering one of their lunch specials of katsu curry. I haven't had the stuff since one of my last trips to Sushi Taro before it closed down for remodeling, and thought it might be a nice change of pace from all the sushi I'd been having. Not a bad pick - deliciously rich curry sauce, crispy fried katsu served with a generous heaping of steamed white sticky rice. Disappointingly, a couple hunks of the pork were almost entire fatty meat. Not melty, delicious fatty. More like tough, chewy fatty. Not entirely thrilling, even if the flavor and the portion were quite on par with how I remember Sushi Taro's being. I did have a sip of Alicia's unsweetened peach iced tea, and if I came back, I'd definitely order a glass for myself. With the food floating just above a three and the service (including hiccup with not being tended to for at least five minutes after being sat) floating somewhere just under three, I think a round three stars is just about spot on. Could definitely go up, pending improvements in taking care of customers in a more timely fashion.
(3)
Good D.
Great sushi. Too pricey. Good decor. Nice ambiance. Long wait on the weekends. Parking is far. It's better if you go with a few people, or as a couple. Lack of indoor seating.
(3)
Beth L.
Very happy with Raku last night, particularly their sushi. Their menu definitely varies from the location in Dupont - I noticed some different sushi combos. We shared a grilled squid app, which was tasty, served with corn, black bean, and mango. Squid was cooked perfectly and tasted fresh. I had a california roll with tuna (nice combo) and a yellowtail-scallion roll. Good rice-fish proportion (not much rice), fish was very fresh - only small complaint was that the nori was just a leetle bit too chewy. Nice outdoor seating area, too (watch out for the bees tho!)
(4)
Marianne D.
SETTING: Third visit. Mid-day. SERVICE: Quick & Friendly DECOR: Can I get some of the large paper Lantern fixtures to go? They would look great hanging above my patio. ENTREE: 6 Avocado Sushi Rolls to go for lunch. Under $5 with tip. Yum. VERDICT: You will see me again.
(3)
Brian G.
Disappointing. Nothing seemed vibrant or fresh. I've had better meals at the Raku in Dupont.
(2)
Ateet A.
I want to give this restaurant a solid 3.5 stars. It is not quite at a 4star level but maybe if the service was stepped up just a little and the food as well, then we would begood to go. We went there last night, it hink for the second time. We ordered the edamame to start which was excellent and not too salty, in fact had very little salt but still very tasty. Afterwards, I ordered a few rolls (Chesapeake Bay roll, Deluxe Spicy Tuna, and Volcano). deluxe Spicy tuna roll was the best out of all three and then the volcano roll. The chesapeake roll was actually not that great and my least favorite of all. Lastly, we tried the Banana Foster which was unique with the green tea ice reams and their own rendition but still good. I would go there again but probably try some other rolls or maybe order an actual entree.
(3)
Bill J.
We ate there during Bethesda Restaurant Row week. It was mid-week, but busy. We ate outside, which was nice - inside it was very noisy. The food was very good - would give it a solid four stars on food, Sushi was excellent. The service was not. Server was very nice, with a good wine recommendation and a very plesant way about her. There was a delay in the second course, so she eventually gave us one of our orders (the Sushi) which we ate while waiting for the other second course item. We got that, and immediately got our third course orders - Steak and Halibut. We asked that they take back the Steak and Halibut - which they did, and after we finished the 2nd course pasta (a good 10 min) they brought us the third course. Both items were cold and somewhat dry. We mentioned this to the server, who apologized again, but did nothing more. We will likely try it again, but if the service is anything like what we experienced, won't go back again.
(3)
Alina E.
I have visited Raku many times before this last visit. Usually, I partake in their very good, creative sushi (dragon roll is a favorite!). But this time both my boyfriend and I were under the weather and were excited to try their noodle soup to soothe our sore throats. We were not disappointed. We split the $12 udon deluxe Tokyo dashi broth soup. Deluxe means it contains an assortment of protein (beef, chicken and shrimp tempura) in addition to the slightly chewy, slippery udon noodles and various veggies. You can also order it with just beef, just chicken or just shrimp tempura. IT WAS DELICIOUS! The broth was not too oily, the veggies still retained a slight crunch and the meat/seafood was flavorful and a very good quality not often seen in soups. The menu was slightly updated from my too-long-ago last visit with new appetizer options (we tried the ocean roll which was very good and came with a moderately spicy dipping sauce) and new sushi rolls (my brother raved about his Flying Dragon Roll!) and everything we tried was still as delicious as on my previous visits. Besides Jaleo, Raku is definitely the most worthy of repeated visits restaurant on that busy Bethesda street.
(4)
Jed S.
Food is great. They have options for those in your party who aren't into sushi. Specials are always real good and interesting.
(5)
Maria M.
Girls night out is always fun =). This place was filled w/ lots of young professionals kickin' back and having a good time. I liked the fact that us girls can be "loud" without having to worry about other people shushing us. Very casual and bright, with hanging lights and bamboo sticks on the walls. The food wasn't bad at all. We ordered the Red dragon roll which consisted of salmon, eel, avocado, and some spicy sauce. For the appetizer we got mussels. Not bad. Wasn't fishy or anything. So that's always a plus for me. For our main entrees, we got the Tokyo Dashi soup Deluxe which included beef, chicken, and shrimp tempura. Very tasty. I picked egg noddles to go with it while my friend picked buckwheat noodles. Both tasted good and the broth was delicious. Not too salty, and not too bland neither. Plus they give you some kind of seasoning on the side that you can add at your discretion =P. My other friend got more rolls, wasabi roll and fried scallop roll. I didnt get a chance to taste it because I was trying to finish my soup - didn't get to by the way. In any case, this would probably be a 3.5, but our waitress kept coming back to ask if we were done and seemed to get annoyed when we weren't. Grant it, we were there for probably 1.5 hours, but it's not like they were waiting to seat people. I swear she asked us, "Are you done with this?" like 6 or 7 times... geez. Bottom line: good place to get some good quick noodles.
(3)
Debbe M.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! The hostess (Milly I think is her name) is so cute and friendly. She knows me by name! LOVE HER! The food is amazing! I usually get the nigiri sampler and the crunchy spicy scallop roll. My roommate loves the california, crunchy spicy tuna, seabass and volcano rolls. She really loves eating all the ginger as well. The sake is really good! Overall, EXCELLENT food, service and atmosphere! I LOVE SUSHI!!!
(5)
Kim R.
Raku has the best service and food in Bethesda! We have been going there for years and have never been disappointed! They also get 5 stars for catering parties!
(5)
N V.
Went in to see the NCAA tournament and have some sushi and the tv isn't working. It evidently has been broken for 2 weeks. Don't go here if you want to watch basketball and have some sushi. I ended up leaving and going elsewhere.
(1)
Ashira M.
Lunch is a rush-time, dinner's way more relaxed ... like a completely different restaurant, the atmosphere changes so much between one meal and the next -- why, it's like day and night! (Ha ha.) People are nice, place looks really good, and please don't miss the bathroom! De-sign-er. I really like that I can choose either rice or the far more unusual shredded raw white radish as a sushi filling instead. It's neat to have that choice. Tea comes served in a metal pot, which makes it seems somewhat ceremonious and more important, the way it ought to be. I enjoyed my ginger pumpkin soup and so did my friend who ordered the same ... I think it's got to be one of the healthiest places to eat on Woodmont Ave. -- not to say it isn't worth coming in from elsewhere for it!
(5)
Chrissy L.
The food is fabulous which is why it's always jam-packed and the service is subpar. I could eat off of the table next to me if I wanted, that's how close they seat people. I am an enormous fan of the Crunchy Avo-Q Roll, it's to-die for. That's my order every time, 12 rolls of that deliciously crunchy creamy fabulousness. They need to work on space issues though, it was uncomfortable
(4)
Jess A.
I went here last night with my boyfriend. He got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse and I got the Deluxe Bento Box. Both were absolutely amazing. The broth in the bouillabaisse was to die for--good thing they give you a soup spoon to drink the rest with. There was a half lobster and generous portion of other seafoods. The deluxe bento box was incredible, though I asked if it was meant for one or two people and our waitress said one. You could easily split it with two people and get an appetizer or something if you're both super hungry. Everything in the box was beyond amazing: tempura shrimp & veggies, sashimi (so fresh & good), a steak w/ mushrooms and veggies in an awesome brown sauce, a piece of fish in an incredible orange sauce, and a seaweed salad. I ate as much as I could, but was too full to eat everything--I was sad about that haha. Definitely pricey, but if you skip alcohol, not too bad. I'd like to go back to try more of the sushi.
(5)
Alexa B.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. I come here at least once a week and am never disappointed. The tuna tartare is amazing, coconut red curry soup is fantastic, hangar steak lettuce wraps are delicious and my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their bread pudding dessert!! I could lick the plate clean :) some waitresses are better than others but they always seem to make it work.
(5)
Neil B.
Raku has good, reasonably priced food and is attractively decorated. However, if you want consistently good service, Raku is not the place to go. Although they have many pleasant hostesses and servers, the restaurant lacks a strong, guiding hand in management. The other night, I was the first person in the restaurant at 5:00 P.M. The hostess took my order for two soups to takeout. I waited 20 minutes. The chefs had prepared my order immediately, but then put it on a low shelf without letting anyone know that it was ready. They don't have a system to notify the server or bartender who places the takeout order when a meal is ready...A few months ago my server bailed on me. He literally disappeared, later I discovered to do his setup work. I asked to see the manager. The servers refused to get the manager because he was in the stock room and they did not want to disturb him. The hostesses are there to seat people. There is no one there who is trying to guide the restaurant as a whole as one would see in a restaurant with the owner as host. There is no way that the current manager ever had serving experience. Also, they do not have a team approach to serving. If your server is too busy or inattentive, you are out of luck. Try to call the owner of Raku or find out his name. The staff won't give you his name and Google didn't either. How about some accountability, a suggestion box, or an email address? You won't get indigestion from the food at Raku; you will get it from lapses in management.
(2)
Sonya M.
This restaurant has such a great vibe. The food is great and reasonably priced. You'll get great service even if you sit at the bar. The drinks are always well made too. What I really like about this place is their consistency with their food and service. Most nights this restaurant is very busy. But it is easy to grab a seat at the bar if you don't have a reservation. We have tried different items on their menu and they have all been great. Always fresh and tasty. Favorite: Salmon toro, and Fatty Tuna (toro) nagiri.
(4)
Adara N.
A lot of vegetarian roll options and delicious green tea ice cream. Nice atmosphere, too! Sushi was out so fast, but service was just OK.
(4)
Donna Y.
The Pumpkin ginger soup is a must have! It was amazing especially when it was freezing outside :) I ordered the deluxe noodle soup with egg noodles. It came with so much noodles I could hardly finish. The only down side to all the items on the menu was price. The food was tasty but not tasty enough to justify how expensive everything was. The atmosphere is absolutely cute tho.
(3)
Michelle A.
Tasty enough food, but not tasty enough to justify the price. Much better in the Bethesda area for the cost. Rolls were below average in size. Tuna tartare was unexpectedly good. Tea was $3 a cup, booooo. Surprising amount of late teens/early 20's people dropping $35+ a head to eat here, appears a gusher of money was discovered during excavation for that new condo building across the street. Or they're still on their parents' dime, which is statistically more likely. Cut the cord, man.
(2)
Scarlette T.
so. their red coconut curry beckoned me back on this nipply night.... and the perfect accompaniment? fresh and freshly garnished sushi/sashimi. experience is very different and what used to keep me coming back night after night. host (must be the manager, i've seen him around forever) seated me very well, and i had one of two of the greatest servers that raku has ever seen: natalie. smiley, sweet, accurate, gracious and accomodating, i swear she made my food taste better! food was great: fresh items were fresh, neatly presented, flavors also on point. wish the sushi chef read the no ginger/wasabi mod, and wish the soup was hotter: was barely warm. WAS the end of the night, i'm sure they were exhausted and ready to go home but the great reception and awesome natalie who kept us swimming in hot green tea... 4.5 stars! can't wait to come back to perfection next time. keep it up raku!
(4)
Mars F.
Was taken here for lunch by coworkers on my first week of work at my new job. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of coming in with high hopes...and I am Japanese, from Hawaii, and studied abroad in Japan. I had a sashimi bento lunch. The quality of the fish wasn't horrible, but it was just so weird because it was served with Chinese shu mai and a steamed green bean "salad" with CHEESE. CHEESE?! I do not want CHEESE with my SASHIMI. LIke I said, weird. It was crazy loud, too dark inside, and no one was managing the crowd at the door, so we had to squeeze our way out when we were done eating.
(2)
Kyle S.
Food is very good! Edamame is out of this world! The New York Strip is very tender, along with the sauce it comes with. Yum! Would come back to this place any day!
(4)
Blayne R.
So the food was decent, as well as the service. But out of nowhere they say they don't take Discover. There was no visible signage to let anyone know. So when we go to check out they say "we don't take this card". So we have to go out of our way and get cash back on a credit card which has a much higher interest rate. That, and having to travel to the ATM just to pay them. They need to get their stuff together.
(2)
Stephanie W.
This place has always been good. The sushi is fresh and the passion fruit limeade is really yummy. The butterfly prawns are really delicious, too. The service is inconsistent, though. Also the menu has not really changed at all within the last 7 or so years since I started going. Make sure you have a reservation - this place is busy.
(3)
Marci E.
Wow, fantastic dinner enjoyed by all and can't wait to return. I loved my tofu salad, sushi and edamame. My friend raved about her curry, spring rolls and her sister's veggie platter was beautiful.
(5)
Lou K.
Wouldn't consider eating Sushi anywhere else. Ever. Get the same thing every time. Tuna California, wasabi dynamite roll and Maguro nigiri. Pure perfection. Eat in or carry out. Awesome. Go.
(5)
Joseph P.
Loved the red curry soup and the ginger pumpkin. Great service too.
(5)
Supraja M.
Came for a weeknight dinner a few weeks ago with 3 friends. I shared the vegan corn chowder, a veggie sushi assortment, a crunchy avo-q roll, and a veggie futomaki roll with a friend (wow that sounds like tons of food right now). it was all... OK. The chowder was basically corn and bits of potato swimming in water (unseasoned, no creaminess, just.. blah). The sushi rolls were all fine, but I find that veggie sushi is pretty hard to mess up or make spectacular.
(2)
Geraud L.
Spending a few days in Bethesda. Tonight, we stopped at Raku and ordered take aways. Very tasty collection of sushis and sashimis.
(4)
Mariah J.
The sushi is pretty fresh, but rolls are smaller than your average sushi roll. Tables are EXTREMELY close. Service was fast but the seat arrangements spoil the entire experience.
(2)
Tiffany P.
I am absolutely in love with this place. Extremely friendly and attentive wait staff, REALLY great prices, DELICIOUS sushi, and probably some of the best potstickers/dumplings I've ever had. It is definitely my #1 choice for Sushi in Bethesda!
This restaurant is always packed! Make sure you make a reservation! I definitely recommend coming here for lunch! They have great deals for lunch boxes, and sushi is fresh!
(4)
Lynn L.
Love the seaweed tofu salad and the udon noodle soups. Everything here is fresh and delicious. Well worth the price and the crowds. Amongst a lot of half-full restaurants in this area, Raku is always crowded.
(5)
Amanda F.
SERVICE-attentive, prompt and helpful when needed, nothing above and beyond but I don't need overbearing at my sushi joint FOOD-good quality sushi, have yet to try other dishes; good saki and Asian beers but the wine list is okay, I'd go other places for a nice glass of vino ATMOSPHERE-busy, bustling, close proximity to your neighbor and very loud; at 9:00 pm on a Wednesday it's mostly full OVERALLY-a notch above one's typical sushi and will definitely be back
(4)
Alexander K.
4.5 stars This is a solid japanese fusion restaurant where we have never had a bad meal. Items that I recommend are the chilean sea bass, grilled whole bronzino, pan seared Maine lobster (can get messy), deluxe bento box, and deluxe sashimi selection (make sure to request this with sushi rice on the side). However, I always go to the specials insert placed inside the menu. Some of the goodies usually include an enticing entree/appetizer (i.e. live sea urchin or soft shell crab) and a sushi sampler with various cuts of fish that won't be found in your neighborhood sushi spot. One gripe I have though is with the proximity of the neighboring tables, a little too close for comfort in my opinion. Sit at the bar in front of the kitchen, it is interesting watching all the chefs go about their business.
(4)
Rebecca F.
I was very disappointed in Raku. I had called several days in advance to make a reservation for a birthday. When we arrived, they had not saved us a table. We had to wait 20 minutes. I spoke to the manager and she was unapologetic and did not try to fix the problem. Additionally, there was a hair in someone's food. Really Raku? That's embarrassing. 1 star and I will not be returning.
(1)
Craig H.
Had a wonderful teriyaki bento box for lunch at this hoping place. The decor is lovely and done in an oriental motif. The server was pleasant though a little rushed as the lunch hour got going.
(4)
C H.
Dear Raku, Your food is great (for Bethesda), and your servers are sweet and professional. I do have some recommendations for the New Year: 1. It's time to update your interior. The cushions on the booth seats are looking tired and need to be replaced. 2. The menu and cover are also worn and tattered and need to be refreshed. 3. Please don't charge me $2.50 for a bowl of white rice. That is an insult. Thanks and love. P.S.The lemon basil sauce is delish.
(4)
Pegah Y.
Raku sushi is pretty solid! A friend and I visited Raku sushi on a Sunday night. We ordered several different rolls, which were quite filling. I ordered spicy tuna and another roll. The sushi was fresh and the pieces were large. The spices and sauces were also very flavorful and ambrosial. What more can you ask for? The service is pretty good - I appreciated how quickly they re-filled our waters. The place was busy, but we were definitely attended to in a timely manner. The dinner cost a lot, but what else can you expect from sushi? The only reason I give this place a "4" is that I think sushi is better when it's all-you-can-eat since you get a lot more for your money. Still, Raku is great and I would definitely love to eat there again.
(4)
Eunice K.
idk if its cus i had high expectations but nothing stood out had the curry noodle thing which is HUGEEEEE! but it was just alright ordered some sushi and that too was just alright
(3)
Steven W.
If you want a little taste of Asian fusion cooking with the feeling of being in NYC...skip the Vamoose and make a reservation to Raku...You won't be disappointed! Any place that reminds me of being in the west village of NYC gets an extra star and Raku pulls that off...tight quarters, great decor, bustling, high energy, people waiting (jammed in the entrance--make a reservation), cold air rushing through every time the door opens, a busy bar, and perfectly executed cooking...some may like that, others may hate it. You either get it or you don't. Some of you may tell me to put down the bottle...but how the names of Chefs Homma & Ballogdajan aren't mentioned with the likes of Matsuhisa, Morimoto and Vongerichten is beyond me...Raku is pumping out 1st Class Asian Fusion cooking! It's all about flavor...and the combinations and vibrancy in the flavors at Raku shine through. The Pumpkin Ginger soup was sweet with just enough savory...The sea bass was cooked to perfection in an amazing tomato, ginger, miso sauce that you never wanted to finish. The tuna tataki pizza was crispy thin crust, shaved tuna, cheese and a chili sauce that worked like you wouldn't believe. Sushi was on point, wine and service was good enough...you get the idea... I've eaten here many times over the years, but dinner a few weeks ago (for the first time in a long while), really reminded me of why I love this place.
(5)
Jacinda T.
I called for a dinner reservation for 3 a day beforehand, just in case there was a crowd. It was a beautifully warm day in March, so the patio area was open; probably why there wasn't a wait that night. We were seated right away and ordered our drinks shortly afterwards. I ordered one of the cocktail specials they had for March Madness, but it ended up being wayyy to strong for me. I just set it to the side, not wanting to be rude and send it back, and kind of hoping someone else would drink it for me. Surprisingly, the nice waitress noticed that I hadn't touched my drink when we were almost half way through our meal, and offered to get me a different one with no charge for the original. I opted for a beer, since those are neutral territory. I was really impressed that she would even offer, and even happier that she really didn't charge for the first drink. We ordered a few dishes and just shared them all, family style. The pumpkin soup was pretty tasty (I'm a really a big fan of the whole squash family, so I may be biased), just a bit weird to find at a Japanese place. The dragon, raku, wasabi dynamite and volcano rolls were all pretty OK. nothing great, but good. All in all, Raku's a very "modernized," but not a bad place to eat if you're around the area. (btw, we were the only asian people in the whole restaurant, not counting the people who worked there. i think that says something in itself...)
(3)
Alicia G.
PUMPKIN ALERT: pumpkin-ginger soup tweetphoto.com/djyjatzs - it's a must-have. Piping hot, creamy, pumkiny, gingery soup topped with croutons and pumpkin seeds. I much prefer coming here for lunch rather than dinner. Their lunch specials never let me down- between the soft-shell crab tempura bento box to the katsu curry - there's always something amazing on the menu. Even just their regular bento boxes make me happy. And their unsweetened peach iced tea. HUGE fan.
(5)
Josh S.
Great food good service the only issue was our red wine was served to us way to warm. The waitress put it on ice for us and was wonderful
(4)
Abegail A.
I've been dying to try this place out since (a) I love sushi (b) it has so many great reviews. Came here on a Saturday night for dinner. It was so nice outside that the wait to sit outdoors was somewhat long, but they had seating for two right away inside. We opted to sit inside since we were hungry. Started off with the Yellowtail Sashimi first flavor that came with sesame wasabi ponzu sauce and red onion-cilantro salad ($12.50). Yum yum yum! The sashimi melted in my mouth! I generally do not like sashimi (I prefer nigiri), but this was tasty! Fresh and just delicious! For our main course we had the Coconut Red Curry Noodle Soup with egg noodles and beef ($11), the Philly roll ($7), and the Deluxe Spicy Tuna ($10). More yummy-ness! The rolls had fresh fish and vegetables, cut evenly...they were delicious! The curry noodle soup was pretty good, but I was hoping for more spice to it. The beef was pretty tasty, and the soup itself was huge. Definitely enough for two people to share, or for two meals. Our waitress was rather attentive and the restaurant is nicely decorated and is inviting. I now see why people love this place. I'd definitely go back, but I think next time I'll stick with the sushi!
(4)
Joel S.
We ate here today with Henya and Yuval after meeting them while walking along the crescent trail. It was a gorgeous spring day after a long, snowy summer, so we decided to end with a lunch in Raku. I ordered pumpkin ginger soup, which was exceptionally good, and a bento box, which was very good. When we wanted to order dessert, we were told the restaurant was closed.too bad.
(4)
Ann H.
I'm a big fan of Raku (both the Bethesda and Dupont locations). I have never been disappointed in the food. The flavors are always good. The kind of food they do could easily veer off into oversalted territory, but they keep it in check. If they are offering the tuna flatbread when you go, get it. Where they occasionally trip up is service. It's always friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. Usually, I chalk it up to the fact that they're always super-busy. A reliably tasty bite to eat when you're in Bethesda or Dupont.
(4)
Rachel P.
It is so hard to find sushi anywhere as good as Raku's! Trust me, I have been searching. Their menu is such a perfect fusion balance. I go for the sushi, but love the dumplings and other appetizers as well. The Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll is my all time favorite. And I love how the rolls here aren't too big. They are the perfect size and fish to sauce to rice ratio. Everything is fresh and the service is pleasant. I've been eating here for years and have never found a place that compares as far as well rounded with delicious cooked food and fresh sushi.
(5)
Alicia B.
I love Japanese food and find that Raku offers a great variety for all tastes. It is also a very healthy choice.
(4)
Mathewe B.
The food was amazing! I suggest getting their soft shell crab starter, and their sushi is subtle but sublime, especially their toro. Had great service, will definitely be coming here again soon! Even though the reviews might be lower than most would claim try-worthy, you should definitely give this place a chance.
(5)
Natasha S.
My partner and I decided to return here, because I had really wanted to try the Red Curry Noodle Soup that everyone ordered during our last visit. Good thing I did, I was pleased! Mind you this is not an authentic Asian place, but definitely a great Asian Fusion kind of place. I really like the Tuna Tar Tar here, and I thought my soup was excellent. The broth was super tasty, and the bowl had a generous amount of Seafood and Veggies! Mmm! I ordered it with the Yellow Egg Noodles, which I thought were decent. Not the best noodles, but pretty good. My partner ordered sushi again, and everything she had was very fresh. I thought the fish selection was delicious here. I don't know about the special rolls, but just the basic Sashimi, Nigiri and basic Maki Rolls are good here. The service is A-OK. They weren't extremely busy, but pretty steady yet very hard to get the attention of. After struggling to get the server's attention the first couple times, she made an effort to pay attention to us more which was fine. I definitely would come back for the soup and sushi!
(4)
Angela H.
Right after my first visit, I wanted to come back already. After eating here twice, I made up my mind about it. Both times I arrived shortly after nine on a weekday and both times it seemed pretty lively. Someone recommended the coconut red curry with noodles which was good enough for me to order during my second visit as well. My friend asked for rice instead of noodles for the curry which they do. Sushi: we ordered spicy tuna deluxe and red dragon sushi, both were ok-good - a good Asian-fusion sushi fix but probably not the best quality. Sake, on the other hand, was a perfect touch to the rest of the spicy (not too spicy) meal. I'm not sure how the restaurant compares to others in it's surrounding area but in my opinion, a solid 4. The food is decent and environment is nice, there's outside seating when it's nice out, but after coming twice, I don't think I would frequent often or go out of my way to come. Street parking can be a little difficult also.
(4)
Toby R.
In order to have the best sushi in Bethesda, you must make a valiant effort. Thankfully, Raku stepped up to the challenge. Service is fantastic. The menu is extremely awesome with a wide selection of sushi. We tried the tuna spareribs. It was interesting and also delicious. As for the sushi itself, it's nothing short of mouth-watering. They have great rolls, sauces and soups. If you are a Bethesda-ite, this is your best bet for sushi.
(4)
Theresa S.
I wouldn't be able to speak to the food because I called for take out, and when I tried to ask a question about a menu item, I was put on hold with a irritated tone from the person that answered the phone. So sorry to bother you, Raku -- I'll take my business elsewhere thank you.
(1)
Valarie G.
Great sushi and drinks. I was really impressed with the quality and variety of the sushi here, and the appetizers were very good. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed though and they were very busy. They could probably use a few more servers.
(4)
Jen F.
I just can't stay away from Raku. It is now my favorite restaurant in Bethesda (next to Jaleo). The bento boxes are a popular item here so I had to try the chicken teriyaki. It was good but A LOT of food. You can expect some leftovers. Personally, I believe the noodle soups are the way to go. You get a choice of meat (or tofu with veggies) and noodle (egg, udon or soba). Egg noodles are my personal favorite. They have a regular chicken based broth soup and the red coconut curry soup. Both are great but I LOVE the red coconut curry soup with tofu and veggies. I give it 5 stars. AND the soups come with a little salad. The ginger dressing on the salad is amazing- best ginger dressing I've ever had. You will leave full and satisfied for $7.50.
(5)
Kristina M.
Great spot for sushi in Bethesda. it's always crowded so make a reservation if you are on a time limit. It's also very loud inside but the outdoor seating is nice. I always get the crunchy spicy tuna and the red dragon roll. Both are pretty good. They also have a really yummy kale salad as a special a lot of the times. Maybe not the best sushi in the world, but I enjoy it.
(4)
Mark S.
I took my wife here for her birthday. We tried the sushi and split a curry noodle soup bowl. The portion for the noodle soup was huge and VERY delicious! We also ordered something else.. but I forgot. I'm guessing it wasn't that great since it wasn't memorable. The sushi was fresh and delicious.. but that curry noodle soup tasted yummmmmy! I would go back there just to get another bowl of the noodle soup! Delicious!
(4)
Kyi H.
Awful.. 1. Service 2. Attitude 3. Unwrapped chopsticks 4. Taste Not recommended at all..
(1)
Davita K.
I'm new to the Bethesda area, but every once in a while I treat myself to some of their udon. It never fails to cheer me up. The broth is delicious and the noodles are cooked just right.
(4)
Rachel M.
I live in the area so this makes Raku a no-brainer. The sushi is fantastic but a bit expensive (on par with the area). The deluxe spicy tuna is always my go to. The coconut red curry noodles are the best thing on the menu. You get a huge bowl (I always have left-overs) and it's the perfect dish for a cold day. The down-side is that it can get really busy on the weekend and there is no room to wait for a table. Overall if you're in Bethesda and looking for sushi-this is the best bet.
(4)
Louis B.
Its a decent sushi place but not the best ever. However, you will certainly pay as if it's the best ever. $$$$$$ Just about everything is at premium prices here. Just not worth it when there are the same type of places down the street and around the corner. Typical Bethesda restaurant with inflated prices. Good for people watching.
(2)
Sarah J M.
Meet has been warm, not as fresh (stay away from the dumplings and the shrimp Spring rolls - fishy), and the restaurant is it loud and crowded! Many times of packed with families and the restaurant is loud without crying and screaming children! People can't seem to help themselves from overhearing your conversations. I feel so uncomfortable sometimes I either stop talking or try talking in code. How's that for dinner conversation? Same vice versa, you can't help but hear everything about your neighbors and their lives! Like you don't have enough to deal with - not to mention when my hubby and I dine just the two of us - they pack us on those tables of two like sardines. My husband is a tall and fairly big man at 6'2" and about 260 lbs that's a difficult feat in itself just fitting in between the tables! Not to mention we will have just waited anywhere from 30-45 minutes for that tiny table! Service is terrible, and we constantly have to flag our waiter /waitress - in fact we put our whole order in as soon as we are seated to avoid having to hunt down our waiter/ waitresses. At times I can't even get my sodas refilled! All in all if this particular sushi restaurant wasn't in downtown Bethesda Proper it would have been out of business a long time ago! Just telling it like it is. Cheers!
(2)
Kiranj P.
VERDICT - To be honest, skip it. PROS: Portion Size (unless you get sushi), Trendy Ambiance (could be a con, slightly overcrowded and extremely loud) CONS: Portion Size (if you get sushi), Service is hit or miss (was fantastic at lunch, couldn't have been worse at dinner), Value - sorely overpriced for what you get TBD: Food is hit or miss - need to be careful with what you're ordering here as some of the items lack flavor and sometimes freshness REVIEW: My wife and I recently moved to the area and wanted to come here due to the great reviews and the fact that it was always crowded. I wasn't thoroughly impressed the first time we went (lunch) but my initial thoughts were confirmed when we returned for dinner. The hostess and waiting area were disorganized and over crowded. After getting seated over 30 minutes later, we were waited on by a server who didn't take our drink order for almost 15 min after we sat down and failed to check up on us until I flagged her down for the check (the food was delivered by other servers). Food itself was hit or miss, my wife is vegetarian and she loved the seaweed salad and the spicy avo-q roll. I had mixed feelings about my food though, I started with the ocean spring roll and felt it lacked flavor and was a bit too oily (even for a spring roll) and got the red dragon roll (the one with serrano pepper) as my entree. The red dragon was seriously disappointing as it was completely bland and had no heat from either the spicy tuna or the serrano peppers. The fish quality was so-so as well. To be honest, I did enjoy the soba noodles with chicken in the tokyo dashi broth when i had it for lunch...but dinner didn't impress me too much. Overall, I don't see what all the hype about this place is. The food wasn't bad but I've had better quality sushi for much less.
(2)
Hollie L.
Decent lunch box for great price. Dinner is overpriced but it's Bethesda. The guy at the front could be really standoffish but
(4)
Tu-van L.
Great appetizers, mediocre entrees, meh desserts. Appetizers and enjoyable outdoor seating only thing pulling this review up to three stars. From our three-course meal the appetizers were the star of the meal. My Korean galbi ssam was flavorful and tender meat though sloppy to eat with the lettuce wrap (though this is my first time eating ssam - it's supposed to be sloppy, no?). The husband's grilled octopus salad was delicious with perfectly grilled, tender octopus. The husband was satifsfied with his sashimi platter, and the chef did a good job making substitutions for some fish he didn't care for. My roasted duck was tasty but the dish was plagued like a lot of restaurants where they put too much jus/gravy/sauce on the plate to drown out whatever good flavors were there in the first place. Desserts were tasty yet not too memorable. Mixed drinks were well made, though the sake flights were not worth the effort. The tasting didn't have the brews listed in the menu, and they had more of a kick to them for what you pay for. Ambiance can be loud on he inside but if you get an outdoor seating spot it's for the most part quieter and better for people/car watching. Service was alright. The waitress was SLOW in bringing our stuff and was absent for most of our meal. It look longer than normal to get each course. Not a bad deal for trying out this place during Bethesda Row Restaurant week earlier in the spring. Nevertheless I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here.
(3)
Sarah N.
Seriously? Yelp failed me this time. Girls night out was planned for this location when we saw all the great reviews. I'll keep it short and simple: 1) Make a reservation but know it's not guaranteed =) For the volume of guest traffic, they need to place brighter people at their host stand. How come we had to wait 20 minutes for a table when we had a reservation? How come you don't keep your promise of holding the table for us if I called in saying we would be 5 minutes late? And when the first 4 seater opened up, it went to a group who came in after us? Listen to me when I call. Use your noodle a bit when seating people. 2) You call this sushi?? Sushi rolls were fugly looking. The presentation was...wait, there was none. They rice did not cover the nori. They did not tighten the rolls because there were plenty of gap inside the roll. The cut was messy making the edges jagged and each piece uneven. Not just sushi chef, but all chefs who give a poop about their dish will put in effort to make it look presentable. The rice was falling apart just by being dipped in the soy sauce. Rolls were small and the taste was mediocre. 3) Everything else Tuna tartare was delicious but with three pieces of bread how can you scoop the entire chunk?? Here is where they try to upsell you with $1 for more bread. We ordered house sake to help down the sushi. I'm not a sake expert, but I noticed it lacked flavor from every other hot sake I've had. 4) Service Our waitress was friendly and helpful. However, service starts from the moment you pick up the phone and walk in the door. I would not come back here. Raku is not worth the hassle of Bethesda parking and long wait.
(2)
Melissa H.
Not many entrees on the menu, so we ordered appetizers, small plates, and sushi rolls. The duck small plate was ok but more of a sample than what we would call a "small plate." The ginger- pumpkin soup was outstanding though! So good I almost bought some to go... :) The chicken and pork dumplings were delish as well! Our rolls were good, but Ive seen the rolls elsewhere where they looked much more appealing. They did taste good though! Our waitress was busy, but checked in on our table occasionally.
(3)
Fenny L.
I was all prepared to be hatin' on this place. Yes, I'm a judgmental snob, but everyone has their foodie pet peeve. For some, it's anything that is non-organic or non-local. For others it's the plating. For me, it's a absolute disdain for fusion restaurants. There are many things wrong with fusion restaurants in my book. For starters, stick to a cuisine and GET IT RIGHT rather then slam together two incompatible flavors and pray that it'll be hip enough to catch on. Secondly, if I wanted schizophrenic food, one of the voices in my head can go ahead and cook it. Finally, most fusion restaurants draw pretentious hipsters and yuppies like racoons to a trashcan. While I still hate everything there is about fusion restaurants, Raku-An is a perfect example of how "fusion" can be done right. Although it's Asian Fusion, the foods are predominately Japanese, with slight "twists". The flavors are powerful, yet complementary. A great example of this, is their Plum Wine Sangria. I admit to being skeptical, however, it was fantastic and a great concept! I highly recommend the Seoul Train roll for those who enjoy kimchi (it is without a doubt, my husband and my favorite roll here!) - just enough kimchi flavor to be "yum", but not enough for your date to run screaming when you lean in for that kiss later. The seaweed salad is a mixture of the traditional seaweed salad, tossed with greens, cucumbers and a slight drizzle of carrot ginger dressing. I looked at it askance when it first arrived, but the flavors really blended well together and was quite enjoyable. The tuna tartar is magnificent, light and refreshing with a very light touch on the sauce and seasonings, so that the natural sweetness of tuna came through. I've been here twice, and both times I was so busy with shoveling food into my mouth, that I didn't have time to go off on my rant about why fusion restaurants will be the downfall of society. Also unlike many fusion restaurants, the service here has been impeccable. The first time we came, it was an hour before closing, but the server took as much time with us as if we were the first diners that he had all night. The second time, the weather was great, and we were seated outside. Although it was a beautiful and busy Saturday evening, and the table next to us were a pair of ladies who were vegetarian/vegans, but wanted to order off the Bethesda Restaurant Week menu (insert eyeroll here), our waiter was unfailingly polite, prompt and checked up on us often. I overheard some of his conversation with the table next to us, and he was wonderful at helping them come up with alternates and solutions (not that the two ladies seem to appreciate it). My only real complaint about the service is about the hostesses. The first time we came, the hostess couldn't seem to make up her mind if she was going to seat us or not (admittedly, it was an hour before closing, so I can understand her dilemma). The second time we came, it was on a Saturday, and we wanted to sit outside, and were told that the wait would be 30 minutes, but to check back in with her after 20. When I checked in with her at the 20 minute mark, she told me that tables were being cleared off now, and just please wait. We watched as 3 tables were cleared off...which she promptly gave away to other diners. I went to check in with her again, and she seemed completely confused as to why we weren't seated, and promised that the very next table would be ours. However, when 5 minutes later, a table was cleared off, she again gave it away to someone else. At this point, both my husband and I were getting upset. Another table opened up, and we approached the hostess. The other hostess (seemed like she was in training) was about to give away that table as well, when the hostess that we had been talking to, tells her to seat us. The second hostess begins to argue with the first hostess, but fortunately the first hostess insisted that it was our turn. Very confusing and not very organized it seems. However, despite the fact that the hostess stand is a hot mess, and the this is a fusion restaurant, I have come to love Raku-An and highly recommend it for dates or group outings. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside - believe it or not, it's quieter then inside.
(4)
Henry M.
When I'd missed the Yelp cigar event in Bethesda, I shoulda just gone home disappointed instead of rolling the dice. I'd been to the old Raku in Bethesda, and I'd never been impressed, but this was obviously a different place... The good news is that I won't make the mistake of walking in to Raku with friends on a night out in Bethesda. The bad news was the food and the staff. I had no problem getting a seat at the sushi-bar, and my order was taken quickly enough, and my food arrived quickly... perhaps too quickly. I've eaten in Korean restaurants where none of the staff smiled, but this is Bethesda, and it's not that kind of place, and I just don't like to eat in a place where the staff looks like they're in pain. Then there's the food. I'm glad that I didn't order much, and so far I'm okay, but I like the sushi in Federal government cafeterias better than what I had tonight. I love ankimo, and I always order it when I see it on a menu, but I didn't know that it could be prepared in such apparently mass-produced blocks as to resemble a mild, not very soft liverwurst. That slight firmness would have been better in the yellowtail roll, which felt like the fish had been through the bass-o-matic. I'm also a big uni fan, but the uni tasted like some sort of beginner uni-light, i.e. none of the low-tide sweetness that good sea urchin can have. I've rarely spent so much on a meal that I found, in spite of low expectations, so disappointing. Will I return to Raku to check out other dishes? I won't?
(2)
O P.
Lunch was good but the waiter really did not want to work, and in order for us to understand it, just let all the miso soup and the soja sauce on my wife. When asked if he will reimburse the dry cleaning, not feeling concerned, he just said "yeah bring me the receipt".
(1)
Sarah H.
The whole japanese fusion just makes the restaurant sound more fancy but i didn't think the food was indulging. The egg rolls were very unique.. never seen it come with that special orange & green sauce at any restaurant. They are worth trying. My shrimp crunch roll was so below average. Is that because it wasn't a "specialty" roll? The bento box doesn't come with rice. That is the strangest thing. I don't care how fffffff-ing fusion you are, I need my damn rice. The ribeye in the box was pretty dry & chewy too. The service was paranoying.. is that a word? No I guess not because I have the red dotted lines under the word right now. You will see a person who I guess is the manager because she's dressed differently from the others. She stands with the servers and tells them to check up on this table & that table with her pointy finger. I see the server running to the table asking the most general question, "Is everything okay?" The lady gets me paranoid.
(2)
Justin S.
Creative menu, fresh selection. Can be a little cramped inside. Overall my favorite in Bethesda.
(4)
Lissa B.
Raku is one of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda. I think it's best for lunch as there is such a huge difference in the price for dinner. Also, the lunch bento boxes are amazing and far better in my opinion than the dinner entrees. The Chicken & Pork Dumplings are the best dumplings I've had in the US (only rivaled by Ippudo's bite sized dumplings in Tokyo). The pineapple flavored sauce is simply incredible and the dumplings are cooked to perfection. I can't go to Raku without ordering them. I believe the best bento box is the Beef Tenderloin Tataki Bento. It is a great combination of mashed potatos and steak with the Asian fusion. The steak is quality and always cooked perfectly. Something funny is that the Dupont location doesn't have this bento on the menu, which is definitely a shame.
(4)
Ken L.
This is a really good Japanese restaurant in the heart of Bethesda. The food is pretty pricey but you'd expect that if you're grabbing dinner in Bethesda. The food is really good but I wouldn't say its unique in any way. I really enjoy the curry tonkatsu that they ONLY serve during lunchtime. It's a good place to take a date but it does get quite crowded sometimes. Get Natalie if you can, she's a great waitress!
(4)
Mark E.
Food and service not longer justify the outrageous prices, unless you're trying to impress someone by going to a fancy sushi place/Japanese restaurant
(2)
Deejai B.
HIGHLY-westernized Japanese food at a solid value, especially for Bethesda! Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon with some friends. I ordered a glass of wine (yes, that's how we roll, no pun intended) and an unagi (eel) bento box. My friends also got bento boxes, one veggie and one got salmon. All of them came with miso soup, green salad, some variety of sushi roll, rice, tempura, and the main course. Mine was delicious and at $12 or so, a real bargain! FYI, Their warm mushroom salad, though it completely tastes Italian rather than Japanese (witness the Parmesan shavings) was surprisingly delicious - truly a must try. The service was fine and the place is nice enough for a quick meal, though it's a bit on the cozy side from what I could tell (we were seated near the bathroom unfortunately). All in all, a solid choice if you happen to find yourself hungry in Bethesda.
(4)
Allie I.
I love this place! The sushi is very good, however I wish the portions were a little bigger. The coconut red curry soup is outstanding! I highly recommend sharing with one or even two other people because this oversized soup bowl is nearly impossible to finish. Lots of variety of sushi and an authentic atmosphere. Definitely make reservations!
(4)
John Z.
Had the Sashimi bento box. $14 for miso soup, salad, portobello mushroom green bean salad, mini wontons(?), california roll, tuna, salmon, and yellow tail sashimi. A lot of quality food for a reasonable price.
(4)
Peter Y.
This place is one of my favorite places in Bethesda to eat. It has great food, and the service is excellent. I would recommend making a reservation because most evenings it gets pretty packed. Overall, I would recommend the sushi and dumpling appetizer, they are both on point.
(5)
Bill S.
Raku has its pluses and minuses. Its packed tight and congested. The food is good and some of their dishes are very good, some are so so. We wen Saturday night, restaurant week special. We had no reservations, where told a half hour wait, went next door to the Mussel bar and had a beer, came back in about half an hour and where seated in five minutes. I had a grilled shrimp salad, very good, a schist (six pieces) sampler, also very good ordered a soft shell road as an extra, not very good, it had little flavor and was soggy. For the main course I had a "stake in some special sauce. I asked for medium well, it was under-cooked but OK. I should have sent it back but service was a little slow. Phyllis got the Banzini which is her favorite. She said it used to be better. All in all Raku is Raku. I rather go to a less pretentious sushi joint, especially for the price. Its OK but I think overrated.
(3)
Natalie F.
Came here last week for a birthday dinner. I thought it was OK. The food was good, service was OK. I felt kind of rushed though. I don't feel the need to come back. Not sure what all the hype is about. I'd rather go to Spring Garden on 16th street.
(3)
Larissa M.
Raku is excellent, and I eat here every time I am in the area. They are consistent in their food and great service. They're also fast. If you ever sit at the sushi bar, you can see why they are fast. They are super organized and clean back there in the kitchen and know exactly what they're doing. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the cooked food is outstanding too and very unique. There's often a fusion of Asian and Western flavors and ingredients. I love trying new things on the menu, and it's always a safe bet that I'm going to have great food at Raku. I've heard of some people not liking how loud it can get there, but I actually really like how lively it is. There's a great energy, and you can tell that people love eating at Raku!
(5)
Melanie F.
It's always a packed, chaotic mess of a tiny restaurant. Their sushi is...ok. But it's their great big curry udon noodle soups that keep me coming back. I like their chicken napa salad for an appetizer. Get the bread pudding for dessert, too. They close from 3-5 which is annoying.
(4)
Terry S.
I adore Raku! There is nothing on this menu that isn't inventive, beautifully presented and like anything you have tasted, much less cooked. Must tries: the Tuna Tartare, Ginger Pumpkin Soup, The Duck entree (melts in your mouth like filet mignon, but better...and the sushi for sushi lovers. Make reservations or you will wait a very long time for a table. Bethesda location kitchen is much better than the Dupont kitchen.
(5)
Christi D.
Sea bass, dragon roll, generally everything is delicious here. I think the prices are little bit much for some of its entrees, especially for dinner. The Raku in Dupont doesn't even compare to this one. However, get a BENTO BOX for lunch and it will be on of the best deals you'll ever have for lunch. Between $10-$13 for fish, meat, or vegetable bento boxes gets you A LOT of variety: your main protein of choice, sushi (just california rolls or something else plain), seaweed salad, shu mai (no idea how to spell this), portabella mushroom / green bean / wanton strip salad with parmesan cheese, and soup. My bento box - I usually get the rib eye or salmon bento box. I don't really like soup so I substitute my soup for additional salad (this salad is just their house salad though) . I also like to upgrade my bento box sushi to the dragon roll, which I think is between a $2 and $3 additional cost to your meal.
(5)
Naomi U.
The decor is Asian modern with big chopsticks and fans hanging from the ceiling. It's too cramped to have a big group but I would recommend it for a casual date night. The sushi is definitely not on the skimpy side. They had an interesting combination of ginger, apple, and mackerel but I think they stopped making that. Another favorite was the wasabi dynamite roll and the red dragon roll. Main entrees are delicious and not a disappointment. My favorite would have to be the Chilean sea bass. The steaks are delicious as well but a must try would be the coconut curry noodle soup with udon! Minus one star because the bill tends to be a bit on the hefty side (for two people: 2 entrees, and 2 rolls = about $60 not including tip)
(4)
Amani A.
Service was terrible it took 25 mins just I get water.. Then another 30 mins to get our edamame then finally another 30 mins just for our sushi.. The sushi was nothin special in fact nothing was really great about this place I think I'll stick to Hanaro or Sushi Damo next time
(1)
Kate S.
I think I did this all wrong. Went for dinner here on a warm-ish summer night and ordered the Red Curry Noodle Soup with chicken. I can only describe it as... gross? The noodles were as big as a baby's arm and mushy. The soup had a flavor like air mixed with water and elevator music. The portion was, seriously, offensive. Could've served five people easily. Maybe something for a server to mention when one person orders it? The place was packed, so I'll cut the spotty service some slack. I've heard good things about the sushi, so maybe I'll be back to give it a try. But probably not.
(2)
Tommy M.
My friend Olivia calls it CRAKU - True Story! Today, and I'm not sorry to admit, was my THIRD time there in the last 96 hours. Mmmm Crunchy Shrimp Roll is made of the things dreams are made of! NOT good for 'private chats' they do pack you in like canned fish!
(4)
Simeen A.
I have been here close to 10 times and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I do think the restaurant is cramped and gets crazy crowded-- make a reservation, especially on the weekend. Also it's pretty loud, so if you're looking for quiet and intimate, move along. As far as the food goes, I have had almost all the rolls (my favorites are the Mt Fuji, What a Match, and Crunchy Spicy Tuna). I also love the tuna tartare. The red curry noodle bowl is amazing-- it is HUGE and so tasty. I get mine with tofu and veggies and it's filling and flavorful. The service can be spotty-- sometimes the waiter is on point, other times I'm trying to flag someone down for 20 minutes for a glass of water. Overall, though, I like it a lot and have brought friends here (locals and out-of-towners) on several occasions. **This review is only for Raku in Bethesda. I went to the one in Dupont once and thought it wasn't very good so I stick to Bethesda.
(4)
Steph S.
I love raku. Their noodle bowl is so delicious and the sushi is good too.
(5)
Grand Y.
I had plans to meet two friends at 8, despite the Yelp warnings of a long wait. At 8.45, after 2 trips to the bar, we were seated and starving. We split a curry soup with udon noodles and both chicken and tofu, and got two rolls - a crunchy spicy tuna and some sort of a dragon roll. The soup was huge and amazing. They split it into two bowls, and we were scared they actually brought out two orders (huge! huge!). I thought the sushi was great, especially the spicy crunchy tuna roll. I don't like fried anything, but they put just the right amount of flakes in to give a crunch, without turning it into a oily mess. I generally will not order anything that isn't chocolate off the dessert list, but everyone in the restaurant was eating the croissant pudding. We had to try it for ourselves. It was delicious - moist, full of raisins, covered in a sort of crème anglaise, and a side of french vanilla ice cream. I'm not sure I'd make the trek up to Bethesda often. The Dupont location has great patio seating in the summer, and the soups there are just as good. It's hard to find value in DC. I think this place has it down.
(5)
Deborah B.
Decent lunch prices, very crowded at Lunch. I had the sashini Bento Box, nice presentation, good amount of food for $13. Go early as the line was out the door by 12:15pm. Small sushi bar, 1st come 1st served, seems to rotate out every 30 minutes or so. Fish was fresh, miso was hot and service had a smile.
(4)
Dak F.
This is the only sushi place in Maryland that is worth the money. All the sushi is executed beautifully. The entrees are excellent. I'm a big fan of the dashi broth soup and the coconut curry soup. Service is excellent. The only thing preventing the elusive "fifth star" is that seating is too cramped here. I don't like eating with strangers. Stranger Danger!
(4)
Alicia C.
I visited Raku again tonight and decided it deserved another star. I got the coconut curry soup this time... mmm delicious!. It did get a bit messy though with the udon noodles (but our server quickly brought over a fork for me to alleviate some of my troubles)... but it was SO worth it! It was the perfect blend of sweet and spiciness. My friend got the healthy tofu salad which she said was good but a bit over-drenched in dressing. We also split the calamari to start. It came with 2 dipping sauces, horseradish cocktail and cilantro-cucumber... I thought the cilantro cucumber was OK but the horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing with just the right kick. I only finished half my soup but left very full and satisfied (and the even boxed the rest so I have lunch for tomorrow!). I didn't have the same feeling of being rushed out the door that I did my last time here, but that may have to do with it being a Tuesday night instead of the weekend. We were pretty close to the table next to us (nearly elbow to elbow), but that didn't seem to be too much of a problem. But all in all, service was great and our food came out fast. All I know is, I left happy and I'll be back!
(4)
Nami W.
We went there on a cold Sunday evening, boy, the place was packed! Luckily we got the last table so that no waiting needed. Tried their well-known sushi and Five Spiced Duck Breast. I must say that is the best duck I've ever had in DC area, or on the East coast. The meat is so tender and tasty, even the presentation was nice, too. I was very impressed. Sushi is also great. Very fresh. Will definitely come back again. I want to try the Pumpkin-Ginger soup next time.
(5)
Dave B.
This place is great! I have been going to their establishment for close to a decade and pretty much on a monthly basis. The staff is very friendly and will kindly offer suggestions if you are hesitant or unsure of flavor combinations. This is a pretty popular place in Bethesda so if you are trying to get in for a dinner on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to wait-a wait that will be well worth your while. Outdoor seating in the summer is the place for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. If seats are available at the bar-go for it-could cut your wait in half. Plus it is always enjoyable to see the action of the kitchen. For appetizers, when available, their mushroom soup provides you with a pretty amazing start-could be a meal in itself. A daily menu soup item that has been perfected beyond belief is the pumpkin ginger soup. Great flavors and perfect for a cold winter night or a hot summer lunch. My constantly ordered items that fill my plate are their golden and red dragon rolls, volcano rolls, and the wasabi dynamite rolls-absolutely incredible! Enjoy!
(5)
Paul H.
The udon soup with red coconut curry is as good as it gets! I think most of Bethesda Row restaurants are overpriced, but I love that I can get an awesome entree for mere $12 or so. The only bad part is the wait. If you are not there when it opens in the evening, you may be waiting awhile. The service is pretty good once you get a table. Sushi and rolls are okay - some interesting rolls, but nothing to write home about.
(4)
Lennie S.
I love this place. You get a taste of different Asian dishes. I especially love the Seafood Coconut Curry Soup with whole wheat udon noodles! It has a lot of flavor, it's spicy, and has lots of seafood - shrimp, calamari, and mussels! Try their sushi menu as well. Their assortments are excellent! Nice area, too. It's located in Bethesda Row so it can get crowded especially on Friday evenings, but you can usually get a seat either at the bar, or if you time it correctly. Get there around 5pm or a little after 8pm to avoid long waits. P.S. :) I just tasted one of their desserts for the first time last Friday and it was so delicious! I never thought I would ever order Poached Pear with Caramel sauce, but I'm glad I did!!!
(5)
Dan B.
Never had a bad meal here. This place is awesome, food and prices. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't so hard to get a table at. Service is always speedy and attentive. I would recommend the volcano roll!
(4)
Tom D.
3.5 stars I have been here a few times for lunch in the last month. Each time I have had the sushi -- and it has been ranged from very good to excellent. It is one of the better lunch options in Bethesda -- and certainly one of the best on the main strip. I do like their warm noodle soups, not a big fan of the cold noodle soups. While there might be some misses, I think their sushi might be the best in Bethesda. Though it does not compete with Sushi Taro and Sakana in DC.
(3)
IH K.
This has been my study break stop for quite some time now. Since I typically want something predictable and filling during these fly-by meals, I've narrowed myself down to a pretty standard order: "Thai noodle soup with egg noodles and a crunchy spicy tuna roll (or soft shell crab roll) please! Thank you!" If you're like me and don't want to brave the ridiculous lines to eat on site, they do a pretty good carry-out. By the time I call in my order and make the 5 minute drive/park/walk to the restaurant - my order is waiting for me. If you're determined to have a sit-down meal, the wait line moves quicker than most restaurants in Bethesda - if that counts for anything.
(4)
Ken K.
Good sushi! I was surprised by "unexpected" in good way...my friend and I visited this place as we had a business nearby. I did not have good expectation...but after all, it was nice surprise in a good way. Sushi order for one person was not quite good amount for me...and after ordering more individual pieces, price was...of course high. Tuna was OK, not great; Hamachi, Salmon were good; Hokki was very negative; Ika was not so good...Cali Rolls were OK; Uni was not good. Atmosphere was...hmmm, Asian Fusion type...noisy enough. I will try one more time upon next visit.
(3)
KanKan Y.
I used to eat here a couple days out of the week a couple years back since I worked really close. It was great. The food was good but pricey (It's Bethesda...). The atmosphere was good, and my co-workers and I had a good time. Over time, I've noticed that this place has really gone down hill. I'd say about the same time The rolls have gotten smaller, the prices stayed the same, and the biggest sushi faux pas...the rolls falls apart as you pick them up or sometimes even on the plate before you touch it. The wait is long, even for carry out. It's crowded and loud. A lot of rice, not enough fish. Bento boxes are slightly lame depending on what you get -- shumai taste like the frozen shumai you can get from the grocery store, a couple california rolls, salad (?!), and a few veggies. The sushi platter is slightly better, but of course there's that risk of the nigiri or maki falling apart on you. Most restaurant has its redeeming qualities. The one for Raku is the outdoor seating and the friendly staff. Outdoor is great for a nice sunny day and you can avoid the crowd inside the restaurant. The staff is extremely friendly even though most of them are running around trying to get to everyone. Bluefin Toro nigiri is awesome if you can get it (seasonal). Their noodle soups are have great broth. Now I just want to say that that this review is more of a before and after comparison. If you are a newcomer, you might have a completely different experience than me. As I always try to emphasize...don't let reviews form your opinions for you. Everyone has different tastes =)
(2)
Nicole L.
I parked right in front of the restaurant to catch a film screening thought about walking over to Penang but Raku looked rather appealing from the outside, it was packed with people at 6:00 PM. I decided to check it out. The restaurant is medium sized but it has this long sushi bar which was interesting, I asked to sit at the bar for a better view of the restuarant. The menu had all kinds of asian food I am always confused when a restaurant has all the different asian food put together. Overall I think the food is priced towards higher end with noodle soup going at $10.50 and entree over $20. I ordered the red curry egg noodles with chicken. The bartender was very attentive and my food was served quickly. The dish was delicious with a nice touch - chicken was grilled and sliced. It was a pleasant experience.
(3)
Mandy H.
If I were to come here again, I'd know what to do next time. Raku is always packed on any given night, but surprisingly my boyfriend and I were able to walk in and get seats. The atmosphere was very social and modern, and the service was good. We ordered 2 sushi rolls and 2 bowls of noodles. The mistake we made was ordering too many noodles. The sushi was great- fresh, tasty, and very good presentation. The noodles were good, but if we were to do it all over again, I'd go with more sushi rolls and less noodles. Definitely worth a second visit! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to get a spot!
(5)
Natasha O.
Due to the flies, it lost a star. Seriously, I so will never eat in to this place again (I will however, do take out). I stopped by here on my way home cause I was staving and sat at the bar. The place is tiny and really packed. The bar is near the open door hence the 2 flies I saw... put I also saw 2 of those tiny flying things as well. I ordered the Pumpkin Ginger Soup, "What a match!" Roll, Pomegranate Shochu, & Bonsai Tree roll. The shochu was interesting, not what I expected but ok none the less. The pumpkin soup was hot but once it cooled down was good. The ginger wasn't actually part of the soup but part of the garnish so boo on them for the miss-name. The Bonasi Tree roll was wow...not was I was expecting and better than I could have believed. Picture a typical sushi roll with the seaweed on the outside. Now place a thin slice of cucumber between the rice and the seaweed. Then replace the rice with real crab meat with Avocado & Masago in the middle. The chili ponzu sauce that the slices sit in just completes the picture. My mouth is watering just remembering it. The sauce is a little bit sweet and is paired so well with the rolls. There are also roe (fish eggs) but they asked if I wanted it with/or without and I said without. 5 stars What a Match! Roll it too was a match made in heaven. Mackerel, apple, ginger and scallion; need I say more?! It was yummy & I wanted more when it was gone. 5 stars I will definitely be calling in for take-out here this summer.
(4)
Ron B.
The food is decent here including the sushi. My wife loves the chicken curry noodle dish here. The service is decent as well as the atmosphere. I like the surrounding area as well, but it could be difficult to find parking on the busy weekends.
(3)
Hiren N.
On the expensive side for the things they cater. I have had better sushi for cheaper price.
(3)
Cor K.
I love raku, it can be a bit pricey, as typical for sushi. The best deals are the lunch boxes you get a lot of food and cheaply compared to the price they would be individual rolls or for dinner. I wouldn't say go for the sushi, because it isn't the best, but the rest of the items are pretty darn good. Try the seaweed salad, or the udon. All the soups I've had there have been pretty good and filling, which is hard for a soup. My friend and I once got to raku just as they opened their doors for lunch and there was already a line. This line doesn't go away until closing so make reservations or get there early. Inside the tables are cramped together, but they have large booths. I wouldn't recommend bringing kids here simply because it is so crowded. I have seen many a soccer mom try to push their stroller through the passage ways only to end up with no place to put it while they eat. Also kids are fidgety, which is no good in a cramped environment where they will just knock into somebody else, or yell in that persons ear. Yes, I hate kids. Especially when they ruin my favorite restaurants. I go here all the time when I am in bethesda, it's one of my local fall backs.
(5)
rachel m.
i can never decide between which giant bowl of soup to get. the curry soup is fantastically tasty, and the tokyo dash is soul warming. i dream about the udon noodles.... while the soup is more than enough food for 1 person, sometimes i just have to get an order of the spicy crunch scallop roll... a rare find
(5)
Chara G.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area. Amazing food, good service, and overall good prices...and all of that in a trendy, fun area! My favorites: Ginger pumpkin soup Chicken satay with mango salad Delux Spicy Tuna Roll Volcano Roll
(5)
Joanne C.
This has been our favorite restaurant for many years. It's always busy in the evening, but we seldom have to wait more than 20 minutes and often choose sit at the counter. and watch the chefs Service is almost always very good. Here are our favorite dishes: Tuna tartare (enough for a meal) Portabello mushroom and asparagus salad - the ponzu dressing makes you want to lick the plate. Red curry noodle soup - it's huge and really tasty - certainly enough for 2 and you can choose seafood, meat, chicken or tofu and veggies, as well as the type of noodle you prefer. Dumplings with a mango sauce My friend likes the crunchy, spicy sushis Bento boxes are very good I thought the napa cabbage and chicken salad was only so-so, especially compared to the mushroom and asparagus salad mentioned above - which is one of my favorite dishes ever! We only occasionally get a main course because the appetizers are so good and it's difficult to choose only one. Desserts are limited, but we rarely feel the need for a dessert. Prices are mid-range.
(5)
Eugene H.
I stopped on in here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I tried the salmon toro and it was awesome. The udon noodles were pretty good too. Service was fast for a crowded lunch place. It is really crowded and they kind of squeeze people in like a sardine can. It's still worth it to try out their sushi. -edit- Came back for dinner with some friends and we were not disappointed with the sushi and teriyaki dishes we had.
(5)
Shaun O.
I went here after salsa dancing last night. First, I was a little taken back by the prices-but remember to do it Family Style and you will be alright. We order two side plates, an entree and it came to be fairly reasonable for the 3 of us. I found the servers to be helpful and the outdoor seating nice. We also had the amusement of watching our 3rd friend from NM try sushi, calamari and chopsticks for the first time. I recommend the chicken dish and noodles, as that came out to be a delicious plate....chicken was tender and had a great taste. Overall, a good place for Japanese food and from what I heard, go here instead of the one in DC.
(4)
Maria L.
Crowded, crowded, and crowded... but that's a good sign, and it was well worth the wait!
(5)
Keelin C.
Yum, yum . . . . I love Raku. This place has great sushi and good service. The Golden Dragon Roll is a friend of mine, but they do a great job with all the classics. Excellent ingredients and great location. The only reason it is lacking for stars is the size. The setup of this restaurant is awkward at best. Enjoy, just get there early or you won't have a seat.
(4)
Sue H.
Okay, sure, the sushi is good. People like it. Great. But...if you haven't had the warm asparagus and mushroom "salad", you've not lived. Warning. This item is highly addictive. Get that perfect bite. A little mozarrella (yes, really) a piece of tortilla chip, asparagus piece, and some mushroom. Plenty of that amazing sauce. Love at first bite.
(4)
Braden S.
My favorite restaurant in Bethesda. Everything I've had here is delicious. There is sometimes a wait during dinner hours, but it is WORTH IT! If you like japanese food and you are looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, you must try Raku.
(5)
Pia A.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2010. I should have stuck with sushi. Their kitchen entrees were just average. The tables were very close to each other, I could rub elbows with the table next to me. I would go back, but strictly for sushi.
(2)
Stephanie T.
I don't understand why this place gets such high ratings. The service was mediocre and the food well it didn't feel like anything over 1.5 maybe 2 (Referring to the Lunch menu) -The teriyaki chicken is dry and over-sweet. -The soup seemed watered down. -California rolls are just average. -The soba was nothing spectacular. To me the place was a little bit pricy but it might just be because I could cook this at home better. I wouldn't go here again.
(1)
Kevin S.
It was chaos at Raku's hostess stand last night. They took our names, didn't write them down, forgot about us, then ignored us when we inquired. No manager was available to remedy things, so we left.
(2)
Sarah C.
I got food poisoning from here! The sushi just didnt seem that fresh, and I was right.
(1)
Kristina G.
Restaurant Week Review from Summer 2007 (4.5 stars) My boyfriend and I came here on a whim because we were so hungry and could not wait for our 9pm reservations at another place. I am glad about our choice because we had the perfect summer dinner. I liked that Raku let you choose between having a traditional 3 course meal or 2 starters and an entree. Being so hungry, we chose the latter option (and then had Haagen Daz down the street). -1st Courses: Heirloom Tomato Salad was sweet, salty, and simple; perfect on a summer evening. My boyfriend got the 5 spiced beef which was also great and seasoned well. -2nd Courses: Ban Ban Chicken, and Grilled Chicken & Napa. Both salads were good, but nothing spectacular. -Entrees: Wok Charred Chilean Sea Bass was also great for a hot night because it was light and tasty. I just wished that the fish had a little more flavor. My boyfriend got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse, which was huge! He loved every bite of it and was soaking up all the curry with pieces of bread because the sauce was so good. I could see how it could get loud and crowded in the restaurant, so we waited it out for patio seat. It was perfect outside on a summer night with trees adorned with lights and a perfect people-watching spot.
(4)
Mrs. Palmers Student E.
Looking for a restaurant that's suitable for families, perfect for date nights, and irresistible for food? Phew! That was a mouthful...of Raku! Raku is a Japanese style restaurant, the best in the business. This delightful accommodation is located on Woodmont Ave. in downtown Bethesda next to an Indian restaurant called Tandoori Nights and a few shops down from the Mussel Bar. It's hard to miss. You have got to go to Raku! Japanese restaurants don't get better than this. Raku is always full! So, you have to go there around five to five thirty. Raku opens at four in the afternoon and closes at ten in the evening. Walking into that restaurant, I knew the food was going to be extravagant. It smells so amazing in Raku. To start the meal off, I always get the spicy pork dumplings that are so juicy, tasty, and savory sweet every time. I also get the edamame, which is so hot it burns my fingers, so I have to wait a few minutes for it to cool down. There are so many other satisfying and mouthwatering appetizers on the menu, not just the two; you can order whatever you would like. Then, for dinner, I either get the fresh and cool cucumber rolls or the warm and cozy chicken noodle soup. It's so hard to decide!! Paired with soy sauce, the sushi tastes magnificent. Then there's the noodle soup with chicken. On a cold winter night those big, long egg noodles with big hunks of chicken will really warm you up. The scrumptious and heavenly broth adds to the overall flavor. In conclusion, this meal was incredible. Talking about going to Raku, I mentioned the romantic dim lights, the modern sushi bar, and the inviting Raku smell. Also don't forget the giant chopsticks hanging from the ceiling! There is an exquisite modern sushi bar that seats about ten to twelve people with a full service menu. The seats are very comfortable which adds to the greatness of this chopstick wonderland. But, as Hannah Montana said, "Nobody's perfect!" Most of the tables are very close together, so it makes it extremely difficult to move around, and you can practically hear the conversation of the people next to you. Other than that, the whole surrounding is enjoyable. The service is dashing as well. Every time I go to Raku (which is about every two weeks), the waiter or waitress has never messed up any of my families' orders. Working hard, the employees manage to keep a delightful, helpful, and cheerful personality. You can ask about almost anything on the menu and they will know the answer. The waiters and waitress's bring your food while it's nice and hot... or cold. Generally, the food comes fast, not as fast as lightning, but fast enough to have eaten your appetizers with some time to spare to talk about the amazing food you just ate. Trust me, I know! Sadly, with all this great food comes a price... literally. The price for this amazing Japanese food isn't cheap. Generally a dinner for four would cost around eighty to ninety dollars. So, if you go to Raku, make the moment last. Basically, all I am trying to say is...go to Raku. This fine restaurant has all the right components; beautiful environment, fantastic service, and best of all prodigious food. Your mind will be blown. I smile the whole car ride when going to Raku. Just remember, eat early or there will be no more tables! Enjoy!
(5)
Shoshana G.
Fabulous sushi. Fresh, delicious, and in my opinion they make the best vegetable tempura I have ever eaten. I recommend going during the lunch hour and ordering a bento box. They are only around $12 and you get lots of delicious food. Personally, I think their dinner menu is overpriced,the bento boxes become $5+ more and you get less food with them....not so sure what thats about. Go during lunch! You will love it.
(4)
Virginia C.
All in all, a great place to take friends. You can't go wrong with this place. Excellent food. The wait time (depending on when you arrive) can be annoying because of the Montgomery County (namely, Bethesda/Rockville/Potomac) crowd (who, apparently, don't eat anywhere else but in Bethesda Row).
(4)
sophie S.
Raku has really delicious food. The sushi is great, fresh and original! They also have pretty amazing salads. The asparagus and mushroom salad is one of my favorites as well as the tofu salad. The bread pudding is also surprisingly incredible!!!! Must also try tuna tar tar. I have never had a bad meal here. Parking is a little difficult, usually easier to just find a lot and walk. Also usually very busy (all the time.) A reservation is definitly needed on weekends but sometimes there is a wait during the weekdays as well. It is well worth it!!!!!!
(4)
Shayla D.
Whenever I crave for sushi this the place I go to. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is delicious. You can appreciate that this is not a traditional japanese restaurant because an order of seaweed salad comes with nicely dressed greens along with the seaweed and other crunchy stuff. I like the pumpkin soup so much I order it even on 90 degree weather days. Also, the sushi is fresh. I especially like the crunchy spicy scallop roll, with a side order of fresh wasabi. I love this place!.
(4)
Chris T.
Best sushi place in Bethesda. Period. Spicey crunchy tuna roll is my favorite, and usually their daily specials are pretty exciting. Decor is awesome inside, and outside seating is great for people watching.
(4)
Dte G.
The food was tasty. I had a bowl of their coconut red curry noddle with seafood. Unfortunately, as I was finishing the food, the mussel tasted bad and I stopped eating it. Woke up at 5 in the morning with food poisoning.
(1)
Jenny L.
Nice place, nice location. The sushi was just ok for me. Nothing too special. I did enjoy the chicken and shrimp dumplings though. Glad we beat the rush, because I actually wouldn't wait for more than 5 minutes for a seat here.
(3)
Renato S.
The rice was a little mush. The service and prices were fair here. I ordered the dragon roll, california roll, and crunchy shrimp roll. Chicken and pork dumplings were very good, meaty with a nice crunch. No major complaints, nothing to exciting for me. Have to try something different next time I guess.
(3)
Linh L.
All I can say is "CHILEAN SEA BASS!!!" Wow--this place has the best chilean sea bass I've ever tasted. As soon as the bass hit my tongue, I felt like it just melted like butter! I've been working in Maryland, and coming to Bethesda was a treat. Chose Raku-An on a whim, and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I also had some of the dumplings and calamar for appetizers, and a Banana Foster (think bananas, carmel sauce, vanilla bean and green tea ice cream)--everything was great. I'm docking a star for slow service, though. Other than that...wow, I will definitely head back here for the sea bass. Go really early or really late because this place gets packed!
(4)
Sy R.
I've been to Raku four or five times now and have been very pleased each time, although in the evenings there has always been a wait (and they don't take reservations). I love to read the creative "pan-Asian fusion" menu, and would dearly love to try everything on it! I can't, however, because my boyfriend always insists on getting the AMAZING seaweed salad (which is nearly a full meal for two), and then a small plate of sushi to fill us completely. Raku offers several interesting rolls, which are solid in quality, but not mind-blowing, The service is fine; the staff tend to be quite busy, but they always manage pop up just when I need water. And I really can't complain, since I usually leave having spent under $25 for two people, including tip! In short: Crowded dining, consistent service, good prices, consistent quality, and an interesting & tasty menu.
(4)
Sarah O.
I have always been a fan of Raku. The food is flavorful while not leaving you feeling like you ate too much. The dining room is inviting and upscale. It's a great spot to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Yesterday, I met 2 women for lunch there. We enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that they have the best sushi or the best Thai type dishes, but everything is solid and consistent. A bit expensive for lunch good fair for dinner. One word of advise they get pretty busy at prime dinner time so don't go with the family and expect to get seated right away. Good news is Barnes and Noble is right around the corner so you can always occupy a little time while you wait for your table to be ready perusing books and magazines.
(4)
Roz J.
Best sushi I've had in Bethesda combined with an deft and adventurous kitchen. Sometimes the kitchen needs to bring up the spice levels but, never had anything bad. Place is very cramp however. Not the kind of place you want to linger over a meal.
(4)
Hello H.
I got two rolls of sushi, which were fine by my sushi-loving standards. I spied another patron who ordered a whole fried fish, which looked absolutely mouth-watering. Looking at some other dishes, the portions seemed quite generous. When I initially walked in, I thought Raku-An might be another PF Chang's (I'm not a fan of Asian food that has been so diluted with "American" tastes, that the only thing Asian about it is soy sauce), but I'm happy to report I was wrong, at least based on the quality of the sushi my friends and I ordered. PS - I went reservation-less on a Wed night, the week between Xmas and New Years, and boy was it packed! The intimate setting helped make our meal a fun one.
(4)
Aloysius Y.
One of the best in town! Not only for sushi, but they do a great job on other cooked items. No wonder they are always busy. Reservation recommended on weekends. And very moderate priced as long as you don't drink lots of sakis.
(5)
Eric E.
My colleagues and I eat at Raku every other week. This is my first review, though. I'm dining alone, so I decided to sit at the sushi bar. The bar is full of chatter, mostly in Chinese by the cook staff; they're noisy. They're reasonably professional and they grunt occasionally in Japanese -- which I speak and they don't! (Grunting is largely for the benefit of diners walking through Raku's front door.) Ok...Martini to start, three olives up. Not bad, but olives are like something out of a steel can sold at an Asian market -- chewy, odd flavor, and not suitable for a Martini. Leave it to the Greeks and Italians to produce olives! (I usually drink my Martinis across the street at Mon Ami Gabi...my mistake. I also usually drink beer and sake at Raku. Today was a bit different.) First course is Shrimp and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Not bad. wrapping is tender, not chewy. Nice flavor, fresh vegetables -- spinach and bean sprouts. The dumplings remind me of going for dim sum as a child with my father, so I give Raku an "extra credit" point for triggering cherished memories. Quantity is appropriate for smaller soup, not overwhelming sweat-er, just-right temperature, flavorful broth, etc. Second course is Flying Smoke in Dragon roll. Nice smokey flavor, a bit spicy and the eel is cooked well. Definitely one of their signature rolls, though a bit pricey. Though this is Raku. It's worth pointing out that many of Raku's rolls are "over-riced.". This one screams eel, with minimal rice surround. Third course is Ikura (salmon roe) with (uzura) quail egg. This is my "standards" or quality control check. It's only for those who appreciate omega-3 and phospolipids in the diet. I give this one a 4 out of 5. The quail egg is quite good, though the salmon roe is a bit rubbery. I can' t speak towards processing techniques, however, some sushi bars in the area serve very fresh Ikura, others don't. Here, we're above marginal. Ok...Martini is kicking in! For the final course, Spicy Butterfly Prawn in an Aurora sauce with mesclun So, not your inexpensive bento box special. A very filling meal, perhaps best shared and accompanied by one additional starter dish. NOTE TO OTHERS: Raku has a reputation for mediocre, snobbish (why??) waitstaff, but thoughtful, engaging chefs. Today, the waiters were much more pleasant, but the chefs were too chatty...with each other. If I could record with my iPhone and post to YouTube, I would. OH, YEAH: I love the new iPad 2!
(4)
Linds F.
The sushi here is good- I have not tried any of their other dishes besides the tuna tar tar which was also quite good. Overall, the pricing is good for the quality of food, and the staff was friendly.
(3)
Becky T.
The place was packed on a Friday night but the service was unexpectedly quick without making us feel rushed at all. My friend had the sushi which she really enjoyed and I had the wheat udon soup with chicken, beef, and tempura shrimp. I know everyone loves greasy foods post-drinking, but I'd take a hot spicy bowl of noodle soup any day. $12 for a bowl is a little pricey, but it hit the spot.
(4)
Evelyn C.
The hubby and I went out to dinner with a couple friends who LOVE this place. Lucky for us, they made a reservation ahead of time so we didn't have to deal with the hostess at all. I actually arrived an hour before the hubby (since he was unfortunately stuck at work), and got a chance to sample their fizzy champagne-like sake (very sweet, but good), the sangria- which is my friend's absolute favorite, a nice glass of pinot noir, some tuna tartar, and the golden dragon roll. The sushi was very tasty- solidly good, and the tartar tasted clean and fresh. As for the entrees, I got the beef tenderloin (cooked to a perfect med-rare) with yams in the shape of scallops, a lovely red wine reduction and the best freaking stir-fried veggie side. There were sliced king oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and fresh spinach all sauteed together into harmonious deliciousness. Mmm.... My friends were quite pleased with the Deluxe bento box (sea bass, beef tenderloin, sashimi, seaweed salad, and tempura!), and the pan seared chicken with a side of noodles. Now I have to say that the service for us was excellent. Here's why: - they kept the drinks coming - the server let me put in the hubby's order as he was leaving work, and they timed it so perfectly that his entree came out just as he sat down - the hubby accidentally spilled his glass of sapporo (I think the server thought someone else at our table did it), and he brought out a new bottle for him! yay! I have to say that if I'm up in Bethesda again for any reason, I would not hesitate to come back again!
(4)
mondo g.
This has become my boyfriend and mines new go-to place. I always feel like the food is fresh and healthy. First, I LOVE their green tea. I've bought many genmaicha teas in local markets, but none are as good as what raku serves. Next, the tuna tartar is a good start, the salads are textured and taste so good and clean, and the soups can be a great meal by themselves. The sushi is good and fresh and on a recent visit I had a great pork chop served with braised red cabbage, broccoli rabe, seasonal squash, and fennel--delicious. The service too, has always been good. I have been disappointed on occasion, e.g. stay away from the deep fried (aka warm) seafood spring rolls, but those occasions have been few.
(4)
Rachel A.
I lovvvvve Raku. I've been here for lunch several times, and always get the Chicken Teriyaki Bento box, which is really filling. It's always busy, even at lunch there is a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. The soups and California rolls are delicious.
(4)
William L.
Bustling and popular. But the food is average. So, good place for a quick bite for the price. But there's better sushi, etc out there in DC.
(2)
Heather P.
We often come to Raku, despite the close together tables and the noise - we come for the wonderful food - the fish is always fresh, fresh, fresh! Interesting specials - the other night we had fresh sea urchin and the presentation was exquisite. They offer a very good selection of sake and despite the too close tables and the very loud noise level, it is worth it for the food. I will keep coming back!
(4)
Michael S.
Raku racks up the points with me... My wife and I wondered down there on a Sunday, and had the esteemed pleasure of dining outside. As a Floridian I will start by saying I'm VERY particular on the Sushi that I dine on. I've been to tons of joints in Maryland where people swore up and down that they had "the best", only to be sadly disappointed. Raku blew me away. I had their Seoul Train, Dragon Roll, and the Chesapeake roll. All were very original, incorporated a good number of veggies (not just the typical radish and cucumber), and had flavors that just jumped out from start to finish. Not to mention, what every other reviewer has said, the fish, well IT"S SO FRESH. Fresher than Downy drier sheets, and definitely fresher than that not so fresh feeling. :) My advice, if you don't like sushi, go there, and you'll become a convert. I plan to dine there as often as my wallet will support it. (and before my wife starts complaining) Highs: Sick F'in Sushi Lows: Prices a tad high, but jeez people fresh f'in fish c'mon :) Enjoy with a loved one!
(5)
smitha m.
I was surprised to notice that they have a different menu from the one (their sister restaurant?) in DC. I was a little disappointed at first when I found out that they do not carry Singapore noodles on their menu. But I eventually moved on to other items I have started to thoroughly enjoy - we usually get the curry noodle soup, asian spicy wings (they have a specials menu offering this new dish - EXCELLENT), sushi rolls and last but not the least - my personal favorite - banana foster(UBELIEVABLY GOOD)!! The Service is always pretty incredible considering they are always so busy. It can get pretty crowded so it helps to make reservations ahead of time. I usually end up having to wait but it's never for too long and the food is totally worth the wait!
(5)
Ryan M.
A great (although very popular) lunchtime spot in Bethesda. If you want a table you should definitely get there before noon, as it's often entirely packed by then. I'll confess I've only had one thing for lunch, but, although not obvious as an option, the 'noodle soups' are huge, excellent, and cheap. They come in two options: 'Tokyo broth' and 'Spicy Coconut Milk'-both are great, and start at $7.95 and $8.95, respectively. I usually go with the Spicy option, and while I like spice it's enough to warm me up on a cold day! With meat the prices go up by a dollar to four depending on whether you want chicken, beef or seafood, but the default 'tofu and vegetable' is more food than I can ever eat and tasty on its own! Definitely worth the money and they're even big enough for a dinner portion if you come later.
(4)
Thaila S.
4.5 stars I've been here many, many times and the food is consistently very good. Being vegetarians, my husband and I usually stick to the sushi -- tamago, inari, and the avocado rolls are excellent. They have several other veggie sushi options as well. You MUST try their bread pudding for dessert. I'm a big chocolate fan but this is hands down the best non-chocolate dessert I've had in my life. They don't take reservations typically and the restaurant is always packed, but they try to seat folks as quickly as they can. This isn't a great place for big groups because the place is so small, but it's great if you're going with a friend or your spouse. It's also located in the trendy part of Bethesda.
(4)
Laura K.
I'd love it if you had a little more attention from the servers just because most of the time all of us were out of drinks. My husband and I ordered a vegetarian roll for an appetizer. It was very good Then we both ordered the red curry soup with udon noodles I made a bit of a mess eating the soup because the noodles are so long but it was so good! The couple we were with got a box of assorted rolls and fish and also the beef tenderloin. She said the sauce was awesome on the beef.
(4)
A B.
I dined at Raku last night. What a pleasure. The food here is WAY better than the food at the Raku in Dupont. They've also got a different menu. The ingredients were fresh, service was friendly and the food and drinks came out fast. I had the vegetarian sushi assortment which was excellent. And we all shared edamame. Everyone enjoyed their food and I definitely plan to come back to Raku in Bethesda.
(5)
Lisey W.
This is my favorite place to go for a bento box at lunch. I love their sashimi bento box but you can't go wrong with any of them! Love how the bento box comes with a salad and string beans with mushrooms. It also comes with some california rolls and their take on shiu mai is delicious!
(4)
Juju J.
I was really impressed with the sushi, menu and service at this Raku. I had never been to this location, only the one in Dupont (and the one located in Whole Foods in Logan). This one had a more extensive menu, way higher quality of food and the staff was attentive. Overall this place is a 180 from the crappy Dupont location (I've heard they're actually owned by two different people). The only negative is the tables can be on top of each other depending on where you're sitting. However, we went on a busy Saturday night, so it might have seemed worst than normal.
(4)
Megan S.
Delicious! AND they have a great gluten-free menu for those of us with Celiacs. Their scallops with mushrooms are fantastic, and I have liked everything I have tried at Raku. It tends to be very noisy though, so come prepared to talk loud :)
(4)
S. O.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants just because of their tuna tartare. I've been there a few times and it has been consistently good! The chilean seabass is also a winner; it's really flavorful and buttery. I also tried their red curry soup noodle. The flavor was good but I thought it was a bit heavy. I don't recall their sushi being out of the ordinary though..
(5)
Aesah L.
The sushi here is good and the platters are reasonably priced. It's always crowded at this location and sometimes difficult to have a conversation with whoever you're with because of how close the tables are to each other. I can't say I'm a fan of the rest of the menu because it's not exactly Asian food as I know it, but Raku is worth a visit for the sushi and the sake.
(3)
Sheila B.
The food is consistently delicious, for the most part. Our favorite restaurant in Bethesda. The other day had a really yummy seared salmon and shedded daikon appetizer with a wonderful sauce. Also the whole grilled branzino was terrific, cooked just right, with sweet potatoe chips and a surprise of grilled zucchini hiding underneath the fish. Their sushi and sashimi are excellent. Service is good, and they're flexible about substitutions. I see a fair amount of kids here, but they need to be somewhat adventurous eaters. No chicken nuggets! It can get crowded because it's very popular --and for good reason! Other restaurants in Bethesda should take some lessons from Raku. We need more delicious menus and high quality cooking.
(5)
Colm C.
Fresh sushi with NY style. If I hear about a sushi restaurant near me I must sample the menu. Raku is the best sushi in Montgomery County, no questions asked. The fish tastes very fresh and they carry an unbelievable bottle of sake called Meibo. Can anyone tell me where to buy a bottle of that? They also have some funky rolls on the menu that have some fantastic tastes. The decor is very hip with Asian appeal. There are not many tables so make reservations. There is a tiny bar with 5 stools to wait at but they fill up quick. During the summer they have many tables outside in a real hot spot in Bethesda. Price is higher than your typical sushi joint but worth every penny. Not only can you have a great dinner but after dinner you can walk across the street to the Landmark theater or stroll into Borders next door. Always a good experience every meal.
(5)
Andi C.
I have to say, this is my favorite place to get sushi in the D.C. metro area. The menu is extensive, I've never had bad service, and the food has never disappointed. It does get packed on weekends, so expect a wait to be seated, and then to be at a little table crammed into a corner or near another couple. Or, if you're lucky, score a booth...plenty of elbow room then. The bar can be fun too, especially if you're seated on the end, near the door. No matter, the food is amazing no matter where you're sitting. They have a large selection of sushi rolls, in basic (California roll) as well as interesting, innovative varieties (the "What a Match" roll is one of my favorites..mackerel and apple..yum!). Order several different varieties and share...it makes a great date spot. And if you can (it's tough), leave room for dessert--they're surprisingly, amazingly good and beautifully presented.
(5)
Volna V.
I've been coming to Raku for many years, and here is how I summarize it: It's a fun place to come and have a great meal with somebody. If you want to smell the food before you see it, this place is great. It engages all your senses. I love the sushi in the beginning (Chesapeake Roll is wonderful), I love the main courses and the desserts. It's still one of my favorite Japanese Fusion restaurants in the world. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bethesda.
(5)
Bill M.
Massive bowls of curry soup.
(5)
Candace K.
I went here for lunch and the place was packed! Everyone got the Bento Box special which seemed like a good deal. I got the Chicken Teriyaki and substituted a Crunchy Tuna roll for the California roll. The box came with miso soup, good but a bit on the salty side for me, salad, very yummy, little crab balls which were good, a mushroom and green bean thing which was good but it surprised me when I put in my mouth and it was cold, it was supposed to be cold but initially I didn't know that. The Chicken was nothing super it was done and parts of it was dry, too little sauce over the whole thing. The roll was good except they put cilantro on the roll and I am NOT a fan of cilantro so I was disappointed, I wonder if they can make it without the cilantro. Overall it was pretty good.
(3)
Alex D.
We had Thai food that was less greasy, and sushi that was less dry. In case you are in Bethesda and you are dying for a Thai food that's your best bet, but if you want a sushi there are other place around. Be aware that they will give you the bill before you even think what you want. They really rush the service.
(2)
cuzit m.
This place was packed. Arrived with a fifteen minute wait. Was seated at the bar. The food was excellent. The portions large. The service was OK. It was not horrible, but typically when you sit at a sushi bar you can dialougue with sushi chefs for me part of the experience - maybe that's just west coast. Not the case here, they were super busy making rolls. The server was OK. I usually love to hear the specials or the server's recommendations this server nothing to add. I was flying solo for my first time here. Fortunately, the couple next me was helpful and the food was great. Just went there for the second time and it was thursday night, a fifteen minute wait. The food excellent again. Awesome thick servings, even the toro. Not thrilled with the dessert menu. They were out of Lychee sorbet my favorite. I would expect home made icecream with flavors like ginger, green tea, and sorbets like lychee, ginger, lime, pineapple. But they have desserts you can find anywhere. The Lychee sorbet was a treat. Beyond that, I wish they would change that part of the menu. The best part of Raku is their good portion of sushi. Other places are super thin slices.
(4)
Michelle T.
This is the only sushi place I go to in Maryland. The only complaint I have is that the place is small, and it can get really packed. I love their crunch spicy tuna and steak udon. I wish they had Raku near Fulton so I can eat sushi more often. The sushi place in Columbia (Soho?) is not so great, and it's too pricey.
(4)
Kathy T.
I usually end up at this place for lunch and their bento boxes are a good deal. Love the whole Asian Fusion thing, and there are lots of unusual touches from a place that on the surface seems to focus on sushi. Butternut Squash soup, sauteed Asparagus & Portabella mushrooms that seem to be topped with a parmesean type cheese. This usually ends up being my go to place for a light, healthly lunch!
(4)
Matt H.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2011. Never going again. Waited for 45 min while the host let 3 people jump ahead of people on the list. They had no reservations. I will never go here again, as will the other couples who walked out. Worst customer service I have experienced in a Japanese restaurant or Bethesda. It was even crowded waiting to get on the list, and the tables are about 6 inches apart. Sticking to Benihana's from now on. If you want to be treated with about the same respect as cattle, go here!
(1)
Kim F.
Excellent food, really good service, and great prices for Bethesda. My only complaint is that I wish they'd move into a larger space--tables are super tight and it's nearly impossible to eat here without a reservation. My favorite!
(4)
E U.
Great food, incredible ambiance and terrible service. We have been there several times and the hostess and wait staff are arrogant. Will not go back again.
(1)
G M.
I am surprised this rated four star. The fish quality was sub par and even had an odd flavor. The daily specials are not that special. You can tell this is a chain. This is the second and last time I will go there. There are plenty of other sushi joints with more remarkable and fresh offerings
(2)
Catherine H.
The sushi is good; everything else is ok but has never blown me away. It gets crowded as hell, and as it's a Bethesda crowd it can get super annoying super quick. I only go for lunch and I frequently wish the food was a little better (except the sushi. It really is good).
(3)
Monica G.
I like to go to Raku with friends for dinner when I want to eat light and especially if they are vegetarian. The sushi is good and they have a lot of smallish dishes we can share. I have never had a bad dish here. Enjoy!
(4)
D B.
Extremely vegetarian friendly! I love the healthy tofu salad and the veggie bento box.
(5)
S K.
I really like the bento boxes, and the iced tea is very good. The service is incredibly polite and efficient. The mix of American and Asian ingredients makes for an interesting menu, most of the time. I have yet to try many of the sushi items, but look forward to it. Plus, they have a patio--great for people watching and fresh air.
(4)
Judy L.
This place came highly recommended by a family friend. The food itself was ok, not the best sushi I've ever had in the world. MY boyfriend had the bento box which was a good deal. The box came with a string bean parmesean salad which was very original and surprisingly good. My sushi was just ok, nothing like what i was expecting for what we were paying for. WOuld I go back? Sure, are my expectations high? not really.
(3)
John S.
My girlfriend and I visited Raku for dinner on Tuesday night, and the restaurant turned out to be far better than we had remembered it to be. The last time we went was about 6 months ago on a busy Friday night, which left us squished against the front window inches away from other diners. My biggest complaint with this restaurant back then was how tightly packed the space is during peak hours. Last night, however, we ate comfortably in one of their 4-top booths since we went early (around 5:30 PM), and it turned out to be a much more enjoyable experience that way. Altogether, the food was really solid. Here's a rundown of the all the dishes we shared: 1. Tuna tartare: a great dish that's very fresh and clean tasting; it comes paired with a little side salad topped with a sesame vinaigrette and three airy slices of toast; delicious! 2. Cornmeal crusted calamari: the cornmeal coating gave it some extra crunch and they only used squid rings (no tentacles if you're squeamish about that sort of thing); overall, great for a calamari but a bit boring 3. Salmon toro: the poor-man's toro, the fatty salmon nigiri was super fresh and buttery; a must-order if you're into sushi 4. Eel (unagi): the eel nigiri was cooked just right with a nice glaze, and it wasn't chewy or stringy like some other places' 5. Red snapper: fresh and delicious 6. Spicy red dragon roll: a pretty good roll with some jalapeno kick to it, but nothing too special 7. Wasabi (?) roll: I can't really remember the name, but it was a really tasty roll with a nice texture, although the wasabi flavor was not too pronounced; highly recommended With 4 orders of the salmon toro (we are salmon freaks!), 1 each of the others, plus 2 Cokes, the bill came out to around $85 after tax and tip. It wasn't cheap, but all the fish was fresh and the service was really nice. Also, you could probably drop the price by ordering less sushi and going for some of the noodles and entrees mentioned by the other reviewers. In the end, I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because when it's packed, it gets a little crazy, especially with those two-person tables up front. To avoid the crowds, I'd advise going extra early or sticking to weekdays.
(4)
A B.
Best sushi consistently in Bethesda / Chevy Chase area. The Volcano rolls, the spicy tuna, the asparagus / avocado roll, with a side of spicy mayo. I spend to much of my money in this place as so do others as it is always crowded. Definitely worth the wait. Service is always good. Has gotten better now that the staff knows my wants. True landmark in the making for Bethesda
(5)
J H.
Pretty good. The decor is modern with an asian flair, typical of fusion style restuarants. The food was good but a bit expensive. A bowl of noodles run $15 bucks and it didn't fill me up. Then again, my stomach is the size of an elephants so I can't hold that against them. Sushi has always been good but again, seems a bit pricey for the portions. The food is good, I 100% recommend the red curry noodles soup. The rolls are ok, you can't go wrong with them. There is a raw beef sashimi dish that I saw the chefs making while sitting at the bar. It looked delicious. Service has always been a hit or miss. Some people are nice while others seemed rushed.
(4)
Rebecca K.
Always crowded for dinner, so try to make a reservation. They have a steak dish with mashed potatoes that is good in case you want a more substantial meal.
(4)
Lila S.
I absolutely adore Raku! I'm a regular in the Besthesda location, but Dupont is just as good ! The decor and ambiance is amazing. And the staff is very professional and nice too! The food is absolutely the most delicious food ever. Here are my recommendations: The Grilled Chicken and Nappa Salad is one of my all time favorites. The dressing is amazing, it's sort of hot which definetly adds some spice to the salad! The sushi is very good, coming from someone who isn't that big a sushi fan. Most of my friends and family go for the "Joe Nigiri" when they want sushi, and it does look pretty good. The soups are very good too! I went with a friend once, and she got a coconut soup of some sort. She wasn't that big of a fan, but she's found a whole bunch of other soups that she loves. My family is a huge fan of the "Chilean Sea Bass" it's amazing. Definetly something to try! The bento boxes are very good! I've only had the vegetarian one and the chicken one so far, but they are very tasty! (the chicken one is my favorite) The deserts are quite something too. Every time I go there, and aren't completly full, I like to get the chocolate cake. It's so warm and moist...just thinking about it makes me hungry! So definetly try that out! Over all, Raku is my all time favorite restaurant, and something to try if your in the area! The soups are very tasty too! Raku is also very crowded, so I suggest you make reservations two nights before.
(5)
ap m.
Went here for the 1st time for a girl's night out. The decor of the place was nice. A little crowded though, especially with the big winter coats, hard to get around. The servers were friendly. The menu didn't seem to have that much variety, so if you don't really like sushi & think there could be other dishes to look forward to- think again. The noodle servings were huge. They're really creative with the sushi. There was this one sushi dish called Seoul Train, which had kimchi it in, & I loved it. It was nice & spicy. If you go, try one of their signature dishes, like that. Pricing was a bit high, expected a little more for my buck. But definitely made it on my list for a place to go if I want good sushi
(4)
Miinno N.
It is a good concept. Asian fusion food. It is not really all the way for this place even though it is pretty good. I think Dupont location is better.
(3)
Ethan M.
Raku has some of the best sushi I've ever had, and they have other cool dishes to go with it. I try to eat here every time I go to DC for business, which is pretty frequently. Every colleague I've taken here (about 5 so far) has raved about the quality of the sushi and other food. Don't miss the tuna tartare - it's great! If they have it, the Tasmanian ocean trout nigiri is also wonderful, as are the multiple varieties of tuna nigiri (more than I've seen elsewhere). Their fish is always really fresh, and the prices aren't bad for a sushi place. The decor is modern Asian - adequate, but not spectacular (which is OK with me). Unfortunately, it's always crowded, so arrive early if you don't want to wait for a while to get a seat.
(5)
Dana M.
They also have a gluten-free menu and gluten-free soy sauce if you ask! Service can be a bit slow if it's busy, but the food is well worth the wait. Love it!
(5)
Shad M.
This place is very hit or miss for me. Some days the rolls are bangin' and other days they're very mediocre. It's very centrally located, which makes it a convenient place. But it does not rank in my top three sushi spots of bethesda. The only useful thing I can remember is that the large seaweed salad has a lot of mixed greens in it. So if you're expecting a lot of seaweed - that's not this dish.
(3)
Connie L.
I absolutely love sushi but my experience at Raku was underwhelming. We ordered one of their sushi platters as well as an actual entree. For the same price, I could have gotten much higher quality food elsewhere. Additionally, the seating in Raku is incredibly cramped. The tables are replaced within maybe 1.5 feet away from each other, just enough for someone to squeeze through. I could easily hear the conversation from the table next to us and took away from the overall experience.
(3)
Alek K.
Been coming here for years and they have their good days and not so good with some of the trickier sushis like Uni not so fresh, but most of the time both the rolls and the sushi are very good. I particular like their Deluxe Jo Nigiri. Quality for price, this is probably the best place in the DC area. This is true of the Bethesda location, the DC location is much worse in all regards.
(4)
Priscilla Y.
This is one of those trendy Asian Fusion restaurants that young hip crowds or rich Bethesda folks will flock to. It is pretty pricey and the food is nothing to brag about. Great place to bring a date, I guess. It can get cramped inside. I ordered the Red Dragon Roll (Salmon, Eel, Avocado, topped with spicy tuna and spicy pepper) and salmon sashimi. Interesting roll. It was pretty good. My brother ordered the Jo Nigiri, which was normal fish nigiri. Nothing special.
(3)
Kathryn L.
Patio seating was mandatory for my annual birthday Sushi meal (not that I don't eat Sushi often), but it's my extra gift to myself before the big day/night of fun. I tried very hard not to allow my experience hinder my special day. The hostesses were the highlight of my culinary outing. There were two of them & those pint size ladies were in sync with their wait list & seating duties. Our wait time was 30 minutes which wasn't too bad for this cramp yet busy little spot...off to the bar where my Sister & I sat until our table was ready. When I say cramp, I'm being generous as this place is a tight space, with the sushi bar being the biggest object in here. & the pickup station which seems to almost overlap the bar area, causes a bit of hectic traffic/friendly collisions. It was a unique visual appetizer watching the commotion. & speaking of the bar, there was only one bartender, not sure about that game plan in place for the early SAT Night, as it was already crowed when I arrived & became more crowded by the minutes. Now I'm very cognizant to the culture & language barriers, yet please don't be in the mixology service of all positions of the restaurant industry if you don't have any patience or social interaction. 5 minutes to be acknowledged, 5 minutes for the Wine List & another 5 minutes to place my order. The 2 glasses of Malbec was not a tall order yet the bartender came off very timid...multi-tasking must not have been her strong suit. Additionally, there were only two other people at the bar, so not sure why the frantic looks when I asked for a glass water with lemon. Flip side, our wait wasn't a full 30 minutes so I became excited when the one of the dual hostess came & got us. As I scanned the patio when approaching the restaurant, I saw how condensed and small the tables were, so I wasn't surprised when were seated. Our server was a jazzy & witty individual who embraced the cultural variations. She was pretty quick with our order & the food didn't waste it's time coming out. I ordered the Petite Sashimi & the portion mirrored the name perfectly. For $15, I would have expected more than a few slivers of Tuna, Salmon, Whitefish and Octopus, in which I swapped out for more of whatever the Server told me I would get...no customer substitutions please. Hence, I was still hungry after that brief consumption so I ordered the Red Dragon Roll. It had a great combination of Salmon, Ell, Avocado, Cucumber, Spicy Tuna, Serrano Peppers and Eel sauce; this selection definitely put me in a better foodie mood. When it was time for the check (we went Dutch), it took our savvy server two times to get our check right, wasn't too much of trigonometry going on, just a glass of wine on each check. I must say my Sushi Roll was very good and will be the only reason I come back, but overall the customer service needs to improve.
(3)
Debbie L.
KAY - was our really polite and attentive server who made our dinner very very enjoyable!! A couple times, she let us know our food was coming out shortly, brought us more than one cup of hot water, and was quick with our bill. PROTIP: you can ask to split the Coconut Red Curry noodle soup in two, and they will bring it out in two bowls. Between a friend and I, we split the noodle soup, and ordered two rolls of sushi (and paid less than $20 overall including tip!!). Very filling and enough noodle soup for leftover lunch the next day.
(4)
Judi G.
Deserves the stars and rave reviews for great food, fare pricing and wonderful service. Al fresco dining. Indoors is noisy but comfortable. Small fast paced restaurant with open kitchen. If you are lucky enough to try the ramen noodle bowl with chars u pork on special, a new dish, go for it. The correct balance of rich flavorful broth and perfectly cooking ramen noodles. Ask for the seasoning hiker to bump up the flavor. Salads are a mist here, roasted wild mushroom with arugula and a simple mixed with ginger was bright and engaging to the tastebuds before tucking into salmon belly rolls, soft shell crab roll and hamaki. Do save room for poached pear for dessert. Large enough to to share
(4)
Mary Margaret E.
Seating is a bit tight. I was less than a foot away from the person in the next table. It's definitely really intimate, but the music and crowd is loud enough to have a private conversation. The broth of the soups are so savory. I'd come back just for those. Can't go wrong with the Beef Tokyo Dashi Broth with Egg Noodles. The rolls are super fresh and bigger than most places. Chesapeake Bay Roll was awesome! Bento boxes are a great option of you're craving a bit more variety.
(5)
Arabella B.
Super fresh sushi and even tho I waited quite some time for my food it was worth the wait. Very good!
(5)
Ruth C.
Three and a half stars. Small bar to the right, patio seating available, pretty limited lunch menu, decor clearly aiming to establish themselves as a date night option. Service is polite and a little overwhelmed during peak hours. For a slightly steep Asian fusion spot, I'd say sashimi's not their strong suit-- decent quality fish, but thin and uneven cuts. Octopus was poached a little too long, especially stingy on mackerel, and the eel teaser in the menu description never showed. More rice than fish in the deluxe chirashi to fill you up, but at least they have the decency to add a generous mix of goodies to the lightly seasoned base layer: diced tamago, shredded nori, ikura, kanpyo, etc. On the other hand, I liked their ginger pumpkin soup enough to be intrigued by the less raw half of their menu. Will probably return to try Szechuan crispy chicken, coconut red curry noodle soup, Chinese five spiced duck breast; Chilean sea bass tempura roll, Maine lobster roll.
(3)
Taha E.
I found a huge bug in my miso sauce after I ate the entire salmon box lunch. I would give them 1 star but they comped my lunch and my friend's lunch as well and he probably ate $40 worth of sushi. But all I got to say is Ewwwwww!!!!
(2)
David B.
Great Sushi-so fresh! We love eating outside when it is nice.
(4)
Kirk S.
Simply not impressive. Raku is yet another sushi place in the Washington D.C. area, albeit one without anything really impressive about it. The sushi is tasty, but does not stand out amongst a sea of other places with good sushi. The restaurant itself is somewhat crowded, to the point where I felt like I could not fit into the booth - and I'm a reasonably-sized dude. The ambiance was bland. In other words, there are a number of places that do the food or ambiance better than Raku, so I don't find this a particularly appetizing choice.
(3)
Hannah H.
Raku is an Asian fusion restaurant that has two locations - one in Bethesda and one in DC. I came here to meet a fellow Yelp friend (Lissa B.), and I was excited to try out one of her suggestions! We sat outside (thank goodness for the actual nice weather, as I am totally not a sun person, but I loved the large shades and no attack-age from any insects/birds), which was a nice change from dining indoors. The menu offers appetizers (edamame, dumplings, chicken, calamari, etc.), soups, salads, bento boxes, noodles, and soups. We ordered the following: Chicken & Pork Dumpling (nicely and crisply fried with a pineapple star anise sauce with chive oil - the dumplings themselves were actually pretty solid, and it was an interesting mix of flavors from the tangy and sweet pineapple sauce it was sitting in); and, a 'Seoul' Train Roll (very cute name; a maki roll with a Korean sauce (bibimbop sauce), tuna, kimchi, kalware, and scallion - I didn't taste the kimchi, and the tuna itself was okay; the maki itself was more dressed with the bibimbop sauce). For our entrees, we had the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box (this came with miso soup (that was okay), fresh California rolls (great avocado), house salad, fried shrimp shumai (I was actually impressed with these as I am usually not a fan of shumai; slightly crispy exterior with a nice mound of shrimp inside), and portobello-green beans (loved the fresh mushrooms, green beans, as well as the salty carved cheese). Lissa pointed out that the DC does not have this particular meat as part of their bento box selections, which I found quite odd and interesting. The tenderloin was cooked nicely, as it was very juicy and flavorful - they were set on top of mashed potatoes. It was a nice meal, and I suggest in ordering Chicken & Pork Dumplings as an appetizer and ordering the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box as your meal. I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box
(3)
Janet L.
The first thing I felt when I was ushered to my table was how crowded some of the seating is. If you are looking to come here to have some sort of semi-private dinner conversation with your friend, this isn't the place! But aside from that, the food was a-okay... a bit on the pricier side of things. I ordered from the special menu, the 6 piece nigiri sushi combo and a miso soup. The fish was alright.. miso soup was also standard. Their dessert menu is also delicious. The staff was really friendly; our waitress took the time explain everything on the menu to us. Close to metro, plenty of street and garage parking nearby.
(3)
Robert H.
The service was very friendly and I give them points for that, but the sushi (which is the most important part) was decidedly average in my humble opinion. For $80+ I expected more and I was a little disappointed.
(3)
Linda O.
I did not have a positive experience here. The tables are close together and it seemed like I could hear everyone else but my dining companion. The service was slow; the food was so so. The hot dishes that we ordered had cooled off considerably before they were presented. And, I had a green salad, a mesclun mix to be exact, that was truly slimy--should not have been served to me. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the bus boys I encountered, everyone had their eyes on the ground and seemed hopelessly lost in their work. Hard to get someone's attention, so just gave up on the whole meal. Not a happy place to be or eat. For the prices they are asking--I expected more.
(2)
Esther Y.
I think Raku has some good entrees and sushi. I would still rather go to yuraku in Germantown for just sushi, but if you want an assortment, this place has a great variety. It's situated right by mussel bar off woodmont ave. parking is available on the street or in the garage (meter parking). My go-to meal is the red curry udon noodles. You can choose to add veggies, chicken, beef, shrimp or seafood variety. It's comes in a large bowl and its good for sharing. Just ask for an extra bowl. Their sushi is good. I've tried some and it's s hit or miss. Their appetizers are appropriately sized for two people. I liked the dumplings and shrimp rolls. I think some of their things are over priced, but then again they are located in downtown Bethesda. The seating is crowded and you may most likely end up waiting and being crammed right next to another party who can hear all of your conversation. But they do the best they can for a small place. I think this place is perfect for a casual date night or going out with a few friends for sushi and drinks. I definitely wouldn't take a big group (4 or more) there. There's just not that much space. Expect to pay at least $15+ a person for food and drinks.
(3)
Kate B.
Horrible food poisoning from Raku. Just finishing two hours of horrible vomiting etc from lunch today. I've eaten there countless times, but I will never go back again.
(1)
Colleen G.
Stopped in to Raku for lunch. It was busy and I was alone so I sat at the bar which was fine by me. I was quickly brought a water and my order was taken, the deluxe bento box. My miso soup arrived fast, my meal... Did not. About 28 minutes after I finished my miso the waitress rushed over with an order of edamame apologizing for the wait. This was a nice gesture but would have made more of an impact about 15 minutes earlier. Approx 1 minute later my actual meal arrived. Everything was tasty it was just quite the wait for a lunch time meal. If you have a short lunch break I wouldn't suggest it.
(3)
Ahmed M.
The problem with this place is the service, it is so slow. Food is okay but not the best. You can find much better Sushi for the same price. I cannot recommend the place.
(2)
Chris K.
I really don't understand the popularity. It was passable food, and just barely. Very small portions of mediocre sushi and very large portions of substandard junk in a bento box. There was nothing I would order again. Service was a little slow too.
(1)
Andrew W.
A decent place that seemed a bit overrated. There is no parking. The food here is a pricey and the rolls are small and seemed to be constructed with a haphazard manner. Upon looking around the store paint was chipping off, utensils were still dirty, the placement matt was broken and I never got a refill on water. The popularity of this place is most likely atttorbuted from its location. Sadly, this place is a total let down.
(2)
Casey K.
Really enjoyed the food! Service was terrible, the restaurant is very cramped, while suffering from being terribly laid out on top of the seating not being that comfortable. HOWEVER, the food more than made up for it. I had the coconut red curry noodle bowl originally ordered with udon noodles. Our waitress came back to inform me they were out of the udon noodles so I picked soba noodles. Did not mind the noodle change at all considering the bowl of deliciousness that appeared before me. It was huge, so much so that I took it home and had a hearty helping for lunch the next day. I would order this again hands down and have been craving it since. The taste and texture of the tofu was so spectacular. I had a couple dumplings to start with, which were great as well and a perfect palette primer, they are fried. I can't wait to go back, that noodle bowl is calling my name.
(4)
AL K.
3.5 stars. Off the bat I gotta say that the bench type of seating is very uncomfortable. The pads were all flat not providing any cushion at all plus its so narrow making it difficult to scoot over if someone has to use the rest room. The bento boxes are blah. The ala carte sashimi are fresh but the cuts are tiny, nigiri is fresh and yum. SErvice is great....A bit on the pricey side.
(3)
Michelle N.
Sushi was mediocre, but their curry udon was delicious! The broth itself was great, but the udon and different sea foods made the dish come together perfectly!
(4)
Cristina K.
Amazing sushi. No reservations but quick turnaround. They have uni. Noodle soups are huge so be prepared to take home or just have the soup. Staff is nice and accommodating. Wine selection is outstanding. Ambience is cool. With the ceiling decked out with oversized upside down geisha like umbrellas, sleek modern booths and a cool sushi bar, this place is both great for family and a couple wanting to go out for a date. Highly recommend the uni with quail egg, Seoul roll, double salmon roll, and deluxe spicy tuna roll. Both noodle soups are also out of this world.
(5)
Gretchen K.
Raku is our 'go to' restaurant in downtown Bethesda.. It's consistently excellent...wonderfully fresh sushi, but you can also get a full meal if you're not a sushi lover.. Watch their 'specials' for some creative choices. Great selection of wines and their plum wine sangria is a real treat.
(5)
Sioux T.
Greà t sushi variety. Service takes a very long time. We waited 50 minutes for our simple entree order to arrive.
(2)
Angel W.
I visited Raku with two friends so I am rating the experience collectively as 4 stars. Seating is extremely limited at Raku. To put it in perspective, the kitchen is the same size as the dining area. I am surprised we were able to get seating at 5pm without a reservation (Raku closes and then re-opens at 5pm). I recommend reservations on a Friday or weekend. One of my friends is gluten-free and Raku is easily able to accommodate dietary restrictions; however they discontinued several of their gluten-free items but have yet to remove those items from the menu. We started out with edamame. It's the best edamame I've ever had. The pods were perfectly salted and the beans were flavorful and fresh. For dinner, one of my friends had the Deluxe Spicy Tuna sushi with tuna, jalapeno, sriracha, ginger, avocado, cilantro, tempura flake, spicy mayo, and scallion. He said it was the best sushi combo ever. But he also equated the experience to eating at Krispy Kreme - the first bite is outta this world and it goes downhill from there. He also had the Philly Roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber, shisho herb, and lemon caper sauce. This roll also comes highly recommended. My other friend is gluten-free and had the Mesclun & Herbs salad but substituted the dressing for mustard vinaigrette that is gluten free. The salad comes with kaiware sprouts, red onion, crispy ginger and cilantro. I also had the same salad but with miso dressing. I thought the salad was decent. My friend also had the Salmon Roll which was fresh and appetizing. I had the Veggie Futomaki with spinach, avocado, cucumber, kaiware, shitake, inari, asparagus, and lemon basil sauce. Next time I will just stick with a regular avocado roll. The lemon basil sauce was a nice touch. Prices are very reasonable with many rolls priced at approximately $8, and even lower prices are offered at lunch. Raku's website menu is not inclusive of all of their offerings. Don't click on the lunch and dinner menu, instead click on the printable menu to view the full menu. Service was decent. The server was in training and did a fine job. The seats are bench-style and my one complaint is that the person seated behind me was sharing the same bench and he bounced around and it caused my seat to move like a see-saw. Note: the location is on Woodmont Ave but with the construction I had a hard time with my navigation. Raku is located across from Cosi and Jaleo and next to Mussel Bar.
(4)
Maggie Maria T.
I always go for their Tokyo dashi broth with udon noodles and beef which is so filling and delicious!! I'm sure that the rest of the menu is as good as their soups but after having all this broth honestly I can't even order dessert because it's that filling! The only thing I don't really like about this restaurant is their seating, so if you're looking for an intimate date or conversation you should not consider this place since the tables are so close. There are booth tables available as well, but these are exclusively for bigger parties 3+.
(5)
Marc P.
The sushi here is as good as it gets...their other food is great too...if you want a great place in Bethesda, MD; this is the place to go. I highly recommend Raku....
(5)
Georgina S.
Rain or snow, we thank Raku for their consistent great food and service. Millie does an awesome job seating people based on their request (booth for two) and serving portions are just right! There has been a recent change of servers but the new ones are just as good or better! Great job and keep it going...
(5)
Stephen M.
The line out the door doesn't lie: this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area (although, to be truthful, the competition is not that stiff). Raku is a sure bet for a date or taking out colleagues--the menu is extensive enough that it suits all tastes, and it's hard to find a poorly prepared dish on the menu. Going late night for a small bite or heading there at dinnertime for a multi-course (and multi-hour) dinner, this place has it covered. Outside sitting area is very cramped, far beyond "cozy" or "intimate," and a just a few inches away from Bethesda drivers trying to park their oversized SUVs. Suggest getting a table inside, even though it tends to be loud. Small quips aside, Raku is among the best places in Bethesda. Will def return.
(4)
B L.
Great food...very nice preparation and presentation...prices are very reasonable for the selections and quality...
(4)
Bunk O.
I got the corn soup (on their special menu) and one of the vegetarian rolls. The sushi was good, especially the green mint based sauce that came with it. The sweet corn soup was honestly one of the worst things I've tasted. I couldn't even take more than 5 sips of it! It was soo sweet, like they had added sugar. It hurt my teeth as I tried to eat it. A good waitress would have recognized my almost untouched dish and asked if everything was okay. But she just took it away. We also had to flag her down to take our credit cards for payment as we had been waiting for 20 minutes to get her attention. The restaurant was not super busy. I don't think I would recommend this place for vegetarians and definitely not that corn soup!
(2)
Marivic L.
This place is my fave place, so far, for sushi in Bethesda. The staff is helpful, the sushi and drinks are on point, and the atmosphere is fun and modern. Everyone from families to people on dates come here, and we're all ready and willing to wait during regular meal hours. If you're smart, you'll go earlier or later - and I just opt to sit at the bar often. I actually prefer it over the table seating.
(4)
Kay H.
Raku is consistently busy -- it's not uncommon to see a line of people waiting for a table. That said, if you are in good company, you won't mind the wait. You will LOVE Raku for being hip, crowded, and feeling so alive with people in a great neighborhood. Allow time to eat, talk, and enjoy for the best experience. I recommend Raku when there is no rush for getting in and out. The staff are attentive and helpful as can be expected given the restaurant is consistently busy. I also request a booth which less crowded than the tables.
(4)
Paloma B.
I use to come for the sushi until i had the thai curry bouillabaisse and since then that is all i get! A MUST!!
(5)
Le L.
I tried their bento box and it was so cute. I always wanted to have a bento box with different food in it. I got the salmon teriyaki. The flavor was okay but it was a little salty. I didn't like the fact that they put too much sauce under the salmon and made it so salty and I couldn't just eat it by itself. Overall it was good beside the sauce.
(4)
Anthony C.
Raku is a great place to eat. It is always packed and reservations are needed for any night 6 to 9 pm. It is small and the seating is tight but the food is outstanding. Good sushi, and their udon noodle soup is amazing. Their offerings are unique, but not so much as to fall into the chasm of becoming a foodie-place. It is well thought out, with fresh ingreedents and well worth the price of admission.
(4)
Hilda K.
Tables are close, too close. Food did not do anything for me neither did the sake martinis I had. Service was good though - we had a very attentive waitress. Will not return willingly
(3)
Dan F.
Went with a group of eight to Raku on a Friday evening. The restaurant was very busy, and even though we had reservations, we had to wait a bit. If you go with a group, don't go with more than six people. The restaurant is small, and we had a table added on to our booth to accommodate, leaving little room for staff and customers to walk by. Definitely make reservations for the weekend, preferably in advance. Raku offers a variety of sushi, which I am not a fan of, but everyone in my group seemed to really enjoy their meals. Raku has non-sushi offerings as well. I enjoyed my crispy chicken appetizer and the duck entree, both were prepared well and plentiful. I would go again, but not with such a large group.
(3)
M B.
Great sushi quality, great service, lots of selections, and they are very attentive regarding adjustments to orders.
(4)
Sabrina H.
I am a super fan of Japanese food having lived there for the past two years. Being back on US soil I have had some difficulties finding authentic Japanese chefs that prepare the dishes the way they do back east. Coming in at lunch time when its kind of busy isn't too bad per say, but be prepared for a bit of crunchy attitude from the spicy waitresses. To be fair, I ordered a dish that included shrimp and imitation crab, when I realized that I made sure the waitress knew I did not want shell fish and that I had an allergy. First round, my plate comes over and there is a beautiful shrimp and imitation crab in my California roll looking up at me. I smile and explain I asked for no shell fish, Madame spicy with the spikey red hair assisted him in correcting. Round two, my plate came back with the imitation crab still on it, I smiled again and explained that although the crab is imitation, I can not eat it. This lady argued with me. Big no no in my book, but I kept smiling and apologized that I hadn't been more clear before. Next thing I know another waitress is replacing her and asking what else I might like instead. Wow. I'm happy to say that the food was good and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but I can do without the rudeness. Definitely ate up more of my lunch hour than necessary. Just saying.
(3)
Monica S.
I have been here a couple of times now. The food is very good but the service is not always up to par. I understand that they can get very busy. That being said if I feel a need for a sushi fix and I can't make it to Dupont I will come here for sure. I really like that they have outdoor seating when the weather is nice. I have ate at the bar, outside and at a table. I would have to say eating at the table is where I got the best service. Even eating at the bar I still had to ask the bartender for my check even though my plate had been cleared for quite some time. I also had to ask for refills on my water, even with my glass being in clear sight of the bartender. Will I come back, why yes I would. Would I recommend it, yes but having had better I would suggest other places first!
(3)
Caroline B.
My friends and I love Raku because of the great food and great prices. Service always sucks, servers don't speak good English and they are slow. But once they put your food in the system, the food will come fast! Everything on the menu tastes good. My favorites are - Tofu salad - soft shell crab roll- shrimp udon and all the spice rolls! Summer months are perfect here since you can sit outside and enjoy the weather !
(4)
Sameer A.
Had dinner at Raku late Saturday night. Was packed. Clearly business is good !! The California rolls were average as was the coconut curry noodle soup. The most disappointing was the time it took for them to serve us. And the rather unwelcome waitress. I have seen them do better in the past. For business to stay good they need to fix a couple of things.
(3)
Karen S.
I ordered vegan corn chowder, a soft shell crab roll and a grilled salmon harasu roll. The chowder was just veggies in water. I liked the touch of putting a bit of pesto on it, but i thought a chowder was supposed to be creamy. You can make a vegan soup creamy-- blend some corn up! It just seemed misleading. The soft shell crab roll was very bland and for $8.50 the five pieces didn't contain much crab at all. Whatever sauce it came with didn't taste like anything and the roll kind of fell apart when i dipped it in soy sauce. The salmon had a nice smoky flavor and crispy skin but was definitely overcooked and dry. I also got a california roll and spicy tuna roll to go and those were no better than College Park sushi... which is sad. I've been to Raku once before, in its Dupont location, and I did like the ginger pumpkin soup I got that time. Service was good. I came early and waited for my friends for around half an hour, and the wait staff didn't bother me as I waited and took up a table, even as they started to get busy. Our water could have been refilled more, but that's my only complaint. The waitress split our bills up by person (there were four of us), which was really nice. There are better restaurants in Bethesda!
(2)
Gerry B.
On a Monday night, the place was packed, so definitely popular, and they seem to be trying, but the place is so cramped that if you are sitting near an aisle, you're going to have someones a** in your face if they are trying to get by a waiter or another patron. If the food was worth it, I'd be happy to accept it as part of the "atmosphere" but the food seemed rushed, not a lot of flavor and even the salmon sashimi was meh, didn't taste bad, but just kind of there. No kids menu, but they were able to bring a grilled chicken breast for our 3 year old and the waiter was very good engaging with him. May try it again, but it seems pricey for the quality, they charged for milk refills for our son which I've never had happen.
(2)
Sarah P.
My rating of 3 stars has to do with several issues - the prices are high for the size and quantity of sushi you get, the restaurant is loud, and the fish was so-so. Coming from New York and New Jersey, I'm not impressed. Though for DC standards, this place is fine, the thought of spending 50% more and getting half as much nagiri sushi that is less in quality is difficult to stomach. My personal experience with the service was great though. And having no reservations, my party and I were able to sit right down at the sushi bar. All in all, if I get a craving, I'll probably come back, but there is much improvement that could be made!
(3)
Dan M.
Great great time here. We had a maki-fest, going with four choices that filled up our hearts and stomachs with endless joy: We had the aspara-avo-q roll, crunchy tuna, red dragon roll, and volcano roll. Not a one disappointed. They were served up in a beautiful assortment, all tasted as fresh as you could ever hope for. Honestly, I think you could get any random mix of sushi and be pleased. The list they have available is long, and you'll find something fun and delicious you haven't had elsewhere. The bar also had Van Gogh's double espresso vodka - we could see the dark brown vodka smiling at us from across the room, standing out amongst the cookie cutter bottles (i.e. the ones not adorned by a master painting from a renowned artist), but neither our waitress, or surprisingly, the bartender himself, knew what it was. I had to get up and point to the bottle before they got it. Nevertheless, the drinks were delicious and well worth the hassle. This aside, the service was great. The only downside is the way they pack you in tighter than the poor tuna we devoured so quickly. Seriously, there is no more than 2 inches between the tables. My date had to have people at two different tables stand up for a moment just to get into the "inside" seat, the one with another diner sitting immediately behind you (I took the outside seat like a champ). Very uncomfortable setup. Also, for the guys, be aware of the bathroom situation. Apparently, the men's room door has trouble staying unlocked, and the staff frequently has to jimmy it open with a knife. I stood there doing my pee-pee dance for a good five minutes wondering what was going on in the bathroom before someone saw me and opened it. While she went to work on the lock, I couldn't help but stare nervously at my date (who was waiting for the women's at the same time) at the thought that we were about to bust open the door on a poor, unsuspecting bathroom-goer. Thankfully, disaster was averted, I did my thing, and we went on our way. It was a nice date, and we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Deejai B.
HIGHLY-westernized Japanese food at a solid value, especially for Bethesda! Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon with some friends. I ordered a glass of wine (yes, that's how we roll, no pun intended) and an unagi (eel) bento box. My friends also got bento boxes, one veggie and one got salmon. All of them came with miso soup, green salad, some variety of sushi roll, rice, tempura, and the main course. Mine was delicious and at $12 or so, a real bargain! FYI, Their warm mushroom salad, though it completely tastes Italian rather than Japanese (witness the Parmesan shavings) was surprisingly delicious - truly a must try. The service was fine and the place is nice enough for a quick meal, though it's a bit on the cozy side from what I could tell (we were seated near the bathroom unfortunately). All in all, a solid choice if you happen to find yourself hungry in Bethesda.
(4)
Allie I.
I love this place! The sushi is very good, however I wish the portions were a little bigger. The coconut red curry soup is outstanding! I highly recommend sharing with one or even two other people because this oversized soup bowl is nearly impossible to finish. Lots of variety of sushi and an authentic atmosphere. Definitely make reservations!
(4)
John Z.
Had the Sashimi bento box. $14 for miso soup, salad, portobello mushroom green bean salad, mini wontons(?), california roll, tuna, salmon, and yellow tail sashimi. A lot of quality food for a reasonable price.
(4)
Peter Y.
This place is one of my favorite places in Bethesda to eat. It has great food, and the service is excellent. I would recommend making a reservation because most evenings it gets pretty packed. Overall, I would recommend the sushi and dumpling appetizer, they are both on point.
(5)
Bill S.
Raku has its pluses and minuses. Its packed tight and congested. The food is good and some of their dishes are very good, some are so so. We wen Saturday night, restaurant week special. We had no reservations, where told a half hour wait, went next door to the Mussel bar and had a beer, came back in about half an hour and where seated in five minutes. I had a grilled shrimp salad, very good, a schist (six pieces) sampler, also very good ordered a soft shell road as an extra, not very good, it had little flavor and was soggy. For the main course I had a "stake in some special sauce. I asked for medium well, it was under-cooked but OK. I should have sent it back but service was a little slow. Phyllis got the Banzini which is her favorite. She said it used to be better. All in all Raku is Raku. I rather go to a less pretentious sushi joint, especially for the price. Its OK but I think overrated.
(3)
Valerie L.
This is our go-to Asian-food craving establishment (mainly because it's so close to our house.) I will be honest and say that this isn't exactly authentic Japanese/Thai/Sushi/etc HOWEVER it is delicious nonetheless. We live in Chevy Chase, and unfortunately there are only a handful (if that) of Asian restaurants within walking distance (other than Sushi-ko, which is OK.) For this reason, the closest alternative to walking is a short drive to Bethesda Row for our sushi/udon/octopus fix. The ambiance is beautiful, despite the cramming of several tables in such a confined space. The service is ALWAYS accomodating and friendly and food is yummy. As I previously stated, definitely don't make the trip here if you are seeking authentic sushi or Japanese dishes as most of their dishes have been modified to suit American palettes, but they have done a great job in doing so. They're noodle soups are super flavorful (the Red Curry with Udon noodles are our favorite) and their sushi rolls are equally as tasty (even if the "special BBQ Sauce" isn't exactly a specialty found across the Pacific.) Their very generaous portion of their Fruits de Mer appetizer with various seafood in a citrus-u/vinegar-y sauce is also super yummy. In short, your trip here will be an overall positive one long as you leave your pre-judgements at home regarding authenticity, and don't mind being slightly crammed into close quarters. Just keep an open mind and your tastebuds will be be happy :)
(4)
Lucy X.
This is an overdue review but I came here with a friend about a month and a half ago for Bethesda restaurant week. The restaurant week menu was just okay I'd say, kind of disappointing they didn't at least have their pumpkin soup on there, but it did have a decent variety of choices from Japanese to American style dishes. Other than the assortment of nigiri, which was by far the worst!--dry and NOT FRESH, the salmon tartare, NY strip, and baked apple dessert were all pretty good. An overall satisfying dinner, though I'd come here again just to try their pumpkin soup, and get it with one of their steaks, which, according to this nice old couple who were seated next to us (who told us they were frequentters of Raku), 'go absolutely perfect together'.
(4)
Maria S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bethesda! I used to work right down the street from Raku and would frequent the place! Thinking about their food makes my water water! The Good ~Food is amazing! Gazpacho in the summer, pumpkin-ginger soup in the fall....AMAZING Udon in curry....really great sushi. I can go on and on, the veggie bento box, the garden rolls....yyyuuummmy The ginger sorbet is one of my all time favorites!! What could be better ~Can get crowded between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and place is small ~It's a pricey, but sooo worth the taste! If I give it 5 stars
(5)
Derek W.
Really good sushi. Always crowded. We almost always get take out.
(5)
Alan V.
I'm a fan of good food and large portions. The Raku Deluxe udon noodle met the latter but not the former. The noodle dish has plenty of chicken, beef, and a couple tempura shrimps. The shrimp was the best part. However, the broth, which is the most important part of this dish, is rather bland. It tasted like it was vegetable broth, which makes business sense for making it versatile for vegetarian dishes, but it was quite bland without the meat flavor. On a positive note, the outside seating was quite nice and the bathroom sink was certainly unique.
(3)
Jessica A.
The service was great, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and y'know what...I even liked the miso soup. Quite a bit, actually. I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi. And so after seeing the reviews, I really was excited. I was disappointed. The sushi left much to be desired. I wasn't a fan of the philly roll, the cilantro kind of threw me off and the after taste was just not my cup of tea. I did enjoy the spicy crunchy avocado roll - that was different and delicious. spicy crunchy tuna and shrimp tempura were also quite good, as was the volcano roll (kind of) - not the best I've had, but decent enough after some holiday shopping right next door. I probably won't be back.
(2)
Tim R.
Had lunch. Rude waitress and hostess. The food is ok here and other visits have been better so maybe it was just a bad day for them.
(2)
Ack A.
Had Raku for lunch today with a friend, and I'll say that it is the most consistently good sushi in Bethesda. The service is good. But more important, the food is always fresh. We had about 6 different rolls -- everything from spicy tuna to Seoul Train to Double Salmon -- and all were excellent. The sushi is very very good. Don't expect to be blown away, but it's highly unlikely that you will be disappointed.
(4)
Fred V.
Fantastic Sushi; great service; great location I had a spicy tuna crunch roll; a spider roll; a tuna tar tar and a few other standard fare sushi items, during a business lunch there it was perfect - ambiance, food, company. They are happy to custom make or alter your order. the freshness and quality of the food is obvious and the service is quick - keeping a lunch meeting right on pace.
(4)
Jessica P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda...and I grew up here, so that's saying something! I pretty much always get the same thing: Raku Roll (eel and avacado) and Crunchy Shrimp with a seaweed salad. The crunchy shrimp roll is what got me and my best friend hooked and kept us coming back! I can never resist it! Also, the poached pear in caramel sauce is far and away one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life. If you're not into sushi, there's a huge variety of bento boxes, soups, noodle and fish dishes to try. For me, I just figure why fix something that's not broken haha...Crunchy Shrimp roll will make me happy every time. The service is also very reliable...and the staff must be fairly happy working there because there are at least three waiters/waitresses who have been there since it opened a number of years ago. Really great place, the only drawback is that it gets crowded because it's so popular and delicious. If you're a party of two, you can usually get seated pretty quickly, but don't try to walk up with a four or six person party on a Friday night and expect to get a table in under 30 minutes.
(5)
Jennifer T.
Raku has been hands down our favorite restaurant, for years! The staff is very accommodating (esp. of children) and helpful. If you have to wait much at your table, it's pretty unusual. We love the cha-mame, (edamame), nigiri of all kinds, ginger pumpkin soup, dumpling soup and the large soup bowls. Everyone loves the summer roll. They have some non "asian" type meals for those who don't do Asian - a nice steak with heavenly mashed potatoes a lobster and salmon among other things. Mostly, though, even better than the food is the fun and happy ambiance. If you're not happy there... you're not happy anywhere.
(5)
Leslie M.
Love this place! It's pretty much always crowded and you are on top of other diners but the foord is awesome. I always get the Roasted Mushroom Asparagus appetizer and the Crunch Tuna Cilantro Roll.
(4)
Ryan B.
The sushi is really good and you can never go wrong here. The only thing I don't like about this place is due to the spacing, it gets too cramped when there is a full room.
(4)
Sasha R.
shopping and desperate for some lunchtime eats, we stumbled in here. at 1p on a weekday, it was PACKED. figuring this many people knew something special, we waited the 10 minutes for a bar seat. not sure if it was worth it. the sushi special ($28!) had fresh buttery uni, salmon and yellowtail, which, as my faves, was worth the wait, if not the price. weirdly the salmon and yellowtail belly (?) had been seared on one side, making the texture oddly dry and cardboard-like. the cornbread calamari was perfectly fried. I KNOW why get the calamari at a japanese place, but it's a good thing we did. because the veggie & tofu noodles was completely tasteless. HUGE portion, but the broth was completely devoid of flavor.
(3)
Brandon L.
The first time I came here was the exact moment I discovered that I had a food allergy. Only a bit too late x). Still, I managed to finish the dish before I was rushed to Suburban haha! The strength of Raku is in it's consistency to deliver quality fusion cuisine. Fish is as fresh as you'll get in Bethesda, meat entrees are always cooked exactly the way you request, and the presentation of the sushi dishes is always creative (hello #instagram) Dishes you must try on your visit: 1. Salmon Carpaccio (my favorite) 2. Red Dragon Roll 3. Uni (Sea Urchin-FRESH) 4. Tako (Octopus) 5. Ikura (Salmon Roe. Reminds me of Nemo's siblings-probably not the most agreeable image) They are very busy on Fridays and Weekends from 6:00-9:30. Reservations can't be made during this prime time so allot at least 30 minutes wait time prior to seating. The atmosphere is tumultuous and energetic, the patrons are either entire families or adults pushing their 30s/40, and if you're a party of two, the seating is an intimate experience of personal space-bubble sharing. For those couples out there, it's a great place to have a date. There's enough background noise to keep those awkward silences at bay (if you're not much of a conversationalist) and yet it's easy enough to talk over. The waiters/waitresses are amiable and willing to help advise you (ask, they know what's good on the menu!) and since it's an older crowd, many will probably manage a smiling glance at you two, reminded of their former days of youthful unabashed love. Have fun!
(5)
Muriel H.
This restaurant was good. Not the best sushi i have had but definitely a cool spot for a late dinner date. When my fiance and I went it was super busy so we had to wait a while for a table. Typical downtown Bethesda sushi spot. We had the white wine sangria which was pretty darn good and the Butterfly Prawn was our appetizer. Also pretty good. The sushi was delish but, I expected a little bit more pizzazz..I think people like this place more because of the trendy setting rather than the food.
(3)
Maria F.
Love this place and go there quiet often with my folks. Fresh, delioscious sushi , my favorite appetezire in the world salmon and apple carpaccio to dye for, try out salmon toro nigiry and the crunchy spice salmon. Passionate fruit lemonade is just perfect. Tel lme where else you can get a huge ( at least for me and I am sure for any other person with modest appetite) bento box + miso ( usually I get sashimi bento box) for $14??? Highly recommend this place
(5)
Melanie A.
SO GREAT! The staff is friendly and seems to remember you - or at least are really friendly to newbies and regulars. I always get the Chicken Udon Soup, which is heavenly, especially on a chilly day. The sushi is great and the dishes are unique and very good. The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Great place to go with family or friends - but not too big of groups because they have few big tables.
(5)
Chris R.
Went here for bethesda retaurant week. 30 bux for snow crab soup, fettuccini salmon pasta, and steak. The everything was pretty good overall, but I felt like it was too pricey even with the deal. Would rather go to Benihanas happy hour.
(3)
Samuel R.
Raku Sushi in Bethesda has high quality sushi and many low-cost options! I love good sushi. But then again, I can say, "I love good (insert any type of food here)." Ms. Classy and I visited Raku in Bethesda a week before and since it was a date, we didn't break out the cameras and take notes (that really kills the date mood - as Ms. Classy informed me on a couple of occasions). However, she was out of town this weekend, so I decided to return with my notepad and camera dusted off (it HAS been a while since I've posted, hasn't it?) and ready to sit down and do some serious eating. The day was warm and I was quite hungry, so I started with a Sapporo beer. My empty stomach combined with my low alcohol tolerance gave me a nice buzzy feeling while waiting for the waiter to return for my full order. To start a sushi dinner, I like the seaweed salad or edamame. At most places, these are fairly small portions that are not meant to be shared. At Raku, the seaweed salad seems high at $7.50, but there's plenty to go around. It was a large dish, which sufficed as an appetizer for two. The edamame was nice and tender. I prefer it with a little salt, which is how it is served at some places, but not here. Oh well, nothing stopped me from adding it myself. I chose one of my favorite beers for out-door warm-weather dining, a cool and light Sopparo. I think it's one of the best drinks for a warm, sunny day. For the main course, there are two rolls worth highlighting at Raku: the Crunchy Spicy Tuna ($6) and the Wasabi Dynamite Roll ($8). The touch of cilantro in the Crunch Spicy Tuna roll, aside from the satisfying crunchy texture and the spicy zip, makes this roll a must have. The Wasabi Dynamite Roll comes with a combination of three fish (tuna, salmon, and yellowtail) with wasabi-flavored roe. It's not as spicy as the name suggests, but I really enjoyed the flavor and texture of the roe along with the cool, savory fish. For a third roll, if you like your rolls smooth, simple, and creamy, try any of the Ava-Q rolls using whichever fish you prefer. One thing I really like about sushi (besides the yumminess) is the control you have over your final bill as opposed to most other cuisines. Oh sure, you can break the bank with multiple specialty rolls, but if you choose carefully, you can have a nice meal without having to recalculate your budget. You can get a smorgasbord of simple rolls or go with one specialty roll with a simple roll on the side. Ms. Classy and I usually do the latter. If you need to watch your wallet, this is not the everyday place to hit, but it's a nice place to bring a date. You'll enjoy the quality of food and the penny-pincher inside all of us will enjoy the wide variety of rolls $6 and under. -Someone of the male gender who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(4)
Mark M.
Pretty good lunch place, crowded so they must be doing something right. The food was good, the table was small and uncomfortable, but that's kinda typical of the genre so no complaints. I'll go again if I come back to Bethesda.
(3)
Samantha G.
I finally got to Raku-- people have been telling me to eat here since August. The wait is always too freakin' long and I can never get a reservation...but last night, I had others wait for an hour while I popped in at the last second- gotta love that! I actually don't see what all the hype is about in terms of the sushi. The couple I was with said the soup is excellent but I was already sweating (it was HOT and crowded in there) so I decided to pass on that. I ordered a Maryland California Roll (cali roll with real crab meat), some edamame and a salmon avocado roll. The salmon/avo roll was TINY and the salmon was hard. Sushi-grade salmon is supposed to be buttery-melt-in-your-mouth goodness and I could barely eat this. The Maryland California roll was decent but could have used some spice on the meat. The two rolls, edamame and a glass of wine was about $30. I'd be willing to try this place again for the other dishes people rave about (tofu lunch box, Chilean sea bass) but never again for the sushi. Matuba is right around the corner and their sushi is WAY better and cheaper. This makes me want to go back and give Matuba another star b/c I was docking them for all their other weirdness rather than the food. Anyway, if you want good, quick, no-wait sushi in Bethesda, I'd pick Matuba over Raku. Even though it doesn't have the ambiance and trendy-factor, the fish is better and that's why you go to eat sushi- right?
(2)
Fay F.
You have to try the salmon green apple appetizer, really original and flavorful. I ordered the grilled ginger pork chop. And the part that amazed me wasn't the pork chop, but the vegetables came with it. There were carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, and russel sprouts. They were...AMAZING. And I generally don't like carrots and cabbage, but they had me at first bite....lol. The pork chop was grilled in a perfectly sweet+salty sauce, just a bit overcooked. The portion was good, flavor was good, and the service has always been great. I'd recommend this place.
(4)
James P.
This was one of my family's favorite restaurant since they opened. I don't know if management changed, but their service is quickly diminishing. It was never great service at the restaurant, but now, servers don't seem to care. I don't know if food changed much, but when bad service is given, food always taste worse.
(2)
Thuy L.
J'adore this place! The first time I went I had the waitress that looks like the costume maker from the Incredibles. (You'll know who I'm talking about.) She highly recommended the beef tataki and salmon teriyaki bento box. Both were delicious! Everything in the box is tasty. The portobello, green bean, wonton, parmesan cheese and vinaigrette salad is such a treat. I trek all the way up to Bethesda just for this food sometimes.
(4)
Jessica M.
This place had the BEST edamame I've ever had! I asked our server what made them different, he said they're not regular edamame, they're chamame edamame. They have so much flavor, without tasting salty, and they don't even need soy sauce! I can't believe I'd never tried these before. I'm now on a hunt for all restaurants that serve this! The sashimi bento box I had was pretty good, and they were nice about accommodating my request for only salmon and tuna (no whitefish). The salmon was great but the tuna was just ok, mostly because it was too tough to chew. I liked all of the stuff that came in the bento, there were a bunch of things! Most of them were pretty interesting, too, not just the typical bento box selections. Not sure if the bentos are just on the lunch menu, but I was a little bummed they didn't have any less expensive lunch specials. The quality was pretty high, though, so it makes sense. I like the ambiance of this place, very classy, but the tables are basically right on top of each other (I live in NYC and deal with this everywhere, but in the 'burbs I guess I expect a bit more space!). Our server was nice but didn't make himself available unless he was needed. Waters were always refilled, plates were taken when they needed to be, overall the service was fine. I would come back here just for the edamame!
(4)
Sam S.
The food here is delicious. I recommend the fruit de mer, its very well done with a great vinaigrette sauce. The sushi is very fresh and tasty with different herbs added to the fish to give it a unique taste. If you're not in the mood for Sushi, I would highly recommend the Chilean sea-bass. The service is hit or miss, and the place is packed on the weekends. I mean you are literally sitting right next to the table next to you unless you wait 30 min for a booth (which we always do). overall A+ for the food B- for the ambiance and service.
(4)
Carla B.
Aside from the fact that this place is noisy and you might as well be sharing your meal with your neighboring tables, I will go to Raku from time to time. Why? Because it is simply delicious. I had the pleasure of trying their Garden Summer Roll for the first time, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The peanut sauce, coupled with the light shrimp roll was mouth watering. The sushi, per usual, was spot on. Raku is the kind of place that I can only go every once in a while, but when I do, I am rarely disappointed with the food.
(4)
Emily P.
If I'm in the mood for Japanese cuisine, this is probably one of the last places I'd go to satisfy my craving. Serving size is huge, which may be a plus for some, but I hate filling up on food that's just really not that great. On top of that, most times I've been here, its been so busy for some reason.
(2)
Liv C.
Raku? More like Cracku! Seriously, I'm still not convinced the "crunch" in their crunchy spicy tuna roll isn't crack cocaine, because it is TOTALLY addicting! When I lived in Bethesda I was dining here at least twice a week, Jeremy Piven style. I love sushi but I'm picky about where I eat it because of, you know, the whole parasite thing. But it's clear Raku is a cut above the rest -- their fish is extremely fresh and the restaurant is clean. Get there early because both indoor and outdoor seating fills up FAST! My top picks: - seaweed salad (they flesh it out with mixed greens, but you can ask for all seaweed) - chicken nappa salad (has a pleasant, spicy mustard-ish kick to it) - shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer - crunchy spicy tuna roll - any of the dragon rolls (I love the red dragon, personally) - red coconut curry noodle bowl (so delicious and comforting in the winter ... but don't wear white ... slurp slurp) - Princess Bamboo sake
(5)
Sarah C.
We frequent this asian diner because the location is convenient. Also the hubs enjoys having choices in sushi/sashimi locations. I tag along since I heart the boy and they offer a variety of 'warm' dishes. I strongly suggest making reservations if possible. I find it humorous how they always give me the sushi/sashimi plates instead of asking who receives what. I'm still trying to 'appreciate' the raw deals but in baby steps. I'm a fan of protein like most but my current definition of raw is 'medium rare'... not even near seared yet o_O. Hubs had tasted their Tuna Tartare and Seaweed Salad many times before his raw delights while I have sampled their Chicken and Pork Dumpling along with the Corn Meal Crusted Fried Calamari. We've had other starters/appetizers but these came to mind immediately. While the better half had his fresh picks (he's into all the raw goods), I usually chose the Pan Roast Chicken Breast or the Strip Steak Szechwan Style. I've tasted their noodle soups but honestly I don't remember which ones. The Pan Roast Chicken Breast entree is tasty for the lemony basil sauce and the two sides which are the Thai-styled sauteed egg noodles and asparagus. The sauce and asparagus are my faves in this dish. The Strip Steak Szechwan Style has a tasty mildly spicy chili flavor with potato puree (paste-like - not mashed) on the side along with green beans (haricot verts). They have a long menu with various choices that should satisfy each individual who visits this casual establishment. You will be among the crowd. Raku consistently attracts foot traffic.
(3)
Jae S.
It should be called Crap-Pu not Raku... Is it just me or does Americans love Asian-Fusion cuisine?? Let me say one thing, I know Asian food... because I'm Asian. HA! Well, the fusion thing they did is pretty good, I like some of their dishes. But it;s too Americanized, I didn't get that "Asian" feel to it. You can't really mess up sushi, except if you do too much with it, and they did a lot of garnishing and "poof" on their sushi. Sushi = rice, fish. Service is not the fastest, it barely made my cut of "acceptable". One thing I did not like is that the tables are too close together. If I wanted to have dinner with some strangers I would have gone to a bar. 3 stars from me. Thanks!
(2)
Anita C.
Came here for a lunch date yesterday, and had mixed reviews. We were seated quickly as a party of 2 at 12:30pm on a Friday, so it wasn't a bad wait. We ordered two items: 1) Tokyo broth with egg noodles and chicken (~$8.50) A customizable noodle soup dish. The chicken-based broth was a bit bland, but I added the seasoning on the side to spice it up a bit. The chicken was nice and flavorful, and the egg noodles well-cooked. TIP: you can ask to split the bowl into two if you're sharing, and you still get nice, evenly-sized portions. Options: Protein - chicken, shrimp tempura, beef, or tofu & veggies Noodles - egg, sobu, or udon Broth - Tokyo (chicken-based) or the red coconut curry 2) Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki ($11.95) I didn't enjoy this meal. True, it comes with huge portions: lots of chicken teriyaki, portobello beans, fried shrimp shumai, house salad, miso soup, and California rolls. The California rolls were dry and unflavorful. The chicken was extremely dry and tough to chew. The dressing on the house salad was just A-OK. Overall, I might come back for the noodle soup, which I did enjoy. If you're looking for large lunch portions are an OK price, you should come to Raku-An. The restaurant has a nice, easy ambiance. I wouldn't return for dinner - the bento boxes are +$5 more expensive and the food not enough to warrant it.
(3)
john c.
Excellent all the way around! I go here for sushi when im at my place in Bethesda, Sushi is as fresh as can be and if you sit at the bar they will make you "special" rolls :) I like my spicy tuna roll special topped with cobia. you would be a fool to overlook their full menu as well, I had roasted branzino (whole fish)the other night and it was awesome and i think an excellent value. As for the long lines, they are there for a reason (the food is good) As far a service goes, look this place is like eating in Manhattan. Its a busy place that has an excellent quality of food and the dishes are very nice to look at. Dont come here thinking you will be pampered because you wont, but they will serve you with a smile. You are paying 2 star prices for 5 star food so get over your self and come eat good sushi at a cheep price. and yes it is cheep for what you get. Banzai!!
(4)
Hayes W.
If you like grocery store sushi, this is the place for you. Let me give you the run-down: Arrived on time for our reservation (myself and girlfriend) and were seated within 8 inches of another table. This was not a huge deal, until more people showed up. Throughout our whole meal we felt like we were intruding on other people's conversation and vice versa. We ordered drinks, A beer (sapporo) and a "vodka/sake" martini. If that 9 dollar martini had vodka in it then I need to go to the doctor and have my tastebuds tested, because it was honestly the most underpoured martini I've ever tasted. We had to wave on our waitress EVERY TIME we needed drink refills, check, etc. She never once came over on her own free will. Now to the food: We ordered 4 different plates, around 30 rolls varying in style. I can honestly say, after living all over the country, that I have never payed so much for such crap sushi. I honestly feel like I could have gone to Giant grocery store down the road and gotten better sushi. It was plain, boring, unoriginal in presentation, and just all around blah. After paying our 51.05 for our below average dinner, and waving over our waitress for the umpteenth time, we payed and left. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone, and I will be telling everyone I know in Bethesda to avoid at all costs. Step your game up, this place sucks!!
(1)
Amanda D.
I just want to say that the entrance to this place is really badly designed. The hostess both is hidden and it says to wait to be seated at the bar. But there isn't anyone that pays attention to you enough to be seated. Anyways, I heard about this place and decided to go on a warm day, of course the wait was 30+ min for outdoor seating. We came back later and asked if they had any seating. We waited another 10 minutes and were finally seated. Ordered some sushi, and it was okay. I don't consider myself an expert, but been around to enough sushi bars to know what tastes good and was is mediocre. And the salmon sushi I had was mediocre. My friend's rolls fell apart before she even got it to her mouth. Sushi is okay, service is alright. Would I come back here? Probably not.
(2)
Christiane V.
raku is my favorite restaurant in the bethesda row area. i love eating at raku for lunch outside on a nice day. the food and service are consistent. my favorite items on the menu are the beef tenderloin bento box (only served during lunch), seaweed salad, healthy tofu salad, chicken and pork dumplings, and the udon. the udon is really big. if you ask to split it, they will do it for you at no additional charge. the sushi is not the best i've had but there are a few specialty rolls that i like to order once in a while. my only complaint is the same as everyone else's. if you come as a party of two they tend to cram you inside the restaurant really close to your neighbor. in the winter it tends to get a little smoky inside too. i recommend coming right when they open for lunch and if you come for dinner, expect a wait. it is a popular spot.
(4)
Katie P.
Great place for rolls and different fusion-type asian cuisine. Would not recommend for those who want traditional type sushi and sashimi... I loved the crunchy spicy tuna roll and Seoul train roll. I love spicy rolls, so they really hit the spot. The sushi was ok. I've had better ones, but I loved their creativity and uniqueness. The noodle entree we tried wasn't that great. It was tempura with chicken...The soup was too salty, and didn't have much flavor to it other than soy. There were so many other interesting items on the menu I wanted to try...will definitely go back and try others!
(4)
Regina P.
Their steak appetizer is incredible!! It's got a hint of sweetness that compliments the saltiness of the steak perfectly! The tofu salad is OK. The sushi isn't bad. A nice place for a more upscale datenight but definitely not the best sushi in town.
(3)
hoot k.
i'm sorry - will never go to this place ever again! arrived for an early dinner on a sat.. and just everything was a complete disappointment! honestly i was so disappointed in this place.. i'm not even sure how this place has the positive review that it does! ordered some plates.. which looked like someone threw up on (will upload photo)... a few rolls.. which i believe my 8 yr niece could do a better job.. just a joke of a place.. almost was embarrassed for them.. in MoCo.. if it's not yuraku, dont' even bother! bethesda is trying but overall food is not up to par.. if you want sushi.. save your $$ and go to whole foods or even harris teeter.
(1)
Josh S.
Got a bento box. Each little square contained a culinary concoction of unequaled quality. It ain't cheap, but worth it for a nice dinner out.
(5)
Amy S.
EXCELLENT food. Almost impossible to get a table w/out a reservation. Not to be confused w/the Raku in Dupont Circle area. They are not related and the Bethesda restaurant is the tops. Love the healthy tofu salad.
(4)
Mr. L.
Lunch on a Saturday is crazy. The wait time is long but the food was worth it. I can't say it's the best sushi in the area, but it's not too bad. My family mainly ordered sushi. It's quite fresh.. Portion is a little small but adequate, I guess, for lunch. My kids always enjoyed the fried calamari - bite size, hot and crispy. Services can be improved but it's hard during peak lunch hours.
(4)
Martin B.
I thought that this place was great! It was a cold day today, and in the aftermath of the Snowstorm of 2010 the girlfriend and I needed a good place to eat. After passing by this place for many, many years I decided to give it a shot. The first thing we noticed was that it was really packed. I mean, yeah a lot of schools and local (and the federal) governments were closed, but for 1:40PM on a Monday there was a lot of business. Generally a good sign. After about a minute or two we were promptly seated. The menu is pretty extensive, but its main focus is a variety of sushi. My girlfriend and I each ordered a dish of crispy sushi. This is basically sushi with what appeared to be basically tempura in it. She got the eel, I got the spicy salmon. Both rolls were great, although I was more partial to the salmon. There was just enough of the crispy stuff in there to give it some crunch without overpowering the flavors of the salmon, which was delicious. But oh no! It turns out that big guys like myself can't be satisfied with just six pieces of sushi! So I decided to split an order of soup with my girlfriend. This was the Tokyo broth soup, with chicken and udon noodles. What's great is that they serve the soup in two bowls; it's definitely something you want to split with another person. The noodles were thick and tasty, but they could have given you more (I'm a noodle fiend). The chicken was great quality, and the vegetables were also nice complements to the meat. And the broth was just fantastic; I was slurping it up long after my stomach was saying "NO MORE, NO MORE." And all of this meal ran only $23 bucks or so. It's now nearly five hours since we ate, and I'm not hungry at all (which is very rare for me). Congratulations Raku, you've just found yourself two very loyal customers.
(5)
Christine A.
Atmosphere: 3.5 stars There's nothing really fancy about the interior. Nice lighting. You can carry conversation at normal speaking volume. Some of the upholstery needs repair. Most weekday evenings finds Raku bustling. Regardless, the place has a good vibe. Service: 3 stars Some days, the service is on point. Other days, it takes a little while to get the attention of the wait staff. But it's not horrible. Food: 4 stars Consistently fresh, quality ingredients. That's crucial for good sushi/rolls. If they had some more creative rolls, they'd get a 5 out of me. Their pumpkin-ginger soup is delicious.
(4)
Billy M.
come here all the time, sushi is very fresh and delicious
(4)
Trevor M.
If it were only an Asian Diner...then I can get yaki soba or takoyaki After several tries coming here...All that I can really say...is that it is moderately acceptable. Came here on my final time for a late lunch on Monday. It was crowded due to the Labor day holiday. You can tell the server was visually annoyed to have another table. Food: We had the lunch special sushi platter. 12 pieces of nigiri for $26. Moderate pricing for this area. So, that's ok. What was frustrating was that the server when ordering never told us that there were some items that was exchanged since they were out of it. I specifically wanted Uni and the blue fin tuna. Did not get it. I asked the server about this and he checked with the sushi bar, but came back rather incoherently stating that some items were swapped out. Now, one of the reasons why people do a sample platter is to experiment or have a variety. It's proper for a server to actually tell you what is on the plate. This did not happen. Now, the sushi was of decent quality...was it the best. No, but for $26... you get what you pay for...actually, here I didn't...since, I didn't get what I initially wanted. The miso soup and miso/ginger dressing was too salty and meh. Standard items really. The dumplings that I had was also incredibly salty. The nigiri rice was moist, but flavorless. The ebi was not as sweet as it could have been. The seared tuna had a light sear and you can taste it nicely. Service/Staff: Unprofessional, slow and lacked the ability to speak...English properly. Now, beyond that was he a good server. No, he was not considerate to give us the proper information regarding the change of sushi menu when placing the order and the bar made the change without letting us know. I eat sushi a lot. I write about sushi a lot. I would expect an Asian Diner in Bethesda to be more professional. Price: Moderate for this area. Return rate: I don't think so...even if they may be one of the few Asian diners with outtside seating. Bottom Line: Servers come and go. But a staple of a good restaurant is consistency and quality in both food and service. This place has a long way to go.
(2)
Jihea P.
Dinner at Raku last night: Appetizer: Bonsai Tree Roll Entree: Volcano & Rainbow Rolls for me, Raku Assortment Sushi dish for friend Drink: Hot Sake I am a fan. Price was very resonable and the food was good. I didn't enjoy the Bonsai Tree Roll too much - perhaps my expectations were high but I did not expect an actual roll to come out as an appetitzer. It was good though. Good was very good and I would return for the food. No complaints! We sat outside, and it was perfect. We first opted to sit inside, but the tables are literally on top of each other and you have to pull out a table to get since the space between the tables are so small. Even outside, I heard every word of the people sitting around me. I would also expect that it gets very loud as people are so close to one another. For that, it gets a three.
(3)
Sharon M.
EXCELLENT Service. Came here for a lunch with coworkers -- they were extremely courteous and the manager(? i think?) came out to tell us he was pushing tables together to accommodate our big group -- wait was less than 10 minutes despite it being their lunch hour and very busy. They are on top of things. The waitress was great, too, she dealt with our large group and separate check request and some nit-picky requests with absolute grace. Thanks, guys.
(5)
Dennis M.
We eat here all the time. You can't go wrong eating here. We have never had a bad meal or bad service here. When you eat out you want good food, good service at a good price. I think this place has all of this.
(5)
J J.
Raku does not disappoint! This place has good quality sushi, unlike some other places. The rolls and sashimi are always fresh. Every time I have gone, there was either no wait or a short wait even when they are busy during dinner time. Raku is probably the best sushi restaurant in the Bethesda/Rockville area. If you are hungry, I would definitely recommend one of the boats!
(5)
Irena N.
Tasty appetizers, pretty good sushi (I was especially impressed by the Korean tuna roll, which has kimchee and spicy sauce in it), and very friendly and speedy service. So why only three stars? Well, for one thing, all my sushi was decent until I ordered toro. It was the worst toro I'd ever had. What kind of a sushi place doesn't know good toro from bad toro? Second, I'm just not crazy about any of their entrees. They aren't bad, but aren't particularly good either. Just... eh. There are too many other sushi places around (Tako Grill, for one thing) that consistently deliver. I'll still go back, especially since Raku has outdoor seating and it's quite pleasant in nice weather. But it's not a favorite.
(3)
Thanh P.
This place is great. There are 2 other locations in DC but they can't match this one both in the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of food. Sushi is great, and the BBQ skirt steak appertizer is really yummy. but the real winner is the Wok-charred Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. I believe that this dish should be illegalized the way Wal-mart was banned from NYC to protect the businesses. This seabass puts all other seabass dishes from anywhere to shame. If more people know about this seabass, all the other restaurants in the US might as well take the poor yet delish little fish off of their menus. After a break up, a divorce, or a wedding, this will make everything all right again. It has been proven to cure depression. There also have been reports that it may cure cancer and AIDS. Anyone should at least go try this chilean seabass once in their lifetime before it gets banned. This is the Walmart, the Maldives, and a girl's youth of Bethesda. I reckon that it will disappear soon.
(5)
Adam L.
What they lack in creativity, they make up with quality ingredients. Very good selection of veggie rolls (that taste good). It's true, the seating process could be improved, but it's tasty sushi on Woodmont Ave right across from the theater. All the decent restaurants are crazy busy.
(4)
Bill P.
If you are a single named restaurant RAKU and throw in some foo-foo protein and have reasonable prices and quick servers you will be successful......Sushi Damo in Rockville has to get its learn on. :) The bento box deal at Raku for $10-15 is the prob. the best in the area.... I got the Korean-style BBQ chicken box with all of the trimmings.....the California rolls could have been wrapped a little tighter but all in all a very good deal with 6-7 items to enjoy and a delicious peach ice tea to quest the thirst. On the patio in DC a little more relaxing than being squashed inside at the Bethesda location.
(4)
Ellen W.
This place is tiny and crowded. I've been here a few times but never on a week day. We told the host that there were 2 of us and he asked if we wanted a seat at the bar. I said no but we will get a drink at the bar. He then proceeded to say that was fine but we would have to leave if there are others that want to eat at the bar. I didn't remember him writing our names down and decided to check 5 minutes later. He didn't remember talking to me and said he didn't put our names down. I was a little irritated by then and told him he just talked to us and now there are like 3 more people ahead of us. We got seated shorty after that but I thought the whole organization of the restaurant was horrible. We had 4 rolls and the seaweed salad. Seaweed salad was yummy and I loved the dressing. They were out of the lobster rolls but didn't tell us until later, right before our food came out. The other rolls were alaskan crab roll, double wasabi dynamite roll, rainbow roll, and spicy crunchy tuna roll. I liked the alaskan crab roll the best. The rest of the rolls were just ok. I'll probably go back there again to try their other dishes. We saw what some of our neighbors ordered and it looked so good. It was a salmon dish. Next time I want to try that or the chilean sea bass that everyone's raving about.
(4)
Evsi W.
Raku is soooooo delicious! Anything you order will be fantastic! The sushi ( quality of fish) excellent. The Wasabi roll, Salmango are my recomendation because they offer different flavours with perfect balance that you cant get anywhere else. The Pumpkin Ginger soup is rediculously good and i don't even like pumpkin nor do i ever order soup in a restaurant! To top it of you have to try the banana's foster! Yum Your evening won't be a dissapointment. Prepare to wait for a table about 20 -30 min! Or reserve ahead of time
(5)
Michael D.
This was our second visit to Raku. First the positives: Sushi (good), sea bass (very good) and a noodle dish (good). Prices aren't cheap ($20-25 for entrees, $8 for a glass of wine), but not unreasonable for Bethesda. Now the negatives: Slow service on a Saturday night (it was busy, but 20 minutes to ask if we wanted anything to drink?) The hostess was unfriendly, and our waitress appeared disinterested. It would have been nice if she asked 1)did we want our water glasses refilled or 2)did we enjoy our meal.The restaurant is crowded and loud in the evening. We were seated near the front of the restaurant, and were surrounded by people waiting for tables at 8 PM. The cramped setting and less than attentive service would have bothered me less if our bill wasn't $120 for four. So, my feelings are mixed. The food was good (3-4 stars), but the staff and overall setting weren't (2 stars). Raku thus receives a very weak 3 stars. Would I go again? Probably not. There are other restaurants in the area where the food is as good/better where I've felt much more welcome. One other warning. If you're driving, parking in Bethesda on a nice Saturday evening is a challenge. Most municipal lots are filled by 7 PM. Allow 15-20 minutes to search for parking. Nearby private lots charge 4-5$.
(3)
Tracy K.
Poor Customer Service!!! There is definitely a lack of communication at this restaurant. We arrived at 2:45pm on Labor Day Monday. Hostess seated us outside. We asked the waiter for a drink menu he brought it to us, then it took him almost 10min to come back and take our order. Once he returned we ordered our drinks then ordered the 12 piece sashimi from the lunch menu. We were told that he wasn't sure if we could still order since lunch was over at 3pm. We said it is not 3pm and we woud like to order the sashimi special from the lunch menu. We also asked if we could keep the standard menu in case we wanted to order a few more items later. He said no because the entire restaurant closes at 3pm. (so it wasn't the lunch specials that were over at 3:00pm, but that the restaurant CLOSES at 3pm!!!!! My question...why would they seat us at 2:45 and not tell us they close at 3pm. That made for a VERY bad start to our late lunch. We received our sashimi order and it was supposed to include Uni as one of the pieces. Uni is our favorite and we were very upset that it was missing from our order. Asked the waiter and he said they were out of Uni and they substituted it with crab. Okay...Uni does not = Crab (if you are an Uni lover, you'll understand). Asked the waiter why he didn't tell us ahead of time they were out of Uni, and he couldn't say anything. At that point, we ate our sashimi and left. The only consolation was that the fish was pretty fresh, but it wasn't anything special. I'll never go back. I don't care if you have AMAZING food, if the waitstaff/hostesses and chefs cannot communicate with eachother, let alone their customers, it becomes too frustrating to eat there.
(2)
Daniel H.
Have been coming here for years. Just had another phenomenal meal -- Haddock "Hong Kong Style" as one of their specials. Sushi is alway fresh and beautifully presented. You couldn't have a bad meal here if you tried!
(5)
Kevin L.
Classy, upscale ambiance which is strangely paired with polite, quick service... if you can flag someone down. We were rapidly sat on the sidewalk with such pleasant weather going on, but waited... and waited... and waited... yet no server came to our table to offer us drinks or to take our order. Eventually, we just had to call someone over, and they were quick to help us out. This particular afternoon, Raku was offering one of their lunch specials of katsu curry. I haven't had the stuff since one of my last trips to Sushi Taro before it closed down for remodeling, and thought it might be a nice change of pace from all the sushi I'd been having. Not a bad pick - deliciously rich curry sauce, crispy fried katsu served with a generous heaping of steamed white sticky rice. Disappointingly, a couple hunks of the pork were almost entire fatty meat. Not melty, delicious fatty. More like tough, chewy fatty. Not entirely thrilling, even if the flavor and the portion were quite on par with how I remember Sushi Taro's being. I did have a sip of Alicia's unsweetened peach iced tea, and if I came back, I'd definitely order a glass for myself. With the food floating just above a three and the service (including hiccup with not being tended to for at least five minutes after being sat) floating somewhere just under three, I think a round three stars is just about spot on. Could definitely go up, pending improvements in taking care of customers in a more timely fashion.
(3)
Good D.
Great sushi. Too pricey. Good decor. Nice ambiance. Long wait on the weekends. Parking is far. It's better if you go with a few people, or as a couple. Lack of indoor seating.
(3)
Beth L.
Very happy with Raku last night, particularly their sushi. Their menu definitely varies from the location in Dupont - I noticed some different sushi combos. We shared a grilled squid app, which was tasty, served with corn, black bean, and mango. Squid was cooked perfectly and tasted fresh. I had a california roll with tuna (nice combo) and a yellowtail-scallion roll. Good rice-fish proportion (not much rice), fish was very fresh - only small complaint was that the nori was just a leetle bit too chewy. Nice outdoor seating area, too (watch out for the bees tho!)
(4)
Marianne D.
SETTING: Third visit. Mid-day. SERVICE: Quick & Friendly DECOR: Can I get some of the large paper Lantern fixtures to go? They would look great hanging above my patio. ENTREE: 6 Avocado Sushi Rolls to go for lunch. Under $5 with tip. Yum. VERDICT: You will see me again.
(3)
Brian G.
Disappointing. Nothing seemed vibrant or fresh. I've had better meals at the Raku in Dupont.
(2)
Ateet A.
I want to give this restaurant a solid 3.5 stars. It is not quite at a 4star level but maybe if the service was stepped up just a little and the food as well, then we would begood to go. We went there last night, it hink for the second time. We ordered the edamame to start which was excellent and not too salty, in fact had very little salt but still very tasty. Afterwards, I ordered a few rolls (Chesapeake Bay roll, Deluxe Spicy Tuna, and Volcano). deluxe Spicy tuna roll was the best out of all three and then the volcano roll. The chesapeake roll was actually not that great and my least favorite of all. Lastly, we tried the Banana Foster which was unique with the green tea ice reams and their own rendition but still good. I would go there again but probably try some other rolls or maybe order an actual entree.
(3)
Bill J.
We ate there during Bethesda Restaurant Row week. It was mid-week, but busy. We ate outside, which was nice - inside it was very noisy. The food was very good - would give it a solid four stars on food, Sushi was excellent. The service was not. Server was very nice, with a good wine recommendation and a very plesant way about her. There was a delay in the second course, so she eventually gave us one of our orders (the Sushi) which we ate while waiting for the other second course item. We got that, and immediately got our third course orders - Steak and Halibut. We asked that they take back the Steak and Halibut - which they did, and after we finished the 2nd course pasta (a good 10 min) they brought us the third course. Both items were cold and somewhat dry. We mentioned this to the server, who apologized again, but did nothing more. We will likely try it again, but if the service is anything like what we experienced, won't go back again.
(3)
Alina E.
I have visited Raku many times before this last visit. Usually, I partake in their very good, creative sushi (dragon roll is a favorite!). But this time both my boyfriend and I were under the weather and were excited to try their noodle soup to soothe our sore throats. We were not disappointed. We split the $12 udon deluxe Tokyo dashi broth soup. Deluxe means it contains an assortment of protein (beef, chicken and shrimp tempura) in addition to the slightly chewy, slippery udon noodles and various veggies. You can also order it with just beef, just chicken or just shrimp tempura. IT WAS DELICIOUS! The broth was not too oily, the veggies still retained a slight crunch and the meat/seafood was flavorful and a very good quality not often seen in soups. The menu was slightly updated from my too-long-ago last visit with new appetizer options (we tried the ocean roll which was very good and came with a moderately spicy dipping sauce) and new sushi rolls (my brother raved about his Flying Dragon Roll!) and everything we tried was still as delicious as on my previous visits. Besides Jaleo, Raku is definitely the most worthy of repeated visits restaurant on that busy Bethesda street.
(4)
Jed S.
Food is great. They have options for those in your party who aren't into sushi. Specials are always real good and interesting.
(5)
Maria M.
Girls night out is always fun =). This place was filled w/ lots of young professionals kickin' back and having a good time. I liked the fact that us girls can be "loud" without having to worry about other people shushing us. Very casual and bright, with hanging lights and bamboo sticks on the walls. The food wasn't bad at all. We ordered the Red dragon roll which consisted of salmon, eel, avocado, and some spicy sauce. For the appetizer we got mussels. Not bad. Wasn't fishy or anything. So that's always a plus for me. For our main entrees, we got the Tokyo Dashi soup Deluxe which included beef, chicken, and shrimp tempura. Very tasty. I picked egg noddles to go with it while my friend picked buckwheat noodles. Both tasted good and the broth was delicious. Not too salty, and not too bland neither. Plus they give you some kind of seasoning on the side that you can add at your discretion =P. My other friend got more rolls, wasabi roll and fried scallop roll. I didnt get a chance to taste it because I was trying to finish my soup - didn't get to by the way. In any case, this would probably be a 3.5, but our waitress kept coming back to ask if we were done and seemed to get annoyed when we weren't. Grant it, we were there for probably 1.5 hours, but it's not like they were waiting to seat people. I swear she asked us, "Are you done with this?" like 6 or 7 times... geez. Bottom line: good place to get some good quick noodles.
(3)
Natalie F.
Came here last week for a birthday dinner. I thought it was OK. The food was good, service was OK. I felt kind of rushed though. I don't feel the need to come back. Not sure what all the hype is about. I'd rather go to Spring Garden on 16th street.
(3)
Larissa M.
Raku is excellent, and I eat here every time I am in the area. They are consistent in their food and great service. They're also fast. If you ever sit at the sushi bar, you can see why they are fast. They are super organized and clean back there in the kitchen and know exactly what they're doing. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the cooked food is outstanding too and very unique. There's often a fusion of Asian and Western flavors and ingredients. I love trying new things on the menu, and it's always a safe bet that I'm going to have great food at Raku. I've heard of some people not liking how loud it can get there, but I actually really like how lively it is. There's a great energy, and you can tell that people love eating at Raku!
(5)
Melanie F.
It's always a packed, chaotic mess of a tiny restaurant. Their sushi is...ok. But it's their great big curry udon noodle soups that keep me coming back. I like their chicken napa salad for an appetizer. Get the bread pudding for dessert, too. They close from 3-5 which is annoying.
(4)
Christi D.
Sea bass, dragon roll, generally everything is delicious here. I think the prices are little bit much for some of its entrees, especially for dinner. The Raku in Dupont doesn't even compare to this one. However, get a BENTO BOX for lunch and it will be on of the best deals you'll ever have for lunch. Between $10-$13 for fish, meat, or vegetable bento boxes gets you A LOT of variety: your main protein of choice, sushi (just california rolls or something else plain), seaweed salad, shu mai (no idea how to spell this), portabella mushroom / green bean / wanton strip salad with parmesan cheese, and soup. My bento box - I usually get the rib eye or salmon bento box. I don't really like soup so I substitute my soup for additional salad (this salad is just their house salad though) . I also like to upgrade my bento box sushi to the dragon roll, which I think is between a $2 and $3 additional cost to your meal.
(5)
Naomi U.
The decor is Asian modern with big chopsticks and fans hanging from the ceiling. It's too cramped to have a big group but I would recommend it for a casual date night. The sushi is definitely not on the skimpy side. They had an interesting combination of ginger, apple, and mackerel but I think they stopped making that. Another favorite was the wasabi dynamite roll and the red dragon roll. Main entrees are delicious and not a disappointment. My favorite would have to be the Chilean sea bass. The steaks are delicious as well but a must try would be the coconut curry noodle soup with udon! Minus one star because the bill tends to be a bit on the hefty side (for two people: 2 entrees, and 2 rolls = about $60 not including tip)
(4)
Amani A.
Service was terrible it took 25 mins just I get water.. Then another 30 mins to get our edamame then finally another 30 mins just for our sushi.. The sushi was nothin special in fact nothing was really great about this place I think I'll stick to Hanaro or Sushi Damo next time
(1)
Kate S.
I think I did this all wrong. Went for dinner here on a warm-ish summer night and ordered the Red Curry Noodle Soup with chicken. I can only describe it as... gross? The noodles were as big as a baby's arm and mushy. The soup had a flavor like air mixed with water and elevator music. The portion was, seriously, offensive. Could've served five people easily. Maybe something for a server to mention when one person orders it? The place was packed, so I'll cut the spotty service some slack. I've heard good things about the sushi, so maybe I'll be back to give it a try. But probably not.
(2)
Tommy M.
My friend Olivia calls it CRAKU - True Story! Today, and I'm not sorry to admit, was my THIRD time there in the last 96 hours. Mmmm Crunchy Shrimp Roll is made of the things dreams are made of! NOT good for 'private chats' they do pack you in like canned fish!
(4)
Simeen A.
I have been here close to 10 times and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I do think the restaurant is cramped and gets crazy crowded-- make a reservation, especially on the weekend. Also it's pretty loud, so if you're looking for quiet and intimate, move along. As far as the food goes, I have had almost all the rolls (my favorites are the Mt Fuji, What a Match, and Crunchy Spicy Tuna). I also love the tuna tartare. The red curry noodle bowl is amazing-- it is HUGE and so tasty. I get mine with tofu and veggies and it's filling and flavorful. The service can be spotty-- sometimes the waiter is on point, other times I'm trying to flag someone down for 20 minutes for a glass of water. Overall, though, I like it a lot and have brought friends here (locals and out-of-towners) on several occasions. **This review is only for Raku in Bethesda. I went to the one in Dupont once and thought it wasn't very good so I stick to Bethesda.
(4)
Steph S.
I love raku. Their noodle bowl is so delicious and the sushi is good too.
(5)
Grand Y.
I had plans to meet two friends at 8, despite the Yelp warnings of a long wait. At 8.45, after 2 trips to the bar, we were seated and starving. We split a curry soup with udon noodles and both chicken and tofu, and got two rolls - a crunchy spicy tuna and some sort of a dragon roll. The soup was huge and amazing. They split it into two bowls, and we were scared they actually brought out two orders (huge! huge!). I thought the sushi was great, especially the spicy crunchy tuna roll. I don't like fried anything, but they put just the right amount of flakes in to give a crunch, without turning it into a oily mess. I generally will not order anything that isn't chocolate off the dessert list, but everyone in the restaurant was eating the croissant pudding. We had to try it for ourselves. It was delicious - moist, full of raisins, covered in a sort of crème anglaise, and a side of french vanilla ice cream. I'm not sure I'd make the trek up to Bethesda often. The Dupont location has great patio seating in the summer, and the soups there are just as good. It's hard to find value in DC. I think this place has it down.
(5)
Deborah B.
Decent lunch prices, very crowded at Lunch. I had the sashini Bento Box, nice presentation, good amount of food for $13. Go early as the line was out the door by 12:15pm. Small sushi bar, 1st come 1st served, seems to rotate out every 30 minutes or so. Fish was fresh, miso was hot and service had a smile.
(4)
Alicia C.
I visited Raku again tonight and decided it deserved another star. I got the coconut curry soup this time... mmm delicious!. It did get a bit messy though with the udon noodles (but our server quickly brought over a fork for me to alleviate some of my troubles)... but it was SO worth it! It was the perfect blend of sweet and spiciness. My friend got the healthy tofu salad which she said was good but a bit over-drenched in dressing. We also split the calamari to start. It came with 2 dipping sauces, horseradish cocktail and cilantro-cucumber... I thought the cilantro cucumber was OK but the horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing with just the right kick. I only finished half my soup but left very full and satisfied (and the even boxed the rest so I have lunch for tomorrow!). I didn't have the same feeling of being rushed out the door that I did my last time here, but that may have to do with it being a Tuesday night instead of the weekend. We were pretty close to the table next to us (nearly elbow to elbow), but that didn't seem to be too much of a problem. But all in all, service was great and our food came out fast. All I know is, I left happy and I'll be back!
(4)
Nami W.
We went there on a cold Sunday evening, boy, the place was packed! Luckily we got the last table so that no waiting needed. Tried their well-known sushi and Five Spiced Duck Breast. I must say that is the best duck I've ever had in DC area, or on the East coast. The meat is so tender and tasty, even the presentation was nice, too. I was very impressed. Sushi is also great. Very fresh. Will definitely come back again. I want to try the Pumpkin-Ginger soup next time.
(5)
Dave B.
This place is great! I have been going to their establishment for close to a decade and pretty much on a monthly basis. The staff is very friendly and will kindly offer suggestions if you are hesitant or unsure of flavor combinations. This is a pretty popular place in Bethesda so if you are trying to get in for a dinner on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to wait-a wait that will be well worth your while. Outdoor seating in the summer is the place for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. If seats are available at the bar-go for it-could cut your wait in half. Plus it is always enjoyable to see the action of the kitchen. For appetizers, when available, their mushroom soup provides you with a pretty amazing start-could be a meal in itself. A daily menu soup item that has been perfected beyond belief is the pumpkin ginger soup. Great flavors and perfect for a cold winter night or a hot summer lunch. My constantly ordered items that fill my plate are their golden and red dragon rolls, volcano rolls, and the wasabi dynamite rolls-absolutely incredible! Enjoy!
(5)
Paul H.
The udon soup with red coconut curry is as good as it gets! I think most of Bethesda Row restaurants are overpriced, but I love that I can get an awesome entree for mere $12 or so. The only bad part is the wait. If you are not there when it opens in the evening, you may be waiting awhile. The service is pretty good once you get a table. Sushi and rolls are okay - some interesting rolls, but nothing to write home about.
(4)
Terry S.
I adore Raku! There is nothing on this menu that isn't inventive, beautifully presented and like anything you have tasted, much less cooked. Must tries: the Tuna Tartare, Ginger Pumpkin Soup, The Duck entree (melts in your mouth like filet mignon, but better...and the sushi for sushi lovers. Make reservations or you will wait a very long time for a table. Bethesda location kitchen is much better than the Dupont kitchen.
(5)
Dak F.
This is the only sushi place in Maryland that is worth the money. All the sushi is executed beautifully. The entrees are excellent. I'm a big fan of the dashi broth soup and the coconut curry soup. Service is excellent. The only thing preventing the elusive "fifth star" is that seating is too cramped here. I don't like eating with strangers. Stranger Danger!
(4)
Lennie S.
I love this place. You get a taste of different Asian dishes. I especially love the Seafood Coconut Curry Soup with whole wheat udon noodles! It has a lot of flavor, it's spicy, and has lots of seafood - shrimp, calamari, and mussels! Try their sushi menu as well. Their assortments are excellent! Nice area, too. It's located in Bethesda Row so it can get crowded especially on Friday evenings, but you can usually get a seat either at the bar, or if you time it correctly. Get there around 5pm or a little after 8pm to avoid long waits. P.S. :) I just tasted one of their desserts for the first time last Friday and it was so delicious! I never thought I would ever order Poached Pear with Caramel sauce, but I'm glad I did!!!
(5)
Dan B.
Never had a bad meal here. This place is awesome, food and prices. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't so hard to get a table at. Service is always speedy and attentive. I would recommend the volcano roll!
(4)
Tom D.
3.5 stars I have been here a few times for lunch in the last month. Each time I have had the sushi -- and it has been ranged from very good to excellent. It is one of the better lunch options in Bethesda -- and certainly one of the best on the main strip. I do like their warm noodle soups, not a big fan of the cold noodle soups. While there might be some misses, I think their sushi might be the best in Bethesda. Though it does not compete with Sushi Taro and Sakana in DC.
(3)
IH K.
This has been my study break stop for quite some time now. Since I typically want something predictable and filling during these fly-by meals, I've narrowed myself down to a pretty standard order: "Thai noodle soup with egg noodles and a crunchy spicy tuna roll (or soft shell crab roll) please! Thank you!" If you're like me and don't want to brave the ridiculous lines to eat on site, they do a pretty good carry-out. By the time I call in my order and make the 5 minute drive/park/walk to the restaurant - my order is waiting for me. If you're determined to have a sit-down meal, the wait line moves quicker than most restaurants in Bethesda - if that counts for anything.
(4)
Ken K.
Good sushi! I was surprised by "unexpected" in good way...my friend and I visited this place as we had a business nearby. I did not have good expectation...but after all, it was nice surprise in a good way. Sushi order for one person was not quite good amount for me...and after ordering more individual pieces, price was...of course high. Tuna was OK, not great; Hamachi, Salmon were good; Hokki was very negative; Ika was not so good...Cali Rolls were OK; Uni was not good. Atmosphere was...hmmm, Asian Fusion type...noisy enough. I will try one more time upon next visit.
(3)
KanKan Y.
I used to eat here a couple days out of the week a couple years back since I worked really close. It was great. The food was good but pricey (It's Bethesda...). The atmosphere was good, and my co-workers and I had a good time. Over time, I've noticed that this place has really gone down hill. I'd say about the same time The rolls have gotten smaller, the prices stayed the same, and the biggest sushi faux pas...the rolls falls apart as you pick them up or sometimes even on the plate before you touch it. The wait is long, even for carry out. It's crowded and loud. A lot of rice, not enough fish. Bento boxes are slightly lame depending on what you get -- shumai taste like the frozen shumai you can get from the grocery store, a couple california rolls, salad (?!), and a few veggies. The sushi platter is slightly better, but of course there's that risk of the nigiri or maki falling apart on you. Most restaurant has its redeeming qualities. The one for Raku is the outdoor seating and the friendly staff. Outdoor is great for a nice sunny day and you can avoid the crowd inside the restaurant. The staff is extremely friendly even though most of them are running around trying to get to everyone. Bluefin Toro nigiri is awesome if you can get it (seasonal). Their noodle soups are have great broth. Now I just want to say that that this review is more of a before and after comparison. If you are a newcomer, you might have a completely different experience than me. As I always try to emphasize...don't let reviews form your opinions for you. Everyone has different tastes =)
(2)
Shaun O.
I went here after salsa dancing last night. First, I was a little taken back by the prices-but remember to do it Family Style and you will be alright. We order two side plates, an entree and it came to be fairly reasonable for the 3 of us. I found the servers to be helpful and the outdoor seating nice. We also had the amusement of watching our 3rd friend from NM try sushi, calamari and chopsticks for the first time. I recommend the chicken dish and noodles, as that came out to be a delicious plate....chicken was tender and had a great taste. Overall, a good place for Japanese food and from what I heard, go here instead of the one in DC.
(4)
Nicole L.
I parked right in front of the restaurant to catch a film screening thought about walking over to Penang but Raku looked rather appealing from the outside, it was packed with people at 6:00 PM. I decided to check it out. The restaurant is medium sized but it has this long sushi bar which was interesting, I asked to sit at the bar for a better view of the restuarant. The menu had all kinds of asian food I am always confused when a restaurant has all the different asian food put together. Overall I think the food is priced towards higher end with noodle soup going at $10.50 and entree over $20. I ordered the red curry egg noodles with chicken. The bartender was very attentive and my food was served quickly. The dish was delicious with a nice touch - chicken was grilled and sliced. It was a pleasant experience.
(3)
Mandy H.
If I were to come here again, I'd know what to do next time. Raku is always packed on any given night, but surprisingly my boyfriend and I were able to walk in and get seats. The atmosphere was very social and modern, and the service was good. We ordered 2 sushi rolls and 2 bowls of noodles. The mistake we made was ordering too many noodles. The sushi was great- fresh, tasty, and very good presentation. The noodles were good, but if we were to do it all over again, I'd go with more sushi rolls and less noodles. Definitely worth a second visit! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to get a spot!
(5)
Natasha O.
Due to the flies, it lost a star. Seriously, I so will never eat in to this place again (I will however, do take out). I stopped by here on my way home cause I was staving and sat at the bar. The place is tiny and really packed. The bar is near the open door hence the 2 flies I saw... put I also saw 2 of those tiny flying things as well. I ordered the Pumpkin Ginger Soup, "What a match!" Roll, Pomegranate Shochu, & Bonsai Tree roll. The shochu was interesting, not what I expected but ok none the less. The pumpkin soup was hot but once it cooled down was good. The ginger wasn't actually part of the soup but part of the garnish so boo on them for the miss-name. The Bonasi Tree roll was wow...not was I was expecting and better than I could have believed. Picture a typical sushi roll with the seaweed on the outside. Now place a thin slice of cucumber between the rice and the seaweed. Then replace the rice with real crab meat with Avocado & Masago in the middle. The chili ponzu sauce that the slices sit in just completes the picture. My mouth is watering just remembering it. The sauce is a little bit sweet and is paired so well with the rolls. There are also roe (fish eggs) but they asked if I wanted it with/or without and I said without. 5 stars What a Match! Roll it too was a match made in heaven. Mackerel, apple, ginger and scallion; need I say more?! It was yummy & I wanted more when it was gone. 5 stars I will definitely be calling in for take-out here this summer.
(4)
Ron B.
The food is decent here including the sushi. My wife loves the chicken curry noodle dish here. The service is decent as well as the atmosphere. I like the surrounding area as well, but it could be difficult to find parking on the busy weekends.
(3)
Hiren N.
On the expensive side for the things they cater. I have had better sushi for cheaper price.
(3)
Cor K.
I love raku, it can be a bit pricey, as typical for sushi. The best deals are the lunch boxes you get a lot of food and cheaply compared to the price they would be individual rolls or for dinner. I wouldn't say go for the sushi, because it isn't the best, but the rest of the items are pretty darn good. Try the seaweed salad, or the udon. All the soups I've had there have been pretty good and filling, which is hard for a soup. My friend and I once got to raku just as they opened their doors for lunch and there was already a line. This line doesn't go away until closing so make reservations or get there early. Inside the tables are cramped together, but they have large booths. I wouldn't recommend bringing kids here simply because it is so crowded. I have seen many a soccer mom try to push their stroller through the passage ways only to end up with no place to put it while they eat. Also kids are fidgety, which is no good in a cramped environment where they will just knock into somebody else, or yell in that persons ear. Yes, I hate kids. Especially when they ruin my favorite restaurants. I go here all the time when I am in bethesda, it's one of my local fall backs.
(5)
rachel m.
i can never decide between which giant bowl of soup to get. the curry soup is fantastically tasty, and the tokyo dash is soul warming. i dream about the udon noodles.... while the soup is more than enough food for 1 person, sometimes i just have to get an order of the spicy crunch scallop roll... a rare find
(5)
Chara G.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area. Amazing food, good service, and overall good prices...and all of that in a trendy, fun area! My favorites: Ginger pumpkin soup Chicken satay with mango salad Delux Spicy Tuna Roll Volcano Roll
(5)
Joanne C.
This has been our favorite restaurant for many years. It's always busy in the evening, but we seldom have to wait more than 20 minutes and often choose sit at the counter. and watch the chefs Service is almost always very good. Here are our favorite dishes: Tuna tartare (enough for a meal) Portabello mushroom and asparagus salad - the ponzu dressing makes you want to lick the plate. Red curry noodle soup - it's huge and really tasty - certainly enough for 2 and you can choose seafood, meat, chicken or tofu and veggies, as well as the type of noodle you prefer. Dumplings with a mango sauce My friend likes the crunchy, spicy sushis Bento boxes are very good I thought the napa cabbage and chicken salad was only so-so, especially compared to the mushroom and asparagus salad mentioned above - which is one of my favorite dishes ever! We only occasionally get a main course because the appetizers are so good and it's difficult to choose only one. Desserts are limited, but we rarely feel the need for a dessert. Prices are mid-range.
(5)
Eugene H.
I stopped on in here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I tried the salmon toro and it was awesome. The udon noodles were pretty good too. Service was fast for a crowded lunch place. It is really crowded and they kind of squeeze people in like a sardine can. It's still worth it to try out their sushi. -edit- Came back for dinner with some friends and we were not disappointed with the sushi and teriyaki dishes we had.
(5)
Maria L.
Crowded, crowded, and crowded... but that's a good sign, and it was well worth the wait!
(5)
Keelin C.
Yum, yum . . . . I love Raku. This place has great sushi and good service. The Golden Dragon Roll is a friend of mine, but they do a great job with all the classics. Excellent ingredients and great location. The only reason it is lacking for stars is the size. The setup of this restaurant is awkward at best. Enjoy, just get there early or you won't have a seat.
(4)
Sue H.
Okay, sure, the sushi is good. People like it. Great. But...if you haven't had the warm asparagus and mushroom "salad", you've not lived. Warning. This item is highly addictive. Get that perfect bite. A little mozarrella (yes, really) a piece of tortilla chip, asparagus piece, and some mushroom. Plenty of that amazing sauce. Love at first bite.
(4)
Braden S.
My favorite restaurant in Bethesda. Everything I've had here is delicious. There is sometimes a wait during dinner hours, but it is WORTH IT! If you like japanese food and you are looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, you must try Raku.
(5)
Pia A.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2010. I should have stuck with sushi. Their kitchen entrees were just average. The tables were very close to each other, I could rub elbows with the table next to me. I would go back, but strictly for sushi.
(2)
Stephanie T.
I don't understand why this place gets such high ratings. The service was mediocre and the food well it didn't feel like anything over 1.5 maybe 2 (Referring to the Lunch menu) -The teriyaki chicken is dry and over-sweet. -The soup seemed watered down. -California rolls are just average. -The soba was nothing spectacular. To me the place was a little bit pricy but it might just be because I could cook this at home better. I wouldn't go here again.
(1)
cuzit m.
This place was packed. Arrived with a fifteen minute wait. Was seated at the bar. The food was excellent. The portions large. The service was OK. It was not horrible, but typically when you sit at a sushi bar you can dialougue with sushi chefs for me part of the experience - maybe that's just west coast. Not the case here, they were super busy making rolls. The server was OK. I usually love to hear the specials or the server's recommendations this server nothing to add. I was flying solo for my first time here. Fortunately, the couple next me was helpful and the food was great. Just went there for the second time and it was thursday night, a fifteen minute wait. The food excellent again. Awesome thick servings, even the toro. Not thrilled with the dessert menu. They were out of Lychee sorbet my favorite. I would expect home made icecream with flavors like ginger, green tea, and sorbets like lychee, ginger, lime, pineapple. But they have desserts you can find anywhere. The Lychee sorbet was a treat. Beyond that, I wish they would change that part of the menu. The best part of Raku is their good portion of sushi. Other places are super thin slices.
(4)
Michelle T.
This is the only sushi place I go to in Maryland. The only complaint I have is that the place is small, and it can get really packed. I love their crunch spicy tuna and steak udon. I wish they had Raku near Fulton so I can eat sushi more often. The sushi place in Columbia (Soho?) is not so great, and it's too pricey.
(4)
Kathy T.
I usually end up at this place for lunch and their bento boxes are a good deal. Love the whole Asian Fusion thing, and there are lots of unusual touches from a place that on the surface seems to focus on sushi. Butternut Squash soup, sauteed Asparagus & Portabella mushrooms that seem to be topped with a parmesean type cheese. This usually ends up being my go to place for a light, healthly lunch!
(4)
Matt H.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2011. Never going again. Waited for 45 min while the host let 3 people jump ahead of people on the list. They had no reservations. I will never go here again, as will the other couples who walked out. Worst customer service I have experienced in a Japanese restaurant or Bethesda. It was even crowded waiting to get on the list, and the tables are about 6 inches apart. Sticking to Benihana's from now on. If you want to be treated with about the same respect as cattle, go here!
(1)
Kim F.
Excellent food, really good service, and great prices for Bethesda. My only complaint is that I wish they'd move into a larger space--tables are super tight and it's nearly impossible to eat here without a reservation. My favorite!
(4)
E U.
Great food, incredible ambiance and terrible service. We have been there several times and the hostess and wait staff are arrogant. Will not go back again.
(1)
G M.
I am surprised this rated four star. The fish quality was sub par and even had an odd flavor. The daily specials are not that special. You can tell this is a chain. This is the second and last time I will go there. There are plenty of other sushi joints with more remarkable and fresh offerings
(2)
Catherine H.
The sushi is good; everything else is ok but has never blown me away. It gets crowded as hell, and as it's a Bethesda crowd it can get super annoying super quick. I only go for lunch and I frequently wish the food was a little better (except the sushi. It really is good).
(3)
Monica G.
I like to go to Raku with friends for dinner when I want to eat light and especially if they are vegetarian. The sushi is good and they have a lot of smallish dishes we can share. I have never had a bad dish here. Enjoy!
(4)
John S.
My girlfriend and I visited Raku for dinner on Tuesday night, and the restaurant turned out to be far better than we had remembered it to be. The last time we went was about 6 months ago on a busy Friday night, which left us squished against the front window inches away from other diners. My biggest complaint with this restaurant back then was how tightly packed the space is during peak hours. Last night, however, we ate comfortably in one of their 4-top booths since we went early (around 5:30 PM), and it turned out to be a much more enjoyable experience that way. Altogether, the food was really solid. Here's a rundown of the all the dishes we shared: 1. Tuna tartare: a great dish that's very fresh and clean tasting; it comes paired with a little side salad topped with a sesame vinaigrette and three airy slices of toast; delicious! 2. Cornmeal crusted calamari: the cornmeal coating gave it some extra crunch and they only used squid rings (no tentacles if you're squeamish about that sort of thing); overall, great for a calamari but a bit boring 3. Salmon toro: the poor-man's toro, the fatty salmon nigiri was super fresh and buttery; a must-order if you're into sushi 4. Eel (unagi): the eel nigiri was cooked just right with a nice glaze, and it wasn't chewy or stringy like some other places' 5. Red snapper: fresh and delicious 6. Spicy red dragon roll: a pretty good roll with some jalapeno kick to it, but nothing too special 7. Wasabi (?) roll: I can't really remember the name, but it was a really tasty roll with a nice texture, although the wasabi flavor was not too pronounced; highly recommended With 4 orders of the salmon toro (we are salmon freaks!), 1 each of the others, plus 2 Cokes, the bill came out to around $85 after tax and tip. It wasn't cheap, but all the fish was fresh and the service was really nice. Also, you could probably drop the price by ordering less sushi and going for some of the noodles and entrees mentioned by the other reviewers. In the end, I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because when it's packed, it gets a little crazy, especially with those two-person tables up front. To avoid the crowds, I'd advise going extra early or sticking to weekdays.
(4)
A B.
Best sushi consistently in Bethesda / Chevy Chase area. The Volcano rolls, the spicy tuna, the asparagus / avocado roll, with a side of spicy mayo. I spend to much of my money in this place as so do others as it is always crowded. Definitely worth the wait. Service is always good. Has gotten better now that the staff knows my wants. True landmark in the making for Bethesda
(5)
J H.
Pretty good. The decor is modern with an asian flair, typical of fusion style restuarants. The food was good but a bit expensive. A bowl of noodles run $15 bucks and it didn't fill me up. Then again, my stomach is the size of an elephants so I can't hold that against them. Sushi has always been good but again, seems a bit pricey for the portions. The food is good, I 100% recommend the red curry noodles soup. The rolls are ok, you can't go wrong with them. There is a raw beef sashimi dish that I saw the chefs making while sitting at the bar. It looked delicious. Service has always been a hit or miss. Some people are nice while others seemed rushed.
(4)
Rebecca K.
Always crowded for dinner, so try to make a reservation. They have a steak dish with mashed potatoes that is good in case you want a more substantial meal.
(4)
D B.
Extremely vegetarian friendly! I love the healthy tofu salad and the veggie bento box.
(5)
S K.
I really like the bento boxes, and the iced tea is very good. The service is incredibly polite and efficient. The mix of American and Asian ingredients makes for an interesting menu, most of the time. I have yet to try many of the sushi items, but look forward to it. Plus, they have a patio--great for people watching and fresh air.
(4)
Judy L.
This place came highly recommended by a family friend. The food itself was ok, not the best sushi I've ever had in the world. MY boyfriend had the bento box which was a good deal. The box came with a string bean parmesean salad which was very original and surprisingly good. My sushi was just ok, nothing like what i was expecting for what we were paying for. WOuld I go back? Sure, are my expectations high? not really.
(3)
Lila S.
I absolutely adore Raku! I'm a regular in the Besthesda location, but Dupont is just as good ! The decor and ambiance is amazing. And the staff is very professional and nice too! The food is absolutely the most delicious food ever. Here are my recommendations: The Grilled Chicken and Nappa Salad is one of my all time favorites. The dressing is amazing, it's sort of hot which definetly adds some spice to the salad! The sushi is very good, coming from someone who isn't that big a sushi fan. Most of my friends and family go for the "Joe Nigiri" when they want sushi, and it does look pretty good. The soups are very good too! I went with a friend once, and she got a coconut soup of some sort. She wasn't that big of a fan, but she's found a whole bunch of other soups that she loves. My family is a huge fan of the "Chilean Sea Bass" it's amazing. Definetly something to try! The bento boxes are very good! I've only had the vegetarian one and the chicken one so far, but they are very tasty! (the chicken one is my favorite) The deserts are quite something too. Every time I go there, and aren't completly full, I like to get the chocolate cake. It's so warm and moist...just thinking about it makes me hungry! So definetly try that out! Over all, Raku is my all time favorite restaurant, and something to try if your in the area! The soups are very tasty too! Raku is also very crowded, so I suggest you make reservations two nights before.
(5)
ap m.
Went here for the 1st time for a girl's night out. The decor of the place was nice. A little crowded though, especially with the big winter coats, hard to get around. The servers were friendly. The menu didn't seem to have that much variety, so if you don't really like sushi & think there could be other dishes to look forward to- think again. The noodle servings were huge. They're really creative with the sushi. There was this one sushi dish called Seoul Train, which had kimchi it in, & I loved it. It was nice & spicy. If you go, try one of their signature dishes, like that. Pricing was a bit high, expected a little more for my buck. But definitely made it on my list for a place to go if I want good sushi
(4)
Miinno N.
It is a good concept. Asian fusion food. It is not really all the way for this place even though it is pretty good. I think Dupont location is better.
(3)
Ethan M.
Raku has some of the best sushi I've ever had, and they have other cool dishes to go with it. I try to eat here every time I go to DC for business, which is pretty frequently. Every colleague I've taken here (about 5 so far) has raved about the quality of the sushi and other food. Don't miss the tuna tartare - it's great! If they have it, the Tasmanian ocean trout nigiri is also wonderful, as are the multiple varieties of tuna nigiri (more than I've seen elsewhere). Their fish is always really fresh, and the prices aren't bad for a sushi place. The decor is modern Asian - adequate, but not spectacular (which is OK with me). Unfortunately, it's always crowded, so arrive early if you don't want to wait for a while to get a seat.
(5)
Kevin S.
It was chaos at Raku's hostess stand last night. They took our names, didn't write them down, forgot about us, then ignored us when we inquired. No manager was available to remedy things, so we left.
(2)
Sarah C.
I got food poisoning from here! The sushi just didnt seem that fresh, and I was right.
(1)
Kristina G.
Restaurant Week Review from Summer 2007 (4.5 stars) My boyfriend and I came here on a whim because we were so hungry and could not wait for our 9pm reservations at another place. I am glad about our choice because we had the perfect summer dinner. I liked that Raku let you choose between having a traditional 3 course meal or 2 starters and an entree. Being so hungry, we chose the latter option (and then had Haagen Daz down the street). -1st Courses: Heirloom Tomato Salad was sweet, salty, and simple; perfect on a summer evening. My boyfriend got the 5 spiced beef which was also great and seasoned well. -2nd Courses: Ban Ban Chicken, and Grilled Chicken & Napa. Both salads were good, but nothing spectacular. -Entrees: Wok Charred Chilean Sea Bass was also great for a hot night because it was light and tasty. I just wished that the fish had a little more flavor. My boyfriend got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse, which was huge! He loved every bite of it and was soaking up all the curry with pieces of bread because the sauce was so good. I could see how it could get loud and crowded in the restaurant, so we waited it out for patio seat. It was perfect outside on a summer night with trees adorned with lights and a perfect people-watching spot.
(4)
Mrs. Palmers Student E.
Looking for a restaurant that's suitable for families, perfect for date nights, and irresistible for food? Phew! That was a mouthful...of Raku! Raku is a Japanese style restaurant, the best in the business. This delightful accommodation is located on Woodmont Ave. in downtown Bethesda next to an Indian restaurant called Tandoori Nights and a few shops down from the Mussel Bar. It's hard to miss. You have got to go to Raku! Japanese restaurants don't get better than this. Raku is always full! So, you have to go there around five to five thirty. Raku opens at four in the afternoon and closes at ten in the evening. Walking into that restaurant, I knew the food was going to be extravagant. It smells so amazing in Raku. To start the meal off, I always get the spicy pork dumplings that are so juicy, tasty, and savory sweet every time. I also get the edamame, which is so hot it burns my fingers, so I have to wait a few minutes for it to cool down. There are so many other satisfying and mouthwatering appetizers on the menu, not just the two; you can order whatever you would like. Then, for dinner, I either get the fresh and cool cucumber rolls or the warm and cozy chicken noodle soup. It's so hard to decide!! Paired with soy sauce, the sushi tastes magnificent. Then there's the noodle soup with chicken. On a cold winter night those big, long egg noodles with big hunks of chicken will really warm you up. The scrumptious and heavenly broth adds to the overall flavor. In conclusion, this meal was incredible. Talking about going to Raku, I mentioned the romantic dim lights, the modern sushi bar, and the inviting Raku smell. Also don't forget the giant chopsticks hanging from the ceiling! There is an exquisite modern sushi bar that seats about ten to twelve people with a full service menu. The seats are very comfortable which adds to the greatness of this chopstick wonderland. But, as Hannah Montana said, "Nobody's perfect!" Most of the tables are very close together, so it makes it extremely difficult to move around, and you can practically hear the conversation of the people next to you. Other than that, the whole surrounding is enjoyable. The service is dashing as well. Every time I go to Raku (which is about every two weeks), the waiter or waitress has never messed up any of my families' orders. Working hard, the employees manage to keep a delightful, helpful, and cheerful personality. You can ask about almost anything on the menu and they will know the answer. The waiters and waitress's bring your food while it's nice and hot... or cold. Generally, the food comes fast, not as fast as lightning, but fast enough to have eaten your appetizers with some time to spare to talk about the amazing food you just ate. Trust me, I know! Sadly, with all this great food comes a price... literally. The price for this amazing Japanese food isn't cheap. Generally a dinner for four would cost around eighty to ninety dollars. So, if you go to Raku, make the moment last. Basically, all I am trying to say is...go to Raku. This fine restaurant has all the right components; beautiful environment, fantastic service, and best of all prodigious food. Your mind will be blown. I smile the whole car ride when going to Raku. Just remember, eat early or there will be no more tables! Enjoy!
(5)
Shoshana G.
Fabulous sushi. Fresh, delicious, and in my opinion they make the best vegetable tempura I have ever eaten. I recommend going during the lunch hour and ordering a bento box. They are only around $12 and you get lots of delicious food. Personally, I think their dinner menu is overpriced,the bento boxes become $5+ more and you get less food with them....not so sure what thats about. Go during lunch! You will love it.
(4)
Virginia C.
All in all, a great place to take friends. You can't go wrong with this place. Excellent food. The wait time (depending on when you arrive) can be annoying because of the Montgomery County (namely, Bethesda/Rockville/Potomac) crowd (who, apparently, don't eat anywhere else but in Bethesda Row).
(4)
sophie S.
Raku has really delicious food. The sushi is great, fresh and original! They also have pretty amazing salads. The asparagus and mushroom salad is one of my favorites as well as the tofu salad. The bread pudding is also surprisingly incredible!!!! Must also try tuna tar tar. I have never had a bad meal here. Parking is a little difficult, usually easier to just find a lot and walk. Also usually very busy (all the time.) A reservation is definitly needed on weekends but sometimes there is a wait during the weekdays as well. It is well worth it!!!!!!
(4)
Shayla D.
Whenever I crave for sushi this the place I go to. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is delicious. You can appreciate that this is not a traditional japanese restaurant because an order of seaweed salad comes with nicely dressed greens along with the seaweed and other crunchy stuff. I like the pumpkin soup so much I order it even on 90 degree weather days. Also, the sushi is fresh. I especially like the crunchy spicy scallop roll, with a side order of fresh wasabi. I love this place!.
(4)
Chris T.
Best sushi place in Bethesda. Period. Spicey crunchy tuna roll is my favorite, and usually their daily specials are pretty exciting. Decor is awesome inside, and outside seating is great for people watching.
(4)
Dte G.
The food was tasty. I had a bowl of their coconut red curry noddle with seafood. Unfortunately, as I was finishing the food, the mussel tasted bad and I stopped eating it. Woke up at 5 in the morning with food poisoning.
(1)
Jenny L.
Nice place, nice location. The sushi was just ok for me. Nothing too special. I did enjoy the chicken and shrimp dumplings though. Glad we beat the rush, because I actually wouldn't wait for more than 5 minutes for a seat here.
(3)
Renato S.
The rice was a little mush. The service and prices were fair here. I ordered the dragon roll, california roll, and crunchy shrimp roll. Chicken and pork dumplings were very good, meaty with a nice crunch. No major complaints, nothing to exciting for me. Have to try something different next time I guess.
(3)
Linds F.
The sushi here is good- I have not tried any of their other dishes besides the tuna tar tar which was also quite good. Overall, the pricing is good for the quality of food, and the staff was friendly.
(3)
Sy R.
I've been to Raku four or five times now and have been very pleased each time, although in the evenings there has always been a wait (and they don't take reservations). I love to read the creative "pan-Asian fusion" menu, and would dearly love to try everything on it! I can't, however, because my boyfriend always insists on getting the AMAZING seaweed salad (which is nearly a full meal for two), and then a small plate of sushi to fill us completely. Raku offers several interesting rolls, which are solid in quality, but not mind-blowing, The service is fine; the staff tend to be quite busy, but they always manage pop up just when I need water. And I really can't complain, since I usually leave having spent under $25 for two people, including tip! In short: Crowded dining, consistent service, good prices, consistent quality, and an interesting & tasty menu.
(4)
Sarah O.
I have always been a fan of Raku. The food is flavorful while not leaving you feeling like you ate too much. The dining room is inviting and upscale. It's a great spot to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Yesterday, I met 2 women for lunch there. We enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that they have the best sushi or the best Thai type dishes, but everything is solid and consistent. A bit expensive for lunch good fair for dinner. One word of advise they get pretty busy at prime dinner time so don't go with the family and expect to get seated right away. Good news is Barnes and Noble is right around the corner so you can always occupy a little time while you wait for your table to be ready perusing books and magazines.
(4)
Roz J.
Best sushi I've had in Bethesda combined with an deft and adventurous kitchen. Sometimes the kitchen needs to bring up the spice levels but, never had anything bad. Place is very cramp however. Not the kind of place you want to linger over a meal.
(4)
Hello H.
I got two rolls of sushi, which were fine by my sushi-loving standards. I spied another patron who ordered a whole fried fish, which looked absolutely mouth-watering. Looking at some other dishes, the portions seemed quite generous. When I initially walked in, I thought Raku-An might be another PF Chang's (I'm not a fan of Asian food that has been so diluted with "American" tastes, that the only thing Asian about it is soy sauce), but I'm happy to report I was wrong, at least based on the quality of the sushi my friends and I ordered. PS - I went reservation-less on a Wed night, the week between Xmas and New Years, and boy was it packed! The intimate setting helped make our meal a fun one.
(4)
Becky T.
The place was packed on a Friday night but the service was unexpectedly quick without making us feel rushed at all. My friend had the sushi which she really enjoyed and I had the wheat udon soup with chicken, beef, and tempura shrimp. I know everyone loves greasy foods post-drinking, but I'd take a hot spicy bowl of noodle soup any day. $12 for a bowl is a little pricey, but it hit the spot.
(4)
Eric E.
My colleagues and I eat at Raku every other week. This is my first review, though. I'm dining alone, so I decided to sit at the sushi bar. The bar is full of chatter, mostly in Chinese by the cook staff; they're noisy. They're reasonably professional and they grunt occasionally in Japanese -- which I speak and they don't! (Grunting is largely for the benefit of diners walking through Raku's front door.) Ok...Martini to start, three olives up. Not bad, but olives are like something out of a steel can sold at an Asian market -- chewy, odd flavor, and not suitable for a Martini. Leave it to the Greeks and Italians to produce olives! (I usually drink my Martinis across the street at Mon Ami Gabi...my mistake. I also usually drink beer and sake at Raku. Today was a bit different.) First course is Shrimp and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Not bad. wrapping is tender, not chewy. Nice flavor, fresh vegetables -- spinach and bean sprouts. The dumplings remind me of going for dim sum as a child with my father, so I give Raku an "extra credit" point for triggering cherished memories. Quantity is appropriate for smaller soup, not overwhelming sweat-er, just-right temperature, flavorful broth, etc. Second course is Flying Smoke in Dragon roll. Nice smokey flavor, a bit spicy and the eel is cooked well. Definitely one of their signature rolls, though a bit pricey. Though this is Raku. It's worth pointing out that many of Raku's rolls are "over-riced.". This one screams eel, with minimal rice surround. Third course is Ikura (salmon roe) with (uzura) quail egg. This is my "standards" or quality control check. It's only for those who appreciate omega-3 and phospolipids in the diet. I give this one a 4 out of 5. The quail egg is quite good, though the salmon roe is a bit rubbery. I can' t speak towards processing techniques, however, some sushi bars in the area serve very fresh Ikura, others don't. Here, we're above marginal. Ok...Martini is kicking in! For the final course, Spicy Butterfly Prawn in an Aurora sauce with mesclun So, not your inexpensive bento box special. A very filling meal, perhaps best shared and accompanied by one additional starter dish. NOTE TO OTHERS: Raku has a reputation for mediocre, snobbish (why??) waitstaff, but thoughtful, engaging chefs. Today, the waiters were much more pleasant, but the chefs were too chatty...with each other. If I could record with my iPhone and post to YouTube, I would. OH, YEAH: I love the new iPad 2!
(4)
Aloysius Y.
One of the best in town! Not only for sushi, but they do a great job on other cooked items. No wonder they are always busy. Reservation recommended on weekends. And very moderate priced as long as you don't drink lots of sakis.
(5)
Linh L.
All I can say is "CHILEAN SEA BASS!!!" Wow--this place has the best chilean sea bass I've ever tasted. As soon as the bass hit my tongue, I felt like it just melted like butter! I've been working in Maryland, and coming to Bethesda was a treat. Chose Raku-An on a whim, and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I also had some of the dumplings and calamar for appetizers, and a Banana Foster (think bananas, carmel sauce, vanilla bean and green tea ice cream)--everything was great. I'm docking a star for slow service, though. Other than that...wow, I will definitely head back here for the sea bass. Go really early or really late because this place gets packed!
(4)
Evelyn C.
The hubby and I went out to dinner with a couple friends who LOVE this place. Lucky for us, they made a reservation ahead of time so we didn't have to deal with the hostess at all. I actually arrived an hour before the hubby (since he was unfortunately stuck at work), and got a chance to sample their fizzy champagne-like sake (very sweet, but good), the sangria- which is my friend's absolute favorite, a nice glass of pinot noir, some tuna tartar, and the golden dragon roll. The sushi was very tasty- solidly good, and the tartar tasted clean and fresh. As for the entrees, I got the beef tenderloin (cooked to a perfect med-rare) with yams in the shape of scallops, a lovely red wine reduction and the best freaking stir-fried veggie side. There were sliced king oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and fresh spinach all sauteed together into harmonious deliciousness. Mmm.... My friends were quite pleased with the Deluxe bento box (sea bass, beef tenderloin, sashimi, seaweed salad, and tempura!), and the pan seared chicken with a side of noodles. Now I have to say that the service for us was excellent. Here's why: - they kept the drinks coming - the server let me put in the hubby's order as he was leaving work, and they timed it so perfectly that his entree came out just as he sat down - the hubby accidentally spilled his glass of sapporo (I think the server thought someone else at our table did it), and he brought out a new bottle for him! yay! I have to say that if I'm up in Bethesda again for any reason, I would not hesitate to come back again!
(4)
mondo g.
This has become my boyfriend and mines new go-to place. I always feel like the food is fresh and healthy. First, I LOVE their green tea. I've bought many genmaicha teas in local markets, but none are as good as what raku serves. Next, the tuna tartar is a good start, the salads are textured and taste so good and clean, and the soups can be a great meal by themselves. The sushi is good and fresh and on a recent visit I had a great pork chop served with braised red cabbage, broccoli rabe, seasonal squash, and fennel--delicious. The service too, has always been good. I have been disappointed on occasion, e.g. stay away from the deep fried (aka warm) seafood spring rolls, but those occasions have been few.
(4)
Rachel A.
I lovvvvve Raku. I've been here for lunch several times, and always get the Chicken Teriyaki Bento box, which is really filling. It's always busy, even at lunch there is a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. The soups and California rolls are delicious.
(4)
William L.
Bustling and popular. But the food is average. So, good place for a quick bite for the price. But there's better sushi, etc out there in DC.
(2)
Heather P.
We often come to Raku, despite the close together tables and the noise - we come for the wonderful food - the fish is always fresh, fresh, fresh! Interesting specials - the other night we had fresh sea urchin and the presentation was exquisite. They offer a very good selection of sake and despite the too close tables and the very loud noise level, it is worth it for the food. I will keep coming back!
(4)
Michael S.
Raku racks up the points with me... My wife and I wondered down there on a Sunday, and had the esteemed pleasure of dining outside. As a Floridian I will start by saying I'm VERY particular on the Sushi that I dine on. I've been to tons of joints in Maryland where people swore up and down that they had "the best", only to be sadly disappointed. Raku blew me away. I had their Seoul Train, Dragon Roll, and the Chesapeake roll. All were very original, incorporated a good number of veggies (not just the typical radish and cucumber), and had flavors that just jumped out from start to finish. Not to mention, what every other reviewer has said, the fish, well IT"S SO FRESH. Fresher than Downy drier sheets, and definitely fresher than that not so fresh feeling. :) My advice, if you don't like sushi, go there, and you'll become a convert. I plan to dine there as often as my wallet will support it. (and before my wife starts complaining) Highs: Sick F'in Sushi Lows: Prices a tad high, but jeez people fresh f'in fish c'mon :) Enjoy with a loved one!
(5)
smitha m.
I was surprised to notice that they have a different menu from the one (their sister restaurant?) in DC. I was a little disappointed at first when I found out that they do not carry Singapore noodles on their menu. But I eventually moved on to other items I have started to thoroughly enjoy - we usually get the curry noodle soup, asian spicy wings (they have a specials menu offering this new dish - EXCELLENT), sushi rolls and last but not the least - my personal favorite - banana foster(UBELIEVABLY GOOD)!! The Service is always pretty incredible considering they are always so busy. It can get pretty crowded so it helps to make reservations ahead of time. I usually end up having to wait but it's never for too long and the food is totally worth the wait!
(5)
Ryan M.
A great (although very popular) lunchtime spot in Bethesda. If you want a table you should definitely get there before noon, as it's often entirely packed by then. I'll confess I've only had one thing for lunch, but, although not obvious as an option, the 'noodle soups' are huge, excellent, and cheap. They come in two options: 'Tokyo broth' and 'Spicy Coconut Milk'-both are great, and start at $7.95 and $8.95, respectively. I usually go with the Spicy option, and while I like spice it's enough to warm me up on a cold day! With meat the prices go up by a dollar to four depending on whether you want chicken, beef or seafood, but the default 'tofu and vegetable' is more food than I can ever eat and tasty on its own! Definitely worth the money and they're even big enough for a dinner portion if you come later.
(4)
Thaila S.
4.5 stars I've been here many, many times and the food is consistently very good. Being vegetarians, my husband and I usually stick to the sushi -- tamago, inari, and the avocado rolls are excellent. They have several other veggie sushi options as well. You MUST try their bread pudding for dessert. I'm a big chocolate fan but this is hands down the best non-chocolate dessert I've had in my life. They don't take reservations typically and the restaurant is always packed, but they try to seat folks as quickly as they can. This isn't a great place for big groups because the place is so small, but it's great if you're going with a friend or your spouse. It's also located in the trendy part of Bethesda.
(4)
Laura K.
I'd love it if you had a little more attention from the servers just because most of the time all of us were out of drinks. My husband and I ordered a vegetarian roll for an appetizer. It was very good Then we both ordered the red curry soup with udon noodles I made a bit of a mess eating the soup because the noodles are so long but it was so good! The couple we were with got a box of assorted rolls and fish and also the beef tenderloin. She said the sauce was awesome on the beef.
(4)
A B.
I dined at Raku last night. What a pleasure. The food here is WAY better than the food at the Raku in Dupont. They've also got a different menu. The ingredients were fresh, service was friendly and the food and drinks came out fast. I had the vegetarian sushi assortment which was excellent. And we all shared edamame. Everyone enjoyed their food and I definitely plan to come back to Raku in Bethesda.
(5)
Lisey W.
This is my favorite place to go for a bento box at lunch. I love their sashimi bento box but you can't go wrong with any of them! Love how the bento box comes with a salad and string beans with mushrooms. It also comes with some california rolls and their take on shiu mai is delicious!
(4)
Juju J.
I was really impressed with the sushi, menu and service at this Raku. I had never been to this location, only the one in Dupont (and the one located in Whole Foods in Logan). This one had a more extensive menu, way higher quality of food and the staff was attentive. Overall this place is a 180 from the crappy Dupont location (I've heard they're actually owned by two different people). The only negative is the tables can be on top of each other depending on where you're sitting. However, we went on a busy Saturday night, so it might have seemed worst than normal.
(4)
Megan S.
Delicious! AND they have a great gluten-free menu for those of us with Celiacs. Their scallops with mushrooms are fantastic, and I have liked everything I have tried at Raku. It tends to be very noisy though, so come prepared to talk loud :)
(4)
S. O.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants just because of their tuna tartare. I've been there a few times and it has been consistently good! The chilean seabass is also a winner; it's really flavorful and buttery. I also tried their red curry soup noodle. The flavor was good but I thought it was a bit heavy. I don't recall their sushi being out of the ordinary though..
(5)
Aesah L.
The sushi here is good and the platters are reasonably priced. It's always crowded at this location and sometimes difficult to have a conversation with whoever you're with because of how close the tables are to each other. I can't say I'm a fan of the rest of the menu because it's not exactly Asian food as I know it, but Raku is worth a visit for the sushi and the sake.
(3)
Sheila B.
The food is consistently delicious, for the most part. Our favorite restaurant in Bethesda. The other day had a really yummy seared salmon and shedded daikon appetizer with a wonderful sauce. Also the whole grilled branzino was terrific, cooked just right, with sweet potatoe chips and a surprise of grilled zucchini hiding underneath the fish. Their sushi and sashimi are excellent. Service is good, and they're flexible about substitutions. I see a fair amount of kids here, but they need to be somewhat adventurous eaters. No chicken nuggets! It can get crowded because it's very popular --and for good reason! Other restaurants in Bethesda should take some lessons from Raku. We need more delicious menus and high quality cooking.
(5)
Colm C.
Fresh sushi with NY style. If I hear about a sushi restaurant near me I must sample the menu. Raku is the best sushi in Montgomery County, no questions asked. The fish tastes very fresh and they carry an unbelievable bottle of sake called Meibo. Can anyone tell me where to buy a bottle of that? They also have some funky rolls on the menu that have some fantastic tastes. The decor is very hip with Asian appeal. There are not many tables so make reservations. There is a tiny bar with 5 stools to wait at but they fill up quick. During the summer they have many tables outside in a real hot spot in Bethesda. Price is higher than your typical sushi joint but worth every penny. Not only can you have a great dinner but after dinner you can walk across the street to the Landmark theater or stroll into Borders next door. Always a good experience every meal.
(5)
Andi C.
I have to say, this is my favorite place to get sushi in the D.C. metro area. The menu is extensive, I've never had bad service, and the food has never disappointed. It does get packed on weekends, so expect a wait to be seated, and then to be at a little table crammed into a corner or near another couple. Or, if you're lucky, score a booth...plenty of elbow room then. The bar can be fun too, especially if you're seated on the end, near the door. No matter, the food is amazing no matter where you're sitting. They have a large selection of sushi rolls, in basic (California roll) as well as interesting, innovative varieties (the "What a Match" roll is one of my favorites..mackerel and apple..yum!). Order several different varieties and share...it makes a great date spot. And if you can (it's tough), leave room for dessert--they're surprisingly, amazingly good and beautifully presented.
(5)
Volna V.
I've been coming to Raku for many years, and here is how I summarize it: It's a fun place to come and have a great meal with somebody. If you want to smell the food before you see it, this place is great. It engages all your senses. I love the sushi in the beginning (Chesapeake Roll is wonderful), I love the main courses and the desserts. It's still one of my favorite Japanese Fusion restaurants in the world. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bethesda.
(5)
Bill M.
Massive bowls of curry soup.
(5)
Candace K.
I went here for lunch and the place was packed! Everyone got the Bento Box special which seemed like a good deal. I got the Chicken Teriyaki and substituted a Crunchy Tuna roll for the California roll. The box came with miso soup, good but a bit on the salty side for me, salad, very yummy, little crab balls which were good, a mushroom and green bean thing which was good but it surprised me when I put in my mouth and it was cold, it was supposed to be cold but initially I didn't know that. The Chicken was nothing super it was done and parts of it was dry, too little sauce over the whole thing. The roll was good except they put cilantro on the roll and I am NOT a fan of cilantro so I was disappointed, I wonder if they can make it without the cilantro. Overall it was pretty good.
(3)
Alex D.
We had Thai food that was less greasy, and sushi that was less dry. In case you are in Bethesda and you are dying for a Thai food that's your best bet, but if you want a sushi there are other place around. Be aware that they will give you the bill before you even think what you want. They really rush the service.
(2)
Addy C.
After remembering the long lines from our last visit, we came right at 11:30 to indulge ourselves after some unsuccessful Christmas shopping. After reading a tip from FourSquare that the Deluxe Bento was plenty for two people -- we decided on that, plus the Roasted Mushroom & Asparagus appetizer. The bento had a lot of food and we probably could've skipped the app. ROASTED MUSHROOM & ASPARAGUS - $7.50 Warm appetizer of roasted shiitake and portabello mushrooms, asparagus, asiago cheese, and Yuzu vinaigrette. Pretty good, and more than enough for 2 people. DELUXE BENTO - $17 Tuna, salmon, and shrimp sushi (1 pc each); California roll (3 pcs); Tuna, salmon, whitefish sashimi (2 pc tuna, 1 pc salmon, 3-4 thin pcs of whitefish); Beef tenderloin w/ sauteed spinach and mashed potato salad; Seaweed salad on a bed of shredded cabbage & greens; Shrimp and various vegetable tempura; Miso soup. Haha, now do you believe me this is definitely shareable between 2 people? :) The deluxe is a great choice if you like variety. I love bento :) Service was ok - like last time, they do try to rush you at the end which is understandable with the line of people waiting inside.
(4)
Debbe M.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! The hostess (Milly I think is her name) is so cute and friendly. She knows me by name! LOVE HER! The food is amazing! I usually get the nigiri sampler and the crunchy spicy scallop roll. My roommate loves the california, crunchy spicy tuna, seabass and volcano rolls. She really loves eating all the ginger as well. The sake is really good! Overall, EXCELLENT food, service and atmosphere! I LOVE SUSHI!!!
(5)
Kim R.
Raku has the best service and food in Bethesda! We have been going there for years and have never been disappointed! They also get 5 stars for catering parties!
(5)
N V.
Went in to see the NCAA tournament and have some sushi and the tv isn't working. It evidently has been broken for 2 weeks. Don't go here if you want to watch basketball and have some sushi. I ended up leaving and going elsewhere.
(1)
Ashira M.
Lunch is a rush-time, dinner's way more relaxed ... like a completely different restaurant, the atmosphere changes so much between one meal and the next -- why, it's like day and night! (Ha ha.) People are nice, place looks really good, and please don't miss the bathroom! De-sign-er. I really like that I can choose either rice or the far more unusual shredded raw white radish as a sushi filling instead. It's neat to have that choice. Tea comes served in a metal pot, which makes it seems somewhat ceremonious and more important, the way it ought to be. I enjoyed my ginger pumpkin soup and so did my friend who ordered the same ... I think it's got to be one of the healthiest places to eat on Woodmont Ave. -- not to say it isn't worth coming in from elsewhere for it!
(5)
Chrissy L.
The food is fabulous which is why it's always jam-packed and the service is subpar. I could eat off of the table next to me if I wanted, that's how close they seat people. I am an enormous fan of the Crunchy Avo-Q Roll, it's to-die for. That's my order every time, 12 rolls of that deliciously crunchy creamy fabulousness. They need to work on space issues though, it was uncomfortable
(4)
Jess A.
I went here last night with my boyfriend. He got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse and I got the Deluxe Bento Box. Both were absolutely amazing. The broth in the bouillabaisse was to die for--good thing they give you a soup spoon to drink the rest with. There was a half lobster and generous portion of other seafoods. The deluxe bento box was incredible, though I asked if it was meant for one or two people and our waitress said one. You could easily split it with two people and get an appetizer or something if you're both super hungry. Everything in the box was beyond amazing: tempura shrimp & veggies, sashimi (so fresh & good), a steak w/ mushrooms and veggies in an awesome brown sauce, a piece of fish in an incredible orange sauce, and a seaweed salad. I ate as much as I could, but was too full to eat everything--I was sad about that haha. Definitely pricey, but if you skip alcohol, not too bad. I'd like to go back to try more of the sushi.
(5)
Alexa B.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. I come here at least once a week and am never disappointed. The tuna tartare is amazing, coconut red curry soup is fantastic, hangar steak lettuce wraps are delicious and my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their bread pudding dessert!! I could lick the plate clean :) some waitresses are better than others but they always seem to make it work.
(5)
Neil B.
Raku has good, reasonably priced food and is attractively decorated. However, if you want consistently good service, Raku is not the place to go. Although they have many pleasant hostesses and servers, the restaurant lacks a strong, guiding hand in management. The other night, I was the first person in the restaurant at 5:00 P.M. The hostess took my order for two soups to takeout. I waited 20 minutes. The chefs had prepared my order immediately, but then put it on a low shelf without letting anyone know that it was ready. They don't have a system to notify the server or bartender who places the takeout order when a meal is ready...A few months ago my server bailed on me. He literally disappeared, later I discovered to do his setup work. I asked to see the manager. The servers refused to get the manager because he was in the stock room and they did not want to disturb him. The hostesses are there to seat people. There is no one there who is trying to guide the restaurant as a whole as one would see in a restaurant with the owner as host. There is no way that the current manager ever had serving experience. Also, they do not have a team approach to serving. If your server is too busy or inattentive, you are out of luck. Try to call the owner of Raku or find out his name. The staff won't give you his name and Google didn't either. How about some accountability, a suggestion box, or an email address? You won't get indigestion from the food at Raku; you will get it from lapses in management.
(2)
Sonya M.
This restaurant has such a great vibe. The food is great and reasonably priced. You'll get great service even if you sit at the bar. The drinks are always well made too. What I really like about this place is their consistency with their food and service. Most nights this restaurant is very busy. But it is easy to grab a seat at the bar if you don't have a reservation. We have tried different items on their menu and they have all been great. Always fresh and tasty. Favorite: Salmon toro, and Fatty Tuna (toro) nagiri.
(4)
Adara N.
A lot of vegetarian roll options and delicious green tea ice cream. Nice atmosphere, too! Sushi was out so fast, but service was just OK.
(4)
Donna Y.
The Pumpkin ginger soup is a must have! It was amazing especially when it was freezing outside :) I ordered the deluxe noodle soup with egg noodles. It came with so much noodles I could hardly finish. The only down side to all the items on the menu was price. The food was tasty but not tasty enough to justify how expensive everything was. The atmosphere is absolutely cute tho.
(3)
Michelle A.
Tasty enough food, but not tasty enough to justify the price. Much better in the Bethesda area for the cost. Rolls were below average in size. Tuna tartare was unexpectedly good. Tea was $3 a cup, booooo. Surprising amount of late teens/early 20's people dropping $35+ a head to eat here, appears a gusher of money was discovered during excavation for that new condo building across the street. Or they're still on their parents' dime, which is statistically more likely. Cut the cord, man.
(2)
Scarlette T.
so. their red coconut curry beckoned me back on this nipply night.... and the perfect accompaniment? fresh and freshly garnished sushi/sashimi. experience is very different and what used to keep me coming back night after night. host (must be the manager, i've seen him around forever) seated me very well, and i had one of two of the greatest servers that raku has ever seen: natalie. smiley, sweet, accurate, gracious and accomodating, i swear she made my food taste better! food was great: fresh items were fresh, neatly presented, flavors also on point. wish the sushi chef read the no ginger/wasabi mod, and wish the soup was hotter: was barely warm. WAS the end of the night, i'm sure they were exhausted and ready to go home but the great reception and awesome natalie who kept us swimming in hot green tea... 4.5 stars! can't wait to come back to perfection next time. keep it up raku!
(4)
Mars F.
Was taken here for lunch by coworkers on my first week of work at my new job. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of coming in with high hopes...and I am Japanese, from Hawaii, and studied abroad in Japan. I had a sashimi bento lunch. The quality of the fish wasn't horrible, but it was just so weird because it was served with Chinese shu mai and a steamed green bean "salad" with CHEESE. CHEESE?! I do not want CHEESE with my SASHIMI. LIke I said, weird. It was crazy loud, too dark inside, and no one was managing the crowd at the door, so we had to squeeze our way out when we were done eating.
(2)
Kyle S.
Food is very good! Edamame is out of this world! The New York Strip is very tender, along with the sauce it comes with. Yum! Would come back to this place any day!
(4)
Blayne R.
So the food was decent, as well as the service. But out of nowhere they say they don't take Discover. There was no visible signage to let anyone know. So when we go to check out they say "we don't take this card". So we have to go out of our way and get cash back on a credit card which has a much higher interest rate. That, and having to travel to the ATM just to pay them. They need to get their stuff together.
(2)
Stephanie W.
This place has always been good. The sushi is fresh and the passion fruit limeade is really yummy. The butterfly prawns are really delicious, too. The service is inconsistent, though. Also the menu has not really changed at all within the last 7 or so years since I started going. Make sure you have a reservation - this place is busy.
(3)
Marci E.
Wow, fantastic dinner enjoyed by all and can't wait to return. I loved my tofu salad, sushi and edamame. My friend raved about her curry, spring rolls and her sister's veggie platter was beautiful.
(5)
Lou K.
Wouldn't consider eating Sushi anywhere else. Ever. Get the same thing every time. Tuna California, wasabi dynamite roll and Maguro nigiri. Pure perfection. Eat in or carry out. Awesome. Go.
(5)
Joseph P.
Loved the red curry soup and the ginger pumpkin. Great service too.
(5)
Supraja M.
Came for a weeknight dinner a few weeks ago with 3 friends. I shared the vegan corn chowder, a veggie sushi assortment, a crunchy avo-q roll, and a veggie futomaki roll with a friend (wow that sounds like tons of food right now). it was all... OK. The chowder was basically corn and bits of potato swimming in water (unseasoned, no creaminess, just.. blah). The sushi rolls were all fine, but I find that veggie sushi is pretty hard to mess up or make spectacular.
(2)
Geraud L.
Spending a few days in Bethesda. Tonight, we stopped at Raku and ordered take aways. Very tasty collection of sushis and sashimis.
(4)
Mariah J.
The sushi is pretty fresh, but rolls are smaller than your average sushi roll. Tables are EXTREMELY close. Service was fast but the seat arrangements spoil the entire experience.
(2)
Tiffany P.
I am absolutely in love with this place. Extremely friendly and attentive wait staff, REALLY great prices, DELICIOUS sushi, and probably some of the best potstickers/dumplings I've ever had. It is definitely my #1 choice for Sushi in Bethesda!
This restaurant is always packed! Make sure you make a reservation! I definitely recommend coming here for lunch! They have great deals for lunch boxes, and sushi is fresh!
(4)
Lynn L.
Love the seaweed tofu salad and the udon noodle soups. Everything here is fresh and delicious. Well worth the price and the crowds. Amongst a lot of half-full restaurants in this area, Raku is always crowded.
(5)
Amanda F.
SERVICE-attentive, prompt and helpful when needed, nothing above and beyond but I don't need overbearing at my sushi joint FOOD-good quality sushi, have yet to try other dishes; good saki and Asian beers but the wine list is okay, I'd go other places for a nice glass of vino ATMOSPHERE-busy, bustling, close proximity to your neighbor and very loud; at 9:00 pm on a Wednesday it's mostly full OVERALLY-a notch above one's typical sushi and will definitely be back
(4)
Alexander K.
4.5 stars This is a solid japanese fusion restaurant where we have never had a bad meal. Items that I recommend are the chilean sea bass, grilled whole bronzino, pan seared Maine lobster (can get messy), deluxe bento box, and deluxe sashimi selection (make sure to request this with sushi rice on the side). However, I always go to the specials insert placed inside the menu. Some of the goodies usually include an enticing entree/appetizer (i.e. live sea urchin or soft shell crab) and a sushi sampler with various cuts of fish that won't be found in your neighborhood sushi spot. One gripe I have though is with the proximity of the neighboring tables, a little too close for comfort in my opinion. Sit at the bar in front of the kitchen, it is interesting watching all the chefs go about their business.
(4)
Rebecca F.
I was very disappointed in Raku. I had called several days in advance to make a reservation for a birthday. When we arrived, they had not saved us a table. We had to wait 20 minutes. I spoke to the manager and she was unapologetic and did not try to fix the problem. Additionally, there was a hair in someone's food. Really Raku? That's embarrassing. 1 star and I will not be returning.
(1)
Craig H.
Had a wonderful teriyaki bento box for lunch at this hoping place. The decor is lovely and done in an oriental motif. The server was pleasant though a little rushed as the lunch hour got going.
(4)
C H.
Dear Raku, Your food is great (for Bethesda), and your servers are sweet and professional. I do have some recommendations for the New Year: 1. It's time to update your interior. The cushions on the booth seats are looking tired and need to be replaced. 2. The menu and cover are also worn and tattered and need to be refreshed. 3. Please don't charge me $2.50 for a bowl of white rice. That is an insult. Thanks and love. P.S.The lemon basil sauce is delish.
(4)
Pegah Y.
Raku sushi is pretty solid! A friend and I visited Raku sushi on a Sunday night. We ordered several different rolls, which were quite filling. I ordered spicy tuna and another roll. The sushi was fresh and the pieces were large. The spices and sauces were also very flavorful and ambrosial. What more can you ask for? The service is pretty good - I appreciated how quickly they re-filled our waters. The place was busy, but we were definitely attended to in a timely manner. The dinner cost a lot, but what else can you expect from sushi? The only reason I give this place a "4" is that I think sushi is better when it's all-you-can-eat since you get a lot more for your money. Still, Raku is great and I would definitely love to eat there again.
(4)
Eunice K.
idk if its cus i had high expectations but nothing stood out had the curry noodle thing which is HUGEEEEE! but it was just alright ordered some sushi and that too was just alright
(3)
Steven W.
If you want a little taste of Asian fusion cooking with the feeling of being in NYC...skip the Vamoose and make a reservation to Raku...You won't be disappointed! Any place that reminds me of being in the west village of NYC gets an extra star and Raku pulls that off...tight quarters, great decor, bustling, high energy, people waiting (jammed in the entrance--make a reservation), cold air rushing through every time the door opens, a busy bar, and perfectly executed cooking...some may like that, others may hate it. You either get it or you don't. Some of you may tell me to put down the bottle...but how the names of Chefs Homma & Ballogdajan aren't mentioned with the likes of Matsuhisa, Morimoto and Vongerichten is beyond me...Raku is pumping out 1st Class Asian Fusion cooking! It's all about flavor...and the combinations and vibrancy in the flavors at Raku shine through. The Pumpkin Ginger soup was sweet with just enough savory...The sea bass was cooked to perfection in an amazing tomato, ginger, miso sauce that you never wanted to finish. The tuna tataki pizza was crispy thin crust, shaved tuna, cheese and a chili sauce that worked like you wouldn't believe. Sushi was on point, wine and service was good enough...you get the idea... I've eaten here many times over the years, but dinner a few weeks ago (for the first time in a long while), really reminded me of why I love this place.
(5)
Jacinda T.
I called for a dinner reservation for 3 a day beforehand, just in case there was a crowd. It was a beautifully warm day in March, so the patio area was open; probably why there wasn't a wait that night. We were seated right away and ordered our drinks shortly afterwards. I ordered one of the cocktail specials they had for March Madness, but it ended up being wayyy to strong for me. I just set it to the side, not wanting to be rude and send it back, and kind of hoping someone else would drink it for me. Surprisingly, the nice waitress noticed that I hadn't touched my drink when we were almost half way through our meal, and offered to get me a different one with no charge for the original. I opted for a beer, since those are neutral territory. I was really impressed that she would even offer, and even happier that she really didn't charge for the first drink. We ordered a few dishes and just shared them all, family style. The pumpkin soup was pretty tasty (I'm a really a big fan of the whole squash family, so I may be biased), just a bit weird to find at a Japanese place. The dragon, raku, wasabi dynamite and volcano rolls were all pretty OK. nothing great, but good. All in all, Raku's a very "modernized," but not a bad place to eat if you're around the area. (btw, we were the only asian people in the whole restaurant, not counting the people who worked there. i think that says something in itself...)
(3)
Alicia G.
PUMPKIN ALERT: pumpkin-ginger soup tweetphoto.com/djyjatzs - it's a must-have. Piping hot, creamy, pumkiny, gingery soup topped with croutons and pumpkin seeds. I much prefer coming here for lunch rather than dinner. Their lunch specials never let me down- between the soft-shell crab tempura bento box to the katsu curry - there's always something amazing on the menu. Even just their regular bento boxes make me happy. And their unsweetened peach iced tea. HUGE fan.
(5)
Josh S.
Great food good service the only issue was our red wine was served to us way to warm. The waitress put it on ice for us and was wonderful
(4)
Abegail A.
I've been dying to try this place out since (a) I love sushi (b) it has so many great reviews. Came here on a Saturday night for dinner. It was so nice outside that the wait to sit outdoors was somewhat long, but they had seating for two right away inside. We opted to sit inside since we were hungry. Started off with the Yellowtail Sashimi first flavor that came with sesame wasabi ponzu sauce and red onion-cilantro salad ($12.50). Yum yum yum! The sashimi melted in my mouth! I generally do not like sashimi (I prefer nigiri), but this was tasty! Fresh and just delicious! For our main course we had the Coconut Red Curry Noodle Soup with egg noodles and beef ($11), the Philly roll ($7), and the Deluxe Spicy Tuna ($10). More yummy-ness! The rolls had fresh fish and vegetables, cut evenly...they were delicious! The curry noodle soup was pretty good, but I was hoping for more spice to it. The beef was pretty tasty, and the soup itself was huge. Definitely enough for two people to share, or for two meals. Our waitress was rather attentive and the restaurant is nicely decorated and is inviting. I now see why people love this place. I'd definitely go back, but I think next time I'll stick with the sushi!
(4)
Joel S.
We ate here today with Henya and Yuval after meeting them while walking along the crescent trail. It was a gorgeous spring day after a long, snowy summer, so we decided to end with a lunch in Raku. I ordered pumpkin ginger soup, which was exceptionally good, and a bento box, which was very good. When we wanted to order dessert, we were told the restaurant was closed.too bad.
(4)
Ann H.
I'm a big fan of Raku (both the Bethesda and Dupont locations). I have never been disappointed in the food. The flavors are always good. The kind of food they do could easily veer off into oversalted territory, but they keep it in check. If they are offering the tuna flatbread when you go, get it. Where they occasionally trip up is service. It's always friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. Usually, I chalk it up to the fact that they're always super-busy. A reliably tasty bite to eat when you're in Bethesda or Dupont.
(4)
Rachel P.
It is so hard to find sushi anywhere as good as Raku's! Trust me, I have been searching. Their menu is such a perfect fusion balance. I go for the sushi, but love the dumplings and other appetizers as well. The Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll is my all time favorite. And I love how the rolls here aren't too big. They are the perfect size and fish to sauce to rice ratio. Everything is fresh and the service is pleasant. I've been eating here for years and have never found a place that compares as far as well rounded with delicious cooked food and fresh sushi.
(5)
Alicia B.
I love Japanese food and find that Raku offers a great variety for all tastes. It is also a very healthy choice.
(4)
Mathewe B.
The food was amazing! I suggest getting their soft shell crab starter, and their sushi is subtle but sublime, especially their toro. Had great service, will definitely be coming here again soon! Even though the reviews might be lower than most would claim try-worthy, you should definitely give this place a chance.
(5)
Natasha S.
My partner and I decided to return here, because I had really wanted to try the Red Curry Noodle Soup that everyone ordered during our last visit. Good thing I did, I was pleased! Mind you this is not an authentic Asian place, but definitely a great Asian Fusion kind of place. I really like the Tuna Tar Tar here, and I thought my soup was excellent. The broth was super tasty, and the bowl had a generous amount of Seafood and Veggies! Mmm! I ordered it with the Yellow Egg Noodles, which I thought were decent. Not the best noodles, but pretty good. My partner ordered sushi again, and everything she had was very fresh. I thought the fish selection was delicious here. I don't know about the special rolls, but just the basic Sashimi, Nigiri and basic Maki Rolls are good here. The service is A-OK. They weren't extremely busy, but pretty steady yet very hard to get the attention of. After struggling to get the server's attention the first couple times, she made an effort to pay attention to us more which was fine. I definitely would come back for the soup and sushi!
(4)
Angela H.
Right after my first visit, I wanted to come back already. After eating here twice, I made up my mind about it. Both times I arrived shortly after nine on a weekday and both times it seemed pretty lively. Someone recommended the coconut red curry with noodles which was good enough for me to order during my second visit as well. My friend asked for rice instead of noodles for the curry which they do. Sushi: we ordered spicy tuna deluxe and red dragon sushi, both were ok-good - a good Asian-fusion sushi fix but probably not the best quality. Sake, on the other hand, was a perfect touch to the rest of the spicy (not too spicy) meal. I'm not sure how the restaurant compares to others in it's surrounding area but in my opinion, a solid 4. The food is decent and environment is nice, there's outside seating when it's nice out, but after coming twice, I don't think I would frequent often or go out of my way to come. Street parking can be a little difficult also.
(4)
Toby R.
In order to have the best sushi in Bethesda, you must make a valiant effort. Thankfully, Raku stepped up to the challenge. Service is fantastic. The menu is extremely awesome with a wide selection of sushi. We tried the tuna spareribs. It was interesting and also delicious. As for the sushi itself, it's nothing short of mouth-watering. They have great rolls, sauces and soups. If you are a Bethesda-ite, this is your best bet for sushi.
(4)
Theresa S.
I wouldn't be able to speak to the food because I called for take out, and when I tried to ask a question about a menu item, I was put on hold with a irritated tone from the person that answered the phone. So sorry to bother you, Raku -- I'll take my business elsewhere thank you.
(1)
Valarie G.
Great sushi and drinks. I was really impressed with the quality and variety of the sushi here, and the appetizers were very good. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed though and they were very busy. They could probably use a few more servers.
(4)
Jen F.
I just can't stay away from Raku. It is now my favorite restaurant in Bethesda (next to Jaleo). The bento boxes are a popular item here so I had to try the chicken teriyaki. It was good but A LOT of food. You can expect some leftovers. Personally, I believe the noodle soups are the way to go. You get a choice of meat (or tofu with veggies) and noodle (egg, udon or soba). Egg noodles are my personal favorite. They have a regular chicken based broth soup and the red coconut curry soup. Both are great but I LOVE the red coconut curry soup with tofu and veggies. I give it 5 stars. AND the soups come with a little salad. The ginger dressing on the salad is amazing- best ginger dressing I've ever had. You will leave full and satisfied for $7.50.
(5)
Kristina M.
Great spot for sushi in Bethesda. it's always crowded so make a reservation if you are on a time limit. It's also very loud inside but the outdoor seating is nice. I always get the crunchy spicy tuna and the red dragon roll. Both are pretty good. They also have a really yummy kale salad as a special a lot of the times. Maybe not the best sushi in the world, but I enjoy it.
(4)
Mark S.
I took my wife here for her birthday. We tried the sushi and split a curry noodle soup bowl. The portion for the noodle soup was huge and VERY delicious! We also ordered something else.. but I forgot. I'm guessing it wasn't that great since it wasn't memorable. The sushi was fresh and delicious.. but that curry noodle soup tasted yummmmmy! I would go back there just to get another bowl of the noodle soup! Delicious!
(4)
Kyi H.
Awful.. 1. Service 2. Attitude 3. Unwrapped chopsticks 4. Taste Not recommended at all..
(1)
Davita K.
I'm new to the Bethesda area, but every once in a while I treat myself to some of their udon. It never fails to cheer me up. The broth is delicious and the noodles are cooked just right.
(4)
Rachel M.
I live in the area so this makes Raku a no-brainer. The sushi is fantastic but a bit expensive (on par with the area). The deluxe spicy tuna is always my go to. The coconut red curry noodles are the best thing on the menu. You get a huge bowl (I always have left-overs) and it's the perfect dish for a cold day. The down-side is that it can get really busy on the weekend and there is no room to wait for a table. Overall if you're in Bethesda and looking for sushi-this is the best bet.
(4)
Louis B.
Its a decent sushi place but not the best ever. However, you will certainly pay as if it's the best ever. $$$$$$ Just about everything is at premium prices here. Just not worth it when there are the same type of places down the street and around the corner. Typical Bethesda restaurant with inflated prices. Good for people watching.
(2)
Sarah J M.
Meet has been warm, not as fresh (stay away from the dumplings and the shrimp Spring rolls - fishy), and the restaurant is it loud and crowded! Many times of packed with families and the restaurant is loud without crying and screaming children! People can't seem to help themselves from overhearing your conversations. I feel so uncomfortable sometimes I either stop talking or try talking in code. How's that for dinner conversation? Same vice versa, you can't help but hear everything about your neighbors and their lives! Like you don't have enough to deal with - not to mention when my hubby and I dine just the two of us - they pack us on those tables of two like sardines. My husband is a tall and fairly big man at 6'2" and about 260 lbs that's a difficult feat in itself just fitting in between the tables! Not to mention we will have just waited anywhere from 30-45 minutes for that tiny table! Service is terrible, and we constantly have to flag our waiter /waitress - in fact we put our whole order in as soon as we are seated to avoid having to hunt down our waiter/ waitresses. At times I can't even get my sodas refilled! All in all if this particular sushi restaurant wasn't in downtown Bethesda Proper it would have been out of business a long time ago! Just telling it like it is. Cheers!
(2)
Kiranj P.
VERDICT - To be honest, skip it. PROS: Portion Size (unless you get sushi), Trendy Ambiance (could be a con, slightly overcrowded and extremely loud) CONS: Portion Size (if you get sushi), Service is hit or miss (was fantastic at lunch, couldn't have been worse at dinner), Value - sorely overpriced for what you get TBD: Food is hit or miss - need to be careful with what you're ordering here as some of the items lack flavor and sometimes freshness REVIEW: My wife and I recently moved to the area and wanted to come here due to the great reviews and the fact that it was always crowded. I wasn't thoroughly impressed the first time we went (lunch) but my initial thoughts were confirmed when we returned for dinner. The hostess and waiting area were disorganized and over crowded. After getting seated over 30 minutes later, we were waited on by a server who didn't take our drink order for almost 15 min after we sat down and failed to check up on us until I flagged her down for the check (the food was delivered by other servers). Food itself was hit or miss, my wife is vegetarian and she loved the seaweed salad and the spicy avo-q roll. I had mixed feelings about my food though, I started with the ocean spring roll and felt it lacked flavor and was a bit too oily (even for a spring roll) and got the red dragon roll (the one with serrano pepper) as my entree. The red dragon was seriously disappointing as it was completely bland and had no heat from either the spicy tuna or the serrano peppers. The fish quality was so-so as well. To be honest, I did enjoy the soba noodles with chicken in the tokyo dashi broth when i had it for lunch...but dinner didn't impress me too much. Overall, I don't see what all the hype about this place is. The food wasn't bad but I've had better quality sushi for much less.
(2)
Hollie L.
Decent lunch box for great price. Dinner is overpriced but it's Bethesda. The guy at the front could be really standoffish but
(4)
Tu-van L.
Great appetizers, mediocre entrees, meh desserts. Appetizers and enjoyable outdoor seating only thing pulling this review up to three stars. From our three-course meal the appetizers were the star of the meal. My Korean galbi ssam was flavorful and tender meat though sloppy to eat with the lettuce wrap (though this is my first time eating ssam - it's supposed to be sloppy, no?). The husband's grilled octopus salad was delicious with perfectly grilled, tender octopus. The husband was satifsfied with his sashimi platter, and the chef did a good job making substitutions for some fish he didn't care for. My roasted duck was tasty but the dish was plagued like a lot of restaurants where they put too much jus/gravy/sauce on the plate to drown out whatever good flavors were there in the first place. Desserts were tasty yet not too memorable. Mixed drinks were well made, though the sake flights were not worth the effort. The tasting didn't have the brews listed in the menu, and they had more of a kick to them for what you pay for. Ambiance can be loud on he inside but if you get an outdoor seating spot it's for the most part quieter and better for people/car watching. Service was alright. The waitress was SLOW in bringing our stuff and was absent for most of our meal. It look longer than normal to get each course. Not a bad deal for trying out this place during Bethesda Row Restaurant week earlier in the spring. Nevertheless I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here.
(3)
Sarah N.
Seriously? Yelp failed me this time. Girls night out was planned for this location when we saw all the great reviews. I'll keep it short and simple: 1) Make a reservation but know it's not guaranteed =) For the volume of guest traffic, they need to place brighter people at their host stand. How come we had to wait 20 minutes for a table when we had a reservation? How come you don't keep your promise of holding the table for us if I called in saying we would be 5 minutes late? And when the first 4 seater opened up, it went to a group who came in after us? Listen to me when I call. Use your noodle a bit when seating people. 2) You call this sushi?? Sushi rolls were fugly looking. The presentation was...wait, there was none. They rice did not cover the nori. They did not tighten the rolls because there were plenty of gap inside the roll. The cut was messy making the edges jagged and each piece uneven. Not just sushi chef, but all chefs who give a poop about their dish will put in effort to make it look presentable. The rice was falling apart just by being dipped in the soy sauce. Rolls were small and the taste was mediocre. 3) Everything else Tuna tartare was delicious but with three pieces of bread how can you scoop the entire chunk?? Here is where they try to upsell you with $1 for more bread. We ordered house sake to help down the sushi. I'm not a sake expert, but I noticed it lacked flavor from every other hot sake I've had. 4) Service Our waitress was friendly and helpful. However, service starts from the moment you pick up the phone and walk in the door. I would not come back here. Raku is not worth the hassle of Bethesda parking and long wait.
(2)
Melissa H.
Not many entrees on the menu, so we ordered appetizers, small plates, and sushi rolls. The duck small plate was ok but more of a sample than what we would call a "small plate." The ginger- pumpkin soup was outstanding though! So good I almost bought some to go... :) The chicken and pork dumplings were delish as well! Our rolls were good, but Ive seen the rolls elsewhere where they looked much more appealing. They did taste good though! Our waitress was busy, but checked in on our table occasionally.
(3)
Fenny L.
I was all prepared to be hatin' on this place. Yes, I'm a judgmental snob, but everyone has their foodie pet peeve. For some, it's anything that is non-organic or non-local. For others it's the plating. For me, it's a absolute disdain for fusion restaurants. There are many things wrong with fusion restaurants in my book. For starters, stick to a cuisine and GET IT RIGHT rather then slam together two incompatible flavors and pray that it'll be hip enough to catch on. Secondly, if I wanted schizophrenic food, one of the voices in my head can go ahead and cook it. Finally, most fusion restaurants draw pretentious hipsters and yuppies like racoons to a trashcan. While I still hate everything there is about fusion restaurants, Raku-An is a perfect example of how "fusion" can be done right. Although it's Asian Fusion, the foods are predominately Japanese, with slight "twists". The flavors are powerful, yet complementary. A great example of this, is their Plum Wine Sangria. I admit to being skeptical, however, it was fantastic and a great concept! I highly recommend the Seoul Train roll for those who enjoy kimchi (it is without a doubt, my husband and my favorite roll here!) - just enough kimchi flavor to be "yum", but not enough for your date to run screaming when you lean in for that kiss later. The seaweed salad is a mixture of the traditional seaweed salad, tossed with greens, cucumbers and a slight drizzle of carrot ginger dressing. I looked at it askance when it first arrived, but the flavors really blended well together and was quite enjoyable. The tuna tartar is magnificent, light and refreshing with a very light touch on the sauce and seasonings, so that the natural sweetness of tuna came through. I've been here twice, and both times I was so busy with shoveling food into my mouth, that I didn't have time to go off on my rant about why fusion restaurants will be the downfall of society. Also unlike many fusion restaurants, the service here has been impeccable. The first time we came, it was an hour before closing, but the server took as much time with us as if we were the first diners that he had all night. The second time, the weather was great, and we were seated outside. Although it was a beautiful and busy Saturday evening, and the table next to us were a pair of ladies who were vegetarian/vegans, but wanted to order off the Bethesda Restaurant Week menu (insert eyeroll here), our waiter was unfailingly polite, prompt and checked up on us often. I overheard some of his conversation with the table next to us, and he was wonderful at helping them come up with alternates and solutions (not that the two ladies seem to appreciate it). My only real complaint about the service is about the hostesses. The first time we came, the hostess couldn't seem to make up her mind if she was going to seat us or not (admittedly, it was an hour before closing, so I can understand her dilemma). The second time we came, it was on a Saturday, and we wanted to sit outside, and were told that the wait would be 30 minutes, but to check back in with her after 20. When I checked in with her at the 20 minute mark, she told me that tables were being cleared off now, and just please wait. We watched as 3 tables were cleared off...which she promptly gave away to other diners. I went to check in with her again, and she seemed completely confused as to why we weren't seated, and promised that the very next table would be ours. However, when 5 minutes later, a table was cleared off, she again gave it away to someone else. At this point, both my husband and I were getting upset. Another table opened up, and we approached the hostess. The other hostess (seemed like she was in training) was about to give away that table as well, when the hostess that we had been talking to, tells her to seat us. The second hostess begins to argue with the first hostess, but fortunately the first hostess insisted that it was our turn. Very confusing and not very organized it seems. However, despite the fact that the hostess stand is a hot mess, and the this is a fusion restaurant, I have come to love Raku-An and highly recommend it for dates or group outings. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside - believe it or not, it's quieter then inside.
(4)
Henry M.
When I'd missed the Yelp cigar event in Bethesda, I shoulda just gone home disappointed instead of rolling the dice. I'd been to the old Raku in Bethesda, and I'd never been impressed, but this was obviously a different place... The good news is that I won't make the mistake of walking in to Raku with friends on a night out in Bethesda. The bad news was the food and the staff. I had no problem getting a seat at the sushi-bar, and my order was taken quickly enough, and my food arrived quickly... perhaps too quickly. I've eaten in Korean restaurants where none of the staff smiled, but this is Bethesda, and it's not that kind of place, and I just don't like to eat in a place where the staff looks like they're in pain. Then there's the food. I'm glad that I didn't order much, and so far I'm okay, but I like the sushi in Federal government cafeterias better than what I had tonight. I love ankimo, and I always order it when I see it on a menu, but I didn't know that it could be prepared in such apparently mass-produced blocks as to resemble a mild, not very soft liverwurst. That slight firmness would have been better in the yellowtail roll, which felt like the fish had been through the bass-o-matic. I'm also a big uni fan, but the uni tasted like some sort of beginner uni-light, i.e. none of the low-tide sweetness that good sea urchin can have. I've rarely spent so much on a meal that I found, in spite of low expectations, so disappointing. Will I return to Raku to check out other dishes? I won't?
(2)
O P.
Lunch was good but the waiter really did not want to work, and in order for us to understand it, just let all the miso soup and the soja sauce on my wife. When asked if he will reimburse the dry cleaning, not feeling concerned, he just said "yeah bring me the receipt".
(1)
Sarah H.
The whole japanese fusion just makes the restaurant sound more fancy but i didn't think the food was indulging. The egg rolls were very unique.. never seen it come with that special orange & green sauce at any restaurant. They are worth trying. My shrimp crunch roll was so below average. Is that because it wasn't a "specialty" roll? The bento box doesn't come with rice. That is the strangest thing. I don't care how fffffff-ing fusion you are, I need my damn rice. The ribeye in the box was pretty dry & chewy too. The service was paranoying.. is that a word? No I guess not because I have the red dotted lines under the word right now. You will see a person who I guess is the manager because she's dressed differently from the others. She stands with the servers and tells them to check up on this table & that table with her pointy finger. I see the server running to the table asking the most general question, "Is everything okay?" The lady gets me paranoid.
(2)
Justin S.
Creative menu, fresh selection. Can be a little cramped inside. Overall my favorite in Bethesda.
(4)
Lissa B.
Raku is one of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda. I think it's best for lunch as there is such a huge difference in the price for dinner. Also, the lunch bento boxes are amazing and far better in my opinion than the dinner entrees. The Chicken & Pork Dumplings are the best dumplings I've had in the US (only rivaled by Ippudo's bite sized dumplings in Tokyo). The pineapple flavored sauce is simply incredible and the dumplings are cooked to perfection. I can't go to Raku without ordering them. I believe the best bento box is the Beef Tenderloin Tataki Bento. It is a great combination of mashed potatos and steak with the Asian fusion. The steak is quality and always cooked perfectly. Something funny is that the Dupont location doesn't have this bento on the menu, which is definitely a shame.
(4)
Ken L.
This is a really good Japanese restaurant in the heart of Bethesda. The food is pretty pricey but you'd expect that if you're grabbing dinner in Bethesda. The food is really good but I wouldn't say its unique in any way. I really enjoy the curry tonkatsu that they ONLY serve during lunchtime. It's a good place to take a date but it does get quite crowded sometimes. Get Natalie if you can, she's a great waitress!
(4)
Mark E.
Food and service not longer justify the outrageous prices, unless you're trying to impress someone by going to a fancy sushi place/Japanese restaurant
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dana M.
They also have a gluten-free menu and gluten-free soy sauce if you ask! Service can be a bit slow if it's busy, but the food is well worth the wait. Love it!
(5)Shad M.
This place is very hit or miss for me. Some days the rolls are bangin' and other days they're very mediocre. It's very centrally located, which makes it a convenient place. But it does not rank in my top three sushi spots of bethesda. The only useful thing I can remember is that the large seaweed salad has a lot of mixed greens in it. So if you're expecting a lot of seaweed - that's not this dish.
(3)Connie L.
I absolutely love sushi but my experience at Raku was underwhelming. We ordered one of their sushi platters as well as an actual entree. For the same price, I could have gotten much higher quality food elsewhere. Additionally, the seating in Raku is incredibly cramped. The tables are replaced within maybe 1.5 feet away from each other, just enough for someone to squeeze through. I could easily hear the conversation from the table next to us and took away from the overall experience.
(3)Alek K.
Been coming here for years and they have their good days and not so good with some of the trickier sushis like Uni not so fresh, but most of the time both the rolls and the sushi are very good. I particular like their Deluxe Jo Nigiri. Quality for price, this is probably the best place in the DC area. This is true of the Bethesda location, the DC location is much worse in all regards.
(4)Priscilla Y.
This is one of those trendy Asian Fusion restaurants that young hip crowds or rich Bethesda folks will flock to. It is pretty pricey and the food is nothing to brag about. Great place to bring a date, I guess. It can get cramped inside. I ordered the Red Dragon Roll (Salmon, Eel, Avocado, topped with spicy tuna and spicy pepper) and salmon sashimi. Interesting roll. It was pretty good. My brother ordered the Jo Nigiri, which was normal fish nigiri. Nothing special.
(3)Kathryn L.
Patio seating was mandatory for my annual birthday Sushi meal (not that I don't eat Sushi often), but it's my extra gift to myself before the big day/night of fun. I tried very hard not to allow my experience hinder my special day. The hostesses were the highlight of my culinary outing. There were two of them & those pint size ladies were in sync with their wait list & seating duties. Our wait time was 30 minutes which wasn't too bad for this cramp yet busy little spot...off to the bar where my Sister & I sat until our table was ready. When I say cramp, I'm being generous as this place is a tight space, with the sushi bar being the biggest object in here. & the pickup station which seems to almost overlap the bar area, causes a bit of hectic traffic/friendly collisions. It was a unique visual appetizer watching the commotion. & speaking of the bar, there was only one bartender, not sure about that game plan in place for the early SAT Night, as it was already crowed when I arrived & became more crowded by the minutes. Now I'm very cognizant to the culture & language barriers, yet please don't be in the mixology service of all positions of the restaurant industry if you don't have any patience or social interaction. 5 minutes to be acknowledged, 5 minutes for the Wine List & another 5 minutes to place my order. The 2 glasses of Malbec was not a tall order yet the bartender came off very timid...multi-tasking must not have been her strong suit. Additionally, there were only two other people at the bar, so not sure why the frantic looks when I asked for a glass water with lemon. Flip side, our wait wasn't a full 30 minutes so I became excited when the one of the dual hostess came & got us. As I scanned the patio when approaching the restaurant, I saw how condensed and small the tables were, so I wasn't surprised when were seated. Our server was a jazzy & witty individual who embraced the cultural variations. She was pretty quick with our order & the food didn't waste it's time coming out. I ordered the Petite Sashimi & the portion mirrored the name perfectly. For $15, I would have expected more than a few slivers of Tuna, Salmon, Whitefish and Octopus, in which I swapped out for more of whatever the Server told me I would get...no customer substitutions please. Hence, I was still hungry after that brief consumption so I ordered the Red Dragon Roll. It had a great combination of Salmon, Ell, Avocado, Cucumber, Spicy Tuna, Serrano Peppers and Eel sauce; this selection definitely put me in a better foodie mood. When it was time for the check (we went Dutch), it took our savvy server two times to get our check right, wasn't too much of trigonometry going on, just a glass of wine on each check. I must say my Sushi Roll was very good and will be the only reason I come back, but overall the customer service needs to improve.
(3)Debbie L.
KAY - was our really polite and attentive server who made our dinner very very enjoyable!! A couple times, she let us know our food was coming out shortly, brought us more than one cup of hot water, and was quick with our bill. PROTIP: you can ask to split the Coconut Red Curry noodle soup in two, and they will bring it out in two bowls. Between a friend and I, we split the noodle soup, and ordered two rolls of sushi (and paid less than $20 overall including tip!!). Very filling and enough noodle soup for leftover lunch the next day.
(4)Judi G.
Deserves the stars and rave reviews for great food, fare pricing and wonderful service. Al fresco dining. Indoors is noisy but comfortable. Small fast paced restaurant with open kitchen. If you are lucky enough to try the ramen noodle bowl with chars u pork on special, a new dish, go for it. The correct balance of rich flavorful broth and perfectly cooking ramen noodles. Ask for the seasoning hiker to bump up the flavor. Salads are a mist here, roasted wild mushroom with arugula and a simple mixed with ginger was bright and engaging to the tastebuds before tucking into salmon belly rolls, soft shell crab roll and hamaki. Do save room for poached pear for dessert. Large enough to to share
(4)Mary Margaret E.
Seating is a bit tight. I was less than a foot away from the person in the next table. It's definitely really intimate, but the music and crowd is loud enough to have a private conversation. The broth of the soups are so savory. I'd come back just for those. Can't go wrong with the Beef Tokyo Dashi Broth with Egg Noodles. The rolls are super fresh and bigger than most places. Chesapeake Bay Roll was awesome! Bento boxes are a great option of you're craving a bit more variety.
(5)Arabella B.
Super fresh sushi and even tho I waited quite some time for my food it was worth the wait. Very good!
(5)Ruth C.
Three and a half stars. Small bar to the right, patio seating available, pretty limited lunch menu, decor clearly aiming to establish themselves as a date night option. Service is polite and a little overwhelmed during peak hours. For a slightly steep Asian fusion spot, I'd say sashimi's not their strong suit-- decent quality fish, but thin and uneven cuts. Octopus was poached a little too long, especially stingy on mackerel, and the eel teaser in the menu description never showed. More rice than fish in the deluxe chirashi to fill you up, but at least they have the decency to add a generous mix of goodies to the lightly seasoned base layer: diced tamago, shredded nori, ikura, kanpyo, etc. On the other hand, I liked their ginger pumpkin soup enough to be intrigued by the less raw half of their menu. Will probably return to try Szechuan crispy chicken, coconut red curry noodle soup, Chinese five spiced duck breast; Chilean sea bass tempura roll, Maine lobster roll.
(3)Taha E.
I found a huge bug in my miso sauce after I ate the entire salmon box lunch. I would give them 1 star but they comped my lunch and my friend's lunch as well and he probably ate $40 worth of sushi. But all I got to say is Ewwwwww!!!!
(2)David B.
Great Sushi-so fresh! We love eating outside when it is nice.
(4)Kirk S.
Simply not impressive. Raku is yet another sushi place in the Washington D.C. area, albeit one without anything really impressive about it. The sushi is tasty, but does not stand out amongst a sea of other places with good sushi. The restaurant itself is somewhat crowded, to the point where I felt like I could not fit into the booth - and I'm a reasonably-sized dude. The ambiance was bland. In other words, there are a number of places that do the food or ambiance better than Raku, so I don't find this a particularly appetizing choice.
(3)Hannah H.
Raku is an Asian fusion restaurant that has two locations - one in Bethesda and one in DC. I came here to meet a fellow Yelp friend (Lissa B.), and I was excited to try out one of her suggestions! We sat outside (thank goodness for the actual nice weather, as I am totally not a sun person, but I loved the large shades and no attack-age from any insects/birds), which was a nice change from dining indoors. The menu offers appetizers (edamame, dumplings, chicken, calamari, etc.), soups, salads, bento boxes, noodles, and soups. We ordered the following: Chicken & Pork Dumpling (nicely and crisply fried with a pineapple star anise sauce with chive oil - the dumplings themselves were actually pretty solid, and it was an interesting mix of flavors from the tangy and sweet pineapple sauce it was sitting in); and, a 'Seoul' Train Roll (very cute name; a maki roll with a Korean sauce (bibimbop sauce), tuna, kimchi, kalware, and scallion - I didn't taste the kimchi, and the tuna itself was okay; the maki itself was more dressed with the bibimbop sauce). For our entrees, we had the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box (this came with miso soup (that was okay), fresh California rolls (great avocado), house salad, fried shrimp shumai (I was actually impressed with these as I am usually not a fan of shumai; slightly crispy exterior with a nice mound of shrimp inside), and portobello-green beans (loved the fresh mushrooms, green beans, as well as the salty carved cheese). Lissa pointed out that the DC does not have this particular meat as part of their bento box selections, which I found quite odd and interesting. The tenderloin was cooked nicely, as it was very juicy and flavorful - they were set on top of mashed potatoes. It was a nice meal, and I suggest in ordering Chicken & Pork Dumplings as an appetizer and ordering the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box as your meal. I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box
(3)Janet L.
The first thing I felt when I was ushered to my table was how crowded some of the seating is. If you are looking to come here to have some sort of semi-private dinner conversation with your friend, this isn't the place! But aside from that, the food was a-okay... a bit on the pricier side of things. I ordered from the special menu, the 6 piece nigiri sushi combo and a miso soup. The fish was alright.. miso soup was also standard. Their dessert menu is also delicious. The staff was really friendly; our waitress took the time explain everything on the menu to us. Close to metro, plenty of street and garage parking nearby.
(3)Robert H.
The service was very friendly and I give them points for that, but the sushi (which is the most important part) was decidedly average in my humble opinion. For $80+ I expected more and I was a little disappointed.
(3)Linda O.
I did not have a positive experience here. The tables are close together and it seemed like I could hear everyone else but my dining companion. The service was slow; the food was so so. The hot dishes that we ordered had cooled off considerably before they were presented. And, I had a green salad, a mesclun mix to be exact, that was truly slimy--should not have been served to me. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the bus boys I encountered, everyone had their eyes on the ground and seemed hopelessly lost in their work. Hard to get someone's attention, so just gave up on the whole meal. Not a happy place to be or eat. For the prices they are asking--I expected more.
(2)Esther Y.
I think Raku has some good entrees and sushi. I would still rather go to yuraku in Germantown for just sushi, but if you want an assortment, this place has a great variety. It's situated right by mussel bar off woodmont ave. parking is available on the street or in the garage (meter parking). My go-to meal is the red curry udon noodles. You can choose to add veggies, chicken, beef, shrimp or seafood variety. It's comes in a large bowl and its good for sharing. Just ask for an extra bowl. Their sushi is good. I've tried some and it's s hit or miss. Their appetizers are appropriately sized for two people. I liked the dumplings and shrimp rolls. I think some of their things are over priced, but then again they are located in downtown Bethesda. The seating is crowded and you may most likely end up waiting and being crammed right next to another party who can hear all of your conversation. But they do the best they can for a small place. I think this place is perfect for a casual date night or going out with a few friends for sushi and drinks. I definitely wouldn't take a big group (4 or more) there. There's just not that much space. Expect to pay at least $15+ a person for food and drinks.
(3)Kate B.
Horrible food poisoning from Raku. Just finishing two hours of horrible vomiting etc from lunch today. I've eaten there countless times, but I will never go back again.
(1)Colleen G.
Stopped in to Raku for lunch. It was busy and I was alone so I sat at the bar which was fine by me. I was quickly brought a water and my order was taken, the deluxe bento box. My miso soup arrived fast, my meal... Did not. About 28 minutes after I finished my miso the waitress rushed over with an order of edamame apologizing for the wait. This was a nice gesture but would have made more of an impact about 15 minutes earlier. Approx 1 minute later my actual meal arrived. Everything was tasty it was just quite the wait for a lunch time meal. If you have a short lunch break I wouldn't suggest it.
(3)Ahmed M.
The problem with this place is the service, it is so slow. Food is okay but not the best. You can find much better Sushi for the same price. I cannot recommend the place.
(2)Chris K.
I really don't understand the popularity. It was passable food, and just barely. Very small portions of mediocre sushi and very large portions of substandard junk in a bento box. There was nothing I would order again. Service was a little slow too.
(1)Andrew W.
A decent place that seemed a bit overrated. There is no parking. The food here is a pricey and the rolls are small and seemed to be constructed with a haphazard manner. Upon looking around the store paint was chipping off, utensils were still dirty, the placement matt was broken and I never got a refill on water. The popularity of this place is most likely atttorbuted from its location. Sadly, this place is a total let down.
(2)Casey K.
Really enjoyed the food! Service was terrible, the restaurant is very cramped, while suffering from being terribly laid out on top of the seating not being that comfortable. HOWEVER, the food more than made up for it. I had the coconut red curry noodle bowl originally ordered with udon noodles. Our waitress came back to inform me they were out of the udon noodles so I picked soba noodles. Did not mind the noodle change at all considering the bowl of deliciousness that appeared before me. It was huge, so much so that I took it home and had a hearty helping for lunch the next day. I would order this again hands down and have been craving it since. The taste and texture of the tofu was so spectacular. I had a couple dumplings to start with, which were great as well and a perfect palette primer, they are fried. I can't wait to go back, that noodle bowl is calling my name.
(4)AL K.
3.5 stars. Off the bat I gotta say that the bench type of seating is very uncomfortable. The pads were all flat not providing any cushion at all plus its so narrow making it difficult to scoot over if someone has to use the rest room. The bento boxes are blah. The ala carte sashimi are fresh but the cuts are tiny, nigiri is fresh and yum. SErvice is great....A bit on the pricey side.
(3)Michelle N.
Sushi was mediocre, but their curry udon was delicious! The broth itself was great, but the udon and different sea foods made the dish come together perfectly!
(4)Cristina K.
Amazing sushi. No reservations but quick turnaround. They have uni. Noodle soups are huge so be prepared to take home or just have the soup. Staff is nice and accommodating. Wine selection is outstanding. Ambience is cool. With the ceiling decked out with oversized upside down geisha like umbrellas, sleek modern booths and a cool sushi bar, this place is both great for family and a couple wanting to go out for a date. Highly recommend the uni with quail egg, Seoul roll, double salmon roll, and deluxe spicy tuna roll. Both noodle soups are also out of this world.
(5)Gretchen K.
Raku is our 'go to' restaurant in downtown Bethesda.. It's consistently excellent...wonderfully fresh sushi, but you can also get a full meal if you're not a sushi lover.. Watch their 'specials' for some creative choices. Great selection of wines and their plum wine sangria is a real treat.
(5)Sioux T.
Greà t sushi variety. Service takes a very long time. We waited 50 minutes for our simple entree order to arrive.
(2)Angel W.
I visited Raku with two friends so I am rating the experience collectively as 4 stars. Seating is extremely limited at Raku. To put it in perspective, the kitchen is the same size as the dining area. I am surprised we were able to get seating at 5pm without a reservation (Raku closes and then re-opens at 5pm). I recommend reservations on a Friday or weekend. One of my friends is gluten-free and Raku is easily able to accommodate dietary restrictions; however they discontinued several of their gluten-free items but have yet to remove those items from the menu. We started out with edamame. It's the best edamame I've ever had. The pods were perfectly salted and the beans were flavorful and fresh. For dinner, one of my friends had the Deluxe Spicy Tuna sushi with tuna, jalapeno, sriracha, ginger, avocado, cilantro, tempura flake, spicy mayo, and scallion. He said it was the best sushi combo ever. But he also equated the experience to eating at Krispy Kreme - the first bite is outta this world and it goes downhill from there. He also had the Philly Roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber, shisho herb, and lemon caper sauce. This roll also comes highly recommended. My other friend is gluten-free and had the Mesclun & Herbs salad but substituted the dressing for mustard vinaigrette that is gluten free. The salad comes with kaiware sprouts, red onion, crispy ginger and cilantro. I also had the same salad but with miso dressing. I thought the salad was decent. My friend also had the Salmon Roll which was fresh and appetizing. I had the Veggie Futomaki with spinach, avocado, cucumber, kaiware, shitake, inari, asparagus, and lemon basil sauce. Next time I will just stick with a regular avocado roll. The lemon basil sauce was a nice touch. Prices are very reasonable with many rolls priced at approximately $8, and even lower prices are offered at lunch. Raku's website menu is not inclusive of all of their offerings. Don't click on the lunch and dinner menu, instead click on the printable menu to view the full menu. Service was decent. The server was in training and did a fine job. The seats are bench-style and my one complaint is that the person seated behind me was sharing the same bench and he bounced around and it caused my seat to move like a see-saw. Note: the location is on Woodmont Ave but with the construction I had a hard time with my navigation. Raku is located across from Cosi and Jaleo and next to Mussel Bar.
(4)Maggie Maria T.
I always go for their Tokyo dashi broth with udon noodles and beef which is so filling and delicious!! I'm sure that the rest of the menu is as good as their soups but after having all this broth honestly I can't even order dessert because it's that filling! The only thing I don't really like about this restaurant is their seating, so if you're looking for an intimate date or conversation you should not consider this place since the tables are so close. There are booth tables available as well, but these are exclusively for bigger parties 3+.
(5)Marc P.
The sushi here is as good as it gets...their other food is great too...if you want a great place in Bethesda, MD; this is the place to go. I highly recommend Raku....
(5)Georgina S.
Rain or snow, we thank Raku for their consistent great food and service. Millie does an awesome job seating people based on their request (booth for two) and serving portions are just right! There has been a recent change of servers but the new ones are just as good or better! Great job and keep it going...
(5)Stephen M.
The line out the door doesn't lie: this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area (although, to be truthful, the competition is not that stiff). Raku is a sure bet for a date or taking out colleagues--the menu is extensive enough that it suits all tastes, and it's hard to find a poorly prepared dish on the menu. Going late night for a small bite or heading there at dinnertime for a multi-course (and multi-hour) dinner, this place has it covered. Outside sitting area is very cramped, far beyond "cozy" or "intimate," and a just a few inches away from Bethesda drivers trying to park their oversized SUVs. Suggest getting a table inside, even though it tends to be loud. Small quips aside, Raku is among the best places in Bethesda. Will def return.
(4)B L.
Great food...very nice preparation and presentation...prices are very reasonable for the selections and quality...
(4)Bunk O.
I got the corn soup (on their special menu) and one of the vegetarian rolls. The sushi was good, especially the green mint based sauce that came with it. The sweet corn soup was honestly one of the worst things I've tasted. I couldn't even take more than 5 sips of it! It was soo sweet, like they had added sugar. It hurt my teeth as I tried to eat it. A good waitress would have recognized my almost untouched dish and asked if everything was okay. But she just took it away. We also had to flag her down to take our credit cards for payment as we had been waiting for 20 minutes to get her attention. The restaurant was not super busy. I don't think I would recommend this place for vegetarians and definitely not that corn soup!
(2)Marivic L.
This place is my fave place, so far, for sushi in Bethesda. The staff is helpful, the sushi and drinks are on point, and the atmosphere is fun and modern. Everyone from families to people on dates come here, and we're all ready and willing to wait during regular meal hours. If you're smart, you'll go earlier or later - and I just opt to sit at the bar often. I actually prefer it over the table seating.
(4)Kay H.
Raku is consistently busy -- it's not uncommon to see a line of people waiting for a table. That said, if you are in good company, you won't mind the wait. You will LOVE Raku for being hip, crowded, and feeling so alive with people in a great neighborhood. Allow time to eat, talk, and enjoy for the best experience. I recommend Raku when there is no rush for getting in and out. The staff are attentive and helpful as can be expected given the restaurant is consistently busy. I also request a booth which less crowded than the tables.
(4)Paloma B.
I use to come for the sushi until i had the thai curry bouillabaisse and since then that is all i get! A MUST!!
(5)Le L.
I tried their bento box and it was so cute. I always wanted to have a bento box with different food in it. I got the salmon teriyaki. The flavor was okay but it was a little salty. I didn't like the fact that they put too much sauce under the salmon and made it so salty and I couldn't just eat it by itself. Overall it was good beside the sauce.
(4)Anthony C.
Raku is a great place to eat. It is always packed and reservations are needed for any night 6 to 9 pm. It is small and the seating is tight but the food is outstanding. Good sushi, and their udon noodle soup is amazing. Their offerings are unique, but not so much as to fall into the chasm of becoming a foodie-place. It is well thought out, with fresh ingreedents and well worth the price of admission.
(4)Hilda K.
Tables are close, too close. Food did not do anything for me neither did the sake martinis I had. Service was good though - we had a very attentive waitress. Will not return willingly
(3)Dan F.
Went with a group of eight to Raku on a Friday evening. The restaurant was very busy, and even though we had reservations, we had to wait a bit. If you go with a group, don't go with more than six people. The restaurant is small, and we had a table added on to our booth to accommodate, leaving little room for staff and customers to walk by. Definitely make reservations for the weekend, preferably in advance. Raku offers a variety of sushi, which I am not a fan of, but everyone in my group seemed to really enjoy their meals. Raku has non-sushi offerings as well. I enjoyed my crispy chicken appetizer and the duck entree, both were prepared well and plentiful. I would go again, but not with such a large group.
(3)M B.
Great sushi quality, great service, lots of selections, and they are very attentive regarding adjustments to orders.
(4)Sabrina H.
I am a super fan of Japanese food having lived there for the past two years. Being back on US soil I have had some difficulties finding authentic Japanese chefs that prepare the dishes the way they do back east. Coming in at lunch time when its kind of busy isn't too bad per say, but be prepared for a bit of crunchy attitude from the spicy waitresses. To be fair, I ordered a dish that included shrimp and imitation crab, when I realized that I made sure the waitress knew I did not want shell fish and that I had an allergy. First round, my plate comes over and there is a beautiful shrimp and imitation crab in my California roll looking up at me. I smile and explain I asked for no shell fish, Madame spicy with the spikey red hair assisted him in correcting. Round two, my plate came back with the imitation crab still on it, I smiled again and explained that although the crab is imitation, I can not eat it. This lady argued with me. Big no no in my book, but I kept smiling and apologized that I hadn't been more clear before. Next thing I know another waitress is replacing her and asking what else I might like instead. Wow. I'm happy to say that the food was good and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but I can do without the rudeness. Definitely ate up more of my lunch hour than necessary. Just saying.
(3)Monica S.
I have been here a couple of times now. The food is very good but the service is not always up to par. I understand that they can get very busy. That being said if I feel a need for a sushi fix and I can't make it to Dupont I will come here for sure. I really like that they have outdoor seating when the weather is nice. I have ate at the bar, outside and at a table. I would have to say eating at the table is where I got the best service. Even eating at the bar I still had to ask the bartender for my check even though my plate had been cleared for quite some time. I also had to ask for refills on my water, even with my glass being in clear sight of the bartender. Will I come back, why yes I would. Would I recommend it, yes but having had better I would suggest other places first!
(3)Caroline B.
My friends and I love Raku because of the great food and great prices. Service always sucks, servers don't speak good English and they are slow. But once they put your food in the system, the food will come fast! Everything on the menu tastes good. My favorites are - Tofu salad - soft shell crab roll- shrimp udon and all the spice rolls! Summer months are perfect here since you can sit outside and enjoy the weather !
(4)Sameer A.
Had dinner at Raku late Saturday night. Was packed. Clearly business is good !! The California rolls were average as was the coconut curry noodle soup. The most disappointing was the time it took for them to serve us. And the rather unwelcome waitress. I have seen them do better in the past. For business to stay good they need to fix a couple of things.
(3)Karen S.
I ordered vegan corn chowder, a soft shell crab roll and a grilled salmon harasu roll. The chowder was just veggies in water. I liked the touch of putting a bit of pesto on it, but i thought a chowder was supposed to be creamy. You can make a vegan soup creamy-- blend some corn up! It just seemed misleading. The soft shell crab roll was very bland and for $8.50 the five pieces didn't contain much crab at all. Whatever sauce it came with didn't taste like anything and the roll kind of fell apart when i dipped it in soy sauce. The salmon had a nice smoky flavor and crispy skin but was definitely overcooked and dry. I also got a california roll and spicy tuna roll to go and those were no better than College Park sushi... which is sad. I've been to Raku once before, in its Dupont location, and I did like the ginger pumpkin soup I got that time. Service was good. I came early and waited for my friends for around half an hour, and the wait staff didn't bother me as I waited and took up a table, even as they started to get busy. Our water could have been refilled more, but that's my only complaint. The waitress split our bills up by person (there were four of us), which was really nice. There are better restaurants in Bethesda!
(2)Gerry B.
On a Monday night, the place was packed, so definitely popular, and they seem to be trying, but the place is so cramped that if you are sitting near an aisle, you're going to have someones a** in your face if they are trying to get by a waiter or another patron. If the food was worth it, I'd be happy to accept it as part of the "atmosphere" but the food seemed rushed, not a lot of flavor and even the salmon sashimi was meh, didn't taste bad, but just kind of there. No kids menu, but they were able to bring a grilled chicken breast for our 3 year old and the waiter was very good engaging with him. May try it again, but it seems pricey for the quality, they charged for milk refills for our son which I've never had happen.
(2)Sarah P.
My rating of 3 stars has to do with several issues - the prices are high for the size and quantity of sushi you get, the restaurant is loud, and the fish was so-so. Coming from New York and New Jersey, I'm not impressed. Though for DC standards, this place is fine, the thought of spending 50% more and getting half as much nagiri sushi that is less in quality is difficult to stomach. My personal experience with the service was great though. And having no reservations, my party and I were able to sit right down at the sushi bar. All in all, if I get a craving, I'll probably come back, but there is much improvement that could be made!
(3)Dan M.
Great great time here. We had a maki-fest, going with four choices that filled up our hearts and stomachs with endless joy: We had the aspara-avo-q roll, crunchy tuna, red dragon roll, and volcano roll. Not a one disappointed. They were served up in a beautiful assortment, all tasted as fresh as you could ever hope for. Honestly, I think you could get any random mix of sushi and be pleased. The list they have available is long, and you'll find something fun and delicious you haven't had elsewhere. The bar also had Van Gogh's double espresso vodka - we could see the dark brown vodka smiling at us from across the room, standing out amongst the cookie cutter bottles (i.e. the ones not adorned by a master painting from a renowned artist), but neither our waitress, or surprisingly, the bartender himself, knew what it was. I had to get up and point to the bottle before they got it. Nevertheless, the drinks were delicious and well worth the hassle. This aside, the service was great. The only downside is the way they pack you in tighter than the poor tuna we devoured so quickly. Seriously, there is no more than 2 inches between the tables. My date had to have people at two different tables stand up for a moment just to get into the "inside" seat, the one with another diner sitting immediately behind you (I took the outside seat like a champ). Very uncomfortable setup. Also, for the guys, be aware of the bathroom situation. Apparently, the men's room door has trouble staying unlocked, and the staff frequently has to jimmy it open with a knife. I stood there doing my pee-pee dance for a good five minutes wondering what was going on in the bathroom before someone saw me and opened it. While she went to work on the lock, I couldn't help but stare nervously at my date (who was waiting for the women's at the same time) at the thought that we were about to bust open the door on a poor, unsuspecting bathroom-goer. Thankfully, disaster was averted, I did my thing, and we went on our way. It was a nice date, and we'll definitely be back.
(4)Addy C.
After remembering the long lines from our last visit, we came right at 11:30 to indulge ourselves after some unsuccessful Christmas shopping. After reading a tip from FourSquare that the Deluxe Bento was plenty for two people -- we decided on that, plus the Roasted Mushroom & Asparagus appetizer. The bento had a lot of food and we probably could've skipped the app. ROASTED MUSHROOM & ASPARAGUS - $7.50 Warm appetizer of roasted shiitake and portabello mushrooms, asparagus, asiago cheese, and Yuzu vinaigrette. Pretty good, and more than enough for 2 people. DELUXE BENTO - $17 Tuna, salmon, and shrimp sushi (1 pc each); California roll (3 pcs); Tuna, salmon, whitefish sashimi (2 pc tuna, 1 pc salmon, 3-4 thin pcs of whitefish); Beef tenderloin w/ sauteed spinach and mashed potato salad; Seaweed salad on a bed of shredded cabbage & greens; Shrimp and various vegetable tempura; Miso soup. Haha, now do you believe me this is definitely shareable between 2 people? :) The deluxe is a great choice if you like variety. I love bento :) Service was ok - like last time, they do try to rush you at the end which is understandable with the line of people waiting inside.
(4)Valerie L.
This is our go-to Asian-food craving establishment (mainly because it's so close to our house.) I will be honest and say that this isn't exactly authentic Japanese/Thai/Sushi/etc HOWEVER it is delicious nonetheless. We live in Chevy Chase, and unfortunately there are only a handful (if that) of Asian restaurants within walking distance (other than Sushi-ko, which is OK.) For this reason, the closest alternative to walking is a short drive to Bethesda Row for our sushi/udon/octopus fix. The ambiance is beautiful, despite the cramming of several tables in such a confined space. The service is ALWAYS accomodating and friendly and food is yummy. As I previously stated, definitely don't make the trip here if you are seeking authentic sushi or Japanese dishes as most of their dishes have been modified to suit American palettes, but they have done a great job in doing so. They're noodle soups are super flavorful (the Red Curry with Udon noodles are our favorite) and their sushi rolls are equally as tasty (even if the "special BBQ Sauce" isn't exactly a specialty found across the Pacific.) Their very generaous portion of their Fruits de Mer appetizer with various seafood in a citrus-u/vinegar-y sauce is also super yummy. In short, your trip here will be an overall positive one long as you leave your pre-judgements at home regarding authenticity, and don't mind being slightly crammed into close quarters. Just keep an open mind and your tastebuds will be be happy :)
(4)Lucy X.
This is an overdue review but I came here with a friend about a month and a half ago for Bethesda restaurant week. The restaurant week menu was just okay I'd say, kind of disappointing they didn't at least have their pumpkin soup on there, but it did have a decent variety of choices from Japanese to American style dishes. Other than the assortment of nigiri, which was by far the worst!--dry and NOT FRESH, the salmon tartare, NY strip, and baked apple dessert were all pretty good. An overall satisfying dinner, though I'd come here again just to try their pumpkin soup, and get it with one of their steaks, which, according to this nice old couple who were seated next to us (who told us they were frequentters of Raku), 'go absolutely perfect together'.
(4)Maria S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bethesda! I used to work right down the street from Raku and would frequent the place! Thinking about their food makes my water water! The Good ~Food is amazing! Gazpacho in the summer, pumpkin-ginger soup in the fall....AMAZING Udon in curry....really great sushi. I can go on and on, the veggie bento box, the garden rolls....yyyuuummmy The ginger sorbet is one of my all time favorites!! What could be better ~Can get crowded between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and place is small ~It's a pricey, but sooo worth the taste! If I give it 5 stars
(5)Derek W.
Really good sushi. Always crowded. We almost always get take out.
(5)Alan V.
I'm a fan of good food and large portions. The Raku Deluxe udon noodle met the latter but not the former. The noodle dish has plenty of chicken, beef, and a couple tempura shrimps. The shrimp was the best part. However, the broth, which is the most important part of this dish, is rather bland. It tasted like it was vegetable broth, which makes business sense for making it versatile for vegetarian dishes, but it was quite bland without the meat flavor. On a positive note, the outside seating was quite nice and the bathroom sink was certainly unique.
(3)Jessica A.
The service was great, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and y'know what...I even liked the miso soup. Quite a bit, actually. I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi. And so after seeing the reviews, I really was excited. I was disappointed. The sushi left much to be desired. I wasn't a fan of the philly roll, the cilantro kind of threw me off and the after taste was just not my cup of tea. I did enjoy the spicy crunchy avocado roll - that was different and delicious. spicy crunchy tuna and shrimp tempura were also quite good, as was the volcano roll (kind of) - not the best I've had, but decent enough after some holiday shopping right next door. I probably won't be back.
(2)Tim R.
Had lunch. Rude waitress and hostess. The food is ok here and other visits have been better so maybe it was just a bad day for them.
(2)Ack A.
Had Raku for lunch today with a friend, and I'll say that it is the most consistently good sushi in Bethesda. The service is good. But more important, the food is always fresh. We had about 6 different rolls -- everything from spicy tuna to Seoul Train to Double Salmon -- and all were excellent. The sushi is very very good. Don't expect to be blown away, but it's highly unlikely that you will be disappointed.
(4)Fred V.
Fantastic Sushi; great service; great location I had a spicy tuna crunch roll; a spider roll; a tuna tar tar and a few other standard fare sushi items, during a business lunch there it was perfect - ambiance, food, company. They are happy to custom make or alter your order. the freshness and quality of the food is obvious and the service is quick - keeping a lunch meeting right on pace.
(4)Jessica P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda...and I grew up here, so that's saying something! I pretty much always get the same thing: Raku Roll (eel and avacado) and Crunchy Shrimp with a seaweed salad. The crunchy shrimp roll is what got me and my best friend hooked and kept us coming back! I can never resist it! Also, the poached pear in caramel sauce is far and away one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life. If you're not into sushi, there's a huge variety of bento boxes, soups, noodle and fish dishes to try. For me, I just figure why fix something that's not broken haha...Crunchy Shrimp roll will make me happy every time. The service is also very reliable...and the staff must be fairly happy working there because there are at least three waiters/waitresses who have been there since it opened a number of years ago. Really great place, the only drawback is that it gets crowded because it's so popular and delicious. If you're a party of two, you can usually get seated pretty quickly, but don't try to walk up with a four or six person party on a Friday night and expect to get a table in under 30 minutes.
(5)Jennifer T.
Raku has been hands down our favorite restaurant, for years! The staff is very accommodating (esp. of children) and helpful. If you have to wait much at your table, it's pretty unusual. We love the cha-mame, (edamame), nigiri of all kinds, ginger pumpkin soup, dumpling soup and the large soup bowls. Everyone loves the summer roll. They have some non "asian" type meals for those who don't do Asian - a nice steak with heavenly mashed potatoes a lobster and salmon among other things. Mostly, though, even better than the food is the fun and happy ambiance. If you're not happy there... you're not happy anywhere.
(5)Leslie M.
Love this place! It's pretty much always crowded and you are on top of other diners but the foord is awesome. I always get the Roasted Mushroom Asparagus appetizer and the Crunch Tuna Cilantro Roll.
(4)Ryan B.
The sushi is really good and you can never go wrong here. The only thing I don't like about this place is due to the spacing, it gets too cramped when there is a full room.
(4)Sasha R.
shopping and desperate for some lunchtime eats, we stumbled in here. at 1p on a weekday, it was PACKED. figuring this many people knew something special, we waited the 10 minutes for a bar seat. not sure if it was worth it. the sushi special ($28!) had fresh buttery uni, salmon and yellowtail, which, as my faves, was worth the wait, if not the price. weirdly the salmon and yellowtail belly (?) had been seared on one side, making the texture oddly dry and cardboard-like. the cornbread calamari was perfectly fried. I KNOW why get the calamari at a japanese place, but it's a good thing we did. because the veggie & tofu noodles was completely tasteless. HUGE portion, but the broth was completely devoid of flavor.
(3)Brandon L.
The first time I came here was the exact moment I discovered that I had a food allergy. Only a bit too late x). Still, I managed to finish the dish before I was rushed to Suburban haha! The strength of Raku is in it's consistency to deliver quality fusion cuisine. Fish is as fresh as you'll get in Bethesda, meat entrees are always cooked exactly the way you request, and the presentation of the sushi dishes is always creative (hello #instagram) Dishes you must try on your visit: 1. Salmon Carpaccio (my favorite) 2. Red Dragon Roll 3. Uni (Sea Urchin-FRESH) 4. Tako (Octopus) 5. Ikura (Salmon Roe. Reminds me of Nemo's siblings-probably not the most agreeable image) They are very busy on Fridays and Weekends from 6:00-9:30. Reservations can't be made during this prime time so allot at least 30 minutes wait time prior to seating. The atmosphere is tumultuous and energetic, the patrons are either entire families or adults pushing their 30s/40, and if you're a party of two, the seating is an intimate experience of personal space-bubble sharing. For those couples out there, it's a great place to have a date. There's enough background noise to keep those awkward silences at bay (if you're not much of a conversationalist) and yet it's easy enough to talk over. The waiters/waitresses are amiable and willing to help advise you (ask, they know what's good on the menu!) and since it's an older crowd, many will probably manage a smiling glance at you two, reminded of their former days of youthful unabashed love. Have fun!
(5)Muriel H.
This restaurant was good. Not the best sushi i have had but definitely a cool spot for a late dinner date. When my fiance and I went it was super busy so we had to wait a while for a table. Typical downtown Bethesda sushi spot. We had the white wine sangria which was pretty darn good and the Butterfly Prawn was our appetizer. Also pretty good. The sushi was delish but, I expected a little bit more pizzazz..I think people like this place more because of the trendy setting rather than the food.
(3)Maria F.
Love this place and go there quiet often with my folks. Fresh, delioscious sushi , my favorite appetezire in the world salmon and apple carpaccio to dye for, try out salmon toro nigiry and the crunchy spice salmon. Passionate fruit lemonade is just perfect. Tel lme where else you can get a huge ( at least for me and I am sure for any other person with modest appetite) bento box + miso ( usually I get sashimi bento box) for $14??? Highly recommend this place
(5)Thuy L.
J'adore this place! The first time I went I had the waitress that looks like the costume maker from the Incredibles. (You'll know who I'm talking about.) She highly recommended the beef tataki and salmon teriyaki bento box. Both were delicious! Everything in the box is tasty. The portobello, green bean, wonton, parmesan cheese and vinaigrette salad is such a treat. I trek all the way up to Bethesda just for this food sometimes.
(4)Samuel R.
Raku Sushi in Bethesda has high quality sushi and many low-cost options! I love good sushi. But then again, I can say, "I love good (insert any type of food here)." Ms. Classy and I visited Raku in Bethesda a week before and since it was a date, we didn't break out the cameras and take notes (that really kills the date mood - as Ms. Classy informed me on a couple of occasions). However, she was out of town this weekend, so I decided to return with my notepad and camera dusted off (it HAS been a while since I've posted, hasn't it?) and ready to sit down and do some serious eating. The day was warm and I was quite hungry, so I started with a Sapporo beer. My empty stomach combined with my low alcohol tolerance gave me a nice buzzy feeling while waiting for the waiter to return for my full order. To start a sushi dinner, I like the seaweed salad or edamame. At most places, these are fairly small portions that are not meant to be shared. At Raku, the seaweed salad seems high at $7.50, but there's plenty to go around. It was a large dish, which sufficed as an appetizer for two. The edamame was nice and tender. I prefer it with a little salt, which is how it is served at some places, but not here. Oh well, nothing stopped me from adding it myself. I chose one of my favorite beers for out-door warm-weather dining, a cool and light Sopparo. I think it's one of the best drinks for a warm, sunny day. For the main course, there are two rolls worth highlighting at Raku: the Crunchy Spicy Tuna ($6) and the Wasabi Dynamite Roll ($8). The touch of cilantro in the Crunch Spicy Tuna roll, aside from the satisfying crunchy texture and the spicy zip, makes this roll a must have. The Wasabi Dynamite Roll comes with a combination of three fish (tuna, salmon, and yellowtail) with wasabi-flavored roe. It's not as spicy as the name suggests, but I really enjoyed the flavor and texture of the roe along with the cool, savory fish. For a third roll, if you like your rolls smooth, simple, and creamy, try any of the Ava-Q rolls using whichever fish you prefer. One thing I really like about sushi (besides the yumminess) is the control you have over your final bill as opposed to most other cuisines. Oh sure, you can break the bank with multiple specialty rolls, but if you choose carefully, you can have a nice meal without having to recalculate your budget. You can get a smorgasbord of simple rolls or go with one specialty roll with a simple roll on the side. Ms. Classy and I usually do the latter. If you need to watch your wallet, this is not the everyday place to hit, but it's a nice place to bring a date. You'll enjoy the quality of food and the penny-pincher inside all of us will enjoy the wide variety of rolls $6 and under. -Someone of the male gender who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(4)Mark M.
Pretty good lunch place, crowded so they must be doing something right. The food was good, the table was small and uncomfortable, but that's kinda typical of the genre so no complaints. I'll go again if I come back to Bethesda.
(3)Samantha G.
I finally got to Raku-- people have been telling me to eat here since August. The wait is always too freakin' long and I can never get a reservation...but last night, I had others wait for an hour while I popped in at the last second- gotta love that! I actually don't see what all the hype is about in terms of the sushi. The couple I was with said the soup is excellent but I was already sweating (it was HOT and crowded in there) so I decided to pass on that. I ordered a Maryland California Roll (cali roll with real crab meat), some edamame and a salmon avocado roll. The salmon/avo roll was TINY and the salmon was hard. Sushi-grade salmon is supposed to be buttery-melt-in-your-mouth goodness and I could barely eat this. The Maryland California roll was decent but could have used some spice on the meat. The two rolls, edamame and a glass of wine was about $30. I'd be willing to try this place again for the other dishes people rave about (tofu lunch box, Chilean sea bass) but never again for the sushi. Matuba is right around the corner and their sushi is WAY better and cheaper. This makes me want to go back and give Matuba another star b/c I was docking them for all their other weirdness rather than the food. Anyway, if you want good, quick, no-wait sushi in Bethesda, I'd pick Matuba over Raku. Even though it doesn't have the ambiance and trendy-factor, the fish is better and that's why you go to eat sushi- right?
(2)Fay F.
You have to try the salmon green apple appetizer, really original and flavorful. I ordered the grilled ginger pork chop. And the part that amazed me wasn't the pork chop, but the vegetables came with it. There were carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, and russel sprouts. They were...AMAZING. And I generally don't like carrots and cabbage, but they had me at first bite....lol. The pork chop was grilled in a perfectly sweet+salty sauce, just a bit overcooked. The portion was good, flavor was good, and the service has always been great. I'd recommend this place.
(4)James P.
This was one of my family's favorite restaurant since they opened. I don't know if management changed, but their service is quickly diminishing. It was never great service at the restaurant, but now, servers don't seem to care. I don't know if food changed much, but when bad service is given, food always taste worse.
(2)Melanie A.
SO GREAT! The staff is friendly and seems to remember you - or at least are really friendly to newbies and regulars. I always get the Chicken Udon Soup, which is heavenly, especially on a chilly day. The sushi is great and the dishes are unique and very good. The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Great place to go with family or friends - but not too big of groups because they have few big tables.
(5)Chris R.
Went here for bethesda retaurant week. 30 bux for snow crab soup, fettuccini salmon pasta, and steak. The everything was pretty good overall, but I felt like it was too pricey even with the deal. Would rather go to Benihanas happy hour.
(3)Josh S.
Got a bento box. Each little square contained a culinary concoction of unequaled quality. It ain't cheap, but worth it for a nice dinner out.
(5)Jessica M.
This place had the BEST edamame I've ever had! I asked our server what made them different, he said they're not regular edamame, they're chamame edamame. They have so much flavor, without tasting salty, and they don't even need soy sauce! I can't believe I'd never tried these before. I'm now on a hunt for all restaurants that serve this! The sashimi bento box I had was pretty good, and they were nice about accommodating my request for only salmon and tuna (no whitefish). The salmon was great but the tuna was just ok, mostly because it was too tough to chew. I liked all of the stuff that came in the bento, there were a bunch of things! Most of them were pretty interesting, too, not just the typical bento box selections. Not sure if the bentos are just on the lunch menu, but I was a little bummed they didn't have any less expensive lunch specials. The quality was pretty high, though, so it makes sense. I like the ambiance of this place, very classy, but the tables are basically right on top of each other (I live in NYC and deal with this everywhere, but in the 'burbs I guess I expect a bit more space!). Our server was nice but didn't make himself available unless he was needed. Waters were always refilled, plates were taken when they needed to be, overall the service was fine. I would come back here just for the edamame!
(4)Sam S.
The food here is delicious. I recommend the fruit de mer, its very well done with a great vinaigrette sauce. The sushi is very fresh and tasty with different herbs added to the fish to give it a unique taste. If you're not in the mood for Sushi, I would highly recommend the Chilean sea-bass. The service is hit or miss, and the place is packed on the weekends. I mean you are literally sitting right next to the table next to you unless you wait 30 min for a booth (which we always do). overall A+ for the food B- for the ambiance and service.
(4)Carla B.
Aside from the fact that this place is noisy and you might as well be sharing your meal with your neighboring tables, I will go to Raku from time to time. Why? Because it is simply delicious. I had the pleasure of trying their Garden Summer Roll for the first time, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The peanut sauce, coupled with the light shrimp roll was mouth watering. The sushi, per usual, was spot on. Raku is the kind of place that I can only go every once in a while, but when I do, I am rarely disappointed with the food.
(4)Emily P.
If I'm in the mood for Japanese cuisine, this is probably one of the last places I'd go to satisfy my craving. Serving size is huge, which may be a plus for some, but I hate filling up on food that's just really not that great. On top of that, most times I've been here, its been so busy for some reason.
(2)Liv C.
Raku? More like Cracku! Seriously, I'm still not convinced the "crunch" in their crunchy spicy tuna roll isn't crack cocaine, because it is TOTALLY addicting! When I lived in Bethesda I was dining here at least twice a week, Jeremy Piven style. I love sushi but I'm picky about where I eat it because of, you know, the whole parasite thing. But it's clear Raku is a cut above the rest -- their fish is extremely fresh and the restaurant is clean. Get there early because both indoor and outdoor seating fills up FAST! My top picks: - seaweed salad (they flesh it out with mixed greens, but you can ask for all seaweed) - chicken nappa salad (has a pleasant, spicy mustard-ish kick to it) - shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer - crunchy spicy tuna roll - any of the dragon rolls (I love the red dragon, personally) - red coconut curry noodle bowl (so delicious and comforting in the winter ... but don't wear white ... slurp slurp) - Princess Bamboo sake
(5)Sarah C.
We frequent this asian diner because the location is convenient. Also the hubs enjoys having choices in sushi/sashimi locations. I tag along since I heart the boy and they offer a variety of 'warm' dishes. I strongly suggest making reservations if possible. I find it humorous how they always give me the sushi/sashimi plates instead of asking who receives what. I'm still trying to 'appreciate' the raw deals but in baby steps. I'm a fan of protein like most but my current definition of raw is 'medium rare'... not even near seared yet o_O. Hubs had tasted their Tuna Tartare and Seaweed Salad many times before his raw delights while I have sampled their Chicken and Pork Dumpling along with the Corn Meal Crusted Fried Calamari. We've had other starters/appetizers but these came to mind immediately. While the better half had his fresh picks (he's into all the raw goods), I usually chose the Pan Roast Chicken Breast or the Strip Steak Szechwan Style. I've tasted their noodle soups but honestly I don't remember which ones. The Pan Roast Chicken Breast entree is tasty for the lemony basil sauce and the two sides which are the Thai-styled sauteed egg noodles and asparagus. The sauce and asparagus are my faves in this dish. The Strip Steak Szechwan Style has a tasty mildly spicy chili flavor with potato puree (paste-like - not mashed) on the side along with green beans (haricot verts). They have a long menu with various choices that should satisfy each individual who visits this casual establishment. You will be among the crowd. Raku consistently attracts foot traffic.
(3)Jae S.
It should be called Crap-Pu not Raku... Is it just me or does Americans love Asian-Fusion cuisine?? Let me say one thing, I know Asian food... because I'm Asian. HA! Well, the fusion thing they did is pretty good, I like some of their dishes. But it;s too Americanized, I didn't get that "Asian" feel to it. You can't really mess up sushi, except if you do too much with it, and they did a lot of garnishing and "poof" on their sushi. Sushi = rice, fish. Service is not the fastest, it barely made my cut of "acceptable". One thing I did not like is that the tables are too close together. If I wanted to have dinner with some strangers I would have gone to a bar. 3 stars from me. Thanks!
(2)Anita C.
Came here for a lunch date yesterday, and had mixed reviews. We were seated quickly as a party of 2 at 12:30pm on a Friday, so it wasn't a bad wait. We ordered two items: 1) Tokyo broth with egg noodles and chicken (~$8.50) A customizable noodle soup dish. The chicken-based broth was a bit bland, but I added the seasoning on the side to spice it up a bit. The chicken was nice and flavorful, and the egg noodles well-cooked. TIP: you can ask to split the bowl into two if you're sharing, and you still get nice, evenly-sized portions. Options: Protein - chicken, shrimp tempura, beef, or tofu & veggies Noodles - egg, sobu, or udon Broth - Tokyo (chicken-based) or the red coconut curry 2) Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki ($11.95) I didn't enjoy this meal. True, it comes with huge portions: lots of chicken teriyaki, portobello beans, fried shrimp shumai, house salad, miso soup, and California rolls. The California rolls were dry and unflavorful. The chicken was extremely dry and tough to chew. The dressing on the house salad was just A-OK. Overall, I might come back for the noodle soup, which I did enjoy. If you're looking for large lunch portions are an OK price, you should come to Raku-An. The restaurant has a nice, easy ambiance. I wouldn't return for dinner - the bento boxes are +$5 more expensive and the food not enough to warrant it.
(3)john c.
Excellent all the way around! I go here for sushi when im at my place in Bethesda, Sushi is as fresh as can be and if you sit at the bar they will make you "special" rolls :) I like my spicy tuna roll special topped with cobia. you would be a fool to overlook their full menu as well, I had roasted branzino (whole fish)the other night and it was awesome and i think an excellent value. As for the long lines, they are there for a reason (the food is good) As far a service goes, look this place is like eating in Manhattan. Its a busy place that has an excellent quality of food and the dishes are very nice to look at. Dont come here thinking you will be pampered because you wont, but they will serve you with a smile. You are paying 2 star prices for 5 star food so get over your self and come eat good sushi at a cheep price. and yes it is cheep for what you get. Banzai!!
(4)Hayes W.
If you like grocery store sushi, this is the place for you. Let me give you the run-down: Arrived on time for our reservation (myself and girlfriend) and were seated within 8 inches of another table. This was not a huge deal, until more people showed up. Throughout our whole meal we felt like we were intruding on other people's conversation and vice versa. We ordered drinks, A beer (sapporo) and a "vodka/sake" martini. If that 9 dollar martini had vodka in it then I need to go to the doctor and have my tastebuds tested, because it was honestly the most underpoured martini I've ever tasted. We had to wave on our waitress EVERY TIME we needed drink refills, check, etc. She never once came over on her own free will. Now to the food: We ordered 4 different plates, around 30 rolls varying in style. I can honestly say, after living all over the country, that I have never payed so much for such crap sushi. I honestly feel like I could have gone to Giant grocery store down the road and gotten better sushi. It was plain, boring, unoriginal in presentation, and just all around blah. After paying our 51.05 for our below average dinner, and waving over our waitress for the umpteenth time, we payed and left. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone, and I will be telling everyone I know in Bethesda to avoid at all costs. Step your game up, this place sucks!!
(1)Amanda D.
I just want to say that the entrance to this place is really badly designed. The hostess both is hidden and it says to wait to be seated at the bar. But there isn't anyone that pays attention to you enough to be seated. Anyways, I heard about this place and decided to go on a warm day, of course the wait was 30+ min for outdoor seating. We came back later and asked if they had any seating. We waited another 10 minutes and were finally seated. Ordered some sushi, and it was okay. I don't consider myself an expert, but been around to enough sushi bars to know what tastes good and was is mediocre. And the salmon sushi I had was mediocre. My friend's rolls fell apart before she even got it to her mouth. Sushi is okay, service is alright. Would I come back here? Probably not.
(2)Christiane V.
raku is my favorite restaurant in the bethesda row area. i love eating at raku for lunch outside on a nice day. the food and service are consistent. my favorite items on the menu are the beef tenderloin bento box (only served during lunch), seaweed salad, healthy tofu salad, chicken and pork dumplings, and the udon. the udon is really big. if you ask to split it, they will do it for you at no additional charge. the sushi is not the best i've had but there are a few specialty rolls that i like to order once in a while. my only complaint is the same as everyone else's. if you come as a party of two they tend to cram you inside the restaurant really close to your neighbor. in the winter it tends to get a little smoky inside too. i recommend coming right when they open for lunch and if you come for dinner, expect a wait. it is a popular spot.
(4)Katie P.
Great place for rolls and different fusion-type asian cuisine. Would not recommend for those who want traditional type sushi and sashimi... I loved the crunchy spicy tuna roll and Seoul train roll. I love spicy rolls, so they really hit the spot. The sushi was ok. I've had better ones, but I loved their creativity and uniqueness. The noodle entree we tried wasn't that great. It was tempura with chicken...The soup was too salty, and didn't have much flavor to it other than soy. There were so many other interesting items on the menu I wanted to try...will definitely go back and try others!
(4)Regina P.
Their steak appetizer is incredible!! It's got a hint of sweetness that compliments the saltiness of the steak perfectly! The tofu salad is OK. The sushi isn't bad. A nice place for a more upscale datenight but definitely not the best sushi in town.
(3)hoot k.
i'm sorry - will never go to this place ever again! arrived for an early dinner on a sat.. and just everything was a complete disappointment! honestly i was so disappointed in this place.. i'm not even sure how this place has the positive review that it does! ordered some plates.. which looked like someone threw up on (will upload photo)... a few rolls.. which i believe my 8 yr niece could do a better job.. just a joke of a place.. almost was embarrassed for them.. in MoCo.. if it's not yuraku, dont' even bother! bethesda is trying but overall food is not up to par.. if you want sushi.. save your $$ and go to whole foods or even harris teeter.
(1)Amy S.
EXCELLENT food. Almost impossible to get a table w/out a reservation. Not to be confused w/the Raku in Dupont Circle area. They are not related and the Bethesda restaurant is the tops. Love the healthy tofu salad.
(4)Mr. L.
Lunch on a Saturday is crazy. The wait time is long but the food was worth it. I can't say it's the best sushi in the area, but it's not too bad. My family mainly ordered sushi. It's quite fresh.. Portion is a little small but adequate, I guess, for lunch. My kids always enjoyed the fried calamari - bite size, hot and crispy. Services can be improved but it's hard during peak lunch hours.
(4)Martin B.
I thought that this place was great! It was a cold day today, and in the aftermath of the Snowstorm of 2010 the girlfriend and I needed a good place to eat. After passing by this place for many, many years I decided to give it a shot. The first thing we noticed was that it was really packed. I mean, yeah a lot of schools and local (and the federal) governments were closed, but for 1:40PM on a Monday there was a lot of business. Generally a good sign. After about a minute or two we were promptly seated. The menu is pretty extensive, but its main focus is a variety of sushi. My girlfriend and I each ordered a dish of crispy sushi. This is basically sushi with what appeared to be basically tempura in it. She got the eel, I got the spicy salmon. Both rolls were great, although I was more partial to the salmon. There was just enough of the crispy stuff in there to give it some crunch without overpowering the flavors of the salmon, which was delicious. But oh no! It turns out that big guys like myself can't be satisfied with just six pieces of sushi! So I decided to split an order of soup with my girlfriend. This was the Tokyo broth soup, with chicken and udon noodles. What's great is that they serve the soup in two bowls; it's definitely something you want to split with another person. The noodles were thick and tasty, but they could have given you more (I'm a noodle fiend). The chicken was great quality, and the vegetables were also nice complements to the meat. And the broth was just fantastic; I was slurping it up long after my stomach was saying "NO MORE, NO MORE." And all of this meal ran only $23 bucks or so. It's now nearly five hours since we ate, and I'm not hungry at all (which is very rare for me). Congratulations Raku, you've just found yourself two very loyal customers.
(5)Christine A.
Atmosphere: 3.5 stars There's nothing really fancy about the interior. Nice lighting. You can carry conversation at normal speaking volume. Some of the upholstery needs repair. Most weekday evenings finds Raku bustling. Regardless, the place has a good vibe. Service: 3 stars Some days, the service is on point. Other days, it takes a little while to get the attention of the wait staff. But it's not horrible. Food: 4 stars Consistently fresh, quality ingredients. That's crucial for good sushi/rolls. If they had some more creative rolls, they'd get a 5 out of me. Their pumpkin-ginger soup is delicious.
(4)Billy M.
come here all the time, sushi is very fresh and delicious
(4)Trevor M.
If it were only an Asian Diner...then I can get yaki soba or takoyaki After several tries coming here...All that I can really say...is that it is moderately acceptable. Came here on my final time for a late lunch on Monday. It was crowded due to the Labor day holiday. You can tell the server was visually annoyed to have another table. Food: We had the lunch special sushi platter. 12 pieces of nigiri for $26. Moderate pricing for this area. So, that's ok. What was frustrating was that the server when ordering never told us that there were some items that was exchanged since they were out of it. I specifically wanted Uni and the blue fin tuna. Did not get it. I asked the server about this and he checked with the sushi bar, but came back rather incoherently stating that some items were swapped out. Now, one of the reasons why people do a sample platter is to experiment or have a variety. It's proper for a server to actually tell you what is on the plate. This did not happen. Now, the sushi was of decent quality...was it the best. No, but for $26... you get what you pay for...actually, here I didn't...since, I didn't get what I initially wanted. The miso soup and miso/ginger dressing was too salty and meh. Standard items really. The dumplings that I had was also incredibly salty. The nigiri rice was moist, but flavorless. The ebi was not as sweet as it could have been. The seared tuna had a light sear and you can taste it nicely. Service/Staff: Unprofessional, slow and lacked the ability to speak...English properly. Now, beyond that was he a good server. No, he was not considerate to give us the proper information regarding the change of sushi menu when placing the order and the bar made the change without letting us know. I eat sushi a lot. I write about sushi a lot. I would expect an Asian Diner in Bethesda to be more professional. Price: Moderate for this area. Return rate: I don't think so...even if they may be one of the few Asian diners with outtside seating. Bottom Line: Servers come and go. But a staple of a good restaurant is consistency and quality in both food and service. This place has a long way to go.
(2)Jihea P.
Dinner at Raku last night: Appetizer: Bonsai Tree Roll Entree: Volcano & Rainbow Rolls for me, Raku Assortment Sushi dish for friend Drink: Hot Sake I am a fan. Price was very resonable and the food was good. I didn't enjoy the Bonsai Tree Roll too much - perhaps my expectations were high but I did not expect an actual roll to come out as an appetitzer. It was good though. Good was very good and I would return for the food. No complaints! We sat outside, and it was perfect. We first opted to sit inside, but the tables are literally on top of each other and you have to pull out a table to get since the space between the tables are so small. Even outside, I heard every word of the people sitting around me. I would also expect that it gets very loud as people are so close to one another. For that, it gets a three.
(3)Sharon M.
EXCELLENT Service. Came here for a lunch with coworkers -- they were extremely courteous and the manager(? i think?) came out to tell us he was pushing tables together to accommodate our big group -- wait was less than 10 minutes despite it being their lunch hour and very busy. They are on top of things. The waitress was great, too, she dealt with our large group and separate check request and some nit-picky requests with absolute grace. Thanks, guys.
(5)Dennis M.
We eat here all the time. You can't go wrong eating here. We have never had a bad meal or bad service here. When you eat out you want good food, good service at a good price. I think this place has all of this.
(5)J J.
Raku does not disappoint! This place has good quality sushi, unlike some other places. The rolls and sashimi are always fresh. Every time I have gone, there was either no wait or a short wait even when they are busy during dinner time. Raku is probably the best sushi restaurant in the Bethesda/Rockville area. If you are hungry, I would definitely recommend one of the boats!
(5)Irena N.
Tasty appetizers, pretty good sushi (I was especially impressed by the Korean tuna roll, which has kimchee and spicy sauce in it), and very friendly and speedy service. So why only three stars? Well, for one thing, all my sushi was decent until I ordered toro. It was the worst toro I'd ever had. What kind of a sushi place doesn't know good toro from bad toro? Second, I'm just not crazy about any of their entrees. They aren't bad, but aren't particularly good either. Just... eh. There are too many other sushi places around (Tako Grill, for one thing) that consistently deliver. I'll still go back, especially since Raku has outdoor seating and it's quite pleasant in nice weather. But it's not a favorite.
(3)Thanh P.
This place is great. There are 2 other locations in DC but they can't match this one both in the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of food. Sushi is great, and the BBQ skirt steak appertizer is really yummy. but the real winner is the Wok-charred Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. I believe that this dish should be illegalized the way Wal-mart was banned from NYC to protect the businesses. This seabass puts all other seabass dishes from anywhere to shame. If more people know about this seabass, all the other restaurants in the US might as well take the poor yet delish little fish off of their menus. After a break up, a divorce, or a wedding, this will make everything all right again. It has been proven to cure depression. There also have been reports that it may cure cancer and AIDS. Anyone should at least go try this chilean seabass once in their lifetime before it gets banned. This is the Walmart, the Maldives, and a girl's youth of Bethesda. I reckon that it will disappear soon.
(5)Adam L.
What they lack in creativity, they make up with quality ingredients. Very good selection of veggie rolls (that taste good). It's true, the seating process could be improved, but it's tasty sushi on Woodmont Ave right across from the theater. All the decent restaurants are crazy busy.
(4)Bill P.
If you are a single named restaurant RAKU and throw in some foo-foo protein and have reasonable prices and quick servers you will be successful......Sushi Damo in Rockville has to get its learn on. :) The bento box deal at Raku for $10-15 is the prob. the best in the area.... I got the Korean-style BBQ chicken box with all of the trimmings.....the California rolls could have been wrapped a little tighter but all in all a very good deal with 6-7 items to enjoy and a delicious peach ice tea to quest the thirst. On the patio in DC a little more relaxing than being squashed inside at the Bethesda location.
(4)Ellen W.
This place is tiny and crowded. I've been here a few times but never on a week day. We told the host that there were 2 of us and he asked if we wanted a seat at the bar. I said no but we will get a drink at the bar. He then proceeded to say that was fine but we would have to leave if there are others that want to eat at the bar. I didn't remember him writing our names down and decided to check 5 minutes later. He didn't remember talking to me and said he didn't put our names down. I was a little irritated by then and told him he just talked to us and now there are like 3 more people ahead of us. We got seated shorty after that but I thought the whole organization of the restaurant was horrible. We had 4 rolls and the seaweed salad. Seaweed salad was yummy and I loved the dressing. They were out of the lobster rolls but didn't tell us until later, right before our food came out. The other rolls were alaskan crab roll, double wasabi dynamite roll, rainbow roll, and spicy crunchy tuna roll. I liked the alaskan crab roll the best. The rest of the rolls were just ok. I'll probably go back there again to try their other dishes. We saw what some of our neighbors ordered and it looked so good. It was a salmon dish. Next time I want to try that or the chilean sea bass that everyone's raving about.
(4)Evsi W.
Raku is soooooo delicious! Anything you order will be fantastic! The sushi ( quality of fish) excellent. The Wasabi roll, Salmango are my recomendation because they offer different flavours with perfect balance that you cant get anywhere else. The Pumpkin Ginger soup is rediculously good and i don't even like pumpkin nor do i ever order soup in a restaurant! To top it of you have to try the banana's foster! Yum Your evening won't be a dissapointment. Prepare to wait for a table about 20 -30 min! Or reserve ahead of time
(5)Michael D.
This was our second visit to Raku. First the positives: Sushi (good), sea bass (very good) and a noodle dish (good). Prices aren't cheap ($20-25 for entrees, $8 for a glass of wine), but not unreasonable for Bethesda. Now the negatives: Slow service on a Saturday night (it was busy, but 20 minutes to ask if we wanted anything to drink?) The hostess was unfriendly, and our waitress appeared disinterested. It would have been nice if she asked 1)did we want our water glasses refilled or 2)did we enjoy our meal.The restaurant is crowded and loud in the evening. We were seated near the front of the restaurant, and were surrounded by people waiting for tables at 8 PM. The cramped setting and less than attentive service would have bothered me less if our bill wasn't $120 for four. So, my feelings are mixed. The food was good (3-4 stars), but the staff and overall setting weren't (2 stars). Raku thus receives a very weak 3 stars. Would I go again? Probably not. There are other restaurants in the area where the food is as good/better where I've felt much more welcome. One other warning. If you're driving, parking in Bethesda on a nice Saturday evening is a challenge. Most municipal lots are filled by 7 PM. Allow 15-20 minutes to search for parking. Nearby private lots charge 4-5$.
(3)Tracy K.
Poor Customer Service!!! There is definitely a lack of communication at this restaurant. We arrived at 2:45pm on Labor Day Monday. Hostess seated us outside. We asked the waiter for a drink menu he brought it to us, then it took him almost 10min to come back and take our order. Once he returned we ordered our drinks then ordered the 12 piece sashimi from the lunch menu. We were told that he wasn't sure if we could still order since lunch was over at 3pm. We said it is not 3pm and we woud like to order the sashimi special from the lunch menu. We also asked if we could keep the standard menu in case we wanted to order a few more items later. He said no because the entire restaurant closes at 3pm. (so it wasn't the lunch specials that were over at 3:00pm, but that the restaurant CLOSES at 3pm!!!!! My question...why would they seat us at 2:45 and not tell us they close at 3pm. That made for a VERY bad start to our late lunch. We received our sashimi order and it was supposed to include Uni as one of the pieces. Uni is our favorite and we were very upset that it was missing from our order. Asked the waiter and he said they were out of Uni and they substituted it with crab. Okay...Uni does not = Crab (if you are an Uni lover, you'll understand). Asked the waiter why he didn't tell us ahead of time they were out of Uni, and he couldn't say anything. At that point, we ate our sashimi and left. The only consolation was that the fish was pretty fresh, but it wasn't anything special. I'll never go back. I don't care if you have AMAZING food, if the waitstaff/hostesses and chefs cannot communicate with eachother, let alone their customers, it becomes too frustrating to eat there.
(2)Daniel H.
Have been coming here for years. Just had another phenomenal meal -- Haddock "Hong Kong Style" as one of their specials. Sushi is alway fresh and beautifully presented. You couldn't have a bad meal here if you tried!
(5)Kevin L.
Classy, upscale ambiance which is strangely paired with polite, quick service... if you can flag someone down. We were rapidly sat on the sidewalk with such pleasant weather going on, but waited... and waited... and waited... yet no server came to our table to offer us drinks or to take our order. Eventually, we just had to call someone over, and they were quick to help us out. This particular afternoon, Raku was offering one of their lunch specials of katsu curry. I haven't had the stuff since one of my last trips to Sushi Taro before it closed down for remodeling, and thought it might be a nice change of pace from all the sushi I'd been having. Not a bad pick - deliciously rich curry sauce, crispy fried katsu served with a generous heaping of steamed white sticky rice. Disappointingly, a couple hunks of the pork were almost entire fatty meat. Not melty, delicious fatty. More like tough, chewy fatty. Not entirely thrilling, even if the flavor and the portion were quite on par with how I remember Sushi Taro's being. I did have a sip of Alicia's unsweetened peach iced tea, and if I came back, I'd definitely order a glass for myself. With the food floating just above a three and the service (including hiccup with not being tended to for at least five minutes after being sat) floating somewhere just under three, I think a round three stars is just about spot on. Could definitely go up, pending improvements in taking care of customers in a more timely fashion.
(3)Good D.
Great sushi. Too pricey. Good decor. Nice ambiance. Long wait on the weekends. Parking is far. It's better if you go with a few people, or as a couple. Lack of indoor seating.
(3)Beth L.
Very happy with Raku last night, particularly their sushi. Their menu definitely varies from the location in Dupont - I noticed some different sushi combos. We shared a grilled squid app, which was tasty, served with corn, black bean, and mango. Squid was cooked perfectly and tasted fresh. I had a california roll with tuna (nice combo) and a yellowtail-scallion roll. Good rice-fish proportion (not much rice), fish was very fresh - only small complaint was that the nori was just a leetle bit too chewy. Nice outdoor seating area, too (watch out for the bees tho!)
(4)Marianne D.
SETTING: Third visit. Mid-day. SERVICE: Quick & Friendly DECOR: Can I get some of the large paper Lantern fixtures to go? They would look great hanging above my patio. ENTREE: 6 Avocado Sushi Rolls to go for lunch. Under $5 with tip. Yum. VERDICT: You will see me again.
(3)Brian G.
Disappointing. Nothing seemed vibrant or fresh. I've had better meals at the Raku in Dupont.
(2)Ateet A.
I want to give this restaurant a solid 3.5 stars. It is not quite at a 4star level but maybe if the service was stepped up just a little and the food as well, then we would begood to go. We went there last night, it hink for the second time. We ordered the edamame to start which was excellent and not too salty, in fact had very little salt but still very tasty. Afterwards, I ordered a few rolls (Chesapeake Bay roll, Deluxe Spicy Tuna, and Volcano). deluxe Spicy tuna roll was the best out of all three and then the volcano roll. The chesapeake roll was actually not that great and my least favorite of all. Lastly, we tried the Banana Foster which was unique with the green tea ice reams and their own rendition but still good. I would go there again but probably try some other rolls or maybe order an actual entree.
(3)Bill J.
We ate there during Bethesda Restaurant Row week. It was mid-week, but busy. We ate outside, which was nice - inside it was very noisy. The food was very good - would give it a solid four stars on food, Sushi was excellent. The service was not. Server was very nice, with a good wine recommendation and a very plesant way about her. There was a delay in the second course, so she eventually gave us one of our orders (the Sushi) which we ate while waiting for the other second course item. We got that, and immediately got our third course orders - Steak and Halibut. We asked that they take back the Steak and Halibut - which they did, and after we finished the 2nd course pasta (a good 10 min) they brought us the third course. Both items were cold and somewhat dry. We mentioned this to the server, who apologized again, but did nothing more. We will likely try it again, but if the service is anything like what we experienced, won't go back again.
(3)Alina E.
I have visited Raku many times before this last visit. Usually, I partake in their very good, creative sushi (dragon roll is a favorite!). But this time both my boyfriend and I were under the weather and were excited to try their noodle soup to soothe our sore throats. We were not disappointed. We split the $12 udon deluxe Tokyo dashi broth soup. Deluxe means it contains an assortment of protein (beef, chicken and shrimp tempura) in addition to the slightly chewy, slippery udon noodles and various veggies. You can also order it with just beef, just chicken or just shrimp tempura. IT WAS DELICIOUS! The broth was not too oily, the veggies still retained a slight crunch and the meat/seafood was flavorful and a very good quality not often seen in soups. The menu was slightly updated from my too-long-ago last visit with new appetizer options (we tried the ocean roll which was very good and came with a moderately spicy dipping sauce) and new sushi rolls (my brother raved about his Flying Dragon Roll!) and everything we tried was still as delicious as on my previous visits. Besides Jaleo, Raku is definitely the most worthy of repeated visits restaurant on that busy Bethesda street.
(4)Jed S.
Food is great. They have options for those in your party who aren't into sushi. Specials are always real good and interesting.
(5)Maria M.
Girls night out is always fun =). This place was filled w/ lots of young professionals kickin' back and having a good time. I liked the fact that us girls can be "loud" without having to worry about other people shushing us. Very casual and bright, with hanging lights and bamboo sticks on the walls. The food wasn't bad at all. We ordered the Red dragon roll which consisted of salmon, eel, avocado, and some spicy sauce. For the appetizer we got mussels. Not bad. Wasn't fishy or anything. So that's always a plus for me. For our main entrees, we got the Tokyo Dashi soup Deluxe which included beef, chicken, and shrimp tempura. Very tasty. I picked egg noddles to go with it while my friend picked buckwheat noodles. Both tasted good and the broth was delicious. Not too salty, and not too bland neither. Plus they give you some kind of seasoning on the side that you can add at your discretion =P. My other friend got more rolls, wasabi roll and fried scallop roll. I didnt get a chance to taste it because I was trying to finish my soup - didn't get to by the way. In any case, this would probably be a 3.5, but our waitress kept coming back to ask if we were done and seemed to get annoyed when we weren't. Grant it, we were there for probably 1.5 hours, but it's not like they were waiting to seat people. I swear she asked us, "Are you done with this?" like 6 or 7 times... geez. Bottom line: good place to get some good quick noodles.
(3)Debbe M.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! The hostess (Milly I think is her name) is so cute and friendly. She knows me by name! LOVE HER! The food is amazing! I usually get the nigiri sampler and the crunchy spicy scallop roll. My roommate loves the california, crunchy spicy tuna, seabass and volcano rolls. She really loves eating all the ginger as well. The sake is really good! Overall, EXCELLENT food, service and atmosphere! I LOVE SUSHI!!!
(5)Kim R.
Raku has the best service and food in Bethesda! We have been going there for years and have never been disappointed! They also get 5 stars for catering parties!
(5)N V.
Went in to see the NCAA tournament and have some sushi and the tv isn't working. It evidently has been broken for 2 weeks. Don't go here if you want to watch basketball and have some sushi. I ended up leaving and going elsewhere.
(1)Ashira M.
Lunch is a rush-time, dinner's way more relaxed ... like a completely different restaurant, the atmosphere changes so much between one meal and the next -- why, it's like day and night! (Ha ha.) People are nice, place looks really good, and please don't miss the bathroom! De-sign-er. I really like that I can choose either rice or the far more unusual shredded raw white radish as a sushi filling instead. It's neat to have that choice. Tea comes served in a metal pot, which makes it seems somewhat ceremonious and more important, the way it ought to be. I enjoyed my ginger pumpkin soup and so did my friend who ordered the same ... I think it's got to be one of the healthiest places to eat on Woodmont Ave. -- not to say it isn't worth coming in from elsewhere for it!
(5)Chrissy L.
The food is fabulous which is why it's always jam-packed and the service is subpar. I could eat off of the table next to me if I wanted, that's how close they seat people. I am an enormous fan of the Crunchy Avo-Q Roll, it's to-die for. That's my order every time, 12 rolls of that deliciously crunchy creamy fabulousness. They need to work on space issues though, it was uncomfortable
(4)Jess A.
I went here last night with my boyfriend. He got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse and I got the Deluxe Bento Box. Both were absolutely amazing. The broth in the bouillabaisse was to die for--good thing they give you a soup spoon to drink the rest with. There was a half lobster and generous portion of other seafoods. The deluxe bento box was incredible, though I asked if it was meant for one or two people and our waitress said one. You could easily split it with two people and get an appetizer or something if you're both super hungry. Everything in the box was beyond amazing: tempura shrimp & veggies, sashimi (so fresh & good), a steak w/ mushrooms and veggies in an awesome brown sauce, a piece of fish in an incredible orange sauce, and a seaweed salad. I ate as much as I could, but was too full to eat everything--I was sad about that haha. Definitely pricey, but if you skip alcohol, not too bad. I'd like to go back to try more of the sushi.
(5)Alexa B.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. I come here at least once a week and am never disappointed. The tuna tartare is amazing, coconut red curry soup is fantastic, hangar steak lettuce wraps are delicious and my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their bread pudding dessert!! I could lick the plate clean :) some waitresses are better than others but they always seem to make it work.
(5)Neil B.
Raku has good, reasonably priced food and is attractively decorated. However, if you want consistently good service, Raku is not the place to go. Although they have many pleasant hostesses and servers, the restaurant lacks a strong, guiding hand in management. The other night, I was the first person in the restaurant at 5:00 P.M. The hostess took my order for two soups to takeout. I waited 20 minutes. The chefs had prepared my order immediately, but then put it on a low shelf without letting anyone know that it was ready. They don't have a system to notify the server or bartender who places the takeout order when a meal is ready...A few months ago my server bailed on me. He literally disappeared, later I discovered to do his setup work. I asked to see the manager. The servers refused to get the manager because he was in the stock room and they did not want to disturb him. The hostesses are there to seat people. There is no one there who is trying to guide the restaurant as a whole as one would see in a restaurant with the owner as host. There is no way that the current manager ever had serving experience. Also, they do not have a team approach to serving. If your server is too busy or inattentive, you are out of luck. Try to call the owner of Raku or find out his name. The staff won't give you his name and Google didn't either. How about some accountability, a suggestion box, or an email address? You won't get indigestion from the food at Raku; you will get it from lapses in management.
(2)Sonya M.
This restaurant has such a great vibe. The food is great and reasonably priced. You'll get great service even if you sit at the bar. The drinks are always well made too. What I really like about this place is their consistency with their food and service. Most nights this restaurant is very busy. But it is easy to grab a seat at the bar if you don't have a reservation. We have tried different items on their menu and they have all been great. Always fresh and tasty. Favorite: Salmon toro, and Fatty Tuna (toro) nagiri.
(4)Adara N.
A lot of vegetarian roll options and delicious green tea ice cream. Nice atmosphere, too! Sushi was out so fast, but service was just OK.
(4)Donna Y.
The Pumpkin ginger soup is a must have! It was amazing especially when it was freezing outside :) I ordered the deluxe noodle soup with egg noodles. It came with so much noodles I could hardly finish. The only down side to all the items on the menu was price. The food was tasty but not tasty enough to justify how expensive everything was. The atmosphere is absolutely cute tho.
(3)Michelle A.
Tasty enough food, but not tasty enough to justify the price. Much better in the Bethesda area for the cost. Rolls were below average in size. Tuna tartare was unexpectedly good. Tea was $3 a cup, booooo. Surprising amount of late teens/early 20's people dropping $35+ a head to eat here, appears a gusher of money was discovered during excavation for that new condo building across the street. Or they're still on their parents' dime, which is statistically more likely. Cut the cord, man.
(2)Scarlette T.
so. their red coconut curry beckoned me back on this nipply night.... and the perfect accompaniment? fresh and freshly garnished sushi/sashimi. experience is very different and what used to keep me coming back night after night. host (must be the manager, i've seen him around forever) seated me very well, and i had one of two of the greatest servers that raku has ever seen: natalie. smiley, sweet, accurate, gracious and accomodating, i swear she made my food taste better! food was great: fresh items were fresh, neatly presented, flavors also on point. wish the sushi chef read the no ginger/wasabi mod, and wish the soup was hotter: was barely warm. WAS the end of the night, i'm sure they were exhausted and ready to go home but the great reception and awesome natalie who kept us swimming in hot green tea... 4.5 stars! can't wait to come back to perfection next time. keep it up raku!
(4)Mars F.
Was taken here for lunch by coworkers on my first week of work at my new job. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of coming in with high hopes...and I am Japanese, from Hawaii, and studied abroad in Japan. I had a sashimi bento lunch. The quality of the fish wasn't horrible, but it was just so weird because it was served with Chinese shu mai and a steamed green bean "salad" with CHEESE. CHEESE?! I do not want CHEESE with my SASHIMI. LIke I said, weird. It was crazy loud, too dark inside, and no one was managing the crowd at the door, so we had to squeeze our way out when we were done eating.
(2)Kyle S.
Food is very good! Edamame is out of this world! The New York Strip is very tender, along with the sauce it comes with. Yum! Would come back to this place any day!
(4)Blayne R.
So the food was decent, as well as the service. But out of nowhere they say they don't take Discover. There was no visible signage to let anyone know. So when we go to check out they say "we don't take this card". So we have to go out of our way and get cash back on a credit card which has a much higher interest rate. That, and having to travel to the ATM just to pay them. They need to get their stuff together.
(2)Stephanie W.
This place has always been good. The sushi is fresh and the passion fruit limeade is really yummy. The butterfly prawns are really delicious, too. The service is inconsistent, though. Also the menu has not really changed at all within the last 7 or so years since I started going. Make sure you have a reservation - this place is busy.
(3)Marci E.
Wow, fantastic dinner enjoyed by all and can't wait to return. I loved my tofu salad, sushi and edamame. My friend raved about her curry, spring rolls and her sister's veggie platter was beautiful.
(5)Lou K.
Wouldn't consider eating Sushi anywhere else. Ever. Get the same thing every time. Tuna California, wasabi dynamite roll and Maguro nigiri. Pure perfection. Eat in or carry out. Awesome. Go.
(5)Joseph P.
Loved the red curry soup and the ginger pumpkin. Great service too.
(5)Supraja M.
Came for a weeknight dinner a few weeks ago with 3 friends. I shared the vegan corn chowder, a veggie sushi assortment, a crunchy avo-q roll, and a veggie futomaki roll with a friend (wow that sounds like tons of food right now). it was all... OK. The chowder was basically corn and bits of potato swimming in water (unseasoned, no creaminess, just.. blah). The sushi rolls were all fine, but I find that veggie sushi is pretty hard to mess up or make spectacular.
(2)Geraud L.
Spending a few days in Bethesda. Tonight, we stopped at Raku and ordered take aways. Very tasty collection of sushis and sashimis.
(4)Mariah J.
The sushi is pretty fresh, but rolls are smaller than your average sushi roll. Tables are EXTREMELY close. Service was fast but the seat arrangements spoil the entire experience.
(2)Tiffany P.
I am absolutely in love with this place. Extremely friendly and attentive wait staff, REALLY great prices, DELICIOUS sushi, and probably some of the best potstickers/dumplings I've ever had. It is definitely my #1 choice for Sushi in Bethesda!
(5)Vicky L.
Upon stepping in, the interior decoration is really beautiful. The atmosphere was extremely busy though and it was near impossible to get a table even though it was Sunday night! I think Restaurant Week was partially to blame for that. My server and hostess were great. Friendly staff, despite how busy and hectic the place was so kudos to the staff! I think they might have been slightly understaffed though for the size of the amount of people going in and out. I believe we tried the liver pâté, as our appetizer, which was delicious and beautiful plated. In addition, I ordered the eel roll and philly roll. Both were delicious, though could be found at other restaurants as well so I didn't think they were anything spectacular. We also tried the Jo Nigiri sushi assortment which was fresh and great quality. Definitely worth coming back for if you enjoy sushi!
(4)Margaret N.
This restaurant is always packed! Make sure you make a reservation! I definitely recommend coming here for lunch! They have great deals for lunch boxes, and sushi is fresh!
(4)Lynn L.
Love the seaweed tofu salad and the udon noodle soups. Everything here is fresh and delicious. Well worth the price and the crowds. Amongst a lot of half-full restaurants in this area, Raku is always crowded.
(5)Amanda F.
SERVICE-attentive, prompt and helpful when needed, nothing above and beyond but I don't need overbearing at my sushi joint FOOD-good quality sushi, have yet to try other dishes; good saki and Asian beers but the wine list is okay, I'd go other places for a nice glass of vino ATMOSPHERE-busy, bustling, close proximity to your neighbor and very loud; at 9:00 pm on a Wednesday it's mostly full OVERALLY-a notch above one's typical sushi and will definitely be back
(4)Alexander K.
4.5 stars This is a solid japanese fusion restaurant where we have never had a bad meal. Items that I recommend are the chilean sea bass, grilled whole bronzino, pan seared Maine lobster (can get messy), deluxe bento box, and deluxe sashimi selection (make sure to request this with sushi rice on the side). However, I always go to the specials insert placed inside the menu. Some of the goodies usually include an enticing entree/appetizer (i.e. live sea urchin or soft shell crab) and a sushi sampler with various cuts of fish that won't be found in your neighborhood sushi spot. One gripe I have though is with the proximity of the neighboring tables, a little too close for comfort in my opinion. Sit at the bar in front of the kitchen, it is interesting watching all the chefs go about their business.
(4)Rebecca F.
I was very disappointed in Raku. I had called several days in advance to make a reservation for a birthday. When we arrived, they had not saved us a table. We had to wait 20 minutes. I spoke to the manager and she was unapologetic and did not try to fix the problem. Additionally, there was a hair in someone's food. Really Raku? That's embarrassing. 1 star and I will not be returning.
(1)Craig H.
Had a wonderful teriyaki bento box for lunch at this hoping place. The decor is lovely and done in an oriental motif. The server was pleasant though a little rushed as the lunch hour got going.
(4)C H.
Dear Raku, Your food is great (for Bethesda), and your servers are sweet and professional. I do have some recommendations for the New Year: 1. It's time to update your interior. The cushions on the booth seats are looking tired and need to be replaced. 2. The menu and cover are also worn and tattered and need to be refreshed. 3. Please don't charge me $2.50 for a bowl of white rice. That is an insult. Thanks and love. P.S.The lemon basil sauce is delish.
(4)Pegah Y.
Raku sushi is pretty solid! A friend and I visited Raku sushi on a Sunday night. We ordered several different rolls, which were quite filling. I ordered spicy tuna and another roll. The sushi was fresh and the pieces were large. The spices and sauces were also very flavorful and ambrosial. What more can you ask for? The service is pretty good - I appreciated how quickly they re-filled our waters. The place was busy, but we were definitely attended to in a timely manner. The dinner cost a lot, but what else can you expect from sushi? The only reason I give this place a "4" is that I think sushi is better when it's all-you-can-eat since you get a lot more for your money. Still, Raku is great and I would definitely love to eat there again.
(4)Eunice K.
idk if its cus i had high expectations but nothing stood out had the curry noodle thing which is HUGEEEEE! but it was just alright ordered some sushi and that too was just alright
(3)Steven W.
If you want a little taste of Asian fusion cooking with the feeling of being in NYC...skip the Vamoose and make a reservation to Raku...You won't be disappointed! Any place that reminds me of being in the west village of NYC gets an extra star and Raku pulls that off...tight quarters, great decor, bustling, high energy, people waiting (jammed in the entrance--make a reservation), cold air rushing through every time the door opens, a busy bar, and perfectly executed cooking...some may like that, others may hate it. You either get it or you don't. Some of you may tell me to put down the bottle...but how the names of Chefs Homma & Ballogdajan aren't mentioned with the likes of Matsuhisa, Morimoto and Vongerichten is beyond me...Raku is pumping out 1st Class Asian Fusion cooking! It's all about flavor...and the combinations and vibrancy in the flavors at Raku shine through. The Pumpkin Ginger soup was sweet with just enough savory...The sea bass was cooked to perfection in an amazing tomato, ginger, miso sauce that you never wanted to finish. The tuna tataki pizza was crispy thin crust, shaved tuna, cheese and a chili sauce that worked like you wouldn't believe. Sushi was on point, wine and service was good enough...you get the idea... I've eaten here many times over the years, but dinner a few weeks ago (for the first time in a long while), really reminded me of why I love this place.
(5)Jacinda T.
I called for a dinner reservation for 3 a day beforehand, just in case there was a crowd. It was a beautifully warm day in March, so the patio area was open; probably why there wasn't a wait that night. We were seated right away and ordered our drinks shortly afterwards. I ordered one of the cocktail specials they had for March Madness, but it ended up being wayyy to strong for me. I just set it to the side, not wanting to be rude and send it back, and kind of hoping someone else would drink it for me. Surprisingly, the nice waitress noticed that I hadn't touched my drink when we were almost half way through our meal, and offered to get me a different one with no charge for the original. I opted for a beer, since those are neutral territory. I was really impressed that she would even offer, and even happier that she really didn't charge for the first drink. We ordered a few dishes and just shared them all, family style. The pumpkin soup was pretty tasty (I'm a really a big fan of the whole squash family, so I may be biased), just a bit weird to find at a Japanese place. The dragon, raku, wasabi dynamite and volcano rolls were all pretty OK. nothing great, but good. All in all, Raku's a very "modernized," but not a bad place to eat if you're around the area. (btw, we were the only asian people in the whole restaurant, not counting the people who worked there. i think that says something in itself...)
(3)Alicia G.
PUMPKIN ALERT: pumpkin-ginger soup tweetphoto.com/djyjatzs - it's a must-have. Piping hot, creamy, pumkiny, gingery soup topped with croutons and pumpkin seeds. I much prefer coming here for lunch rather than dinner. Their lunch specials never let me down- between the soft-shell crab tempura bento box to the katsu curry - there's always something amazing on the menu. Even just their regular bento boxes make me happy. And their unsweetened peach iced tea. HUGE fan.
(5)Josh S.
Great food good service the only issue was our red wine was served to us way to warm. The waitress put it on ice for us and was wonderful
(4)Abegail A.
I've been dying to try this place out since (a) I love sushi (b) it has so many great reviews. Came here on a Saturday night for dinner. It was so nice outside that the wait to sit outdoors was somewhat long, but they had seating for two right away inside. We opted to sit inside since we were hungry. Started off with the Yellowtail Sashimi first flavor that came with sesame wasabi ponzu sauce and red onion-cilantro salad ($12.50). Yum yum yum! The sashimi melted in my mouth! I generally do not like sashimi (I prefer nigiri), but this was tasty! Fresh and just delicious! For our main course we had the Coconut Red Curry Noodle Soup with egg noodles and beef ($11), the Philly roll ($7), and the Deluxe Spicy Tuna ($10). More yummy-ness! The rolls had fresh fish and vegetables, cut evenly...they were delicious! The curry noodle soup was pretty good, but I was hoping for more spice to it. The beef was pretty tasty, and the soup itself was huge. Definitely enough for two people to share, or for two meals. Our waitress was rather attentive and the restaurant is nicely decorated and is inviting. I now see why people love this place. I'd definitely go back, but I think next time I'll stick with the sushi!
(4)Joel S.
We ate here today with Henya and Yuval after meeting them while walking along the crescent trail. It was a gorgeous spring day after a long, snowy summer, so we decided to end with a lunch in Raku. I ordered pumpkin ginger soup, which was exceptionally good, and a bento box, which was very good. When we wanted to order dessert, we were told the restaurant was closed.too bad.
(4)Ann H.
I'm a big fan of Raku (both the Bethesda and Dupont locations). I have never been disappointed in the food. The flavors are always good. The kind of food they do could easily veer off into oversalted territory, but they keep it in check. If they are offering the tuna flatbread when you go, get it. Where they occasionally trip up is service. It's always friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. Usually, I chalk it up to the fact that they're always super-busy. A reliably tasty bite to eat when you're in Bethesda or Dupont.
(4)Rachel P.
It is so hard to find sushi anywhere as good as Raku's! Trust me, I have been searching. Their menu is such a perfect fusion balance. I go for the sushi, but love the dumplings and other appetizers as well. The Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll is my all time favorite. And I love how the rolls here aren't too big. They are the perfect size and fish to sauce to rice ratio. Everything is fresh and the service is pleasant. I've been eating here for years and have never found a place that compares as far as well rounded with delicious cooked food and fresh sushi.
(5)Alicia B.
I love Japanese food and find that Raku offers a great variety for all tastes. It is also a very healthy choice.
(4)Mathewe B.
The food was amazing! I suggest getting their soft shell crab starter, and their sushi is subtle but sublime, especially their toro. Had great service, will definitely be coming here again soon! Even though the reviews might be lower than most would claim try-worthy, you should definitely give this place a chance.
(5)Natasha S.
My partner and I decided to return here, because I had really wanted to try the Red Curry Noodle Soup that everyone ordered during our last visit. Good thing I did, I was pleased! Mind you this is not an authentic Asian place, but definitely a great Asian Fusion kind of place. I really like the Tuna Tar Tar here, and I thought my soup was excellent. The broth was super tasty, and the bowl had a generous amount of Seafood and Veggies! Mmm! I ordered it with the Yellow Egg Noodles, which I thought were decent. Not the best noodles, but pretty good. My partner ordered sushi again, and everything she had was very fresh. I thought the fish selection was delicious here. I don't know about the special rolls, but just the basic Sashimi, Nigiri and basic Maki Rolls are good here. The service is A-OK. They weren't extremely busy, but pretty steady yet very hard to get the attention of. After struggling to get the server's attention the first couple times, she made an effort to pay attention to us more which was fine. I definitely would come back for the soup and sushi!
(4)Angela H.
Right after my first visit, I wanted to come back already. After eating here twice, I made up my mind about it. Both times I arrived shortly after nine on a weekday and both times it seemed pretty lively. Someone recommended the coconut red curry with noodles which was good enough for me to order during my second visit as well. My friend asked for rice instead of noodles for the curry which they do. Sushi: we ordered spicy tuna deluxe and red dragon sushi, both were ok-good - a good Asian-fusion sushi fix but probably not the best quality. Sake, on the other hand, was a perfect touch to the rest of the spicy (not too spicy) meal. I'm not sure how the restaurant compares to others in it's surrounding area but in my opinion, a solid 4. The food is decent and environment is nice, there's outside seating when it's nice out, but after coming twice, I don't think I would frequent often or go out of my way to come. Street parking can be a little difficult also.
(4)Toby R.
In order to have the best sushi in Bethesda, you must make a valiant effort. Thankfully, Raku stepped up to the challenge. Service is fantastic. The menu is extremely awesome with a wide selection of sushi. We tried the tuna spareribs. It was interesting and also delicious. As for the sushi itself, it's nothing short of mouth-watering. They have great rolls, sauces and soups. If you are a Bethesda-ite, this is your best bet for sushi.
(4)Theresa S.
I wouldn't be able to speak to the food because I called for take out, and when I tried to ask a question about a menu item, I was put on hold with a irritated tone from the person that answered the phone. So sorry to bother you, Raku -- I'll take my business elsewhere thank you.
(1)Valarie G.
Great sushi and drinks. I was really impressed with the quality and variety of the sushi here, and the appetizers were very good. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed though and they were very busy. They could probably use a few more servers.
(4)Jen F.
I just can't stay away from Raku. It is now my favorite restaurant in Bethesda (next to Jaleo). The bento boxes are a popular item here so I had to try the chicken teriyaki. It was good but A LOT of food. You can expect some leftovers. Personally, I believe the noodle soups are the way to go. You get a choice of meat (or tofu with veggies) and noodle (egg, udon or soba). Egg noodles are my personal favorite. They have a regular chicken based broth soup and the red coconut curry soup. Both are great but I LOVE the red coconut curry soup with tofu and veggies. I give it 5 stars. AND the soups come with a little salad. The ginger dressing on the salad is amazing- best ginger dressing I've ever had. You will leave full and satisfied for $7.50.
(5)Kristina M.
Great spot for sushi in Bethesda. it's always crowded so make a reservation if you are on a time limit. It's also very loud inside but the outdoor seating is nice. I always get the crunchy spicy tuna and the red dragon roll. Both are pretty good. They also have a really yummy kale salad as a special a lot of the times. Maybe not the best sushi in the world, but I enjoy it.
(4)Mark S.
I took my wife here for her birthday. We tried the sushi and split a curry noodle soup bowl. The portion for the noodle soup was huge and VERY delicious! We also ordered something else.. but I forgot. I'm guessing it wasn't that great since it wasn't memorable. The sushi was fresh and delicious.. but that curry noodle soup tasted yummmmmy! I would go back there just to get another bowl of the noodle soup! Delicious!
(4)Kyi H.
Awful.. 1. Service 2. Attitude 3. Unwrapped chopsticks 4. Taste Not recommended at all..
(1)Davita K.
I'm new to the Bethesda area, but every once in a while I treat myself to some of their udon. It never fails to cheer me up. The broth is delicious and the noodles are cooked just right.
(4)Rachel M.
I live in the area so this makes Raku a no-brainer. The sushi is fantastic but a bit expensive (on par with the area). The deluxe spicy tuna is always my go to. The coconut red curry noodles are the best thing on the menu. You get a huge bowl (I always have left-overs) and it's the perfect dish for a cold day. The down-side is that it can get really busy on the weekend and there is no room to wait for a table. Overall if you're in Bethesda and looking for sushi-this is the best bet.
(4)Louis B.
Its a decent sushi place but not the best ever. However, you will certainly pay as if it's the best ever. $$$$$$ Just about everything is at premium prices here. Just not worth it when there are the same type of places down the street and around the corner. Typical Bethesda restaurant with inflated prices. Good for people watching.
(2)Sarah J M.
Meet has been warm, not as fresh (stay away from the dumplings and the shrimp Spring rolls - fishy), and the restaurant is it loud and crowded! Many times of packed with families and the restaurant is loud without crying and screaming children! People can't seem to help themselves from overhearing your conversations. I feel so uncomfortable sometimes I either stop talking or try talking in code. How's that for dinner conversation? Same vice versa, you can't help but hear everything about your neighbors and their lives! Like you don't have enough to deal with - not to mention when my hubby and I dine just the two of us - they pack us on those tables of two like sardines. My husband is a tall and fairly big man at 6'2" and about 260 lbs that's a difficult feat in itself just fitting in between the tables! Not to mention we will have just waited anywhere from 30-45 minutes for that tiny table! Service is terrible, and we constantly have to flag our waiter /waitress - in fact we put our whole order in as soon as we are seated to avoid having to hunt down our waiter/ waitresses. At times I can't even get my sodas refilled! All in all if this particular sushi restaurant wasn't in downtown Bethesda Proper it would have been out of business a long time ago! Just telling it like it is. Cheers!
(2)Kiranj P.
VERDICT - To be honest, skip it. PROS: Portion Size (unless you get sushi), Trendy Ambiance (could be a con, slightly overcrowded and extremely loud) CONS: Portion Size (if you get sushi), Service is hit or miss (was fantastic at lunch, couldn't have been worse at dinner), Value - sorely overpriced for what you get TBD: Food is hit or miss - need to be careful with what you're ordering here as some of the items lack flavor and sometimes freshness REVIEW: My wife and I recently moved to the area and wanted to come here due to the great reviews and the fact that it was always crowded. I wasn't thoroughly impressed the first time we went (lunch) but my initial thoughts were confirmed when we returned for dinner. The hostess and waiting area were disorganized and over crowded. After getting seated over 30 minutes later, we were waited on by a server who didn't take our drink order for almost 15 min after we sat down and failed to check up on us until I flagged her down for the check (the food was delivered by other servers). Food itself was hit or miss, my wife is vegetarian and she loved the seaweed salad and the spicy avo-q roll. I had mixed feelings about my food though, I started with the ocean spring roll and felt it lacked flavor and was a bit too oily (even for a spring roll) and got the red dragon roll (the one with serrano pepper) as my entree. The red dragon was seriously disappointing as it was completely bland and had no heat from either the spicy tuna or the serrano peppers. The fish quality was so-so as well. To be honest, I did enjoy the soba noodles with chicken in the tokyo dashi broth when i had it for lunch...but dinner didn't impress me too much. Overall, I don't see what all the hype about this place is. The food wasn't bad but I've had better quality sushi for much less.
(2)Hollie L.
Decent lunch box for great price. Dinner is overpriced but it's Bethesda. The guy at the front could be really standoffish but
(4)Tu-van L.
Great appetizers, mediocre entrees, meh desserts. Appetizers and enjoyable outdoor seating only thing pulling this review up to three stars. From our three-course meal the appetizers were the star of the meal. My Korean galbi ssam was flavorful and tender meat though sloppy to eat with the lettuce wrap (though this is my first time eating ssam - it's supposed to be sloppy, no?). The husband's grilled octopus salad was delicious with perfectly grilled, tender octopus. The husband was satifsfied with his sashimi platter, and the chef did a good job making substitutions for some fish he didn't care for. My roasted duck was tasty but the dish was plagued like a lot of restaurants where they put too much jus/gravy/sauce on the plate to drown out whatever good flavors were there in the first place. Desserts were tasty yet not too memorable. Mixed drinks were well made, though the sake flights were not worth the effort. The tasting didn't have the brews listed in the menu, and they had more of a kick to them for what you pay for. Ambiance can be loud on he inside but if you get an outdoor seating spot it's for the most part quieter and better for people/car watching. Service was alright. The waitress was SLOW in bringing our stuff and was absent for most of our meal. It look longer than normal to get each course. Not a bad deal for trying out this place during Bethesda Row Restaurant week earlier in the spring. Nevertheless I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here.
(3)Sarah N.
Seriously? Yelp failed me this time. Girls night out was planned for this location when we saw all the great reviews. I'll keep it short and simple: 1) Make a reservation but know it's not guaranteed =) For the volume of guest traffic, they need to place brighter people at their host stand. How come we had to wait 20 minutes for a table when we had a reservation? How come you don't keep your promise of holding the table for us if I called in saying we would be 5 minutes late? And when the first 4 seater opened up, it went to a group who came in after us? Listen to me when I call. Use your noodle a bit when seating people. 2) You call this sushi?? Sushi rolls were fugly looking. The presentation was...wait, there was none. They rice did not cover the nori. They did not tighten the rolls because there were plenty of gap inside the roll. The cut was messy making the edges jagged and each piece uneven. Not just sushi chef, but all chefs who give a poop about their dish will put in effort to make it look presentable. The rice was falling apart just by being dipped in the soy sauce. Rolls were small and the taste was mediocre. 3) Everything else Tuna tartare was delicious but with three pieces of bread how can you scoop the entire chunk?? Here is where they try to upsell you with $1 for more bread. We ordered house sake to help down the sushi. I'm not a sake expert, but I noticed it lacked flavor from every other hot sake I've had. 4) Service Our waitress was friendly and helpful. However, service starts from the moment you pick up the phone and walk in the door. I would not come back here. Raku is not worth the hassle of Bethesda parking and long wait.
(2)Melissa H.
Not many entrees on the menu, so we ordered appetizers, small plates, and sushi rolls. The duck small plate was ok but more of a sample than what we would call a "small plate." The ginger- pumpkin soup was outstanding though! So good I almost bought some to go... :) The chicken and pork dumplings were delish as well! Our rolls were good, but Ive seen the rolls elsewhere where they looked much more appealing. They did taste good though! Our waitress was busy, but checked in on our table occasionally.
(3)Fenny L.
I was all prepared to be hatin' on this place. Yes, I'm a judgmental snob, but everyone has their foodie pet peeve. For some, it's anything that is non-organic or non-local. For others it's the plating. For me, it's a absolute disdain for fusion restaurants. There are many things wrong with fusion restaurants in my book. For starters, stick to a cuisine and GET IT RIGHT rather then slam together two incompatible flavors and pray that it'll be hip enough to catch on. Secondly, if I wanted schizophrenic food, one of the voices in my head can go ahead and cook it. Finally, most fusion restaurants draw pretentious hipsters and yuppies like racoons to a trashcan. While I still hate everything there is about fusion restaurants, Raku-An is a perfect example of how "fusion" can be done right. Although it's Asian Fusion, the foods are predominately Japanese, with slight "twists". The flavors are powerful, yet complementary. A great example of this, is their Plum Wine Sangria. I admit to being skeptical, however, it was fantastic and a great concept! I highly recommend the Seoul Train roll for those who enjoy kimchi (it is without a doubt, my husband and my favorite roll here!) - just enough kimchi flavor to be "yum", but not enough for your date to run screaming when you lean in for that kiss later. The seaweed salad is a mixture of the traditional seaweed salad, tossed with greens, cucumbers and a slight drizzle of carrot ginger dressing. I looked at it askance when it first arrived, but the flavors really blended well together and was quite enjoyable. The tuna tartar is magnificent, light and refreshing with a very light touch on the sauce and seasonings, so that the natural sweetness of tuna came through. I've been here twice, and both times I was so busy with shoveling food into my mouth, that I didn't have time to go off on my rant about why fusion restaurants will be the downfall of society. Also unlike many fusion restaurants, the service here has been impeccable. The first time we came, it was an hour before closing, but the server took as much time with us as if we were the first diners that he had all night. The second time, the weather was great, and we were seated outside. Although it was a beautiful and busy Saturday evening, and the table next to us were a pair of ladies who were vegetarian/vegans, but wanted to order off the Bethesda Restaurant Week menu (insert eyeroll here), our waiter was unfailingly polite, prompt and checked up on us often. I overheard some of his conversation with the table next to us, and he was wonderful at helping them come up with alternates and solutions (not that the two ladies seem to appreciate it). My only real complaint about the service is about the hostesses. The first time we came, the hostess couldn't seem to make up her mind if she was going to seat us or not (admittedly, it was an hour before closing, so I can understand her dilemma). The second time we came, it was on a Saturday, and we wanted to sit outside, and were told that the wait would be 30 minutes, but to check back in with her after 20. When I checked in with her at the 20 minute mark, she told me that tables were being cleared off now, and just please wait. We watched as 3 tables were cleared off...which she promptly gave away to other diners. I went to check in with her again, and she seemed completely confused as to why we weren't seated, and promised that the very next table would be ours. However, when 5 minutes later, a table was cleared off, she again gave it away to someone else. At this point, both my husband and I were getting upset. Another table opened up, and we approached the hostess. The other hostess (seemed like she was in training) was about to give away that table as well, when the hostess that we had been talking to, tells her to seat us. The second hostess begins to argue with the first hostess, but fortunately the first hostess insisted that it was our turn. Very confusing and not very organized it seems. However, despite the fact that the hostess stand is a hot mess, and the this is a fusion restaurant, I have come to love Raku-An and highly recommend it for dates or group outings. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside - believe it or not, it's quieter then inside.
(4)Henry M.
When I'd missed the Yelp cigar event in Bethesda, I shoulda just gone home disappointed instead of rolling the dice. I'd been to the old Raku in Bethesda, and I'd never been impressed, but this was obviously a different place... The good news is that I won't make the mistake of walking in to Raku with friends on a night out in Bethesda. The bad news was the food and the staff. I had no problem getting a seat at the sushi-bar, and my order was taken quickly enough, and my food arrived quickly... perhaps too quickly. I've eaten in Korean restaurants where none of the staff smiled, but this is Bethesda, and it's not that kind of place, and I just don't like to eat in a place where the staff looks like they're in pain. Then there's the food. I'm glad that I didn't order much, and so far I'm okay, but I like the sushi in Federal government cafeterias better than what I had tonight. I love ankimo, and I always order it when I see it on a menu, but I didn't know that it could be prepared in such apparently mass-produced blocks as to resemble a mild, not very soft liverwurst. That slight firmness would have been better in the yellowtail roll, which felt like the fish had been through the bass-o-matic. I'm also a big uni fan, but the uni tasted like some sort of beginner uni-light, i.e. none of the low-tide sweetness that good sea urchin can have. I've rarely spent so much on a meal that I found, in spite of low expectations, so disappointing. Will I return to Raku to check out other dishes? I won't?
(2)O P.
Lunch was good but the waiter really did not want to work, and in order for us to understand it, just let all the miso soup and the soja sauce on my wife. When asked if he will reimburse the dry cleaning, not feeling concerned, he just said "yeah bring me the receipt".
(1)Sarah H.
The whole japanese fusion just makes the restaurant sound more fancy but i didn't think the food was indulging. The egg rolls were very unique.. never seen it come with that special orange & green sauce at any restaurant. They are worth trying. My shrimp crunch roll was so below average. Is that because it wasn't a "specialty" roll? The bento box doesn't come with rice. That is the strangest thing. I don't care how fffffff-ing fusion you are, I need my damn rice. The ribeye in the box was pretty dry & chewy too. The service was paranoying.. is that a word? No I guess not because I have the red dotted lines under the word right now. You will see a person who I guess is the manager because she's dressed differently from the others. She stands with the servers and tells them to check up on this table & that table with her pointy finger. I see the server running to the table asking the most general question, "Is everything okay?" The lady gets me paranoid.
(2)Justin S.
Creative menu, fresh selection. Can be a little cramped inside. Overall my favorite in Bethesda.
(4)Lissa B.
Raku is one of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda. I think it's best for lunch as there is such a huge difference in the price for dinner. Also, the lunch bento boxes are amazing and far better in my opinion than the dinner entrees. The Chicken & Pork Dumplings are the best dumplings I've had in the US (only rivaled by Ippudo's bite sized dumplings in Tokyo). The pineapple flavored sauce is simply incredible and the dumplings are cooked to perfection. I can't go to Raku without ordering them. I believe the best bento box is the Beef Tenderloin Tataki Bento. It is a great combination of mashed potatos and steak with the Asian fusion. The steak is quality and always cooked perfectly. Something funny is that the Dupont location doesn't have this bento on the menu, which is definitely a shame.
(4)Ken L.
This is a really good Japanese restaurant in the heart of Bethesda. The food is pretty pricey but you'd expect that if you're grabbing dinner in Bethesda. The food is really good but I wouldn't say its unique in any way. I really enjoy the curry tonkatsu that they ONLY serve during lunchtime. It's a good place to take a date but it does get quite crowded sometimes. Get Natalie if you can, she's a great waitress!
(4)Mark E.
Food and service not longer justify the outrageous prices, unless you're trying to impress someone by going to a fancy sushi place/Japanese restaurant
(2)Deejai B.
HIGHLY-westernized Japanese food at a solid value, especially for Bethesda! Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon with some friends. I ordered a glass of wine (yes, that's how we roll, no pun intended) and an unagi (eel) bento box. My friends also got bento boxes, one veggie and one got salmon. All of them came with miso soup, green salad, some variety of sushi roll, rice, tempura, and the main course. Mine was delicious and at $12 or so, a real bargain! FYI, Their warm mushroom salad, though it completely tastes Italian rather than Japanese (witness the Parmesan shavings) was surprisingly delicious - truly a must try. The service was fine and the place is nice enough for a quick meal, though it's a bit on the cozy side from what I could tell (we were seated near the bathroom unfortunately). All in all, a solid choice if you happen to find yourself hungry in Bethesda.
(4)Allie I.
I love this place! The sushi is very good, however I wish the portions were a little bigger. The coconut red curry soup is outstanding! I highly recommend sharing with one or even two other people because this oversized soup bowl is nearly impossible to finish. Lots of variety of sushi and an authentic atmosphere. Definitely make reservations!
(4)John Z.
Had the Sashimi bento box. $14 for miso soup, salad, portobello mushroom green bean salad, mini wontons(?), california roll, tuna, salmon, and yellow tail sashimi. A lot of quality food for a reasonable price.
(4)Peter Y.
This place is one of my favorite places in Bethesda to eat. It has great food, and the service is excellent. I would recommend making a reservation because most evenings it gets pretty packed. Overall, I would recommend the sushi and dumpling appetizer, they are both on point.
(5)Bill S.
Raku has its pluses and minuses. Its packed tight and congested. The food is good and some of their dishes are very good, some are so so. We wen Saturday night, restaurant week special. We had no reservations, where told a half hour wait, went next door to the Mussel bar and had a beer, came back in about half an hour and where seated in five minutes. I had a grilled shrimp salad, very good, a schist (six pieces) sampler, also very good ordered a soft shell road as an extra, not very good, it had little flavor and was soggy. For the main course I had a "stake in some special sauce. I asked for medium well, it was under-cooked but OK. I should have sent it back but service was a little slow. Phyllis got the Banzini which is her favorite. She said it used to be better. All in all Raku is Raku. I rather go to a less pretentious sushi joint, especially for the price. Its OK but I think overrated.
(3)Natalie F.
Came here last week for a birthday dinner. I thought it was OK. The food was good, service was OK. I felt kind of rushed though. I don't feel the need to come back. Not sure what all the hype is about. I'd rather go to Spring Garden on 16th street.
(3)Larissa M.
Raku is excellent, and I eat here every time I am in the area. They are consistent in their food and great service. They're also fast. If you ever sit at the sushi bar, you can see why they are fast. They are super organized and clean back there in the kitchen and know exactly what they're doing. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the cooked food is outstanding too and very unique. There's often a fusion of Asian and Western flavors and ingredients. I love trying new things on the menu, and it's always a safe bet that I'm going to have great food at Raku. I've heard of some people not liking how loud it can get there, but I actually really like how lively it is. There's a great energy, and you can tell that people love eating at Raku!
(5)Melanie F.
It's always a packed, chaotic mess of a tiny restaurant. Their sushi is...ok. But it's their great big curry udon noodle soups that keep me coming back. I like their chicken napa salad for an appetizer. Get the bread pudding for dessert, too. They close from 3-5 which is annoying.
(4)Terry S.
I adore Raku! There is nothing on this menu that isn't inventive, beautifully presented and like anything you have tasted, much less cooked. Must tries: the Tuna Tartare, Ginger Pumpkin Soup, The Duck entree (melts in your mouth like filet mignon, but better...and the sushi for sushi lovers. Make reservations or you will wait a very long time for a table. Bethesda location kitchen is much better than the Dupont kitchen.
(5)Christi D.
Sea bass, dragon roll, generally everything is delicious here. I think the prices are little bit much for some of its entrees, especially for dinner. The Raku in Dupont doesn't even compare to this one. However, get a BENTO BOX for lunch and it will be on of the best deals you'll ever have for lunch. Between $10-$13 for fish, meat, or vegetable bento boxes gets you A LOT of variety: your main protein of choice, sushi (just california rolls or something else plain), seaweed salad, shu mai (no idea how to spell this), portabella mushroom / green bean / wanton strip salad with parmesan cheese, and soup. My bento box - I usually get the rib eye or salmon bento box. I don't really like soup so I substitute my soup for additional salad (this salad is just their house salad though) . I also like to upgrade my bento box sushi to the dragon roll, which I think is between a $2 and $3 additional cost to your meal.
(5)Naomi U.
The decor is Asian modern with big chopsticks and fans hanging from the ceiling. It's too cramped to have a big group but I would recommend it for a casual date night. The sushi is definitely not on the skimpy side. They had an interesting combination of ginger, apple, and mackerel but I think they stopped making that. Another favorite was the wasabi dynamite roll and the red dragon roll. Main entrees are delicious and not a disappointment. My favorite would have to be the Chilean sea bass. The steaks are delicious as well but a must try would be the coconut curry noodle soup with udon! Minus one star because the bill tends to be a bit on the hefty side (for two people: 2 entrees, and 2 rolls = about $60 not including tip)
(4)Amani A.
Service was terrible it took 25 mins just I get water.. Then another 30 mins to get our edamame then finally another 30 mins just for our sushi.. The sushi was nothin special in fact nothing was really great about this place I think I'll stick to Hanaro or Sushi Damo next time
(1)Kate S.
I think I did this all wrong. Went for dinner here on a warm-ish summer night and ordered the Red Curry Noodle Soup with chicken. I can only describe it as... gross? The noodles were as big as a baby's arm and mushy. The soup had a flavor like air mixed with water and elevator music. The portion was, seriously, offensive. Could've served five people easily. Maybe something for a server to mention when one person orders it? The place was packed, so I'll cut the spotty service some slack. I've heard good things about the sushi, so maybe I'll be back to give it a try. But probably not.
(2)Tommy M.
My friend Olivia calls it CRAKU - True Story! Today, and I'm not sorry to admit, was my THIRD time there in the last 96 hours. Mmmm Crunchy Shrimp Roll is made of the things dreams are made of! NOT good for 'private chats' they do pack you in like canned fish!
(4)Simeen A.
I have been here close to 10 times and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I do think the restaurant is cramped and gets crazy crowded-- make a reservation, especially on the weekend. Also it's pretty loud, so if you're looking for quiet and intimate, move along. As far as the food goes, I have had almost all the rolls (my favorites are the Mt Fuji, What a Match, and Crunchy Spicy Tuna). I also love the tuna tartare. The red curry noodle bowl is amazing-- it is HUGE and so tasty. I get mine with tofu and veggies and it's filling and flavorful. The service can be spotty-- sometimes the waiter is on point, other times I'm trying to flag someone down for 20 minutes for a glass of water. Overall, though, I like it a lot and have brought friends here (locals and out-of-towners) on several occasions. **This review is only for Raku in Bethesda. I went to the one in Dupont once and thought it wasn't very good so I stick to Bethesda.
(4)Steph S.
I love raku. Their noodle bowl is so delicious and the sushi is good too.
(5)Grand Y.
I had plans to meet two friends at 8, despite the Yelp warnings of a long wait. At 8.45, after 2 trips to the bar, we were seated and starving. We split a curry soup with udon noodles and both chicken and tofu, and got two rolls - a crunchy spicy tuna and some sort of a dragon roll. The soup was huge and amazing. They split it into two bowls, and we were scared they actually brought out two orders (huge! huge!). I thought the sushi was great, especially the spicy crunchy tuna roll. I don't like fried anything, but they put just the right amount of flakes in to give a crunch, without turning it into a oily mess. I generally will not order anything that isn't chocolate off the dessert list, but everyone in the restaurant was eating the croissant pudding. We had to try it for ourselves. It was delicious - moist, full of raisins, covered in a sort of crème anglaise, and a side of french vanilla ice cream. I'm not sure I'd make the trek up to Bethesda often. The Dupont location has great patio seating in the summer, and the soups there are just as good. It's hard to find value in DC. I think this place has it down.
(5)Deborah B.
Decent lunch prices, very crowded at Lunch. I had the sashini Bento Box, nice presentation, good amount of food for $13. Go early as the line was out the door by 12:15pm. Small sushi bar, 1st come 1st served, seems to rotate out every 30 minutes or so. Fish was fresh, miso was hot and service had a smile.
(4)Dak F.
This is the only sushi place in Maryland that is worth the money. All the sushi is executed beautifully. The entrees are excellent. I'm a big fan of the dashi broth soup and the coconut curry soup. Service is excellent. The only thing preventing the elusive "fifth star" is that seating is too cramped here. I don't like eating with strangers. Stranger Danger!
(4)Alicia C.
I visited Raku again tonight and decided it deserved another star. I got the coconut curry soup this time... mmm delicious!. It did get a bit messy though with the udon noodles (but our server quickly brought over a fork for me to alleviate some of my troubles)... but it was SO worth it! It was the perfect blend of sweet and spiciness. My friend got the healthy tofu salad which she said was good but a bit over-drenched in dressing. We also split the calamari to start. It came with 2 dipping sauces, horseradish cocktail and cilantro-cucumber... I thought the cilantro cucumber was OK but the horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing with just the right kick. I only finished half my soup but left very full and satisfied (and the even boxed the rest so I have lunch for tomorrow!). I didn't have the same feeling of being rushed out the door that I did my last time here, but that may have to do with it being a Tuesday night instead of the weekend. We were pretty close to the table next to us (nearly elbow to elbow), but that didn't seem to be too much of a problem. But all in all, service was great and our food came out fast. All I know is, I left happy and I'll be back!
(4)Nami W.
We went there on a cold Sunday evening, boy, the place was packed! Luckily we got the last table so that no waiting needed. Tried their well-known sushi and Five Spiced Duck Breast. I must say that is the best duck I've ever had in DC area, or on the East coast. The meat is so tender and tasty, even the presentation was nice, too. I was very impressed. Sushi is also great. Very fresh. Will definitely come back again. I want to try the Pumpkin-Ginger soup next time.
(5)Dave B.
This place is great! I have been going to their establishment for close to a decade and pretty much on a monthly basis. The staff is very friendly and will kindly offer suggestions if you are hesitant or unsure of flavor combinations. This is a pretty popular place in Bethesda so if you are trying to get in for a dinner on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to wait-a wait that will be well worth your while. Outdoor seating in the summer is the place for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. If seats are available at the bar-go for it-could cut your wait in half. Plus it is always enjoyable to see the action of the kitchen. For appetizers, when available, their mushroom soup provides you with a pretty amazing start-could be a meal in itself. A daily menu soup item that has been perfected beyond belief is the pumpkin ginger soup. Great flavors and perfect for a cold winter night or a hot summer lunch. My constantly ordered items that fill my plate are their golden and red dragon rolls, volcano rolls, and the wasabi dynamite rolls-absolutely incredible! Enjoy!
(5)Paul H.
The udon soup with red coconut curry is as good as it gets! I think most of Bethesda Row restaurants are overpriced, but I love that I can get an awesome entree for mere $12 or so. The only bad part is the wait. If you are not there when it opens in the evening, you may be waiting awhile. The service is pretty good once you get a table. Sushi and rolls are okay - some interesting rolls, but nothing to write home about.
(4)Lennie S.
I love this place. You get a taste of different Asian dishes. I especially love the Seafood Coconut Curry Soup with whole wheat udon noodles! It has a lot of flavor, it's spicy, and has lots of seafood - shrimp, calamari, and mussels! Try their sushi menu as well. Their assortments are excellent! Nice area, too. It's located in Bethesda Row so it can get crowded especially on Friday evenings, but you can usually get a seat either at the bar, or if you time it correctly. Get there around 5pm or a little after 8pm to avoid long waits. P.S. :) I just tasted one of their desserts for the first time last Friday and it was so delicious! I never thought I would ever order Poached Pear with Caramel sauce, but I'm glad I did!!!
(5)Dan B.
Never had a bad meal here. This place is awesome, food and prices. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't so hard to get a table at. Service is always speedy and attentive. I would recommend the volcano roll!
(4)Tom D.
3.5 stars I have been here a few times for lunch in the last month. Each time I have had the sushi -- and it has been ranged from very good to excellent. It is one of the better lunch options in Bethesda -- and certainly one of the best on the main strip. I do like their warm noodle soups, not a big fan of the cold noodle soups. While there might be some misses, I think their sushi might be the best in Bethesda. Though it does not compete with Sushi Taro and Sakana in DC.
(3)IH K.
This has been my study break stop for quite some time now. Since I typically want something predictable and filling during these fly-by meals, I've narrowed myself down to a pretty standard order: "Thai noodle soup with egg noodles and a crunchy spicy tuna roll (or soft shell crab roll) please! Thank you!" If you're like me and don't want to brave the ridiculous lines to eat on site, they do a pretty good carry-out. By the time I call in my order and make the 5 minute drive/park/walk to the restaurant - my order is waiting for me. If you're determined to have a sit-down meal, the wait line moves quicker than most restaurants in Bethesda - if that counts for anything.
(4)Ken K.
Good sushi! I was surprised by "unexpected" in good way...my friend and I visited this place as we had a business nearby. I did not have good expectation...but after all, it was nice surprise in a good way. Sushi order for one person was not quite good amount for me...and after ordering more individual pieces, price was...of course high. Tuna was OK, not great; Hamachi, Salmon were good; Hokki was very negative; Ika was not so good...Cali Rolls were OK; Uni was not good. Atmosphere was...hmmm, Asian Fusion type...noisy enough. I will try one more time upon next visit.
(3)KanKan Y.
I used to eat here a couple days out of the week a couple years back since I worked really close. It was great. The food was good but pricey (It's Bethesda...). The atmosphere was good, and my co-workers and I had a good time. Over time, I've noticed that this place has really gone down hill. I'd say about the same time The rolls have gotten smaller, the prices stayed the same, and the biggest sushi faux pas...the rolls falls apart as you pick them up or sometimes even on the plate before you touch it. The wait is long, even for carry out. It's crowded and loud. A lot of rice, not enough fish. Bento boxes are slightly lame depending on what you get -- shumai taste like the frozen shumai you can get from the grocery store, a couple california rolls, salad (?!), and a few veggies. The sushi platter is slightly better, but of course there's that risk of the nigiri or maki falling apart on you. Most restaurant has its redeeming qualities. The one for Raku is the outdoor seating and the friendly staff. Outdoor is great for a nice sunny day and you can avoid the crowd inside the restaurant. The staff is extremely friendly even though most of them are running around trying to get to everyone. Bluefin Toro nigiri is awesome if you can get it (seasonal). Their noodle soups are have great broth. Now I just want to say that that this review is more of a before and after comparison. If you are a newcomer, you might have a completely different experience than me. As I always try to emphasize...don't let reviews form your opinions for you. Everyone has different tastes =)
(2)Nicole L.
I parked right in front of the restaurant to catch a film screening thought about walking over to Penang but Raku looked rather appealing from the outside, it was packed with people at 6:00 PM. I decided to check it out. The restaurant is medium sized but it has this long sushi bar which was interesting, I asked to sit at the bar for a better view of the restuarant. The menu had all kinds of asian food I am always confused when a restaurant has all the different asian food put together. Overall I think the food is priced towards higher end with noodle soup going at $10.50 and entree over $20. I ordered the red curry egg noodles with chicken. The bartender was very attentive and my food was served quickly. The dish was delicious with a nice touch - chicken was grilled and sliced. It was a pleasant experience.
(3)Mandy H.
If I were to come here again, I'd know what to do next time. Raku is always packed on any given night, but surprisingly my boyfriend and I were able to walk in and get seats. The atmosphere was very social and modern, and the service was good. We ordered 2 sushi rolls and 2 bowls of noodles. The mistake we made was ordering too many noodles. The sushi was great- fresh, tasty, and very good presentation. The noodles were good, but if we were to do it all over again, I'd go with more sushi rolls and less noodles. Definitely worth a second visit! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to get a spot!
(5)Natasha O.
Due to the flies, it lost a star. Seriously, I so will never eat in to this place again (I will however, do take out). I stopped by here on my way home cause I was staving and sat at the bar. The place is tiny and really packed. The bar is near the open door hence the 2 flies I saw... put I also saw 2 of those tiny flying things as well. I ordered the Pumpkin Ginger Soup, "What a match!" Roll, Pomegranate Shochu, & Bonsai Tree roll. The shochu was interesting, not what I expected but ok none the less. The pumpkin soup was hot but once it cooled down was good. The ginger wasn't actually part of the soup but part of the garnish so boo on them for the miss-name. The Bonasi Tree roll was wow...not was I was expecting and better than I could have believed. Picture a typical sushi roll with the seaweed on the outside. Now place a thin slice of cucumber between the rice and the seaweed. Then replace the rice with real crab meat with Avocado & Masago in the middle. The chili ponzu sauce that the slices sit in just completes the picture. My mouth is watering just remembering it. The sauce is a little bit sweet and is paired so well with the rolls. There are also roe (fish eggs) but they asked if I wanted it with/or without and I said without. 5 stars What a Match! Roll it too was a match made in heaven. Mackerel, apple, ginger and scallion; need I say more?! It was yummy & I wanted more when it was gone. 5 stars I will definitely be calling in for take-out here this summer.
(4)Ron B.
The food is decent here including the sushi. My wife loves the chicken curry noodle dish here. The service is decent as well as the atmosphere. I like the surrounding area as well, but it could be difficult to find parking on the busy weekends.
(3)Hiren N.
On the expensive side for the things they cater. I have had better sushi for cheaper price.
(3)Cor K.
I love raku, it can be a bit pricey, as typical for sushi. The best deals are the lunch boxes you get a lot of food and cheaply compared to the price they would be individual rolls or for dinner. I wouldn't say go for the sushi, because it isn't the best, but the rest of the items are pretty darn good. Try the seaweed salad, or the udon. All the soups I've had there have been pretty good and filling, which is hard for a soup. My friend and I once got to raku just as they opened their doors for lunch and there was already a line. This line doesn't go away until closing so make reservations or get there early. Inside the tables are cramped together, but they have large booths. I wouldn't recommend bringing kids here simply because it is so crowded. I have seen many a soccer mom try to push their stroller through the passage ways only to end up with no place to put it while they eat. Also kids are fidgety, which is no good in a cramped environment where they will just knock into somebody else, or yell in that persons ear. Yes, I hate kids. Especially when they ruin my favorite restaurants. I go here all the time when I am in bethesda, it's one of my local fall backs.
(5)rachel m.
i can never decide between which giant bowl of soup to get. the curry soup is fantastically tasty, and the tokyo dash is soul warming. i dream about the udon noodles.... while the soup is more than enough food for 1 person, sometimes i just have to get an order of the spicy crunch scallop roll... a rare find
(5)Chara G.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area. Amazing food, good service, and overall good prices...and all of that in a trendy, fun area! My favorites: Ginger pumpkin soup Chicken satay with mango salad Delux Spicy Tuna Roll Volcano Roll
(5)Joanne C.
This has been our favorite restaurant for many years. It's always busy in the evening, but we seldom have to wait more than 20 minutes and often choose sit at the counter. and watch the chefs Service is almost always very good. Here are our favorite dishes: Tuna tartare (enough for a meal) Portabello mushroom and asparagus salad - the ponzu dressing makes you want to lick the plate. Red curry noodle soup - it's huge and really tasty - certainly enough for 2 and you can choose seafood, meat, chicken or tofu and veggies, as well as the type of noodle you prefer. Dumplings with a mango sauce My friend likes the crunchy, spicy sushis Bento boxes are very good I thought the napa cabbage and chicken salad was only so-so, especially compared to the mushroom and asparagus salad mentioned above - which is one of my favorite dishes ever! We only occasionally get a main course because the appetizers are so good and it's difficult to choose only one. Desserts are limited, but we rarely feel the need for a dessert. Prices are mid-range.
(5)Eugene H.
I stopped on in here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I tried the salmon toro and it was awesome. The udon noodles were pretty good too. Service was fast for a crowded lunch place. It is really crowded and they kind of squeeze people in like a sardine can. It's still worth it to try out their sushi. -edit- Came back for dinner with some friends and we were not disappointed with the sushi and teriyaki dishes we had.
(5)Shaun O.
I went here after salsa dancing last night. First, I was a little taken back by the prices-but remember to do it Family Style and you will be alright. We order two side plates, an entree and it came to be fairly reasonable for the 3 of us. I found the servers to be helpful and the outdoor seating nice. We also had the amusement of watching our 3rd friend from NM try sushi, calamari and chopsticks for the first time. I recommend the chicken dish and noodles, as that came out to be a delicious plate....chicken was tender and had a great taste. Overall, a good place for Japanese food and from what I heard, go here instead of the one in DC.
(4)Maria L.
Crowded, crowded, and crowded... but that's a good sign, and it was well worth the wait!
(5)Keelin C.
Yum, yum . . . . I love Raku. This place has great sushi and good service. The Golden Dragon Roll is a friend of mine, but they do a great job with all the classics. Excellent ingredients and great location. The only reason it is lacking for stars is the size. The setup of this restaurant is awkward at best. Enjoy, just get there early or you won't have a seat.
(4)Sue H.
Okay, sure, the sushi is good. People like it. Great. But...if you haven't had the warm asparagus and mushroom "salad", you've not lived. Warning. This item is highly addictive. Get that perfect bite. A little mozarrella (yes, really) a piece of tortilla chip, asparagus piece, and some mushroom. Plenty of that amazing sauce. Love at first bite.
(4)Braden S.
My favorite restaurant in Bethesda. Everything I've had here is delicious. There is sometimes a wait during dinner hours, but it is WORTH IT! If you like japanese food and you are looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, you must try Raku.
(5)Pia A.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2010. I should have stuck with sushi. Their kitchen entrees were just average. The tables were very close to each other, I could rub elbows with the table next to me. I would go back, but strictly for sushi.
(2)Stephanie T.
I don't understand why this place gets such high ratings. The service was mediocre and the food well it didn't feel like anything over 1.5 maybe 2 (Referring to the Lunch menu) -The teriyaki chicken is dry and over-sweet. -The soup seemed watered down. -California rolls are just average. -The soba was nothing spectacular. To me the place was a little bit pricy but it might just be because I could cook this at home better. I wouldn't go here again.
(1)Kevin S.
It was chaos at Raku's hostess stand last night. They took our names, didn't write them down, forgot about us, then ignored us when we inquired. No manager was available to remedy things, so we left.
(2)Sarah C.
I got food poisoning from here! The sushi just didnt seem that fresh, and I was right.
(1)Kristina G.
Restaurant Week Review from Summer 2007 (4.5 stars) My boyfriend and I came here on a whim because we were so hungry and could not wait for our 9pm reservations at another place. I am glad about our choice because we had the perfect summer dinner. I liked that Raku let you choose between having a traditional 3 course meal or 2 starters and an entree. Being so hungry, we chose the latter option (and then had Haagen Daz down the street). -1st Courses: Heirloom Tomato Salad was sweet, salty, and simple; perfect on a summer evening. My boyfriend got the 5 spiced beef which was also great and seasoned well. -2nd Courses: Ban Ban Chicken, and Grilled Chicken & Napa. Both salads were good, but nothing spectacular. -Entrees: Wok Charred Chilean Sea Bass was also great for a hot night because it was light and tasty. I just wished that the fish had a little more flavor. My boyfriend got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse, which was huge! He loved every bite of it and was soaking up all the curry with pieces of bread because the sauce was so good. I could see how it could get loud and crowded in the restaurant, so we waited it out for patio seat. It was perfect outside on a summer night with trees adorned with lights and a perfect people-watching spot.
(4)Mrs. Palmers Student E.
Looking for a restaurant that's suitable for families, perfect for date nights, and irresistible for food? Phew! That was a mouthful...of Raku! Raku is a Japanese style restaurant, the best in the business. This delightful accommodation is located on Woodmont Ave. in downtown Bethesda next to an Indian restaurant called Tandoori Nights and a few shops down from the Mussel Bar. It's hard to miss. You have got to go to Raku! Japanese restaurants don't get better than this. Raku is always full! So, you have to go there around five to five thirty. Raku opens at four in the afternoon and closes at ten in the evening. Walking into that restaurant, I knew the food was going to be extravagant. It smells so amazing in Raku. To start the meal off, I always get the spicy pork dumplings that are so juicy, tasty, and savory sweet every time. I also get the edamame, which is so hot it burns my fingers, so I have to wait a few minutes for it to cool down. There are so many other satisfying and mouthwatering appetizers on the menu, not just the two; you can order whatever you would like. Then, for dinner, I either get the fresh and cool cucumber rolls or the warm and cozy chicken noodle soup. It's so hard to decide!! Paired with soy sauce, the sushi tastes magnificent. Then there's the noodle soup with chicken. On a cold winter night those big, long egg noodles with big hunks of chicken will really warm you up. The scrumptious and heavenly broth adds to the overall flavor. In conclusion, this meal was incredible. Talking about going to Raku, I mentioned the romantic dim lights, the modern sushi bar, and the inviting Raku smell. Also don't forget the giant chopsticks hanging from the ceiling! There is an exquisite modern sushi bar that seats about ten to twelve people with a full service menu. The seats are very comfortable which adds to the greatness of this chopstick wonderland. But, as Hannah Montana said, "Nobody's perfect!" Most of the tables are very close together, so it makes it extremely difficult to move around, and you can practically hear the conversation of the people next to you. Other than that, the whole surrounding is enjoyable. The service is dashing as well. Every time I go to Raku (which is about every two weeks), the waiter or waitress has never messed up any of my families' orders. Working hard, the employees manage to keep a delightful, helpful, and cheerful personality. You can ask about almost anything on the menu and they will know the answer. The waiters and waitress's bring your food while it's nice and hot... or cold. Generally, the food comes fast, not as fast as lightning, but fast enough to have eaten your appetizers with some time to spare to talk about the amazing food you just ate. Trust me, I know! Sadly, with all this great food comes a price... literally. The price for this amazing Japanese food isn't cheap. Generally a dinner for four would cost around eighty to ninety dollars. So, if you go to Raku, make the moment last. Basically, all I am trying to say is...go to Raku. This fine restaurant has all the right components; beautiful environment, fantastic service, and best of all prodigious food. Your mind will be blown. I smile the whole car ride when going to Raku. Just remember, eat early or there will be no more tables! Enjoy!
(5)Shoshana G.
Fabulous sushi. Fresh, delicious, and in my opinion they make the best vegetable tempura I have ever eaten. I recommend going during the lunch hour and ordering a bento box. They are only around $12 and you get lots of delicious food. Personally, I think their dinner menu is overpriced,the bento boxes become $5+ more and you get less food with them....not so sure what thats about. Go during lunch! You will love it.
(4)Virginia C.
All in all, a great place to take friends. You can't go wrong with this place. Excellent food. The wait time (depending on when you arrive) can be annoying because of the Montgomery County (namely, Bethesda/Rockville/Potomac) crowd (who, apparently, don't eat anywhere else but in Bethesda Row).
(4)sophie S.
Raku has really delicious food. The sushi is great, fresh and original! They also have pretty amazing salads. The asparagus and mushroom salad is one of my favorites as well as the tofu salad. The bread pudding is also surprisingly incredible!!!! Must also try tuna tar tar. I have never had a bad meal here. Parking is a little difficult, usually easier to just find a lot and walk. Also usually very busy (all the time.) A reservation is definitly needed on weekends but sometimes there is a wait during the weekdays as well. It is well worth it!!!!!!
(4)Shayla D.
Whenever I crave for sushi this the place I go to. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is delicious. You can appreciate that this is not a traditional japanese restaurant because an order of seaweed salad comes with nicely dressed greens along with the seaweed and other crunchy stuff. I like the pumpkin soup so much I order it even on 90 degree weather days. Also, the sushi is fresh. I especially like the crunchy spicy scallop roll, with a side order of fresh wasabi. I love this place!.
(4)Chris T.
Best sushi place in Bethesda. Period. Spicey crunchy tuna roll is my favorite, and usually their daily specials are pretty exciting. Decor is awesome inside, and outside seating is great for people watching.
(4)Dte G.
The food was tasty. I had a bowl of their coconut red curry noddle with seafood. Unfortunately, as I was finishing the food, the mussel tasted bad and I stopped eating it. Woke up at 5 in the morning with food poisoning.
(1)Jenny L.
Nice place, nice location. The sushi was just ok for me. Nothing too special. I did enjoy the chicken and shrimp dumplings though. Glad we beat the rush, because I actually wouldn't wait for more than 5 minutes for a seat here.
(3)Renato S.
The rice was a little mush. The service and prices were fair here. I ordered the dragon roll, california roll, and crunchy shrimp roll. Chicken and pork dumplings were very good, meaty with a nice crunch. No major complaints, nothing to exciting for me. Have to try something different next time I guess.
(3)Linh L.
All I can say is "CHILEAN SEA BASS!!!" Wow--this place has the best chilean sea bass I've ever tasted. As soon as the bass hit my tongue, I felt like it just melted like butter! I've been working in Maryland, and coming to Bethesda was a treat. Chose Raku-An on a whim, and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I also had some of the dumplings and calamar for appetizers, and a Banana Foster (think bananas, carmel sauce, vanilla bean and green tea ice cream)--everything was great. I'm docking a star for slow service, though. Other than that...wow, I will definitely head back here for the sea bass. Go really early or really late because this place gets packed!
(4)Sy R.
I've been to Raku four or five times now and have been very pleased each time, although in the evenings there has always been a wait (and they don't take reservations). I love to read the creative "pan-Asian fusion" menu, and would dearly love to try everything on it! I can't, however, because my boyfriend always insists on getting the AMAZING seaweed salad (which is nearly a full meal for two), and then a small plate of sushi to fill us completely. Raku offers several interesting rolls, which are solid in quality, but not mind-blowing, The service is fine; the staff tend to be quite busy, but they always manage pop up just when I need water. And I really can't complain, since I usually leave having spent under $25 for two people, including tip! In short: Crowded dining, consistent service, good prices, consistent quality, and an interesting & tasty menu.
(4)Sarah O.
I have always been a fan of Raku. The food is flavorful while not leaving you feeling like you ate too much. The dining room is inviting and upscale. It's a great spot to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Yesterday, I met 2 women for lunch there. We enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that they have the best sushi or the best Thai type dishes, but everything is solid and consistent. A bit expensive for lunch good fair for dinner. One word of advise they get pretty busy at prime dinner time so don't go with the family and expect to get seated right away. Good news is Barnes and Noble is right around the corner so you can always occupy a little time while you wait for your table to be ready perusing books and magazines.
(4)Roz J.
Best sushi I've had in Bethesda combined with an deft and adventurous kitchen. Sometimes the kitchen needs to bring up the spice levels but, never had anything bad. Place is very cramp however. Not the kind of place you want to linger over a meal.
(4)Hello H.
I got two rolls of sushi, which were fine by my sushi-loving standards. I spied another patron who ordered a whole fried fish, which looked absolutely mouth-watering. Looking at some other dishes, the portions seemed quite generous. When I initially walked in, I thought Raku-An might be another PF Chang's (I'm not a fan of Asian food that has been so diluted with "American" tastes, that the only thing Asian about it is soy sauce), but I'm happy to report I was wrong, at least based on the quality of the sushi my friends and I ordered. PS - I went reservation-less on a Wed night, the week between Xmas and New Years, and boy was it packed! The intimate setting helped make our meal a fun one.
(4)Aloysius Y.
One of the best in town! Not only for sushi, but they do a great job on other cooked items. No wonder they are always busy. Reservation recommended on weekends. And very moderate priced as long as you don't drink lots of sakis.
(5)Eric E.
My colleagues and I eat at Raku every other week. This is my first review, though. I'm dining alone, so I decided to sit at the sushi bar. The bar is full of chatter, mostly in Chinese by the cook staff; they're noisy. They're reasonably professional and they grunt occasionally in Japanese -- which I speak and they don't! (Grunting is largely for the benefit of diners walking through Raku's front door.) Ok...Martini to start, three olives up. Not bad, but olives are like something out of a steel can sold at an Asian market -- chewy, odd flavor, and not suitable for a Martini. Leave it to the Greeks and Italians to produce olives! (I usually drink my Martinis across the street at Mon Ami Gabi...my mistake. I also usually drink beer and sake at Raku. Today was a bit different.) First course is Shrimp and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Not bad. wrapping is tender, not chewy. Nice flavor, fresh vegetables -- spinach and bean sprouts. The dumplings remind me of going for dim sum as a child with my father, so I give Raku an "extra credit" point for triggering cherished memories. Quantity is appropriate for smaller soup, not overwhelming sweat-er, just-right temperature, flavorful broth, etc. Second course is Flying Smoke in Dragon roll. Nice smokey flavor, a bit spicy and the eel is cooked well. Definitely one of their signature rolls, though a bit pricey. Though this is Raku. It's worth pointing out that many of Raku's rolls are "over-riced.". This one screams eel, with minimal rice surround. Third course is Ikura (salmon roe) with (uzura) quail egg. This is my "standards" or quality control check. It's only for those who appreciate omega-3 and phospolipids in the diet. I give this one a 4 out of 5. The quail egg is quite good, though the salmon roe is a bit rubbery. I can' t speak towards processing techniques, however, some sushi bars in the area serve very fresh Ikura, others don't. Here, we're above marginal. Ok...Martini is kicking in! For the final course, Spicy Butterfly Prawn in an Aurora sauce with mesclun So, not your inexpensive bento box special. A very filling meal, perhaps best shared and accompanied by one additional starter dish. NOTE TO OTHERS: Raku has a reputation for mediocre, snobbish (why??) waitstaff, but thoughtful, engaging chefs. Today, the waiters were much more pleasant, but the chefs were too chatty...with each other. If I could record with my iPhone and post to YouTube, I would. OH, YEAH: I love the new iPad 2!
(4)Linds F.
The sushi here is good- I have not tried any of their other dishes besides the tuna tar tar which was also quite good. Overall, the pricing is good for the quality of food, and the staff was friendly.
(3)Becky T.
The place was packed on a Friday night but the service was unexpectedly quick without making us feel rushed at all. My friend had the sushi which she really enjoyed and I had the wheat udon soup with chicken, beef, and tempura shrimp. I know everyone loves greasy foods post-drinking, but I'd take a hot spicy bowl of noodle soup any day. $12 for a bowl is a little pricey, but it hit the spot.
(4)Evelyn C.
The hubby and I went out to dinner with a couple friends who LOVE this place. Lucky for us, they made a reservation ahead of time so we didn't have to deal with the hostess at all. I actually arrived an hour before the hubby (since he was unfortunately stuck at work), and got a chance to sample their fizzy champagne-like sake (very sweet, but good), the sangria- which is my friend's absolute favorite, a nice glass of pinot noir, some tuna tartar, and the golden dragon roll. The sushi was very tasty- solidly good, and the tartar tasted clean and fresh. As for the entrees, I got the beef tenderloin (cooked to a perfect med-rare) with yams in the shape of scallops, a lovely red wine reduction and the best freaking stir-fried veggie side. There were sliced king oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and fresh spinach all sauteed together into harmonious deliciousness. Mmm.... My friends were quite pleased with the Deluxe bento box (sea bass, beef tenderloin, sashimi, seaweed salad, and tempura!), and the pan seared chicken with a side of noodles. Now I have to say that the service for us was excellent. Here's why: - they kept the drinks coming - the server let me put in the hubby's order as he was leaving work, and they timed it so perfectly that his entree came out just as he sat down - the hubby accidentally spilled his glass of sapporo (I think the server thought someone else at our table did it), and he brought out a new bottle for him! yay! I have to say that if I'm up in Bethesda again for any reason, I would not hesitate to come back again!
(4)mondo g.
This has become my boyfriend and mines new go-to place. I always feel like the food is fresh and healthy. First, I LOVE their green tea. I've bought many genmaicha teas in local markets, but none are as good as what raku serves. Next, the tuna tartar is a good start, the salads are textured and taste so good and clean, and the soups can be a great meal by themselves. The sushi is good and fresh and on a recent visit I had a great pork chop served with braised red cabbage, broccoli rabe, seasonal squash, and fennel--delicious. The service too, has always been good. I have been disappointed on occasion, e.g. stay away from the deep fried (aka warm) seafood spring rolls, but those occasions have been few.
(4)Rachel A.
I lovvvvve Raku. I've been here for lunch several times, and always get the Chicken Teriyaki Bento box, which is really filling. It's always busy, even at lunch there is a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. The soups and California rolls are delicious.
(4)William L.
Bustling and popular. But the food is average. So, good place for a quick bite for the price. But there's better sushi, etc out there in DC.
(2)Heather P.
We often come to Raku, despite the close together tables and the noise - we come for the wonderful food - the fish is always fresh, fresh, fresh! Interesting specials - the other night we had fresh sea urchin and the presentation was exquisite. They offer a very good selection of sake and despite the too close tables and the very loud noise level, it is worth it for the food. I will keep coming back!
(4)Michael S.
Raku racks up the points with me... My wife and I wondered down there on a Sunday, and had the esteemed pleasure of dining outside. As a Floridian I will start by saying I'm VERY particular on the Sushi that I dine on. I've been to tons of joints in Maryland where people swore up and down that they had "the best", only to be sadly disappointed. Raku blew me away. I had their Seoul Train, Dragon Roll, and the Chesapeake roll. All were very original, incorporated a good number of veggies (not just the typical radish and cucumber), and had flavors that just jumped out from start to finish. Not to mention, what every other reviewer has said, the fish, well IT"S SO FRESH. Fresher than Downy drier sheets, and definitely fresher than that not so fresh feeling. :) My advice, if you don't like sushi, go there, and you'll become a convert. I plan to dine there as often as my wallet will support it. (and before my wife starts complaining) Highs: Sick F'in Sushi Lows: Prices a tad high, but jeez people fresh f'in fish c'mon :) Enjoy with a loved one!
(5)smitha m.
I was surprised to notice that they have a different menu from the one (their sister restaurant?) in DC. I was a little disappointed at first when I found out that they do not carry Singapore noodles on their menu. But I eventually moved on to other items I have started to thoroughly enjoy - we usually get the curry noodle soup, asian spicy wings (they have a specials menu offering this new dish - EXCELLENT), sushi rolls and last but not the least - my personal favorite - banana foster(UBELIEVABLY GOOD)!! The Service is always pretty incredible considering they are always so busy. It can get pretty crowded so it helps to make reservations ahead of time. I usually end up having to wait but it's never for too long and the food is totally worth the wait!
(5)Ryan M.
A great (although very popular) lunchtime spot in Bethesda. If you want a table you should definitely get there before noon, as it's often entirely packed by then. I'll confess I've only had one thing for lunch, but, although not obvious as an option, the 'noodle soups' are huge, excellent, and cheap. They come in two options: 'Tokyo broth' and 'Spicy Coconut Milk'-both are great, and start at $7.95 and $8.95, respectively. I usually go with the Spicy option, and while I like spice it's enough to warm me up on a cold day! With meat the prices go up by a dollar to four depending on whether you want chicken, beef or seafood, but the default 'tofu and vegetable' is more food than I can ever eat and tasty on its own! Definitely worth the money and they're even big enough for a dinner portion if you come later.
(4)Thaila S.
4.5 stars I've been here many, many times and the food is consistently very good. Being vegetarians, my husband and I usually stick to the sushi -- tamago, inari, and the avocado rolls are excellent. They have several other veggie sushi options as well. You MUST try their bread pudding for dessert. I'm a big chocolate fan but this is hands down the best non-chocolate dessert I've had in my life. They don't take reservations typically and the restaurant is always packed, but they try to seat folks as quickly as they can. This isn't a great place for big groups because the place is so small, but it's great if you're going with a friend or your spouse. It's also located in the trendy part of Bethesda.
(4)Laura K.
I'd love it if you had a little more attention from the servers just because most of the time all of us were out of drinks. My husband and I ordered a vegetarian roll for an appetizer. It was very good Then we both ordered the red curry soup with udon noodles I made a bit of a mess eating the soup because the noodles are so long but it was so good! The couple we were with got a box of assorted rolls and fish and also the beef tenderloin. She said the sauce was awesome on the beef.
(4)A B.
I dined at Raku last night. What a pleasure. The food here is WAY better than the food at the Raku in Dupont. They've also got a different menu. The ingredients were fresh, service was friendly and the food and drinks came out fast. I had the vegetarian sushi assortment which was excellent. And we all shared edamame. Everyone enjoyed their food and I definitely plan to come back to Raku in Bethesda.
(5)Lisey W.
This is my favorite place to go for a bento box at lunch. I love their sashimi bento box but you can't go wrong with any of them! Love how the bento box comes with a salad and string beans with mushrooms. It also comes with some california rolls and their take on shiu mai is delicious!
(4)Juju J.
I was really impressed with the sushi, menu and service at this Raku. I had never been to this location, only the one in Dupont (and the one located in Whole Foods in Logan). This one had a more extensive menu, way higher quality of food and the staff was attentive. Overall this place is a 180 from the crappy Dupont location (I've heard they're actually owned by two different people). The only negative is the tables can be on top of each other depending on where you're sitting. However, we went on a busy Saturday night, so it might have seemed worst than normal.
(4)Megan S.
Delicious! AND they have a great gluten-free menu for those of us with Celiacs. Their scallops with mushrooms are fantastic, and I have liked everything I have tried at Raku. It tends to be very noisy though, so come prepared to talk loud :)
(4)S. O.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants just because of their tuna tartare. I've been there a few times and it has been consistently good! The chilean seabass is also a winner; it's really flavorful and buttery. I also tried their red curry soup noodle. The flavor was good but I thought it was a bit heavy. I don't recall their sushi being out of the ordinary though..
(5)Aesah L.
The sushi here is good and the platters are reasonably priced. It's always crowded at this location and sometimes difficult to have a conversation with whoever you're with because of how close the tables are to each other. I can't say I'm a fan of the rest of the menu because it's not exactly Asian food as I know it, but Raku is worth a visit for the sushi and the sake.
(3)Sheila B.
The food is consistently delicious, for the most part. Our favorite restaurant in Bethesda. The other day had a really yummy seared salmon and shedded daikon appetizer with a wonderful sauce. Also the whole grilled branzino was terrific, cooked just right, with sweet potatoe chips and a surprise of grilled zucchini hiding underneath the fish. Their sushi and sashimi are excellent. Service is good, and they're flexible about substitutions. I see a fair amount of kids here, but they need to be somewhat adventurous eaters. No chicken nuggets! It can get crowded because it's very popular --and for good reason! Other restaurants in Bethesda should take some lessons from Raku. We need more delicious menus and high quality cooking.
(5)Colm C.
Fresh sushi with NY style. If I hear about a sushi restaurant near me I must sample the menu. Raku is the best sushi in Montgomery County, no questions asked. The fish tastes very fresh and they carry an unbelievable bottle of sake called Meibo. Can anyone tell me where to buy a bottle of that? They also have some funky rolls on the menu that have some fantastic tastes. The decor is very hip with Asian appeal. There are not many tables so make reservations. There is a tiny bar with 5 stools to wait at but they fill up quick. During the summer they have many tables outside in a real hot spot in Bethesda. Price is higher than your typical sushi joint but worth every penny. Not only can you have a great dinner but after dinner you can walk across the street to the Landmark theater or stroll into Borders next door. Always a good experience every meal.
(5)Andi C.
I have to say, this is my favorite place to get sushi in the D.C. metro area. The menu is extensive, I've never had bad service, and the food has never disappointed. It does get packed on weekends, so expect a wait to be seated, and then to be at a little table crammed into a corner or near another couple. Or, if you're lucky, score a booth...plenty of elbow room then. The bar can be fun too, especially if you're seated on the end, near the door. No matter, the food is amazing no matter where you're sitting. They have a large selection of sushi rolls, in basic (California roll) as well as interesting, innovative varieties (the "What a Match" roll is one of my favorites..mackerel and apple..yum!). Order several different varieties and share...it makes a great date spot. And if you can (it's tough), leave room for dessert--they're surprisingly, amazingly good and beautifully presented.
(5)Volna V.
I've been coming to Raku for many years, and here is how I summarize it: It's a fun place to come and have a great meal with somebody. If you want to smell the food before you see it, this place is great. It engages all your senses. I love the sushi in the beginning (Chesapeake Roll is wonderful), I love the main courses and the desserts. It's still one of my favorite Japanese Fusion restaurants in the world. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bethesda.
(5)Bill M.
Massive bowls of curry soup.
(5)Candace K.
I went here for lunch and the place was packed! Everyone got the Bento Box special which seemed like a good deal. I got the Chicken Teriyaki and substituted a Crunchy Tuna roll for the California roll. The box came with miso soup, good but a bit on the salty side for me, salad, very yummy, little crab balls which were good, a mushroom and green bean thing which was good but it surprised me when I put in my mouth and it was cold, it was supposed to be cold but initially I didn't know that. The Chicken was nothing super it was done and parts of it was dry, too little sauce over the whole thing. The roll was good except they put cilantro on the roll and I am NOT a fan of cilantro so I was disappointed, I wonder if they can make it without the cilantro. Overall it was pretty good.
(3)Alex D.
We had Thai food that was less greasy, and sushi that was less dry. In case you are in Bethesda and you are dying for a Thai food that's your best bet, but if you want a sushi there are other place around. Be aware that they will give you the bill before you even think what you want. They really rush the service.
(2)cuzit m.
This place was packed. Arrived with a fifteen minute wait. Was seated at the bar. The food was excellent. The portions large. The service was OK. It was not horrible, but typically when you sit at a sushi bar you can dialougue with sushi chefs for me part of the experience - maybe that's just west coast. Not the case here, they were super busy making rolls. The server was OK. I usually love to hear the specials or the server's recommendations this server nothing to add. I was flying solo for my first time here. Fortunately, the couple next me was helpful and the food was great. Just went there for the second time and it was thursday night, a fifteen minute wait. The food excellent again. Awesome thick servings, even the toro. Not thrilled with the dessert menu. They were out of Lychee sorbet my favorite. I would expect home made icecream with flavors like ginger, green tea, and sorbets like lychee, ginger, lime, pineapple. But they have desserts you can find anywhere. The Lychee sorbet was a treat. Beyond that, I wish they would change that part of the menu. The best part of Raku is their good portion of sushi. Other places are super thin slices.
(4)Michelle T.
This is the only sushi place I go to in Maryland. The only complaint I have is that the place is small, and it can get really packed. I love their crunch spicy tuna and steak udon. I wish they had Raku near Fulton so I can eat sushi more often. The sushi place in Columbia (Soho?) is not so great, and it's too pricey.
(4)Kathy T.
I usually end up at this place for lunch and their bento boxes are a good deal. Love the whole Asian Fusion thing, and there are lots of unusual touches from a place that on the surface seems to focus on sushi. Butternut Squash soup, sauteed Asparagus & Portabella mushrooms that seem to be topped with a parmesean type cheese. This usually ends up being my go to place for a light, healthly lunch!
(4)Matt H.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2011. Never going again. Waited for 45 min while the host let 3 people jump ahead of people on the list. They had no reservations. I will never go here again, as will the other couples who walked out. Worst customer service I have experienced in a Japanese restaurant or Bethesda. It was even crowded waiting to get on the list, and the tables are about 6 inches apart. Sticking to Benihana's from now on. If you want to be treated with about the same respect as cattle, go here!
(1)Kim F.
Excellent food, really good service, and great prices for Bethesda. My only complaint is that I wish they'd move into a larger space--tables are super tight and it's nearly impossible to eat here without a reservation. My favorite!
(4)E U.
Great food, incredible ambiance and terrible service. We have been there several times and the hostess and wait staff are arrogant. Will not go back again.
(1)G M.
I am surprised this rated four star. The fish quality was sub par and even had an odd flavor. The daily specials are not that special. You can tell this is a chain. This is the second and last time I will go there. There are plenty of other sushi joints with more remarkable and fresh offerings
(2)Catherine H.
The sushi is good; everything else is ok but has never blown me away. It gets crowded as hell, and as it's a Bethesda crowd it can get super annoying super quick. I only go for lunch and I frequently wish the food was a little better (except the sushi. It really is good).
(3)Monica G.
I like to go to Raku with friends for dinner when I want to eat light and especially if they are vegetarian. The sushi is good and they have a lot of smallish dishes we can share. I have never had a bad dish here. Enjoy!
(4)D B.
Extremely vegetarian friendly! I love the healthy tofu salad and the veggie bento box.
(5)S K.
I really like the bento boxes, and the iced tea is very good. The service is incredibly polite and efficient. The mix of American and Asian ingredients makes for an interesting menu, most of the time. I have yet to try many of the sushi items, but look forward to it. Plus, they have a patio--great for people watching and fresh air.
(4)Judy L.
This place came highly recommended by a family friend. The food itself was ok, not the best sushi I've ever had in the world. MY boyfriend had the bento box which was a good deal. The box came with a string bean parmesean salad which was very original and surprisingly good. My sushi was just ok, nothing like what i was expecting for what we were paying for. WOuld I go back? Sure, are my expectations high? not really.
(3)John S.
My girlfriend and I visited Raku for dinner on Tuesday night, and the restaurant turned out to be far better than we had remembered it to be. The last time we went was about 6 months ago on a busy Friday night, which left us squished against the front window inches away from other diners. My biggest complaint with this restaurant back then was how tightly packed the space is during peak hours. Last night, however, we ate comfortably in one of their 4-top booths since we went early (around 5:30 PM), and it turned out to be a much more enjoyable experience that way. Altogether, the food was really solid. Here's a rundown of the all the dishes we shared: 1. Tuna tartare: a great dish that's very fresh and clean tasting; it comes paired with a little side salad topped with a sesame vinaigrette and three airy slices of toast; delicious! 2. Cornmeal crusted calamari: the cornmeal coating gave it some extra crunch and they only used squid rings (no tentacles if you're squeamish about that sort of thing); overall, great for a calamari but a bit boring 3. Salmon toro: the poor-man's toro, the fatty salmon nigiri was super fresh and buttery; a must-order if you're into sushi 4. Eel (unagi): the eel nigiri was cooked just right with a nice glaze, and it wasn't chewy or stringy like some other places' 5. Red snapper: fresh and delicious 6. Spicy red dragon roll: a pretty good roll with some jalapeno kick to it, but nothing too special 7. Wasabi (?) roll: I can't really remember the name, but it was a really tasty roll with a nice texture, although the wasabi flavor was not too pronounced; highly recommended With 4 orders of the salmon toro (we are salmon freaks!), 1 each of the others, plus 2 Cokes, the bill came out to around $85 after tax and tip. It wasn't cheap, but all the fish was fresh and the service was really nice. Also, you could probably drop the price by ordering less sushi and going for some of the noodles and entrees mentioned by the other reviewers. In the end, I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because when it's packed, it gets a little crazy, especially with those two-person tables up front. To avoid the crowds, I'd advise going extra early or sticking to weekdays.
(4)A B.
Best sushi consistently in Bethesda / Chevy Chase area. The Volcano rolls, the spicy tuna, the asparagus / avocado roll, with a side of spicy mayo. I spend to much of my money in this place as so do others as it is always crowded. Definitely worth the wait. Service is always good. Has gotten better now that the staff knows my wants. True landmark in the making for Bethesda
(5)J H.
Pretty good. The decor is modern with an asian flair, typical of fusion style restuarants. The food was good but a bit expensive. A bowl of noodles run $15 bucks and it didn't fill me up. Then again, my stomach is the size of an elephants so I can't hold that against them. Sushi has always been good but again, seems a bit pricey for the portions. The food is good, I 100% recommend the red curry noodles soup. The rolls are ok, you can't go wrong with them. There is a raw beef sashimi dish that I saw the chefs making while sitting at the bar. It looked delicious. Service has always been a hit or miss. Some people are nice while others seemed rushed.
(4)Rebecca K.
Always crowded for dinner, so try to make a reservation. They have a steak dish with mashed potatoes that is good in case you want a more substantial meal.
(4)Lila S.
I absolutely adore Raku! I'm a regular in the Besthesda location, but Dupont is just as good ! The decor and ambiance is amazing. And the staff is very professional and nice too! The food is absolutely the most delicious food ever. Here are my recommendations: The Grilled Chicken and Nappa Salad is one of my all time favorites. The dressing is amazing, it's sort of hot which definetly adds some spice to the salad! The sushi is very good, coming from someone who isn't that big a sushi fan. Most of my friends and family go for the "Joe Nigiri" when they want sushi, and it does look pretty good. The soups are very good too! I went with a friend once, and she got a coconut soup of some sort. She wasn't that big of a fan, but she's found a whole bunch of other soups that she loves. My family is a huge fan of the "Chilean Sea Bass" it's amazing. Definetly something to try! The bento boxes are very good! I've only had the vegetarian one and the chicken one so far, but they are very tasty! (the chicken one is my favorite) The deserts are quite something too. Every time I go there, and aren't completly full, I like to get the chocolate cake. It's so warm and moist...just thinking about it makes me hungry! So definetly try that out! Over all, Raku is my all time favorite restaurant, and something to try if your in the area! The soups are very tasty too! Raku is also very crowded, so I suggest you make reservations two nights before.
(5)ap m.
Went here for the 1st time for a girl's night out. The decor of the place was nice. A little crowded though, especially with the big winter coats, hard to get around. The servers were friendly. The menu didn't seem to have that much variety, so if you don't really like sushi & think there could be other dishes to look forward to- think again. The noodle servings were huge. They're really creative with the sushi. There was this one sushi dish called Seoul Train, which had kimchi it in, & I loved it. It was nice & spicy. If you go, try one of their signature dishes, like that. Pricing was a bit high, expected a little more for my buck. But definitely made it on my list for a place to go if I want good sushi
(4)Miinno N.
It is a good concept. Asian fusion food. It is not really all the way for this place even though it is pretty good. I think Dupont location is better.
(3)Ethan M.
Raku has some of the best sushi I've ever had, and they have other cool dishes to go with it. I try to eat here every time I go to DC for business, which is pretty frequently. Every colleague I've taken here (about 5 so far) has raved about the quality of the sushi and other food. Don't miss the tuna tartare - it's great! If they have it, the Tasmanian ocean trout nigiri is also wonderful, as are the multiple varieties of tuna nigiri (more than I've seen elsewhere). Their fish is always really fresh, and the prices aren't bad for a sushi place. The decor is modern Asian - adequate, but not spectacular (which is OK with me). Unfortunately, it's always crowded, so arrive early if you don't want to wait for a while to get a seat.
(5)Dana M.
They also have a gluten-free menu and gluten-free soy sauce if you ask! Service can be a bit slow if it's busy, but the food is well worth the wait. Love it!
(5)Shad M.
This place is very hit or miss for me. Some days the rolls are bangin' and other days they're very mediocre. It's very centrally located, which makes it a convenient place. But it does not rank in my top three sushi spots of bethesda. The only useful thing I can remember is that the large seaweed salad has a lot of mixed greens in it. So if you're expecting a lot of seaweed - that's not this dish.
(3)Connie L.
I absolutely love sushi but my experience at Raku was underwhelming. We ordered one of their sushi platters as well as an actual entree. For the same price, I could have gotten much higher quality food elsewhere. Additionally, the seating in Raku is incredibly cramped. The tables are replaced within maybe 1.5 feet away from each other, just enough for someone to squeeze through. I could easily hear the conversation from the table next to us and took away from the overall experience.
(3)Alek K.
Been coming here for years and they have their good days and not so good with some of the trickier sushis like Uni not so fresh, but most of the time both the rolls and the sushi are very good. I particular like their Deluxe Jo Nigiri. Quality for price, this is probably the best place in the DC area. This is true of the Bethesda location, the DC location is much worse in all regards.
(4)Priscilla Y.
This is one of those trendy Asian Fusion restaurants that young hip crowds or rich Bethesda folks will flock to. It is pretty pricey and the food is nothing to brag about. Great place to bring a date, I guess. It can get cramped inside. I ordered the Red Dragon Roll (Salmon, Eel, Avocado, topped with spicy tuna and spicy pepper) and salmon sashimi. Interesting roll. It was pretty good. My brother ordered the Jo Nigiri, which was normal fish nigiri. Nothing special.
(3)Kathryn L.
Patio seating was mandatory for my annual birthday Sushi meal (not that I don't eat Sushi often), but it's my extra gift to myself before the big day/night of fun. I tried very hard not to allow my experience hinder my special day. The hostesses were the highlight of my culinary outing. There were two of them & those pint size ladies were in sync with their wait list & seating duties. Our wait time was 30 minutes which wasn't too bad for this cramp yet busy little spot...off to the bar where my Sister & I sat until our table was ready. When I say cramp, I'm being generous as this place is a tight space, with the sushi bar being the biggest object in here. & the pickup station which seems to almost overlap the bar area, causes a bit of hectic traffic/friendly collisions. It was a unique visual appetizer watching the commotion. & speaking of the bar, there was only one bartender, not sure about that game plan in place for the early SAT Night, as it was already crowed when I arrived & became more crowded by the minutes. Now I'm very cognizant to the culture & language barriers, yet please don't be in the mixology service of all positions of the restaurant industry if you don't have any patience or social interaction. 5 minutes to be acknowledged, 5 minutes for the Wine List & another 5 minutes to place my order. The 2 glasses of Malbec was not a tall order yet the bartender came off very timid...multi-tasking must not have been her strong suit. Additionally, there were only two other people at the bar, so not sure why the frantic looks when I asked for a glass water with lemon. Flip side, our wait wasn't a full 30 minutes so I became excited when the one of the dual hostess came & got us. As I scanned the patio when approaching the restaurant, I saw how condensed and small the tables were, so I wasn't surprised when were seated. Our server was a jazzy & witty individual who embraced the cultural variations. She was pretty quick with our order & the food didn't waste it's time coming out. I ordered the Petite Sashimi & the portion mirrored the name perfectly. For $15, I would have expected more than a few slivers of Tuna, Salmon, Whitefish and Octopus, in which I swapped out for more of whatever the Server told me I would get...no customer substitutions please. Hence, I was still hungry after that brief consumption so I ordered the Red Dragon Roll. It had a great combination of Salmon, Ell, Avocado, Cucumber, Spicy Tuna, Serrano Peppers and Eel sauce; this selection definitely put me in a better foodie mood. When it was time for the check (we went Dutch), it took our savvy server two times to get our check right, wasn't too much of trigonometry going on, just a glass of wine on each check. I must say my Sushi Roll was very good and will be the only reason I come back, but overall the customer service needs to improve.
(3)Debbie L.
KAY - was our really polite and attentive server who made our dinner very very enjoyable!! A couple times, she let us know our food was coming out shortly, brought us more than one cup of hot water, and was quick with our bill. PROTIP: you can ask to split the Coconut Red Curry noodle soup in two, and they will bring it out in two bowls. Between a friend and I, we split the noodle soup, and ordered two rolls of sushi (and paid less than $20 overall including tip!!). Very filling and enough noodle soup for leftover lunch the next day.
(4)Judi G.
Deserves the stars and rave reviews for great food, fare pricing and wonderful service. Al fresco dining. Indoors is noisy but comfortable. Small fast paced restaurant with open kitchen. If you are lucky enough to try the ramen noodle bowl with chars u pork on special, a new dish, go for it. The correct balance of rich flavorful broth and perfectly cooking ramen noodles. Ask for the seasoning hiker to bump up the flavor. Salads are a mist here, roasted wild mushroom with arugula and a simple mixed with ginger was bright and engaging to the tastebuds before tucking into salmon belly rolls, soft shell crab roll and hamaki. Do save room for poached pear for dessert. Large enough to to share
(4)Mary Margaret E.
Seating is a bit tight. I was less than a foot away from the person in the next table. It's definitely really intimate, but the music and crowd is loud enough to have a private conversation. The broth of the soups are so savory. I'd come back just for those. Can't go wrong with the Beef Tokyo Dashi Broth with Egg Noodles. The rolls are super fresh and bigger than most places. Chesapeake Bay Roll was awesome! Bento boxes are a great option of you're craving a bit more variety.
(5)Arabella B.
Super fresh sushi and even tho I waited quite some time for my food it was worth the wait. Very good!
(5)Ruth C.
Three and a half stars. Small bar to the right, patio seating available, pretty limited lunch menu, decor clearly aiming to establish themselves as a date night option. Service is polite and a little overwhelmed during peak hours. For a slightly steep Asian fusion spot, I'd say sashimi's not their strong suit-- decent quality fish, but thin and uneven cuts. Octopus was poached a little too long, especially stingy on mackerel, and the eel teaser in the menu description never showed. More rice than fish in the deluxe chirashi to fill you up, but at least they have the decency to add a generous mix of goodies to the lightly seasoned base layer: diced tamago, shredded nori, ikura, kanpyo, etc. On the other hand, I liked their ginger pumpkin soup enough to be intrigued by the less raw half of their menu. Will probably return to try Szechuan crispy chicken, coconut red curry noodle soup, Chinese five spiced duck breast; Chilean sea bass tempura roll, Maine lobster roll.
(3)Taha E.
I found a huge bug in my miso sauce after I ate the entire salmon box lunch. I would give them 1 star but they comped my lunch and my friend's lunch as well and he probably ate $40 worth of sushi. But all I got to say is Ewwwwww!!!!
(2)David B.
Great Sushi-so fresh! We love eating outside when it is nice.
(4)Kirk S.
Simply not impressive. Raku is yet another sushi place in the Washington D.C. area, albeit one without anything really impressive about it. The sushi is tasty, but does not stand out amongst a sea of other places with good sushi. The restaurant itself is somewhat crowded, to the point where I felt like I could not fit into the booth - and I'm a reasonably-sized dude. The ambiance was bland. In other words, there are a number of places that do the food or ambiance better than Raku, so I don't find this a particularly appetizing choice.
(3)Hannah H.
Raku is an Asian fusion restaurant that has two locations - one in Bethesda and one in DC. I came here to meet a fellow Yelp friend (Lissa B.), and I was excited to try out one of her suggestions! We sat outside (thank goodness for the actual nice weather, as I am totally not a sun person, but I loved the large shades and no attack-age from any insects/birds), which was a nice change from dining indoors. The menu offers appetizers (edamame, dumplings, chicken, calamari, etc.), soups, salads, bento boxes, noodles, and soups. We ordered the following: Chicken & Pork Dumpling (nicely and crisply fried with a pineapple star anise sauce with chive oil - the dumplings themselves were actually pretty solid, and it was an interesting mix of flavors from the tangy and sweet pineapple sauce it was sitting in); and, a 'Seoul' Train Roll (very cute name; a maki roll with a Korean sauce (bibimbop sauce), tuna, kimchi, kalware, and scallion - I didn't taste the kimchi, and the tuna itself was okay; the maki itself was more dressed with the bibimbop sauce). For our entrees, we had the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box (this came with miso soup (that was okay), fresh California rolls (great avocado), house salad, fried shrimp shumai (I was actually impressed with these as I am usually not a fan of shumai; slightly crispy exterior with a nice mound of shrimp inside), and portobello-green beans (loved the fresh mushrooms, green beans, as well as the salty carved cheese). Lissa pointed out that the DC does not have this particular meat as part of their bento box selections, which I found quite odd and interesting. The tenderloin was cooked nicely, as it was very juicy and flavorful - they were set on top of mashed potatoes. It was a nice meal, and I suggest in ordering Chicken & Pork Dumplings as an appetizer and ordering the Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box as your meal. I am glad I was able to check this place out! :D +Beef Tenderloin Tataki bento box
(3)Janet L.
The first thing I felt when I was ushered to my table was how crowded some of the seating is. If you are looking to come here to have some sort of semi-private dinner conversation with your friend, this isn't the place! But aside from that, the food was a-okay... a bit on the pricier side of things. I ordered from the special menu, the 6 piece nigiri sushi combo and a miso soup. The fish was alright.. miso soup was also standard. Their dessert menu is also delicious. The staff was really friendly; our waitress took the time explain everything on the menu to us. Close to metro, plenty of street and garage parking nearby.
(3)Robert H.
The service was very friendly and I give them points for that, but the sushi (which is the most important part) was decidedly average in my humble opinion. For $80+ I expected more and I was a little disappointed.
(3)Linda O.
I did not have a positive experience here. The tables are close together and it seemed like I could hear everyone else but my dining companion. The service was slow; the food was so so. The hot dishes that we ordered had cooled off considerably before they were presented. And, I had a green salad, a mesclun mix to be exact, that was truly slimy--should not have been served to me. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the bus boys I encountered, everyone had their eyes on the ground and seemed hopelessly lost in their work. Hard to get someone's attention, so just gave up on the whole meal. Not a happy place to be or eat. For the prices they are asking--I expected more.
(2)Esther Y.
I think Raku has some good entrees and sushi. I would still rather go to yuraku in Germantown for just sushi, but if you want an assortment, this place has a great variety. It's situated right by mussel bar off woodmont ave. parking is available on the street or in the garage (meter parking). My go-to meal is the red curry udon noodles. You can choose to add veggies, chicken, beef, shrimp or seafood variety. It's comes in a large bowl and its good for sharing. Just ask for an extra bowl. Their sushi is good. I've tried some and it's s hit or miss. Their appetizers are appropriately sized for two people. I liked the dumplings and shrimp rolls. I think some of their things are over priced, but then again they are located in downtown Bethesda. The seating is crowded and you may most likely end up waiting and being crammed right next to another party who can hear all of your conversation. But they do the best they can for a small place. I think this place is perfect for a casual date night or going out with a few friends for sushi and drinks. I definitely wouldn't take a big group (4 or more) there. There's just not that much space. Expect to pay at least $15+ a person for food and drinks.
(3)Kate B.
Horrible food poisoning from Raku. Just finishing two hours of horrible vomiting etc from lunch today. I've eaten there countless times, but I will never go back again.
(1)Colleen G.
Stopped in to Raku for lunch. It was busy and I was alone so I sat at the bar which was fine by me. I was quickly brought a water and my order was taken, the deluxe bento box. My miso soup arrived fast, my meal... Did not. About 28 minutes after I finished my miso the waitress rushed over with an order of edamame apologizing for the wait. This was a nice gesture but would have made more of an impact about 15 minutes earlier. Approx 1 minute later my actual meal arrived. Everything was tasty it was just quite the wait for a lunch time meal. If you have a short lunch break I wouldn't suggest it.
(3)Ahmed M.
The problem with this place is the service, it is so slow. Food is okay but not the best. You can find much better Sushi for the same price. I cannot recommend the place.
(2)Chris K.
I really don't understand the popularity. It was passable food, and just barely. Very small portions of mediocre sushi and very large portions of substandard junk in a bento box. There was nothing I would order again. Service was a little slow too.
(1)Andrew W.
A decent place that seemed a bit overrated. There is no parking. The food here is a pricey and the rolls are small and seemed to be constructed with a haphazard manner. Upon looking around the store paint was chipping off, utensils were still dirty, the placement matt was broken and I never got a refill on water. The popularity of this place is most likely atttorbuted from its location. Sadly, this place is a total let down.
(2)Casey K.
Really enjoyed the food! Service was terrible, the restaurant is very cramped, while suffering from being terribly laid out on top of the seating not being that comfortable. HOWEVER, the food more than made up for it. I had the coconut red curry noodle bowl originally ordered with udon noodles. Our waitress came back to inform me they were out of the udon noodles so I picked soba noodles. Did not mind the noodle change at all considering the bowl of deliciousness that appeared before me. It was huge, so much so that I took it home and had a hearty helping for lunch the next day. I would order this again hands down and have been craving it since. The taste and texture of the tofu was so spectacular. I had a couple dumplings to start with, which were great as well and a perfect palette primer, they are fried. I can't wait to go back, that noodle bowl is calling my name.
(4)AL K.
3.5 stars. Off the bat I gotta say that the bench type of seating is very uncomfortable. The pads were all flat not providing any cushion at all plus its so narrow making it difficult to scoot over if someone has to use the rest room. The bento boxes are blah. The ala carte sashimi are fresh but the cuts are tiny, nigiri is fresh and yum. SErvice is great....A bit on the pricey side.
(3)Michelle N.
Sushi was mediocre, but their curry udon was delicious! The broth itself was great, but the udon and different sea foods made the dish come together perfectly!
(4)Cristina K.
Amazing sushi. No reservations but quick turnaround. They have uni. Noodle soups are huge so be prepared to take home or just have the soup. Staff is nice and accommodating. Wine selection is outstanding. Ambience is cool. With the ceiling decked out with oversized upside down geisha like umbrellas, sleek modern booths and a cool sushi bar, this place is both great for family and a couple wanting to go out for a date. Highly recommend the uni with quail egg, Seoul roll, double salmon roll, and deluxe spicy tuna roll. Both noodle soups are also out of this world.
(5)Gretchen K.
Raku is our 'go to' restaurant in downtown Bethesda.. It's consistently excellent...wonderfully fresh sushi, but you can also get a full meal if you're not a sushi lover.. Watch their 'specials' for some creative choices. Great selection of wines and their plum wine sangria is a real treat.
(5)Sioux T.
Greà t sushi variety. Service takes a very long time. We waited 50 minutes for our simple entree order to arrive.
(2)Angel W.
I visited Raku with two friends so I am rating the experience collectively as 4 stars. Seating is extremely limited at Raku. To put it in perspective, the kitchen is the same size as the dining area. I am surprised we were able to get seating at 5pm without a reservation (Raku closes and then re-opens at 5pm). I recommend reservations on a Friday or weekend. One of my friends is gluten-free and Raku is easily able to accommodate dietary restrictions; however they discontinued several of their gluten-free items but have yet to remove those items from the menu. We started out with edamame. It's the best edamame I've ever had. The pods were perfectly salted and the beans were flavorful and fresh. For dinner, one of my friends had the Deluxe Spicy Tuna sushi with tuna, jalapeno, sriracha, ginger, avocado, cilantro, tempura flake, spicy mayo, and scallion. He said it was the best sushi combo ever. But he also equated the experience to eating at Krispy Kreme - the first bite is outta this world and it goes downhill from there. He also had the Philly Roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber, shisho herb, and lemon caper sauce. This roll also comes highly recommended. My other friend is gluten-free and had the Mesclun & Herbs salad but substituted the dressing for mustard vinaigrette that is gluten free. The salad comes with kaiware sprouts, red onion, crispy ginger and cilantro. I also had the same salad but with miso dressing. I thought the salad was decent. My friend also had the Salmon Roll which was fresh and appetizing. I had the Veggie Futomaki with spinach, avocado, cucumber, kaiware, shitake, inari, asparagus, and lemon basil sauce. Next time I will just stick with a regular avocado roll. The lemon basil sauce was a nice touch. Prices are very reasonable with many rolls priced at approximately $8, and even lower prices are offered at lunch. Raku's website menu is not inclusive of all of their offerings. Don't click on the lunch and dinner menu, instead click on the printable menu to view the full menu. Service was decent. The server was in training and did a fine job. The seats are bench-style and my one complaint is that the person seated behind me was sharing the same bench and he bounced around and it caused my seat to move like a see-saw. Note: the location is on Woodmont Ave but with the construction I had a hard time with my navigation. Raku is located across from Cosi and Jaleo and next to Mussel Bar.
(4)Maggie Maria T.
I always go for their Tokyo dashi broth with udon noodles and beef which is so filling and delicious!! I'm sure that the rest of the menu is as good as their soups but after having all this broth honestly I can't even order dessert because it's that filling! The only thing I don't really like about this restaurant is their seating, so if you're looking for an intimate date or conversation you should not consider this place since the tables are so close. There are booth tables available as well, but these are exclusively for bigger parties 3+.
(5)Marc P.
The sushi here is as good as it gets...their other food is great too...if you want a great place in Bethesda, MD; this is the place to go. I highly recommend Raku....
(5)Georgina S.
Rain or snow, we thank Raku for their consistent great food and service. Millie does an awesome job seating people based on their request (booth for two) and serving portions are just right! There has been a recent change of servers but the new ones are just as good or better! Great job and keep it going...
(5)Stephen M.
The line out the door doesn't lie: this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area (although, to be truthful, the competition is not that stiff). Raku is a sure bet for a date or taking out colleagues--the menu is extensive enough that it suits all tastes, and it's hard to find a poorly prepared dish on the menu. Going late night for a small bite or heading there at dinnertime for a multi-course (and multi-hour) dinner, this place has it covered. Outside sitting area is very cramped, far beyond "cozy" or "intimate," and a just a few inches away from Bethesda drivers trying to park their oversized SUVs. Suggest getting a table inside, even though it tends to be loud. Small quips aside, Raku is among the best places in Bethesda. Will def return.
(4)B L.
Great food...very nice preparation and presentation...prices are very reasonable for the selections and quality...
(4)Bunk O.
I got the corn soup (on their special menu) and one of the vegetarian rolls. The sushi was good, especially the green mint based sauce that came with it. The sweet corn soup was honestly one of the worst things I've tasted. I couldn't even take more than 5 sips of it! It was soo sweet, like they had added sugar. It hurt my teeth as I tried to eat it. A good waitress would have recognized my almost untouched dish and asked if everything was okay. But she just took it away. We also had to flag her down to take our credit cards for payment as we had been waiting for 20 minutes to get her attention. The restaurant was not super busy. I don't think I would recommend this place for vegetarians and definitely not that corn soup!
(2)Marivic L.
This place is my fave place, so far, for sushi in Bethesda. The staff is helpful, the sushi and drinks are on point, and the atmosphere is fun and modern. Everyone from families to people on dates come here, and we're all ready and willing to wait during regular meal hours. If you're smart, you'll go earlier or later - and I just opt to sit at the bar often. I actually prefer it over the table seating.
(4)Kay H.
Raku is consistently busy -- it's not uncommon to see a line of people waiting for a table. That said, if you are in good company, you won't mind the wait. You will LOVE Raku for being hip, crowded, and feeling so alive with people in a great neighborhood. Allow time to eat, talk, and enjoy for the best experience. I recommend Raku when there is no rush for getting in and out. The staff are attentive and helpful as can be expected given the restaurant is consistently busy. I also request a booth which less crowded than the tables.
(4)Paloma B.
I use to come for the sushi until i had the thai curry bouillabaisse and since then that is all i get! A MUST!!
(5)Le L.
I tried their bento box and it was so cute. I always wanted to have a bento box with different food in it. I got the salmon teriyaki. The flavor was okay but it was a little salty. I didn't like the fact that they put too much sauce under the salmon and made it so salty and I couldn't just eat it by itself. Overall it was good beside the sauce.
(4)Anthony C.
Raku is a great place to eat. It is always packed and reservations are needed for any night 6 to 9 pm. It is small and the seating is tight but the food is outstanding. Good sushi, and their udon noodle soup is amazing. Their offerings are unique, but not so much as to fall into the chasm of becoming a foodie-place. It is well thought out, with fresh ingreedents and well worth the price of admission.
(4)Hilda K.
Tables are close, too close. Food did not do anything for me neither did the sake martinis I had. Service was good though - we had a very attentive waitress. Will not return willingly
(3)Dan F.
Went with a group of eight to Raku on a Friday evening. The restaurant was very busy, and even though we had reservations, we had to wait a bit. If you go with a group, don't go with more than six people. The restaurant is small, and we had a table added on to our booth to accommodate, leaving little room for staff and customers to walk by. Definitely make reservations for the weekend, preferably in advance. Raku offers a variety of sushi, which I am not a fan of, but everyone in my group seemed to really enjoy their meals. Raku has non-sushi offerings as well. I enjoyed my crispy chicken appetizer and the duck entree, both were prepared well and plentiful. I would go again, but not with such a large group.
(3)M B.
Great sushi quality, great service, lots of selections, and they are very attentive regarding adjustments to orders.
(4)Sabrina H.
I am a super fan of Japanese food having lived there for the past two years. Being back on US soil I have had some difficulties finding authentic Japanese chefs that prepare the dishes the way they do back east. Coming in at lunch time when its kind of busy isn't too bad per say, but be prepared for a bit of crunchy attitude from the spicy waitresses. To be fair, I ordered a dish that included shrimp and imitation crab, when I realized that I made sure the waitress knew I did not want shell fish and that I had an allergy. First round, my plate comes over and there is a beautiful shrimp and imitation crab in my California roll looking up at me. I smile and explain I asked for no shell fish, Madame spicy with the spikey red hair assisted him in correcting. Round two, my plate came back with the imitation crab still on it, I smiled again and explained that although the crab is imitation, I can not eat it. This lady argued with me. Big no no in my book, but I kept smiling and apologized that I hadn't been more clear before. Next thing I know another waitress is replacing her and asking what else I might like instead. Wow. I'm happy to say that the food was good and I enjoyed the atmosphere, but I can do without the rudeness. Definitely ate up more of my lunch hour than necessary. Just saying.
(3)Monica S.
I have been here a couple of times now. The food is very good but the service is not always up to par. I understand that they can get very busy. That being said if I feel a need for a sushi fix and I can't make it to Dupont I will come here for sure. I really like that they have outdoor seating when the weather is nice. I have ate at the bar, outside and at a table. I would have to say eating at the table is where I got the best service. Even eating at the bar I still had to ask the bartender for my check even though my plate had been cleared for quite some time. I also had to ask for refills on my water, even with my glass being in clear sight of the bartender. Will I come back, why yes I would. Would I recommend it, yes but having had better I would suggest other places first!
(3)Caroline B.
My friends and I love Raku because of the great food and great prices. Service always sucks, servers don't speak good English and they are slow. But once they put your food in the system, the food will come fast! Everything on the menu tastes good. My favorites are - Tofu salad - soft shell crab roll- shrimp udon and all the spice rolls! Summer months are perfect here since you can sit outside and enjoy the weather !
(4)Sameer A.
Had dinner at Raku late Saturday night. Was packed. Clearly business is good !! The California rolls were average as was the coconut curry noodle soup. The most disappointing was the time it took for them to serve us. And the rather unwelcome waitress. I have seen them do better in the past. For business to stay good they need to fix a couple of things.
(3)Karen S.
I ordered vegan corn chowder, a soft shell crab roll and a grilled salmon harasu roll. The chowder was just veggies in water. I liked the touch of putting a bit of pesto on it, but i thought a chowder was supposed to be creamy. You can make a vegan soup creamy-- blend some corn up! It just seemed misleading. The soft shell crab roll was very bland and for $8.50 the five pieces didn't contain much crab at all. Whatever sauce it came with didn't taste like anything and the roll kind of fell apart when i dipped it in soy sauce. The salmon had a nice smoky flavor and crispy skin but was definitely overcooked and dry. I also got a california roll and spicy tuna roll to go and those were no better than College Park sushi... which is sad. I've been to Raku once before, in its Dupont location, and I did like the ginger pumpkin soup I got that time. Service was good. I came early and waited for my friends for around half an hour, and the wait staff didn't bother me as I waited and took up a table, even as they started to get busy. Our water could have been refilled more, but that's my only complaint. The waitress split our bills up by person (there were four of us), which was really nice. There are better restaurants in Bethesda!
(2)Gerry B.
On a Monday night, the place was packed, so definitely popular, and they seem to be trying, but the place is so cramped that if you are sitting near an aisle, you're going to have someones a** in your face if they are trying to get by a waiter or another patron. If the food was worth it, I'd be happy to accept it as part of the "atmosphere" but the food seemed rushed, not a lot of flavor and even the salmon sashimi was meh, didn't taste bad, but just kind of there. No kids menu, but they were able to bring a grilled chicken breast for our 3 year old and the waiter was very good engaging with him. May try it again, but it seems pricey for the quality, they charged for milk refills for our son which I've never had happen.
(2)Sarah P.
My rating of 3 stars has to do with several issues - the prices are high for the size and quantity of sushi you get, the restaurant is loud, and the fish was so-so. Coming from New York and New Jersey, I'm not impressed. Though for DC standards, this place is fine, the thought of spending 50% more and getting half as much nagiri sushi that is less in quality is difficult to stomach. My personal experience with the service was great though. And having no reservations, my party and I were able to sit right down at the sushi bar. All in all, if I get a craving, I'll probably come back, but there is much improvement that could be made!
(3)Dan M.
Great great time here. We had a maki-fest, going with four choices that filled up our hearts and stomachs with endless joy: We had the aspara-avo-q roll, crunchy tuna, red dragon roll, and volcano roll. Not a one disappointed. They were served up in a beautiful assortment, all tasted as fresh as you could ever hope for. Honestly, I think you could get any random mix of sushi and be pleased. The list they have available is long, and you'll find something fun and delicious you haven't had elsewhere. The bar also had Van Gogh's double espresso vodka - we could see the dark brown vodka smiling at us from across the room, standing out amongst the cookie cutter bottles (i.e. the ones not adorned by a master painting from a renowned artist), but neither our waitress, or surprisingly, the bartender himself, knew what it was. I had to get up and point to the bottle before they got it. Nevertheless, the drinks were delicious and well worth the hassle. This aside, the service was great. The only downside is the way they pack you in tighter than the poor tuna we devoured so quickly. Seriously, there is no more than 2 inches between the tables. My date had to have people at two different tables stand up for a moment just to get into the "inside" seat, the one with another diner sitting immediately behind you (I took the outside seat like a champ). Very uncomfortable setup. Also, for the guys, be aware of the bathroom situation. Apparently, the men's room door has trouble staying unlocked, and the staff frequently has to jimmy it open with a knife. I stood there doing my pee-pee dance for a good five minutes wondering what was going on in the bathroom before someone saw me and opened it. While she went to work on the lock, I couldn't help but stare nervously at my date (who was waiting for the women's at the same time) at the thought that we were about to bust open the door on a poor, unsuspecting bathroom-goer. Thankfully, disaster was averted, I did my thing, and we went on our way. It was a nice date, and we'll definitely be back.
(4)Deejai B.
HIGHLY-westernized Japanese food at a solid value, especially for Bethesda! Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon with some friends. I ordered a glass of wine (yes, that's how we roll, no pun intended) and an unagi (eel) bento box. My friends also got bento boxes, one veggie and one got salmon. All of them came with miso soup, green salad, some variety of sushi roll, rice, tempura, and the main course. Mine was delicious and at $12 or so, a real bargain! FYI, Their warm mushroom salad, though it completely tastes Italian rather than Japanese (witness the Parmesan shavings) was surprisingly delicious - truly a must try. The service was fine and the place is nice enough for a quick meal, though it's a bit on the cozy side from what I could tell (we were seated near the bathroom unfortunately). All in all, a solid choice if you happen to find yourself hungry in Bethesda.
(4)Allie I.
I love this place! The sushi is very good, however I wish the portions were a little bigger. The coconut red curry soup is outstanding! I highly recommend sharing with one or even two other people because this oversized soup bowl is nearly impossible to finish. Lots of variety of sushi and an authentic atmosphere. Definitely make reservations!
(4)John Z.
Had the Sashimi bento box. $14 for miso soup, salad, portobello mushroom green bean salad, mini wontons(?), california roll, tuna, salmon, and yellow tail sashimi. A lot of quality food for a reasonable price.
(4)Peter Y.
This place is one of my favorite places in Bethesda to eat. It has great food, and the service is excellent. I would recommend making a reservation because most evenings it gets pretty packed. Overall, I would recommend the sushi and dumpling appetizer, they are both on point.
(5)Bill S.
Raku has its pluses and minuses. Its packed tight and congested. The food is good and some of their dishes are very good, some are so so. We wen Saturday night, restaurant week special. We had no reservations, where told a half hour wait, went next door to the Mussel bar and had a beer, came back in about half an hour and where seated in five minutes. I had a grilled shrimp salad, very good, a schist (six pieces) sampler, also very good ordered a soft shell road as an extra, not very good, it had little flavor and was soggy. For the main course I had a "stake in some special sauce. I asked for medium well, it was under-cooked but OK. I should have sent it back but service was a little slow. Phyllis got the Banzini which is her favorite. She said it used to be better. All in all Raku is Raku. I rather go to a less pretentious sushi joint, especially for the price. Its OK but I think overrated.
(3)Valerie L.
This is our go-to Asian-food craving establishment (mainly because it's so close to our house.) I will be honest and say that this isn't exactly authentic Japanese/Thai/Sushi/etc HOWEVER it is delicious nonetheless. We live in Chevy Chase, and unfortunately there are only a handful (if that) of Asian restaurants within walking distance (other than Sushi-ko, which is OK.) For this reason, the closest alternative to walking is a short drive to Bethesda Row for our sushi/udon/octopus fix. The ambiance is beautiful, despite the cramming of several tables in such a confined space. The service is ALWAYS accomodating and friendly and food is yummy. As I previously stated, definitely don't make the trip here if you are seeking authentic sushi or Japanese dishes as most of their dishes have been modified to suit American palettes, but they have done a great job in doing so. They're noodle soups are super flavorful (the Red Curry with Udon noodles are our favorite) and their sushi rolls are equally as tasty (even if the "special BBQ Sauce" isn't exactly a specialty found across the Pacific.) Their very generaous portion of their Fruits de Mer appetizer with various seafood in a citrus-u/vinegar-y sauce is also super yummy. In short, your trip here will be an overall positive one long as you leave your pre-judgements at home regarding authenticity, and don't mind being slightly crammed into close quarters. Just keep an open mind and your tastebuds will be be happy :)
(4)Lucy X.
This is an overdue review but I came here with a friend about a month and a half ago for Bethesda restaurant week. The restaurant week menu was just okay I'd say, kind of disappointing they didn't at least have their pumpkin soup on there, but it did have a decent variety of choices from Japanese to American style dishes. Other than the assortment of nigiri, which was by far the worst!--dry and NOT FRESH, the salmon tartare, NY strip, and baked apple dessert were all pretty good. An overall satisfying dinner, though I'd come here again just to try their pumpkin soup, and get it with one of their steaks, which, according to this nice old couple who were seated next to us (who told us they were frequentters of Raku), 'go absolutely perfect together'.
(4)Maria S.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bethesda! I used to work right down the street from Raku and would frequent the place! Thinking about their food makes my water water! The Good ~Food is amazing! Gazpacho in the summer, pumpkin-ginger soup in the fall....AMAZING Udon in curry....really great sushi. I can go on and on, the veggie bento box, the garden rolls....yyyuuummmy The ginger sorbet is one of my all time favorites!! What could be better ~Can get crowded between 5:30pm and 7:30pm and place is small ~It's a pricey, but sooo worth the taste! If I give it 5 stars
(5)Derek W.
Really good sushi. Always crowded. We almost always get take out.
(5)Alan V.
I'm a fan of good food and large portions. The Raku Deluxe udon noodle met the latter but not the former. The noodle dish has plenty of chicken, beef, and a couple tempura shrimps. The shrimp was the best part. However, the broth, which is the most important part of this dish, is rather bland. It tasted like it was vegetable broth, which makes business sense for making it versatile for vegetarian dishes, but it was quite bland without the meat flavor. On a positive note, the outside seating was quite nice and the bathroom sink was certainly unique.
(3)Jessica A.
The service was great, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and y'know what...I even liked the miso soup. Quite a bit, actually. I love sushi. I mean LOVE sushi. And so after seeing the reviews, I really was excited. I was disappointed. The sushi left much to be desired. I wasn't a fan of the philly roll, the cilantro kind of threw me off and the after taste was just not my cup of tea. I did enjoy the spicy crunchy avocado roll - that was different and delicious. spicy crunchy tuna and shrimp tempura were also quite good, as was the volcano roll (kind of) - not the best I've had, but decent enough after some holiday shopping right next door. I probably won't be back.
(2)Tim R.
Had lunch. Rude waitress and hostess. The food is ok here and other visits have been better so maybe it was just a bad day for them.
(2)Ack A.
Had Raku for lunch today with a friend, and I'll say that it is the most consistently good sushi in Bethesda. The service is good. But more important, the food is always fresh. We had about 6 different rolls -- everything from spicy tuna to Seoul Train to Double Salmon -- and all were excellent. The sushi is very very good. Don't expect to be blown away, but it's highly unlikely that you will be disappointed.
(4)Fred V.
Fantastic Sushi; great service; great location I had a spicy tuna crunch roll; a spider roll; a tuna tar tar and a few other standard fare sushi items, during a business lunch there it was perfect - ambiance, food, company. They are happy to custom make or alter your order. the freshness and quality of the food is obvious and the service is quick - keeping a lunch meeting right on pace.
(4)Jessica P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda...and I grew up here, so that's saying something! I pretty much always get the same thing: Raku Roll (eel and avacado) and Crunchy Shrimp with a seaweed salad. The crunchy shrimp roll is what got me and my best friend hooked and kept us coming back! I can never resist it! Also, the poached pear in caramel sauce is far and away one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life. If you're not into sushi, there's a huge variety of bento boxes, soups, noodle and fish dishes to try. For me, I just figure why fix something that's not broken haha...Crunchy Shrimp roll will make me happy every time. The service is also very reliable...and the staff must be fairly happy working there because there are at least three waiters/waitresses who have been there since it opened a number of years ago. Really great place, the only drawback is that it gets crowded because it's so popular and delicious. If you're a party of two, you can usually get seated pretty quickly, but don't try to walk up with a four or six person party on a Friday night and expect to get a table in under 30 minutes.
(5)Jennifer T.
Raku has been hands down our favorite restaurant, for years! The staff is very accommodating (esp. of children) and helpful. If you have to wait much at your table, it's pretty unusual. We love the cha-mame, (edamame), nigiri of all kinds, ginger pumpkin soup, dumpling soup and the large soup bowls. Everyone loves the summer roll. They have some non "asian" type meals for those who don't do Asian - a nice steak with heavenly mashed potatoes a lobster and salmon among other things. Mostly, though, even better than the food is the fun and happy ambiance. If you're not happy there... you're not happy anywhere.
(5)Leslie M.
Love this place! It's pretty much always crowded and you are on top of other diners but the foord is awesome. I always get the Roasted Mushroom Asparagus appetizer and the Crunch Tuna Cilantro Roll.
(4)Ryan B.
The sushi is really good and you can never go wrong here. The only thing I don't like about this place is due to the spacing, it gets too cramped when there is a full room.
(4)Sasha R.
shopping and desperate for some lunchtime eats, we stumbled in here. at 1p on a weekday, it was PACKED. figuring this many people knew something special, we waited the 10 minutes for a bar seat. not sure if it was worth it. the sushi special ($28!) had fresh buttery uni, salmon and yellowtail, which, as my faves, was worth the wait, if not the price. weirdly the salmon and yellowtail belly (?) had been seared on one side, making the texture oddly dry and cardboard-like. the cornbread calamari was perfectly fried. I KNOW why get the calamari at a japanese place, but it's a good thing we did. because the veggie & tofu noodles was completely tasteless. HUGE portion, but the broth was completely devoid of flavor.
(3)Brandon L.
The first time I came here was the exact moment I discovered that I had a food allergy. Only a bit too late x). Still, I managed to finish the dish before I was rushed to Suburban haha! The strength of Raku is in it's consistency to deliver quality fusion cuisine. Fish is as fresh as you'll get in Bethesda, meat entrees are always cooked exactly the way you request, and the presentation of the sushi dishes is always creative (hello #instagram) Dishes you must try on your visit: 1. Salmon Carpaccio (my favorite) 2. Red Dragon Roll 3. Uni (Sea Urchin-FRESH) 4. Tako (Octopus) 5. Ikura (Salmon Roe. Reminds me of Nemo's siblings-probably not the most agreeable image) They are very busy on Fridays and Weekends from 6:00-9:30. Reservations can't be made during this prime time so allot at least 30 minutes wait time prior to seating. The atmosphere is tumultuous and energetic, the patrons are either entire families or adults pushing their 30s/40, and if you're a party of two, the seating is an intimate experience of personal space-bubble sharing. For those couples out there, it's a great place to have a date. There's enough background noise to keep those awkward silences at bay (if you're not much of a conversationalist) and yet it's easy enough to talk over. The waiters/waitresses are amiable and willing to help advise you (ask, they know what's good on the menu!) and since it's an older crowd, many will probably manage a smiling glance at you two, reminded of their former days of youthful unabashed love. Have fun!
(5)Muriel H.
This restaurant was good. Not the best sushi i have had but definitely a cool spot for a late dinner date. When my fiance and I went it was super busy so we had to wait a while for a table. Typical downtown Bethesda sushi spot. We had the white wine sangria which was pretty darn good and the Butterfly Prawn was our appetizer. Also pretty good. The sushi was delish but, I expected a little bit more pizzazz..I think people like this place more because of the trendy setting rather than the food.
(3)Maria F.
Love this place and go there quiet often with my folks. Fresh, delioscious sushi , my favorite appetezire in the world salmon and apple carpaccio to dye for, try out salmon toro nigiry and the crunchy spice salmon. Passionate fruit lemonade is just perfect. Tel lme where else you can get a huge ( at least for me and I am sure for any other person with modest appetite) bento box + miso ( usually I get sashimi bento box) for $14??? Highly recommend this place
(5)Melanie A.
SO GREAT! The staff is friendly and seems to remember you - or at least are really friendly to newbies and regulars. I always get the Chicken Udon Soup, which is heavenly, especially on a chilly day. The sushi is great and the dishes are unique and very good. The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Great place to go with family or friends - but not too big of groups because they have few big tables.
(5)Chris R.
Went here for bethesda retaurant week. 30 bux for snow crab soup, fettuccini salmon pasta, and steak. The everything was pretty good overall, but I felt like it was too pricey even with the deal. Would rather go to Benihanas happy hour.
(3)Samuel R.
Raku Sushi in Bethesda has high quality sushi and many low-cost options! I love good sushi. But then again, I can say, "I love good (insert any type of food here)." Ms. Classy and I visited Raku in Bethesda a week before and since it was a date, we didn't break out the cameras and take notes (that really kills the date mood - as Ms. Classy informed me on a couple of occasions). However, she was out of town this weekend, so I decided to return with my notepad and camera dusted off (it HAS been a while since I've posted, hasn't it?) and ready to sit down and do some serious eating. The day was warm and I was quite hungry, so I started with a Sapporo beer. My empty stomach combined with my low alcohol tolerance gave me a nice buzzy feeling while waiting for the waiter to return for my full order. To start a sushi dinner, I like the seaweed salad or edamame. At most places, these are fairly small portions that are not meant to be shared. At Raku, the seaweed salad seems high at $7.50, but there's plenty to go around. It was a large dish, which sufficed as an appetizer for two. The edamame was nice and tender. I prefer it with a little salt, which is how it is served at some places, but not here. Oh well, nothing stopped me from adding it myself. I chose one of my favorite beers for out-door warm-weather dining, a cool and light Sopparo. I think it's one of the best drinks for a warm, sunny day. For the main course, there are two rolls worth highlighting at Raku: the Crunchy Spicy Tuna ($6) and the Wasabi Dynamite Roll ($8). The touch of cilantro in the Crunch Spicy Tuna roll, aside from the satisfying crunchy texture and the spicy zip, makes this roll a must have. The Wasabi Dynamite Roll comes with a combination of three fish (tuna, salmon, and yellowtail) with wasabi-flavored roe. It's not as spicy as the name suggests, but I really enjoyed the flavor and texture of the roe along with the cool, savory fish. For a third roll, if you like your rolls smooth, simple, and creamy, try any of the Ava-Q rolls using whichever fish you prefer. One thing I really like about sushi (besides the yumminess) is the control you have over your final bill as opposed to most other cuisines. Oh sure, you can break the bank with multiple specialty rolls, but if you choose carefully, you can have a nice meal without having to recalculate your budget. You can get a smorgasbord of simple rolls or go with one specialty roll with a simple roll on the side. Ms. Classy and I usually do the latter. If you need to watch your wallet, this is not the everyday place to hit, but it's a nice place to bring a date. You'll enjoy the quality of food and the penny-pincher inside all of us will enjoy the wide variety of rolls $6 and under. -Someone of the male gender who does not like to spend a whole lot of money on things
(4)Mark M.
Pretty good lunch place, crowded so they must be doing something right. The food was good, the table was small and uncomfortable, but that's kinda typical of the genre so no complaints. I'll go again if I come back to Bethesda.
(3)Samantha G.
I finally got to Raku-- people have been telling me to eat here since August. The wait is always too freakin' long and I can never get a reservation...but last night, I had others wait for an hour while I popped in at the last second- gotta love that! I actually don't see what all the hype is about in terms of the sushi. The couple I was with said the soup is excellent but I was already sweating (it was HOT and crowded in there) so I decided to pass on that. I ordered a Maryland California Roll (cali roll with real crab meat), some edamame and a salmon avocado roll. The salmon/avo roll was TINY and the salmon was hard. Sushi-grade salmon is supposed to be buttery-melt-in-your-mouth goodness and I could barely eat this. The Maryland California roll was decent but could have used some spice on the meat. The two rolls, edamame and a glass of wine was about $30. I'd be willing to try this place again for the other dishes people rave about (tofu lunch box, Chilean sea bass) but never again for the sushi. Matuba is right around the corner and their sushi is WAY better and cheaper. This makes me want to go back and give Matuba another star b/c I was docking them for all their other weirdness rather than the food. Anyway, if you want good, quick, no-wait sushi in Bethesda, I'd pick Matuba over Raku. Even though it doesn't have the ambiance and trendy-factor, the fish is better and that's why you go to eat sushi- right?
(2)Fay F.
You have to try the salmon green apple appetizer, really original and flavorful. I ordered the grilled ginger pork chop. And the part that amazed me wasn't the pork chop, but the vegetables came with it. There were carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, and russel sprouts. They were...AMAZING. And I generally don't like carrots and cabbage, but they had me at first bite....lol. The pork chop was grilled in a perfectly sweet+salty sauce, just a bit overcooked. The portion was good, flavor was good, and the service has always been great. I'd recommend this place.
(4)James P.
This was one of my family's favorite restaurant since they opened. I don't know if management changed, but their service is quickly diminishing. It was never great service at the restaurant, but now, servers don't seem to care. I don't know if food changed much, but when bad service is given, food always taste worse.
(2)Thuy L.
J'adore this place! The first time I went I had the waitress that looks like the costume maker from the Incredibles. (You'll know who I'm talking about.) She highly recommended the beef tataki and salmon teriyaki bento box. Both were delicious! Everything in the box is tasty. The portobello, green bean, wonton, parmesan cheese and vinaigrette salad is such a treat. I trek all the way up to Bethesda just for this food sometimes.
(4)Jessica M.
This place had the BEST edamame I've ever had! I asked our server what made them different, he said they're not regular edamame, they're chamame edamame. They have so much flavor, without tasting salty, and they don't even need soy sauce! I can't believe I'd never tried these before. I'm now on a hunt for all restaurants that serve this! The sashimi bento box I had was pretty good, and they were nice about accommodating my request for only salmon and tuna (no whitefish). The salmon was great but the tuna was just ok, mostly because it was too tough to chew. I liked all of the stuff that came in the bento, there were a bunch of things! Most of them were pretty interesting, too, not just the typical bento box selections. Not sure if the bentos are just on the lunch menu, but I was a little bummed they didn't have any less expensive lunch specials. The quality was pretty high, though, so it makes sense. I like the ambiance of this place, very classy, but the tables are basically right on top of each other (I live in NYC and deal with this everywhere, but in the 'burbs I guess I expect a bit more space!). Our server was nice but didn't make himself available unless he was needed. Waters were always refilled, plates were taken when they needed to be, overall the service was fine. I would come back here just for the edamame!
(4)Sam S.
The food here is delicious. I recommend the fruit de mer, its very well done with a great vinaigrette sauce. The sushi is very fresh and tasty with different herbs added to the fish to give it a unique taste. If you're not in the mood for Sushi, I would highly recommend the Chilean sea-bass. The service is hit or miss, and the place is packed on the weekends. I mean you are literally sitting right next to the table next to you unless you wait 30 min for a booth (which we always do). overall A+ for the food B- for the ambiance and service.
(4)Carla B.
Aside from the fact that this place is noisy and you might as well be sharing your meal with your neighboring tables, I will go to Raku from time to time. Why? Because it is simply delicious. I had the pleasure of trying their Garden Summer Roll for the first time, and let me tell you, it was heavenly. The peanut sauce, coupled with the light shrimp roll was mouth watering. The sushi, per usual, was spot on. Raku is the kind of place that I can only go every once in a while, but when I do, I am rarely disappointed with the food.
(4)Emily P.
If I'm in the mood for Japanese cuisine, this is probably one of the last places I'd go to satisfy my craving. Serving size is huge, which may be a plus for some, but I hate filling up on food that's just really not that great. On top of that, most times I've been here, its been so busy for some reason.
(2)Liv C.
Raku? More like Cracku! Seriously, I'm still not convinced the "crunch" in their crunchy spicy tuna roll isn't crack cocaine, because it is TOTALLY addicting! When I lived in Bethesda I was dining here at least twice a week, Jeremy Piven style. I love sushi but I'm picky about where I eat it because of, you know, the whole parasite thing. But it's clear Raku is a cut above the rest -- their fish is extremely fresh and the restaurant is clean. Get there early because both indoor and outdoor seating fills up FAST! My top picks: - seaweed salad (they flesh it out with mixed greens, but you can ask for all seaweed) - chicken nappa salad (has a pleasant, spicy mustard-ish kick to it) - shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer - crunchy spicy tuna roll - any of the dragon rolls (I love the red dragon, personally) - red coconut curry noodle bowl (so delicious and comforting in the winter ... but don't wear white ... slurp slurp) - Princess Bamboo sake
(5)Sarah C.
We frequent this asian diner because the location is convenient. Also the hubs enjoys having choices in sushi/sashimi locations. I tag along since I heart the boy and they offer a variety of 'warm' dishes. I strongly suggest making reservations if possible. I find it humorous how they always give me the sushi/sashimi plates instead of asking who receives what. I'm still trying to 'appreciate' the raw deals but in baby steps. I'm a fan of protein like most but my current definition of raw is 'medium rare'... not even near seared yet o_O. Hubs had tasted their Tuna Tartare and Seaweed Salad many times before his raw delights while I have sampled their Chicken and Pork Dumpling along with the Corn Meal Crusted Fried Calamari. We've had other starters/appetizers but these came to mind immediately. While the better half had his fresh picks (he's into all the raw goods), I usually chose the Pan Roast Chicken Breast or the Strip Steak Szechwan Style. I've tasted their noodle soups but honestly I don't remember which ones. The Pan Roast Chicken Breast entree is tasty for the lemony basil sauce and the two sides which are the Thai-styled sauteed egg noodles and asparagus. The sauce and asparagus are my faves in this dish. The Strip Steak Szechwan Style has a tasty mildly spicy chili flavor with potato puree (paste-like - not mashed) on the side along with green beans (haricot verts). They have a long menu with various choices that should satisfy each individual who visits this casual establishment. You will be among the crowd. Raku consistently attracts foot traffic.
(3)Jae S.
It should be called Crap-Pu not Raku... Is it just me or does Americans love Asian-Fusion cuisine?? Let me say one thing, I know Asian food... because I'm Asian. HA! Well, the fusion thing they did is pretty good, I like some of their dishes. But it;s too Americanized, I didn't get that "Asian" feel to it. You can't really mess up sushi, except if you do too much with it, and they did a lot of garnishing and "poof" on their sushi. Sushi = rice, fish. Service is not the fastest, it barely made my cut of "acceptable". One thing I did not like is that the tables are too close together. If I wanted to have dinner with some strangers I would have gone to a bar. 3 stars from me. Thanks!
(2)Anita C.
Came here for a lunch date yesterday, and had mixed reviews. We were seated quickly as a party of 2 at 12:30pm on a Friday, so it wasn't a bad wait. We ordered two items: 1) Tokyo broth with egg noodles and chicken (~$8.50) A customizable noodle soup dish. The chicken-based broth was a bit bland, but I added the seasoning on the side to spice it up a bit. The chicken was nice and flavorful, and the egg noodles well-cooked. TIP: you can ask to split the bowl into two if you're sharing, and you still get nice, evenly-sized portions. Options: Protein - chicken, shrimp tempura, beef, or tofu & veggies Noodles - egg, sobu, or udon Broth - Tokyo (chicken-based) or the red coconut curry 2) Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki ($11.95) I didn't enjoy this meal. True, it comes with huge portions: lots of chicken teriyaki, portobello beans, fried shrimp shumai, house salad, miso soup, and California rolls. The California rolls were dry and unflavorful. The chicken was extremely dry and tough to chew. The dressing on the house salad was just A-OK. Overall, I might come back for the noodle soup, which I did enjoy. If you're looking for large lunch portions are an OK price, you should come to Raku-An. The restaurant has a nice, easy ambiance. I wouldn't return for dinner - the bento boxes are +$5 more expensive and the food not enough to warrant it.
(3)john c.
Excellent all the way around! I go here for sushi when im at my place in Bethesda, Sushi is as fresh as can be and if you sit at the bar they will make you "special" rolls :) I like my spicy tuna roll special topped with cobia. you would be a fool to overlook their full menu as well, I had roasted branzino (whole fish)the other night and it was awesome and i think an excellent value. As for the long lines, they are there for a reason (the food is good) As far a service goes, look this place is like eating in Manhattan. Its a busy place that has an excellent quality of food and the dishes are very nice to look at. Dont come here thinking you will be pampered because you wont, but they will serve you with a smile. You are paying 2 star prices for 5 star food so get over your self and come eat good sushi at a cheep price. and yes it is cheep for what you get. Banzai!!
(4)Hayes W.
If you like grocery store sushi, this is the place for you. Let me give you the run-down: Arrived on time for our reservation (myself and girlfriend) and were seated within 8 inches of another table. This was not a huge deal, until more people showed up. Throughout our whole meal we felt like we were intruding on other people's conversation and vice versa. We ordered drinks, A beer (sapporo) and a "vodka/sake" martini. If that 9 dollar martini had vodka in it then I need to go to the doctor and have my tastebuds tested, because it was honestly the most underpoured martini I've ever tasted. We had to wave on our waitress EVERY TIME we needed drink refills, check, etc. She never once came over on her own free will. Now to the food: We ordered 4 different plates, around 30 rolls varying in style. I can honestly say, after living all over the country, that I have never payed so much for such crap sushi. I honestly feel like I could have gone to Giant grocery store down the road and gotten better sushi. It was plain, boring, unoriginal in presentation, and just all around blah. After paying our 51.05 for our below average dinner, and waving over our waitress for the umpteenth time, we payed and left. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone, and I will be telling everyone I know in Bethesda to avoid at all costs. Step your game up, this place sucks!!
(1)Amanda D.
I just want to say that the entrance to this place is really badly designed. The hostess both is hidden and it says to wait to be seated at the bar. But there isn't anyone that pays attention to you enough to be seated. Anyways, I heard about this place and decided to go on a warm day, of course the wait was 30+ min for outdoor seating. We came back later and asked if they had any seating. We waited another 10 minutes and were finally seated. Ordered some sushi, and it was okay. I don't consider myself an expert, but been around to enough sushi bars to know what tastes good and was is mediocre. And the salmon sushi I had was mediocre. My friend's rolls fell apart before she even got it to her mouth. Sushi is okay, service is alright. Would I come back here? Probably not.
(2)Christiane V.
raku is my favorite restaurant in the bethesda row area. i love eating at raku for lunch outside on a nice day. the food and service are consistent. my favorite items on the menu are the beef tenderloin bento box (only served during lunch), seaweed salad, healthy tofu salad, chicken and pork dumplings, and the udon. the udon is really big. if you ask to split it, they will do it for you at no additional charge. the sushi is not the best i've had but there are a few specialty rolls that i like to order once in a while. my only complaint is the same as everyone else's. if you come as a party of two they tend to cram you inside the restaurant really close to your neighbor. in the winter it tends to get a little smoky inside too. i recommend coming right when they open for lunch and if you come for dinner, expect a wait. it is a popular spot.
(4)Katie P.
Great place for rolls and different fusion-type asian cuisine. Would not recommend for those who want traditional type sushi and sashimi... I loved the crunchy spicy tuna roll and Seoul train roll. I love spicy rolls, so they really hit the spot. The sushi was ok. I've had better ones, but I loved their creativity and uniqueness. The noodle entree we tried wasn't that great. It was tempura with chicken...The soup was too salty, and didn't have much flavor to it other than soy. There were so many other interesting items on the menu I wanted to try...will definitely go back and try others!
(4)Regina P.
Their steak appetizer is incredible!! It's got a hint of sweetness that compliments the saltiness of the steak perfectly! The tofu salad is OK. The sushi isn't bad. A nice place for a more upscale datenight but definitely not the best sushi in town.
(3)hoot k.
i'm sorry - will never go to this place ever again! arrived for an early dinner on a sat.. and just everything was a complete disappointment! honestly i was so disappointed in this place.. i'm not even sure how this place has the positive review that it does! ordered some plates.. which looked like someone threw up on (will upload photo)... a few rolls.. which i believe my 8 yr niece could do a better job.. just a joke of a place.. almost was embarrassed for them.. in MoCo.. if it's not yuraku, dont' even bother! bethesda is trying but overall food is not up to par.. if you want sushi.. save your $$ and go to whole foods or even harris teeter.
(1)Josh S.
Got a bento box. Each little square contained a culinary concoction of unequaled quality. It ain't cheap, but worth it for a nice dinner out.
(5)Amy S.
EXCELLENT food. Almost impossible to get a table w/out a reservation. Not to be confused w/the Raku in Dupont Circle area. They are not related and the Bethesda restaurant is the tops. Love the healthy tofu salad.
(4)Mr. L.
Lunch on a Saturday is crazy. The wait time is long but the food was worth it. I can't say it's the best sushi in the area, but it's not too bad. My family mainly ordered sushi. It's quite fresh.. Portion is a little small but adequate, I guess, for lunch. My kids always enjoyed the fried calamari - bite size, hot and crispy. Services can be improved but it's hard during peak lunch hours.
(4)Martin B.
I thought that this place was great! It was a cold day today, and in the aftermath of the Snowstorm of 2010 the girlfriend and I needed a good place to eat. After passing by this place for many, many years I decided to give it a shot. The first thing we noticed was that it was really packed. I mean, yeah a lot of schools and local (and the federal) governments were closed, but for 1:40PM on a Monday there was a lot of business. Generally a good sign. After about a minute or two we were promptly seated. The menu is pretty extensive, but its main focus is a variety of sushi. My girlfriend and I each ordered a dish of crispy sushi. This is basically sushi with what appeared to be basically tempura in it. She got the eel, I got the spicy salmon. Both rolls were great, although I was more partial to the salmon. There was just enough of the crispy stuff in there to give it some crunch without overpowering the flavors of the salmon, which was delicious. But oh no! It turns out that big guys like myself can't be satisfied with just six pieces of sushi! So I decided to split an order of soup with my girlfriend. This was the Tokyo broth soup, with chicken and udon noodles. What's great is that they serve the soup in two bowls; it's definitely something you want to split with another person. The noodles were thick and tasty, but they could have given you more (I'm a noodle fiend). The chicken was great quality, and the vegetables were also nice complements to the meat. And the broth was just fantastic; I was slurping it up long after my stomach was saying "NO MORE, NO MORE." And all of this meal ran only $23 bucks or so. It's now nearly five hours since we ate, and I'm not hungry at all (which is very rare for me). Congratulations Raku, you've just found yourself two very loyal customers.
(5)Christine A.
Atmosphere: 3.5 stars There's nothing really fancy about the interior. Nice lighting. You can carry conversation at normal speaking volume. Some of the upholstery needs repair. Most weekday evenings finds Raku bustling. Regardless, the place has a good vibe. Service: 3 stars Some days, the service is on point. Other days, it takes a little while to get the attention of the wait staff. But it's not horrible. Food: 4 stars Consistently fresh, quality ingredients. That's crucial for good sushi/rolls. If they had some more creative rolls, they'd get a 5 out of me. Their pumpkin-ginger soup is delicious.
(4)Billy M.
come here all the time, sushi is very fresh and delicious
(4)Trevor M.
If it were only an Asian Diner...then I can get yaki soba or takoyaki After several tries coming here...All that I can really say...is that it is moderately acceptable. Came here on my final time for a late lunch on Monday. It was crowded due to the Labor day holiday. You can tell the server was visually annoyed to have another table. Food: We had the lunch special sushi platter. 12 pieces of nigiri for $26. Moderate pricing for this area. So, that's ok. What was frustrating was that the server when ordering never told us that there were some items that was exchanged since they were out of it. I specifically wanted Uni and the blue fin tuna. Did not get it. I asked the server about this and he checked with the sushi bar, but came back rather incoherently stating that some items were swapped out. Now, one of the reasons why people do a sample platter is to experiment or have a variety. It's proper for a server to actually tell you what is on the plate. This did not happen. Now, the sushi was of decent quality...was it the best. No, but for $26... you get what you pay for...actually, here I didn't...since, I didn't get what I initially wanted. The miso soup and miso/ginger dressing was too salty and meh. Standard items really. The dumplings that I had was also incredibly salty. The nigiri rice was moist, but flavorless. The ebi was not as sweet as it could have been. The seared tuna had a light sear and you can taste it nicely. Service/Staff: Unprofessional, slow and lacked the ability to speak...English properly. Now, beyond that was he a good server. No, he was not considerate to give us the proper information regarding the change of sushi menu when placing the order and the bar made the change without letting us know. I eat sushi a lot. I write about sushi a lot. I would expect an Asian Diner in Bethesda to be more professional. Price: Moderate for this area. Return rate: I don't think so...even if they may be one of the few Asian diners with outtside seating. Bottom Line: Servers come and go. But a staple of a good restaurant is consistency and quality in both food and service. This place has a long way to go.
(2)Jihea P.
Dinner at Raku last night: Appetizer: Bonsai Tree Roll Entree: Volcano & Rainbow Rolls for me, Raku Assortment Sushi dish for friend Drink: Hot Sake I am a fan. Price was very resonable and the food was good. I didn't enjoy the Bonsai Tree Roll too much - perhaps my expectations were high but I did not expect an actual roll to come out as an appetitzer. It was good though. Good was very good and I would return for the food. No complaints! We sat outside, and it was perfect. We first opted to sit inside, but the tables are literally on top of each other and you have to pull out a table to get since the space between the tables are so small. Even outside, I heard every word of the people sitting around me. I would also expect that it gets very loud as people are so close to one another. For that, it gets a three.
(3)Sharon M.
EXCELLENT Service. Came here for a lunch with coworkers -- they were extremely courteous and the manager(? i think?) came out to tell us he was pushing tables together to accommodate our big group -- wait was less than 10 minutes despite it being their lunch hour and very busy. They are on top of things. The waitress was great, too, she dealt with our large group and separate check request and some nit-picky requests with absolute grace. Thanks, guys.
(5)Dennis M.
We eat here all the time. You can't go wrong eating here. We have never had a bad meal or bad service here. When you eat out you want good food, good service at a good price. I think this place has all of this.
(5)J J.
Raku does not disappoint! This place has good quality sushi, unlike some other places. The rolls and sashimi are always fresh. Every time I have gone, there was either no wait or a short wait even when they are busy during dinner time. Raku is probably the best sushi restaurant in the Bethesda/Rockville area. If you are hungry, I would definitely recommend one of the boats!
(5)Irena N.
Tasty appetizers, pretty good sushi (I was especially impressed by the Korean tuna roll, which has kimchee and spicy sauce in it), and very friendly and speedy service. So why only three stars? Well, for one thing, all my sushi was decent until I ordered toro. It was the worst toro I'd ever had. What kind of a sushi place doesn't know good toro from bad toro? Second, I'm just not crazy about any of their entrees. They aren't bad, but aren't particularly good either. Just... eh. There are too many other sushi places around (Tako Grill, for one thing) that consistently deliver. I'll still go back, especially since Raku has outdoor seating and it's quite pleasant in nice weather. But it's not a favorite.
(3)Thanh P.
This place is great. There are 2 other locations in DC but they can't match this one both in the freshness of the ingredients and the quality of food. Sushi is great, and the BBQ skirt steak appertizer is really yummy. but the real winner is the Wok-charred Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass. I believe that this dish should be illegalized the way Wal-mart was banned from NYC to protect the businesses. This seabass puts all other seabass dishes from anywhere to shame. If more people know about this seabass, all the other restaurants in the US might as well take the poor yet delish little fish off of their menus. After a break up, a divorce, or a wedding, this will make everything all right again. It has been proven to cure depression. There also have been reports that it may cure cancer and AIDS. Anyone should at least go try this chilean seabass once in their lifetime before it gets banned. This is the Walmart, the Maldives, and a girl's youth of Bethesda. I reckon that it will disappear soon.
(5)Adam L.
What they lack in creativity, they make up with quality ingredients. Very good selection of veggie rolls (that taste good). It's true, the seating process could be improved, but it's tasty sushi on Woodmont Ave right across from the theater. All the decent restaurants are crazy busy.
(4)Bill P.
If you are a single named restaurant RAKU and throw in some foo-foo protein and have reasonable prices and quick servers you will be successful......Sushi Damo in Rockville has to get its learn on. :) The bento box deal at Raku for $10-15 is the prob. the best in the area.... I got the Korean-style BBQ chicken box with all of the trimmings.....the California rolls could have been wrapped a little tighter but all in all a very good deal with 6-7 items to enjoy and a delicious peach ice tea to quest the thirst. On the patio in DC a little more relaxing than being squashed inside at the Bethesda location.
(4)Ellen W.
This place is tiny and crowded. I've been here a few times but never on a week day. We told the host that there were 2 of us and he asked if we wanted a seat at the bar. I said no but we will get a drink at the bar. He then proceeded to say that was fine but we would have to leave if there are others that want to eat at the bar. I didn't remember him writing our names down and decided to check 5 minutes later. He didn't remember talking to me and said he didn't put our names down. I was a little irritated by then and told him he just talked to us and now there are like 3 more people ahead of us. We got seated shorty after that but I thought the whole organization of the restaurant was horrible. We had 4 rolls and the seaweed salad. Seaweed salad was yummy and I loved the dressing. They were out of the lobster rolls but didn't tell us until later, right before our food came out. The other rolls were alaskan crab roll, double wasabi dynamite roll, rainbow roll, and spicy crunchy tuna roll. I liked the alaskan crab roll the best. The rest of the rolls were just ok. I'll probably go back there again to try their other dishes. We saw what some of our neighbors ordered and it looked so good. It was a salmon dish. Next time I want to try that or the chilean sea bass that everyone's raving about.
(4)Evsi W.
Raku is soooooo delicious! Anything you order will be fantastic! The sushi ( quality of fish) excellent. The Wasabi roll, Salmango are my recomendation because they offer different flavours with perfect balance that you cant get anywhere else. The Pumpkin Ginger soup is rediculously good and i don't even like pumpkin nor do i ever order soup in a restaurant! To top it of you have to try the banana's foster! Yum Your evening won't be a dissapointment. Prepare to wait for a table about 20 -30 min! Or reserve ahead of time
(5)Michael D.
This was our second visit to Raku. First the positives: Sushi (good), sea bass (very good) and a noodle dish (good). Prices aren't cheap ($20-25 for entrees, $8 for a glass of wine), but not unreasonable for Bethesda. Now the negatives: Slow service on a Saturday night (it was busy, but 20 minutes to ask if we wanted anything to drink?) The hostess was unfriendly, and our waitress appeared disinterested. It would have been nice if she asked 1)did we want our water glasses refilled or 2)did we enjoy our meal.The restaurant is crowded and loud in the evening. We were seated near the front of the restaurant, and were surrounded by people waiting for tables at 8 PM. The cramped setting and less than attentive service would have bothered me less if our bill wasn't $120 for four. So, my feelings are mixed. The food was good (3-4 stars), but the staff and overall setting weren't (2 stars). Raku thus receives a very weak 3 stars. Would I go again? Probably not. There are other restaurants in the area where the food is as good/better where I've felt much more welcome. One other warning. If you're driving, parking in Bethesda on a nice Saturday evening is a challenge. Most municipal lots are filled by 7 PM. Allow 15-20 minutes to search for parking. Nearby private lots charge 4-5$.
(3)Tracy K.
Poor Customer Service!!! There is definitely a lack of communication at this restaurant. We arrived at 2:45pm on Labor Day Monday. Hostess seated us outside. We asked the waiter for a drink menu he brought it to us, then it took him almost 10min to come back and take our order. Once he returned we ordered our drinks then ordered the 12 piece sashimi from the lunch menu. We were told that he wasn't sure if we could still order since lunch was over at 3pm. We said it is not 3pm and we woud like to order the sashimi special from the lunch menu. We also asked if we could keep the standard menu in case we wanted to order a few more items later. He said no because the entire restaurant closes at 3pm. (so it wasn't the lunch specials that were over at 3:00pm, but that the restaurant CLOSES at 3pm!!!!! My question...why would they seat us at 2:45 and not tell us they close at 3pm. That made for a VERY bad start to our late lunch. We received our sashimi order and it was supposed to include Uni as one of the pieces. Uni is our favorite and we were very upset that it was missing from our order. Asked the waiter and he said they were out of Uni and they substituted it with crab. Okay...Uni does not = Crab (if you are an Uni lover, you'll understand). Asked the waiter why he didn't tell us ahead of time they were out of Uni, and he couldn't say anything. At that point, we ate our sashimi and left. The only consolation was that the fish was pretty fresh, but it wasn't anything special. I'll never go back. I don't care if you have AMAZING food, if the waitstaff/hostesses and chefs cannot communicate with eachother, let alone their customers, it becomes too frustrating to eat there.
(2)Daniel H.
Have been coming here for years. Just had another phenomenal meal -- Haddock "Hong Kong Style" as one of their specials. Sushi is alway fresh and beautifully presented. You couldn't have a bad meal here if you tried!
(5)Kevin L.
Classy, upscale ambiance which is strangely paired with polite, quick service... if you can flag someone down. We were rapidly sat on the sidewalk with such pleasant weather going on, but waited... and waited... and waited... yet no server came to our table to offer us drinks or to take our order. Eventually, we just had to call someone over, and they were quick to help us out. This particular afternoon, Raku was offering one of their lunch specials of katsu curry. I haven't had the stuff since one of my last trips to Sushi Taro before it closed down for remodeling, and thought it might be a nice change of pace from all the sushi I'd been having. Not a bad pick - deliciously rich curry sauce, crispy fried katsu served with a generous heaping of steamed white sticky rice. Disappointingly, a couple hunks of the pork were almost entire fatty meat. Not melty, delicious fatty. More like tough, chewy fatty. Not entirely thrilling, even if the flavor and the portion were quite on par with how I remember Sushi Taro's being. I did have a sip of Alicia's unsweetened peach iced tea, and if I came back, I'd definitely order a glass for myself. With the food floating just above a three and the service (including hiccup with not being tended to for at least five minutes after being sat) floating somewhere just under three, I think a round three stars is just about spot on. Could definitely go up, pending improvements in taking care of customers in a more timely fashion.
(3)Good D.
Great sushi. Too pricey. Good decor. Nice ambiance. Long wait on the weekends. Parking is far. It's better if you go with a few people, or as a couple. Lack of indoor seating.
(3)Beth L.
Very happy with Raku last night, particularly their sushi. Their menu definitely varies from the location in Dupont - I noticed some different sushi combos. We shared a grilled squid app, which was tasty, served with corn, black bean, and mango. Squid was cooked perfectly and tasted fresh. I had a california roll with tuna (nice combo) and a yellowtail-scallion roll. Good rice-fish proportion (not much rice), fish was very fresh - only small complaint was that the nori was just a leetle bit too chewy. Nice outdoor seating area, too (watch out for the bees tho!)
(4)Marianne D.
SETTING: Third visit. Mid-day. SERVICE: Quick & Friendly DECOR: Can I get some of the large paper Lantern fixtures to go? They would look great hanging above my patio. ENTREE: 6 Avocado Sushi Rolls to go for lunch. Under $5 with tip. Yum. VERDICT: You will see me again.
(3)Brian G.
Disappointing. Nothing seemed vibrant or fresh. I've had better meals at the Raku in Dupont.
(2)Ateet A.
I want to give this restaurant a solid 3.5 stars. It is not quite at a 4star level but maybe if the service was stepped up just a little and the food as well, then we would begood to go. We went there last night, it hink for the second time. We ordered the edamame to start which was excellent and not too salty, in fact had very little salt but still very tasty. Afterwards, I ordered a few rolls (Chesapeake Bay roll, Deluxe Spicy Tuna, and Volcano). deluxe Spicy tuna roll was the best out of all three and then the volcano roll. The chesapeake roll was actually not that great and my least favorite of all. Lastly, we tried the Banana Foster which was unique with the green tea ice reams and their own rendition but still good. I would go there again but probably try some other rolls or maybe order an actual entree.
(3)Bill J.
We ate there during Bethesda Restaurant Row week. It was mid-week, but busy. We ate outside, which was nice - inside it was very noisy. The food was very good - would give it a solid four stars on food, Sushi was excellent. The service was not. Server was very nice, with a good wine recommendation and a very plesant way about her. There was a delay in the second course, so she eventually gave us one of our orders (the Sushi) which we ate while waiting for the other second course item. We got that, and immediately got our third course orders - Steak and Halibut. We asked that they take back the Steak and Halibut - which they did, and after we finished the 2nd course pasta (a good 10 min) they brought us the third course. Both items were cold and somewhat dry. We mentioned this to the server, who apologized again, but did nothing more. We will likely try it again, but if the service is anything like what we experienced, won't go back again.
(3)Alina E.
I have visited Raku many times before this last visit. Usually, I partake in their very good, creative sushi (dragon roll is a favorite!). But this time both my boyfriend and I were under the weather and were excited to try their noodle soup to soothe our sore throats. We were not disappointed. We split the $12 udon deluxe Tokyo dashi broth soup. Deluxe means it contains an assortment of protein (beef, chicken and shrimp tempura) in addition to the slightly chewy, slippery udon noodles and various veggies. You can also order it with just beef, just chicken or just shrimp tempura. IT WAS DELICIOUS! The broth was not too oily, the veggies still retained a slight crunch and the meat/seafood was flavorful and a very good quality not often seen in soups. The menu was slightly updated from my too-long-ago last visit with new appetizer options (we tried the ocean roll which was very good and came with a moderately spicy dipping sauce) and new sushi rolls (my brother raved about his Flying Dragon Roll!) and everything we tried was still as delicious as on my previous visits. Besides Jaleo, Raku is definitely the most worthy of repeated visits restaurant on that busy Bethesda street.
(4)Jed S.
Food is great. They have options for those in your party who aren't into sushi. Specials are always real good and interesting.
(5)Maria M.
Girls night out is always fun =). This place was filled w/ lots of young professionals kickin' back and having a good time. I liked the fact that us girls can be "loud" without having to worry about other people shushing us. Very casual and bright, with hanging lights and bamboo sticks on the walls. The food wasn't bad at all. We ordered the Red dragon roll which consisted of salmon, eel, avocado, and some spicy sauce. For the appetizer we got mussels. Not bad. Wasn't fishy or anything. So that's always a plus for me. For our main entrees, we got the Tokyo Dashi soup Deluxe which included beef, chicken, and shrimp tempura. Very tasty. I picked egg noddles to go with it while my friend picked buckwheat noodles. Both tasted good and the broth was delicious. Not too salty, and not too bland neither. Plus they give you some kind of seasoning on the side that you can add at your discretion =P. My other friend got more rolls, wasabi roll and fried scallop roll. I didnt get a chance to taste it because I was trying to finish my soup - didn't get to by the way. In any case, this would probably be a 3.5, but our waitress kept coming back to ask if we were done and seemed to get annoyed when we weren't. Grant it, we were there for probably 1.5 hours, but it's not like they were waiting to seat people. I swear she asked us, "Are you done with this?" like 6 or 7 times... geez. Bottom line: good place to get some good quick noodles.
(3)Natalie F.
Came here last week for a birthday dinner. I thought it was OK. The food was good, service was OK. I felt kind of rushed though. I don't feel the need to come back. Not sure what all the hype is about. I'd rather go to Spring Garden on 16th street.
(3)Larissa M.
Raku is excellent, and I eat here every time I am in the area. They are consistent in their food and great service. They're also fast. If you ever sit at the sushi bar, you can see why they are fast. They are super organized and clean back there in the kitchen and know exactly what they're doing. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the cooked food is outstanding too and very unique. There's often a fusion of Asian and Western flavors and ingredients. I love trying new things on the menu, and it's always a safe bet that I'm going to have great food at Raku. I've heard of some people not liking how loud it can get there, but I actually really like how lively it is. There's a great energy, and you can tell that people love eating at Raku!
(5)Melanie F.
It's always a packed, chaotic mess of a tiny restaurant. Their sushi is...ok. But it's their great big curry udon noodle soups that keep me coming back. I like their chicken napa salad for an appetizer. Get the bread pudding for dessert, too. They close from 3-5 which is annoying.
(4)Christi D.
Sea bass, dragon roll, generally everything is delicious here. I think the prices are little bit much for some of its entrees, especially for dinner. The Raku in Dupont doesn't even compare to this one. However, get a BENTO BOX for lunch and it will be on of the best deals you'll ever have for lunch. Between $10-$13 for fish, meat, or vegetable bento boxes gets you A LOT of variety: your main protein of choice, sushi (just california rolls or something else plain), seaweed salad, shu mai (no idea how to spell this), portabella mushroom / green bean / wanton strip salad with parmesan cheese, and soup. My bento box - I usually get the rib eye or salmon bento box. I don't really like soup so I substitute my soup for additional salad (this salad is just their house salad though) . I also like to upgrade my bento box sushi to the dragon roll, which I think is between a $2 and $3 additional cost to your meal.
(5)Naomi U.
The decor is Asian modern with big chopsticks and fans hanging from the ceiling. It's too cramped to have a big group but I would recommend it for a casual date night. The sushi is definitely not on the skimpy side. They had an interesting combination of ginger, apple, and mackerel but I think they stopped making that. Another favorite was the wasabi dynamite roll and the red dragon roll. Main entrees are delicious and not a disappointment. My favorite would have to be the Chilean sea bass. The steaks are delicious as well but a must try would be the coconut curry noodle soup with udon! Minus one star because the bill tends to be a bit on the hefty side (for two people: 2 entrees, and 2 rolls = about $60 not including tip)
(4)Amani A.
Service was terrible it took 25 mins just I get water.. Then another 30 mins to get our edamame then finally another 30 mins just for our sushi.. The sushi was nothin special in fact nothing was really great about this place I think I'll stick to Hanaro or Sushi Damo next time
(1)Kate S.
I think I did this all wrong. Went for dinner here on a warm-ish summer night and ordered the Red Curry Noodle Soup with chicken. I can only describe it as... gross? The noodles were as big as a baby's arm and mushy. The soup had a flavor like air mixed with water and elevator music. The portion was, seriously, offensive. Could've served five people easily. Maybe something for a server to mention when one person orders it? The place was packed, so I'll cut the spotty service some slack. I've heard good things about the sushi, so maybe I'll be back to give it a try. But probably not.
(2)Tommy M.
My friend Olivia calls it CRAKU - True Story! Today, and I'm not sorry to admit, was my THIRD time there in the last 96 hours. Mmmm Crunchy Shrimp Roll is made of the things dreams are made of! NOT good for 'private chats' they do pack you in like canned fish!
(4)Simeen A.
I have been here close to 10 times and I haven't had a bad meal yet. I do think the restaurant is cramped and gets crazy crowded-- make a reservation, especially on the weekend. Also it's pretty loud, so if you're looking for quiet and intimate, move along. As far as the food goes, I have had almost all the rolls (my favorites are the Mt Fuji, What a Match, and Crunchy Spicy Tuna). I also love the tuna tartare. The red curry noodle bowl is amazing-- it is HUGE and so tasty. I get mine with tofu and veggies and it's filling and flavorful. The service can be spotty-- sometimes the waiter is on point, other times I'm trying to flag someone down for 20 minutes for a glass of water. Overall, though, I like it a lot and have brought friends here (locals and out-of-towners) on several occasions. **This review is only for Raku in Bethesda. I went to the one in Dupont once and thought it wasn't very good so I stick to Bethesda.
(4)Steph S.
I love raku. Their noodle bowl is so delicious and the sushi is good too.
(5)Grand Y.
I had plans to meet two friends at 8, despite the Yelp warnings of a long wait. At 8.45, after 2 trips to the bar, we were seated and starving. We split a curry soup with udon noodles and both chicken and tofu, and got two rolls - a crunchy spicy tuna and some sort of a dragon roll. The soup was huge and amazing. They split it into two bowls, and we were scared they actually brought out two orders (huge! huge!). I thought the sushi was great, especially the spicy crunchy tuna roll. I don't like fried anything, but they put just the right amount of flakes in to give a crunch, without turning it into a oily mess. I generally will not order anything that isn't chocolate off the dessert list, but everyone in the restaurant was eating the croissant pudding. We had to try it for ourselves. It was delicious - moist, full of raisins, covered in a sort of crème anglaise, and a side of french vanilla ice cream. I'm not sure I'd make the trek up to Bethesda often. The Dupont location has great patio seating in the summer, and the soups there are just as good. It's hard to find value in DC. I think this place has it down.
(5)Deborah B.
Decent lunch prices, very crowded at Lunch. I had the sashini Bento Box, nice presentation, good amount of food for $13. Go early as the line was out the door by 12:15pm. Small sushi bar, 1st come 1st served, seems to rotate out every 30 minutes or so. Fish was fresh, miso was hot and service had a smile.
(4)Alicia C.
I visited Raku again tonight and decided it deserved another star. I got the coconut curry soup this time... mmm delicious!. It did get a bit messy though with the udon noodles (but our server quickly brought over a fork for me to alleviate some of my troubles)... but it was SO worth it! It was the perfect blend of sweet and spiciness. My friend got the healthy tofu salad which she said was good but a bit over-drenched in dressing. We also split the calamari to start. It came with 2 dipping sauces, horseradish cocktail and cilantro-cucumber... I thought the cilantro cucumber was OK but the horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing with just the right kick. I only finished half my soup but left very full and satisfied (and the even boxed the rest so I have lunch for tomorrow!). I didn't have the same feeling of being rushed out the door that I did my last time here, but that may have to do with it being a Tuesday night instead of the weekend. We were pretty close to the table next to us (nearly elbow to elbow), but that didn't seem to be too much of a problem. But all in all, service was great and our food came out fast. All I know is, I left happy and I'll be back!
(4)Nami W.
We went there on a cold Sunday evening, boy, the place was packed! Luckily we got the last table so that no waiting needed. Tried their well-known sushi and Five Spiced Duck Breast. I must say that is the best duck I've ever had in DC area, or on the East coast. The meat is so tender and tasty, even the presentation was nice, too. I was very impressed. Sushi is also great. Very fresh. Will definitely come back again. I want to try the Pumpkin-Ginger soup next time.
(5)Dave B.
This place is great! I have been going to their establishment for close to a decade and pretty much on a monthly basis. The staff is very friendly and will kindly offer suggestions if you are hesitant or unsure of flavor combinations. This is a pretty popular place in Bethesda so if you are trying to get in for a dinner on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to wait-a wait that will be well worth your while. Outdoor seating in the summer is the place for people watching and enjoying the atmosphere. If seats are available at the bar-go for it-could cut your wait in half. Plus it is always enjoyable to see the action of the kitchen. For appetizers, when available, their mushroom soup provides you with a pretty amazing start-could be a meal in itself. A daily menu soup item that has been perfected beyond belief is the pumpkin ginger soup. Great flavors and perfect for a cold winter night or a hot summer lunch. My constantly ordered items that fill my plate are their golden and red dragon rolls, volcano rolls, and the wasabi dynamite rolls-absolutely incredible! Enjoy!
(5)Paul H.
The udon soup with red coconut curry is as good as it gets! I think most of Bethesda Row restaurants are overpriced, but I love that I can get an awesome entree for mere $12 or so. The only bad part is the wait. If you are not there when it opens in the evening, you may be waiting awhile. The service is pretty good once you get a table. Sushi and rolls are okay - some interesting rolls, but nothing to write home about.
(4)Terry S.
I adore Raku! There is nothing on this menu that isn't inventive, beautifully presented and like anything you have tasted, much less cooked. Must tries: the Tuna Tartare, Ginger Pumpkin Soup, The Duck entree (melts in your mouth like filet mignon, but better...and the sushi for sushi lovers. Make reservations or you will wait a very long time for a table. Bethesda location kitchen is much better than the Dupont kitchen.
(5)Dak F.
This is the only sushi place in Maryland that is worth the money. All the sushi is executed beautifully. The entrees are excellent. I'm a big fan of the dashi broth soup and the coconut curry soup. Service is excellent. The only thing preventing the elusive "fifth star" is that seating is too cramped here. I don't like eating with strangers. Stranger Danger!
(4)Lennie S.
I love this place. You get a taste of different Asian dishes. I especially love the Seafood Coconut Curry Soup with whole wheat udon noodles! It has a lot of flavor, it's spicy, and has lots of seafood - shrimp, calamari, and mussels! Try their sushi menu as well. Their assortments are excellent! Nice area, too. It's located in Bethesda Row so it can get crowded especially on Friday evenings, but you can usually get a seat either at the bar, or if you time it correctly. Get there around 5pm or a little after 8pm to avoid long waits. P.S. :) I just tasted one of their desserts for the first time last Friday and it was so delicious! I never thought I would ever order Poached Pear with Caramel sauce, but I'm glad I did!!!
(5)Dan B.
Never had a bad meal here. This place is awesome, food and prices. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't so hard to get a table at. Service is always speedy and attentive. I would recommend the volcano roll!
(4)Tom D.
3.5 stars I have been here a few times for lunch in the last month. Each time I have had the sushi -- and it has been ranged from very good to excellent. It is one of the better lunch options in Bethesda -- and certainly one of the best on the main strip. I do like their warm noodle soups, not a big fan of the cold noodle soups. While there might be some misses, I think their sushi might be the best in Bethesda. Though it does not compete with Sushi Taro and Sakana in DC.
(3)IH K.
This has been my study break stop for quite some time now. Since I typically want something predictable and filling during these fly-by meals, I've narrowed myself down to a pretty standard order: "Thai noodle soup with egg noodles and a crunchy spicy tuna roll (or soft shell crab roll) please! Thank you!" If you're like me and don't want to brave the ridiculous lines to eat on site, they do a pretty good carry-out. By the time I call in my order and make the 5 minute drive/park/walk to the restaurant - my order is waiting for me. If you're determined to have a sit-down meal, the wait line moves quicker than most restaurants in Bethesda - if that counts for anything.
(4)Ken K.
Good sushi! I was surprised by "unexpected" in good way...my friend and I visited this place as we had a business nearby. I did not have good expectation...but after all, it was nice surprise in a good way. Sushi order for one person was not quite good amount for me...and after ordering more individual pieces, price was...of course high. Tuna was OK, not great; Hamachi, Salmon were good; Hokki was very negative; Ika was not so good...Cali Rolls were OK; Uni was not good. Atmosphere was...hmmm, Asian Fusion type...noisy enough. I will try one more time upon next visit.
(3)KanKan Y.
I used to eat here a couple days out of the week a couple years back since I worked really close. It was great. The food was good but pricey (It's Bethesda...). The atmosphere was good, and my co-workers and I had a good time. Over time, I've noticed that this place has really gone down hill. I'd say about the same time The rolls have gotten smaller, the prices stayed the same, and the biggest sushi faux pas...the rolls falls apart as you pick them up or sometimes even on the plate before you touch it. The wait is long, even for carry out. It's crowded and loud. A lot of rice, not enough fish. Bento boxes are slightly lame depending on what you get -- shumai taste like the frozen shumai you can get from the grocery store, a couple california rolls, salad (?!), and a few veggies. The sushi platter is slightly better, but of course there's that risk of the nigiri or maki falling apart on you. Most restaurant has its redeeming qualities. The one for Raku is the outdoor seating and the friendly staff. Outdoor is great for a nice sunny day and you can avoid the crowd inside the restaurant. The staff is extremely friendly even though most of them are running around trying to get to everyone. Bluefin Toro nigiri is awesome if you can get it (seasonal). Their noodle soups are have great broth. Now I just want to say that that this review is more of a before and after comparison. If you are a newcomer, you might have a completely different experience than me. As I always try to emphasize...don't let reviews form your opinions for you. Everyone has different tastes =)
(2)Shaun O.
I went here after salsa dancing last night. First, I was a little taken back by the prices-but remember to do it Family Style and you will be alright. We order two side plates, an entree and it came to be fairly reasonable for the 3 of us. I found the servers to be helpful and the outdoor seating nice. We also had the amusement of watching our 3rd friend from NM try sushi, calamari and chopsticks for the first time. I recommend the chicken dish and noodles, as that came out to be a delicious plate....chicken was tender and had a great taste. Overall, a good place for Japanese food and from what I heard, go here instead of the one in DC.
(4)Nicole L.
I parked right in front of the restaurant to catch a film screening thought about walking over to Penang but Raku looked rather appealing from the outside, it was packed with people at 6:00 PM. I decided to check it out. The restaurant is medium sized but it has this long sushi bar which was interesting, I asked to sit at the bar for a better view of the restuarant. The menu had all kinds of asian food I am always confused when a restaurant has all the different asian food put together. Overall I think the food is priced towards higher end with noodle soup going at $10.50 and entree over $20. I ordered the red curry egg noodles with chicken. The bartender was very attentive and my food was served quickly. The dish was delicious with a nice touch - chicken was grilled and sliced. It was a pleasant experience.
(3)Mandy H.
If I were to come here again, I'd know what to do next time. Raku is always packed on any given night, but surprisingly my boyfriend and I were able to walk in and get seats. The atmosphere was very social and modern, and the service was good. We ordered 2 sushi rolls and 2 bowls of noodles. The mistake we made was ordering too many noodles. The sushi was great- fresh, tasty, and very good presentation. The noodles were good, but if we were to do it all over again, I'd go with more sushi rolls and less noodles. Definitely worth a second visit! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to get a spot!
(5)Natasha O.
Due to the flies, it lost a star. Seriously, I so will never eat in to this place again (I will however, do take out). I stopped by here on my way home cause I was staving and sat at the bar. The place is tiny and really packed. The bar is near the open door hence the 2 flies I saw... put I also saw 2 of those tiny flying things as well. I ordered the Pumpkin Ginger Soup, "What a match!" Roll, Pomegranate Shochu, & Bonsai Tree roll. The shochu was interesting, not what I expected but ok none the less. The pumpkin soup was hot but once it cooled down was good. The ginger wasn't actually part of the soup but part of the garnish so boo on them for the miss-name. The Bonasi Tree roll was wow...not was I was expecting and better than I could have believed. Picture a typical sushi roll with the seaweed on the outside. Now place a thin slice of cucumber between the rice and the seaweed. Then replace the rice with real crab meat with Avocado & Masago in the middle. The chili ponzu sauce that the slices sit in just completes the picture. My mouth is watering just remembering it. The sauce is a little bit sweet and is paired so well with the rolls. There are also roe (fish eggs) but they asked if I wanted it with/or without and I said without. 5 stars What a Match! Roll it too was a match made in heaven. Mackerel, apple, ginger and scallion; need I say more?! It was yummy & I wanted more when it was gone. 5 stars I will definitely be calling in for take-out here this summer.
(4)Ron B.
The food is decent here including the sushi. My wife loves the chicken curry noodle dish here. The service is decent as well as the atmosphere. I like the surrounding area as well, but it could be difficult to find parking on the busy weekends.
(3)Hiren N.
On the expensive side for the things they cater. I have had better sushi for cheaper price.
(3)Cor K.
I love raku, it can be a bit pricey, as typical for sushi. The best deals are the lunch boxes you get a lot of food and cheaply compared to the price they would be individual rolls or for dinner. I wouldn't say go for the sushi, because it isn't the best, but the rest of the items are pretty darn good. Try the seaweed salad, or the udon. All the soups I've had there have been pretty good and filling, which is hard for a soup. My friend and I once got to raku just as they opened their doors for lunch and there was already a line. This line doesn't go away until closing so make reservations or get there early. Inside the tables are cramped together, but they have large booths. I wouldn't recommend bringing kids here simply because it is so crowded. I have seen many a soccer mom try to push their stroller through the passage ways only to end up with no place to put it while they eat. Also kids are fidgety, which is no good in a cramped environment where they will just knock into somebody else, or yell in that persons ear. Yes, I hate kids. Especially when they ruin my favorite restaurants. I go here all the time when I am in bethesda, it's one of my local fall backs.
(5)rachel m.
i can never decide between which giant bowl of soup to get. the curry soup is fantastically tasty, and the tokyo dash is soul warming. i dream about the udon noodles.... while the soup is more than enough food for 1 person, sometimes i just have to get an order of the spicy crunch scallop roll... a rare find
(5)Chara G.
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area. Amazing food, good service, and overall good prices...and all of that in a trendy, fun area! My favorites: Ginger pumpkin soup Chicken satay with mango salad Delux Spicy Tuna Roll Volcano Roll
(5)Joanne C.
This has been our favorite restaurant for many years. It's always busy in the evening, but we seldom have to wait more than 20 minutes and often choose sit at the counter. and watch the chefs Service is almost always very good. Here are our favorite dishes: Tuna tartare (enough for a meal) Portabello mushroom and asparagus salad - the ponzu dressing makes you want to lick the plate. Red curry noodle soup - it's huge and really tasty - certainly enough for 2 and you can choose seafood, meat, chicken or tofu and veggies, as well as the type of noodle you prefer. Dumplings with a mango sauce My friend likes the crunchy, spicy sushis Bento boxes are very good I thought the napa cabbage and chicken salad was only so-so, especially compared to the mushroom and asparagus salad mentioned above - which is one of my favorite dishes ever! We only occasionally get a main course because the appetizers are so good and it's difficult to choose only one. Desserts are limited, but we rarely feel the need for a dessert. Prices are mid-range.
(5)Eugene H.
I stopped on in here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. I tried the salmon toro and it was awesome. The udon noodles were pretty good too. Service was fast for a crowded lunch place. It is really crowded and they kind of squeeze people in like a sardine can. It's still worth it to try out their sushi. -edit- Came back for dinner with some friends and we were not disappointed with the sushi and teriyaki dishes we had.
(5)Maria L.
Crowded, crowded, and crowded... but that's a good sign, and it was well worth the wait!
(5)Keelin C.
Yum, yum . . . . I love Raku. This place has great sushi and good service. The Golden Dragon Roll is a friend of mine, but they do a great job with all the classics. Excellent ingredients and great location. The only reason it is lacking for stars is the size. The setup of this restaurant is awkward at best. Enjoy, just get there early or you won't have a seat.
(4)Sue H.
Okay, sure, the sushi is good. People like it. Great. But...if you haven't had the warm asparagus and mushroom "salad", you've not lived. Warning. This item is highly addictive. Get that perfect bite. A little mozarrella (yes, really) a piece of tortilla chip, asparagus piece, and some mushroom. Plenty of that amazing sauce. Love at first bite.
(4)Braden S.
My favorite restaurant in Bethesda. Everything I've had here is delicious. There is sometimes a wait during dinner hours, but it is WORTH IT! If you like japanese food and you are looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, you must try Raku.
(5)Pia A.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2010. I should have stuck with sushi. Their kitchen entrees were just average. The tables were very close to each other, I could rub elbows with the table next to me. I would go back, but strictly for sushi.
(2)Stephanie T.
I don't understand why this place gets such high ratings. The service was mediocre and the food well it didn't feel like anything over 1.5 maybe 2 (Referring to the Lunch menu) -The teriyaki chicken is dry and over-sweet. -The soup seemed watered down. -California rolls are just average. -The soba was nothing spectacular. To me the place was a little bit pricy but it might just be because I could cook this at home better. I wouldn't go here again.
(1)cuzit m.
This place was packed. Arrived with a fifteen minute wait. Was seated at the bar. The food was excellent. The portions large. The service was OK. It was not horrible, but typically when you sit at a sushi bar you can dialougue with sushi chefs for me part of the experience - maybe that's just west coast. Not the case here, they were super busy making rolls. The server was OK. I usually love to hear the specials or the server's recommendations this server nothing to add. I was flying solo for my first time here. Fortunately, the couple next me was helpful and the food was great. Just went there for the second time and it was thursday night, a fifteen minute wait. The food excellent again. Awesome thick servings, even the toro. Not thrilled with the dessert menu. They were out of Lychee sorbet my favorite. I would expect home made icecream with flavors like ginger, green tea, and sorbets like lychee, ginger, lime, pineapple. But they have desserts you can find anywhere. The Lychee sorbet was a treat. Beyond that, I wish they would change that part of the menu. The best part of Raku is their good portion of sushi. Other places are super thin slices.
(4)Michelle T.
This is the only sushi place I go to in Maryland. The only complaint I have is that the place is small, and it can get really packed. I love their crunch spicy tuna and steak udon. I wish they had Raku near Fulton so I can eat sushi more often. The sushi place in Columbia (Soho?) is not so great, and it's too pricey.
(4)Kathy T.
I usually end up at this place for lunch and their bento boxes are a good deal. Love the whole Asian Fusion thing, and there are lots of unusual touches from a place that on the surface seems to focus on sushi. Butternut Squash soup, sauteed Asparagus & Portabella mushrooms that seem to be topped with a parmesean type cheese. This usually ends up being my go to place for a light, healthly lunch!
(4)Matt H.
Came here for Bethesda Restaurant Week 2011. Never going again. Waited for 45 min while the host let 3 people jump ahead of people on the list. They had no reservations. I will never go here again, as will the other couples who walked out. Worst customer service I have experienced in a Japanese restaurant or Bethesda. It was even crowded waiting to get on the list, and the tables are about 6 inches apart. Sticking to Benihana's from now on. If you want to be treated with about the same respect as cattle, go here!
(1)Kim F.
Excellent food, really good service, and great prices for Bethesda. My only complaint is that I wish they'd move into a larger space--tables are super tight and it's nearly impossible to eat here without a reservation. My favorite!
(4)E U.
Great food, incredible ambiance and terrible service. We have been there several times and the hostess and wait staff are arrogant. Will not go back again.
(1)G M.
I am surprised this rated four star. The fish quality was sub par and even had an odd flavor. The daily specials are not that special. You can tell this is a chain. This is the second and last time I will go there. There are plenty of other sushi joints with more remarkable and fresh offerings
(2)Catherine H.
The sushi is good; everything else is ok but has never blown me away. It gets crowded as hell, and as it's a Bethesda crowd it can get super annoying super quick. I only go for lunch and I frequently wish the food was a little better (except the sushi. It really is good).
(3)Monica G.
I like to go to Raku with friends for dinner when I want to eat light and especially if they are vegetarian. The sushi is good and they have a lot of smallish dishes we can share. I have never had a bad dish here. Enjoy!
(4)John S.
My girlfriend and I visited Raku for dinner on Tuesday night, and the restaurant turned out to be far better than we had remembered it to be. The last time we went was about 6 months ago on a busy Friday night, which left us squished against the front window inches away from other diners. My biggest complaint with this restaurant back then was how tightly packed the space is during peak hours. Last night, however, we ate comfortably in one of their 4-top booths since we went early (around 5:30 PM), and it turned out to be a much more enjoyable experience that way. Altogether, the food was really solid. Here's a rundown of the all the dishes we shared: 1. Tuna tartare: a great dish that's very fresh and clean tasting; it comes paired with a little side salad topped with a sesame vinaigrette and three airy slices of toast; delicious! 2. Cornmeal crusted calamari: the cornmeal coating gave it some extra crunch and they only used squid rings (no tentacles if you're squeamish about that sort of thing); overall, great for a calamari but a bit boring 3. Salmon toro: the poor-man's toro, the fatty salmon nigiri was super fresh and buttery; a must-order if you're into sushi 4. Eel (unagi): the eel nigiri was cooked just right with a nice glaze, and it wasn't chewy or stringy like some other places' 5. Red snapper: fresh and delicious 6. Spicy red dragon roll: a pretty good roll with some jalapeno kick to it, but nothing too special 7. Wasabi (?) roll: I can't really remember the name, but it was a really tasty roll with a nice texture, although the wasabi flavor was not too pronounced; highly recommended With 4 orders of the salmon toro (we are salmon freaks!), 1 each of the others, plus 2 Cokes, the bill came out to around $85 after tax and tip. It wasn't cheap, but all the fish was fresh and the service was really nice. Also, you could probably drop the price by ordering less sushi and going for some of the noodles and entrees mentioned by the other reviewers. In the end, I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because when it's packed, it gets a little crazy, especially with those two-person tables up front. To avoid the crowds, I'd advise going extra early or sticking to weekdays.
(4)A B.
Best sushi consistently in Bethesda / Chevy Chase area. The Volcano rolls, the spicy tuna, the asparagus / avocado roll, with a side of spicy mayo. I spend to much of my money in this place as so do others as it is always crowded. Definitely worth the wait. Service is always good. Has gotten better now that the staff knows my wants. True landmark in the making for Bethesda
(5)J H.
Pretty good. The decor is modern with an asian flair, typical of fusion style restuarants. The food was good but a bit expensive. A bowl of noodles run $15 bucks and it didn't fill me up. Then again, my stomach is the size of an elephants so I can't hold that against them. Sushi has always been good but again, seems a bit pricey for the portions. The food is good, I 100% recommend the red curry noodles soup. The rolls are ok, you can't go wrong with them. There is a raw beef sashimi dish that I saw the chefs making while sitting at the bar. It looked delicious. Service has always been a hit or miss. Some people are nice while others seemed rushed.
(4)Rebecca K.
Always crowded for dinner, so try to make a reservation. They have a steak dish with mashed potatoes that is good in case you want a more substantial meal.
(4)D B.
Extremely vegetarian friendly! I love the healthy tofu salad and the veggie bento box.
(5)S K.
I really like the bento boxes, and the iced tea is very good. The service is incredibly polite and efficient. The mix of American and Asian ingredients makes for an interesting menu, most of the time. I have yet to try many of the sushi items, but look forward to it. Plus, they have a patio--great for people watching and fresh air.
(4)Judy L.
This place came highly recommended by a family friend. The food itself was ok, not the best sushi I've ever had in the world. MY boyfriend had the bento box which was a good deal. The box came with a string bean parmesean salad which was very original and surprisingly good. My sushi was just ok, nothing like what i was expecting for what we were paying for. WOuld I go back? Sure, are my expectations high? not really.
(3)Lila S.
I absolutely adore Raku! I'm a regular in the Besthesda location, but Dupont is just as good ! The decor and ambiance is amazing. And the staff is very professional and nice too! The food is absolutely the most delicious food ever. Here are my recommendations: The Grilled Chicken and Nappa Salad is one of my all time favorites. The dressing is amazing, it's sort of hot which definetly adds some spice to the salad! The sushi is very good, coming from someone who isn't that big a sushi fan. Most of my friends and family go for the "Joe Nigiri" when they want sushi, and it does look pretty good. The soups are very good too! I went with a friend once, and she got a coconut soup of some sort. She wasn't that big of a fan, but she's found a whole bunch of other soups that she loves. My family is a huge fan of the "Chilean Sea Bass" it's amazing. Definetly something to try! The bento boxes are very good! I've only had the vegetarian one and the chicken one so far, but they are very tasty! (the chicken one is my favorite) The deserts are quite something too. Every time I go there, and aren't completly full, I like to get the chocolate cake. It's so warm and moist...just thinking about it makes me hungry! So definetly try that out! Over all, Raku is my all time favorite restaurant, and something to try if your in the area! The soups are very tasty too! Raku is also very crowded, so I suggest you make reservations two nights before.
(5)ap m.
Went here for the 1st time for a girl's night out. The decor of the place was nice. A little crowded though, especially with the big winter coats, hard to get around. The servers were friendly. The menu didn't seem to have that much variety, so if you don't really like sushi & think there could be other dishes to look forward to- think again. The noodle servings were huge. They're really creative with the sushi. There was this one sushi dish called Seoul Train, which had kimchi it in, & I loved it. It was nice & spicy. If you go, try one of their signature dishes, like that. Pricing was a bit high, expected a little more for my buck. But definitely made it on my list for a place to go if I want good sushi
(4)Miinno N.
It is a good concept. Asian fusion food. It is not really all the way for this place even though it is pretty good. I think Dupont location is better.
(3)Ethan M.
Raku has some of the best sushi I've ever had, and they have other cool dishes to go with it. I try to eat here every time I go to DC for business, which is pretty frequently. Every colleague I've taken here (about 5 so far) has raved about the quality of the sushi and other food. Don't miss the tuna tartare - it's great! If they have it, the Tasmanian ocean trout nigiri is also wonderful, as are the multiple varieties of tuna nigiri (more than I've seen elsewhere). Their fish is always really fresh, and the prices aren't bad for a sushi place. The decor is modern Asian - adequate, but not spectacular (which is OK with me). Unfortunately, it's always crowded, so arrive early if you don't want to wait for a while to get a seat.
(5)Kevin S.
It was chaos at Raku's hostess stand last night. They took our names, didn't write them down, forgot about us, then ignored us when we inquired. No manager was available to remedy things, so we left.
(2)Sarah C.
I got food poisoning from here! The sushi just didnt seem that fresh, and I was right.
(1)Kristina G.
Restaurant Week Review from Summer 2007 (4.5 stars) My boyfriend and I came here on a whim because we were so hungry and could not wait for our 9pm reservations at another place. I am glad about our choice because we had the perfect summer dinner. I liked that Raku let you choose between having a traditional 3 course meal or 2 starters and an entree. Being so hungry, we chose the latter option (and then had Haagen Daz down the street). -1st Courses: Heirloom Tomato Salad was sweet, salty, and simple; perfect on a summer evening. My boyfriend got the 5 spiced beef which was also great and seasoned well. -2nd Courses: Ban Ban Chicken, and Grilled Chicken & Napa. Both salads were good, but nothing spectacular. -Entrees: Wok Charred Chilean Sea Bass was also great for a hot night because it was light and tasty. I just wished that the fish had a little more flavor. My boyfriend got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse, which was huge! He loved every bite of it and was soaking up all the curry with pieces of bread because the sauce was so good. I could see how it could get loud and crowded in the restaurant, so we waited it out for patio seat. It was perfect outside on a summer night with trees adorned with lights and a perfect people-watching spot.
(4)Mrs. Palmers Student E.
Looking for a restaurant that's suitable for families, perfect for date nights, and irresistible for food? Phew! That was a mouthful...of Raku! Raku is a Japanese style restaurant, the best in the business. This delightful accommodation is located on Woodmont Ave. in downtown Bethesda next to an Indian restaurant called Tandoori Nights and a few shops down from the Mussel Bar. It's hard to miss. You have got to go to Raku! Japanese restaurants don't get better than this. Raku is always full! So, you have to go there around five to five thirty. Raku opens at four in the afternoon and closes at ten in the evening. Walking into that restaurant, I knew the food was going to be extravagant. It smells so amazing in Raku. To start the meal off, I always get the spicy pork dumplings that are so juicy, tasty, and savory sweet every time. I also get the edamame, which is so hot it burns my fingers, so I have to wait a few minutes for it to cool down. There are so many other satisfying and mouthwatering appetizers on the menu, not just the two; you can order whatever you would like. Then, for dinner, I either get the fresh and cool cucumber rolls or the warm and cozy chicken noodle soup. It's so hard to decide!! Paired with soy sauce, the sushi tastes magnificent. Then there's the noodle soup with chicken. On a cold winter night those big, long egg noodles with big hunks of chicken will really warm you up. The scrumptious and heavenly broth adds to the overall flavor. In conclusion, this meal was incredible. Talking about going to Raku, I mentioned the romantic dim lights, the modern sushi bar, and the inviting Raku smell. Also don't forget the giant chopsticks hanging from the ceiling! There is an exquisite modern sushi bar that seats about ten to twelve people with a full service menu. The seats are very comfortable which adds to the greatness of this chopstick wonderland. But, as Hannah Montana said, "Nobody's perfect!" Most of the tables are very close together, so it makes it extremely difficult to move around, and you can practically hear the conversation of the people next to you. Other than that, the whole surrounding is enjoyable. The service is dashing as well. Every time I go to Raku (which is about every two weeks), the waiter or waitress has never messed up any of my families' orders. Working hard, the employees manage to keep a delightful, helpful, and cheerful personality. You can ask about almost anything on the menu and they will know the answer. The waiters and waitress's bring your food while it's nice and hot... or cold. Generally, the food comes fast, not as fast as lightning, but fast enough to have eaten your appetizers with some time to spare to talk about the amazing food you just ate. Trust me, I know! Sadly, with all this great food comes a price... literally. The price for this amazing Japanese food isn't cheap. Generally a dinner for four would cost around eighty to ninety dollars. So, if you go to Raku, make the moment last. Basically, all I am trying to say is...go to Raku. This fine restaurant has all the right components; beautiful environment, fantastic service, and best of all prodigious food. Your mind will be blown. I smile the whole car ride when going to Raku. Just remember, eat early or there will be no more tables! Enjoy!
(5)Shoshana G.
Fabulous sushi. Fresh, delicious, and in my opinion they make the best vegetable tempura I have ever eaten. I recommend going during the lunch hour and ordering a bento box. They are only around $12 and you get lots of delicious food. Personally, I think their dinner menu is overpriced,the bento boxes become $5+ more and you get less food with them....not so sure what thats about. Go during lunch! You will love it.
(4)Virginia C.
All in all, a great place to take friends. You can't go wrong with this place. Excellent food. The wait time (depending on when you arrive) can be annoying because of the Montgomery County (namely, Bethesda/Rockville/Potomac) crowd (who, apparently, don't eat anywhere else but in Bethesda Row).
(4)sophie S.
Raku has really delicious food. The sushi is great, fresh and original! They also have pretty amazing salads. The asparagus and mushroom salad is one of my favorites as well as the tofu salad. The bread pudding is also surprisingly incredible!!!! Must also try tuna tar tar. I have never had a bad meal here. Parking is a little difficult, usually easier to just find a lot and walk. Also usually very busy (all the time.) A reservation is definitly needed on weekends but sometimes there is a wait during the weekdays as well. It is well worth it!!!!!!
(4)Shayla D.
Whenever I crave for sushi this the place I go to. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is delicious. You can appreciate that this is not a traditional japanese restaurant because an order of seaweed salad comes with nicely dressed greens along with the seaweed and other crunchy stuff. I like the pumpkin soup so much I order it even on 90 degree weather days. Also, the sushi is fresh. I especially like the crunchy spicy scallop roll, with a side order of fresh wasabi. I love this place!.
(4)Chris T.
Best sushi place in Bethesda. Period. Spicey crunchy tuna roll is my favorite, and usually their daily specials are pretty exciting. Decor is awesome inside, and outside seating is great for people watching.
(4)Dte G.
The food was tasty. I had a bowl of their coconut red curry noddle with seafood. Unfortunately, as I was finishing the food, the mussel tasted bad and I stopped eating it. Woke up at 5 in the morning with food poisoning.
(1)Jenny L.
Nice place, nice location. The sushi was just ok for me. Nothing too special. I did enjoy the chicken and shrimp dumplings though. Glad we beat the rush, because I actually wouldn't wait for more than 5 minutes for a seat here.
(3)Renato S.
The rice was a little mush. The service and prices were fair here. I ordered the dragon roll, california roll, and crunchy shrimp roll. Chicken and pork dumplings were very good, meaty with a nice crunch. No major complaints, nothing to exciting for me. Have to try something different next time I guess.
(3)Linds F.
The sushi here is good- I have not tried any of their other dishes besides the tuna tar tar which was also quite good. Overall, the pricing is good for the quality of food, and the staff was friendly.
(3)Sy R.
I've been to Raku four or five times now and have been very pleased each time, although in the evenings there has always been a wait (and they don't take reservations). I love to read the creative "pan-Asian fusion" menu, and would dearly love to try everything on it! I can't, however, because my boyfriend always insists on getting the AMAZING seaweed salad (which is nearly a full meal for two), and then a small plate of sushi to fill us completely. Raku offers several interesting rolls, which are solid in quality, but not mind-blowing, The service is fine; the staff tend to be quite busy, but they always manage pop up just when I need water. And I really can't complain, since I usually leave having spent under $25 for two people, including tip! In short: Crowded dining, consistent service, good prices, consistent quality, and an interesting & tasty menu.
(4)Sarah O.
I have always been a fan of Raku. The food is flavorful while not leaving you feeling like you ate too much. The dining room is inviting and upscale. It's a great spot to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Yesterday, I met 2 women for lunch there. We enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that they have the best sushi or the best Thai type dishes, but everything is solid and consistent. A bit expensive for lunch good fair for dinner. One word of advise they get pretty busy at prime dinner time so don't go with the family and expect to get seated right away. Good news is Barnes and Noble is right around the corner so you can always occupy a little time while you wait for your table to be ready perusing books and magazines.
(4)Roz J.
Best sushi I've had in Bethesda combined with an deft and adventurous kitchen. Sometimes the kitchen needs to bring up the spice levels but, never had anything bad. Place is very cramp however. Not the kind of place you want to linger over a meal.
(4)Hello H.
I got two rolls of sushi, which were fine by my sushi-loving standards. I spied another patron who ordered a whole fried fish, which looked absolutely mouth-watering. Looking at some other dishes, the portions seemed quite generous. When I initially walked in, I thought Raku-An might be another PF Chang's (I'm not a fan of Asian food that has been so diluted with "American" tastes, that the only thing Asian about it is soy sauce), but I'm happy to report I was wrong, at least based on the quality of the sushi my friends and I ordered. PS - I went reservation-less on a Wed night, the week between Xmas and New Years, and boy was it packed! The intimate setting helped make our meal a fun one.
(4)Becky T.
The place was packed on a Friday night but the service was unexpectedly quick without making us feel rushed at all. My friend had the sushi which she really enjoyed and I had the wheat udon soup with chicken, beef, and tempura shrimp. I know everyone loves greasy foods post-drinking, but I'd take a hot spicy bowl of noodle soup any day. $12 for a bowl is a little pricey, but it hit the spot.
(4)Eric E.
My colleagues and I eat at Raku every other week. This is my first review, though. I'm dining alone, so I decided to sit at the sushi bar. The bar is full of chatter, mostly in Chinese by the cook staff; they're noisy. They're reasonably professional and they grunt occasionally in Japanese -- which I speak and they don't! (Grunting is largely for the benefit of diners walking through Raku's front door.) Ok...Martini to start, three olives up. Not bad, but olives are like something out of a steel can sold at an Asian market -- chewy, odd flavor, and not suitable for a Martini. Leave it to the Greeks and Italians to produce olives! (I usually drink my Martinis across the street at Mon Ami Gabi...my mistake. I also usually drink beer and sake at Raku. Today was a bit different.) First course is Shrimp and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Not bad. wrapping is tender, not chewy. Nice flavor, fresh vegetables -- spinach and bean sprouts. The dumplings remind me of going for dim sum as a child with my father, so I give Raku an "extra credit" point for triggering cherished memories. Quantity is appropriate for smaller soup, not overwhelming sweat-er, just-right temperature, flavorful broth, etc. Second course is Flying Smoke in Dragon roll. Nice smokey flavor, a bit spicy and the eel is cooked well. Definitely one of their signature rolls, though a bit pricey. Though this is Raku. It's worth pointing out that many of Raku's rolls are "over-riced.". This one screams eel, with minimal rice surround. Third course is Ikura (salmon roe) with (uzura) quail egg. This is my "standards" or quality control check. It's only for those who appreciate omega-3 and phospolipids in the diet. I give this one a 4 out of 5. The quail egg is quite good, though the salmon roe is a bit rubbery. I can' t speak towards processing techniques, however, some sushi bars in the area serve very fresh Ikura, others don't. Here, we're above marginal. Ok...Martini is kicking in! For the final course, Spicy Butterfly Prawn in an Aurora sauce with mesclun So, not your inexpensive bento box special. A very filling meal, perhaps best shared and accompanied by one additional starter dish. NOTE TO OTHERS: Raku has a reputation for mediocre, snobbish (why??) waitstaff, but thoughtful, engaging chefs. Today, the waiters were much more pleasant, but the chefs were too chatty...with each other. If I could record with my iPhone and post to YouTube, I would. OH, YEAH: I love the new iPad 2!
(4)Aloysius Y.
One of the best in town! Not only for sushi, but they do a great job on other cooked items. No wonder they are always busy. Reservation recommended on weekends. And very moderate priced as long as you don't drink lots of sakis.
(5)Linh L.
All I can say is "CHILEAN SEA BASS!!!" Wow--this place has the best chilean sea bass I've ever tasted. As soon as the bass hit my tongue, I felt like it just melted like butter! I've been working in Maryland, and coming to Bethesda was a treat. Chose Raku-An on a whim, and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I also had some of the dumplings and calamar for appetizers, and a Banana Foster (think bananas, carmel sauce, vanilla bean and green tea ice cream)--everything was great. I'm docking a star for slow service, though. Other than that...wow, I will definitely head back here for the sea bass. Go really early or really late because this place gets packed!
(4)Evelyn C.
The hubby and I went out to dinner with a couple friends who LOVE this place. Lucky for us, they made a reservation ahead of time so we didn't have to deal with the hostess at all. I actually arrived an hour before the hubby (since he was unfortunately stuck at work), and got a chance to sample their fizzy champagne-like sake (very sweet, but good), the sangria- which is my friend's absolute favorite, a nice glass of pinot noir, some tuna tartar, and the golden dragon roll. The sushi was very tasty- solidly good, and the tartar tasted clean and fresh. As for the entrees, I got the beef tenderloin (cooked to a perfect med-rare) with yams in the shape of scallops, a lovely red wine reduction and the best freaking stir-fried veggie side. There were sliced king oyster mushrooms, haricot verts, and fresh spinach all sauteed together into harmonious deliciousness. Mmm.... My friends were quite pleased with the Deluxe bento box (sea bass, beef tenderloin, sashimi, seaweed salad, and tempura!), and the pan seared chicken with a side of noodles. Now I have to say that the service for us was excellent. Here's why: - they kept the drinks coming - the server let me put in the hubby's order as he was leaving work, and they timed it so perfectly that his entree came out just as he sat down - the hubby accidentally spilled his glass of sapporo (I think the server thought someone else at our table did it), and he brought out a new bottle for him! yay! I have to say that if I'm up in Bethesda again for any reason, I would not hesitate to come back again!
(4)mondo g.
This has become my boyfriend and mines new go-to place. I always feel like the food is fresh and healthy. First, I LOVE their green tea. I've bought many genmaicha teas in local markets, but none are as good as what raku serves. Next, the tuna tartar is a good start, the salads are textured and taste so good and clean, and the soups can be a great meal by themselves. The sushi is good and fresh and on a recent visit I had a great pork chop served with braised red cabbage, broccoli rabe, seasonal squash, and fennel--delicious. The service too, has always been good. I have been disappointed on occasion, e.g. stay away from the deep fried (aka warm) seafood spring rolls, but those occasions have been few.
(4)Rachel A.
I lovvvvve Raku. I've been here for lunch several times, and always get the Chicken Teriyaki Bento box, which is really filling. It's always busy, even at lunch there is a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. The soups and California rolls are delicious.
(4)William L.
Bustling and popular. But the food is average. So, good place for a quick bite for the price. But there's better sushi, etc out there in DC.
(2)Heather P.
We often come to Raku, despite the close together tables and the noise - we come for the wonderful food - the fish is always fresh, fresh, fresh! Interesting specials - the other night we had fresh sea urchin and the presentation was exquisite. They offer a very good selection of sake and despite the too close tables and the very loud noise level, it is worth it for the food. I will keep coming back!
(4)Michael S.
Raku racks up the points with me... My wife and I wondered down there on a Sunday, and had the esteemed pleasure of dining outside. As a Floridian I will start by saying I'm VERY particular on the Sushi that I dine on. I've been to tons of joints in Maryland where people swore up and down that they had "the best", only to be sadly disappointed. Raku blew me away. I had their Seoul Train, Dragon Roll, and the Chesapeake roll. All were very original, incorporated a good number of veggies (not just the typical radish and cucumber), and had flavors that just jumped out from start to finish. Not to mention, what every other reviewer has said, the fish, well IT"S SO FRESH. Fresher than Downy drier sheets, and definitely fresher than that not so fresh feeling. :) My advice, if you don't like sushi, go there, and you'll become a convert. I plan to dine there as often as my wallet will support it. (and before my wife starts complaining) Highs: Sick F'in Sushi Lows: Prices a tad high, but jeez people fresh f'in fish c'mon :) Enjoy with a loved one!
(5)smitha m.
I was surprised to notice that they have a different menu from the one (their sister restaurant?) in DC. I was a little disappointed at first when I found out that they do not carry Singapore noodles on their menu. But I eventually moved on to other items I have started to thoroughly enjoy - we usually get the curry noodle soup, asian spicy wings (they have a specials menu offering this new dish - EXCELLENT), sushi rolls and last but not the least - my personal favorite - banana foster(UBELIEVABLY GOOD)!! The Service is always pretty incredible considering they are always so busy. It can get pretty crowded so it helps to make reservations ahead of time. I usually end up having to wait but it's never for too long and the food is totally worth the wait!
(5)Ryan M.
A great (although very popular) lunchtime spot in Bethesda. If you want a table you should definitely get there before noon, as it's often entirely packed by then. I'll confess I've only had one thing for lunch, but, although not obvious as an option, the 'noodle soups' are huge, excellent, and cheap. They come in two options: 'Tokyo broth' and 'Spicy Coconut Milk'-both are great, and start at $7.95 and $8.95, respectively. I usually go with the Spicy option, and while I like spice it's enough to warm me up on a cold day! With meat the prices go up by a dollar to four depending on whether you want chicken, beef or seafood, but the default 'tofu and vegetable' is more food than I can ever eat and tasty on its own! Definitely worth the money and they're even big enough for a dinner portion if you come later.
(4)Thaila S.
4.5 stars I've been here many, many times and the food is consistently very good. Being vegetarians, my husband and I usually stick to the sushi -- tamago, inari, and the avocado rolls are excellent. They have several other veggie sushi options as well. You MUST try their bread pudding for dessert. I'm a big chocolate fan but this is hands down the best non-chocolate dessert I've had in my life. They don't take reservations typically and the restaurant is always packed, but they try to seat folks as quickly as they can. This isn't a great place for big groups because the place is so small, but it's great if you're going with a friend or your spouse. It's also located in the trendy part of Bethesda.
(4)Laura K.
I'd love it if you had a little more attention from the servers just because most of the time all of us were out of drinks. My husband and I ordered a vegetarian roll for an appetizer. It was very good Then we both ordered the red curry soup with udon noodles I made a bit of a mess eating the soup because the noodles are so long but it was so good! The couple we were with got a box of assorted rolls and fish and also the beef tenderloin. She said the sauce was awesome on the beef.
(4)A B.
I dined at Raku last night. What a pleasure. The food here is WAY better than the food at the Raku in Dupont. They've also got a different menu. The ingredients were fresh, service was friendly and the food and drinks came out fast. I had the vegetarian sushi assortment which was excellent. And we all shared edamame. Everyone enjoyed their food and I definitely plan to come back to Raku in Bethesda.
(5)Lisey W.
This is my favorite place to go for a bento box at lunch. I love their sashimi bento box but you can't go wrong with any of them! Love how the bento box comes with a salad and string beans with mushrooms. It also comes with some california rolls and their take on shiu mai is delicious!
(4)Juju J.
I was really impressed with the sushi, menu and service at this Raku. I had never been to this location, only the one in Dupont (and the one located in Whole Foods in Logan). This one had a more extensive menu, way higher quality of food and the staff was attentive. Overall this place is a 180 from the crappy Dupont location (I've heard they're actually owned by two different people). The only negative is the tables can be on top of each other depending on where you're sitting. However, we went on a busy Saturday night, so it might have seemed worst than normal.
(4)Megan S.
Delicious! AND they have a great gluten-free menu for those of us with Celiacs. Their scallops with mushrooms are fantastic, and I have liked everything I have tried at Raku. It tends to be very noisy though, so come prepared to talk loud :)
(4)S. O.
This has become one of my favorite restaurants just because of their tuna tartare. I've been there a few times and it has been consistently good! The chilean seabass is also a winner; it's really flavorful and buttery. I also tried their red curry soup noodle. The flavor was good but I thought it was a bit heavy. I don't recall their sushi being out of the ordinary though..
(5)Aesah L.
The sushi here is good and the platters are reasonably priced. It's always crowded at this location and sometimes difficult to have a conversation with whoever you're with because of how close the tables are to each other. I can't say I'm a fan of the rest of the menu because it's not exactly Asian food as I know it, but Raku is worth a visit for the sushi and the sake.
(3)Sheila B.
The food is consistently delicious, for the most part. Our favorite restaurant in Bethesda. The other day had a really yummy seared salmon and shedded daikon appetizer with a wonderful sauce. Also the whole grilled branzino was terrific, cooked just right, with sweet potatoe chips and a surprise of grilled zucchini hiding underneath the fish. Their sushi and sashimi are excellent. Service is good, and they're flexible about substitutions. I see a fair amount of kids here, but they need to be somewhat adventurous eaters. No chicken nuggets! It can get crowded because it's very popular --and for good reason! Other restaurants in Bethesda should take some lessons from Raku. We need more delicious menus and high quality cooking.
(5)Colm C.
Fresh sushi with NY style. If I hear about a sushi restaurant near me I must sample the menu. Raku is the best sushi in Montgomery County, no questions asked. The fish tastes very fresh and they carry an unbelievable bottle of sake called Meibo. Can anyone tell me where to buy a bottle of that? They also have some funky rolls on the menu that have some fantastic tastes. The decor is very hip with Asian appeal. There are not many tables so make reservations. There is a tiny bar with 5 stools to wait at but they fill up quick. During the summer they have many tables outside in a real hot spot in Bethesda. Price is higher than your typical sushi joint but worth every penny. Not only can you have a great dinner but after dinner you can walk across the street to the Landmark theater or stroll into Borders next door. Always a good experience every meal.
(5)Andi C.
I have to say, this is my favorite place to get sushi in the D.C. metro area. The menu is extensive, I've never had bad service, and the food has never disappointed. It does get packed on weekends, so expect a wait to be seated, and then to be at a little table crammed into a corner or near another couple. Or, if you're lucky, score a booth...plenty of elbow room then. The bar can be fun too, especially if you're seated on the end, near the door. No matter, the food is amazing no matter where you're sitting. They have a large selection of sushi rolls, in basic (California roll) as well as interesting, innovative varieties (the "What a Match" roll is one of my favorites..mackerel and apple..yum!). Order several different varieties and share...it makes a great date spot. And if you can (it's tough), leave room for dessert--they're surprisingly, amazingly good and beautifully presented.
(5)Volna V.
I've been coming to Raku for many years, and here is how I summarize it: It's a fun place to come and have a great meal with somebody. If you want to smell the food before you see it, this place is great. It engages all your senses. I love the sushi in the beginning (Chesapeake Roll is wonderful), I love the main courses and the desserts. It's still one of my favorite Japanese Fusion restaurants in the world. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bethesda.
(5)Bill M.
Massive bowls of curry soup.
(5)Candace K.
I went here for lunch and the place was packed! Everyone got the Bento Box special which seemed like a good deal. I got the Chicken Teriyaki and substituted a Crunchy Tuna roll for the California roll. The box came with miso soup, good but a bit on the salty side for me, salad, very yummy, little crab balls which were good, a mushroom and green bean thing which was good but it surprised me when I put in my mouth and it was cold, it was supposed to be cold but initially I didn't know that. The Chicken was nothing super it was done and parts of it was dry, too little sauce over the whole thing. The roll was good except they put cilantro on the roll and I am NOT a fan of cilantro so I was disappointed, I wonder if they can make it without the cilantro. Overall it was pretty good.
(3)Alex D.
We had Thai food that was less greasy, and sushi that was less dry. In case you are in Bethesda and you are dying for a Thai food that's your best bet, but if you want a sushi there are other place around. Be aware that they will give you the bill before you even think what you want. They really rush the service.
(2)Addy C.
After remembering the long lines from our last visit, we came right at 11:30 to indulge ourselves after some unsuccessful Christmas shopping. After reading a tip from FourSquare that the Deluxe Bento was plenty for two people -- we decided on that, plus the Roasted Mushroom & Asparagus appetizer. The bento had a lot of food and we probably could've skipped the app. ROASTED MUSHROOM & ASPARAGUS - $7.50 Warm appetizer of roasted shiitake and portabello mushrooms, asparagus, asiago cheese, and Yuzu vinaigrette. Pretty good, and more than enough for 2 people. DELUXE BENTO - $17 Tuna, salmon, and shrimp sushi (1 pc each); California roll (3 pcs); Tuna, salmon, whitefish sashimi (2 pc tuna, 1 pc salmon, 3-4 thin pcs of whitefish); Beef tenderloin w/ sauteed spinach and mashed potato salad; Seaweed salad on a bed of shredded cabbage & greens; Shrimp and various vegetable tempura; Miso soup. Haha, now do you believe me this is definitely shareable between 2 people? :) The deluxe is a great choice if you like variety. I love bento :) Service was ok - like last time, they do try to rush you at the end which is understandable with the line of people waiting inside.
(4)Debbe M.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! The hostess (Milly I think is her name) is so cute and friendly. She knows me by name! LOVE HER! The food is amazing! I usually get the nigiri sampler and the crunchy spicy scallop roll. My roommate loves the california, crunchy spicy tuna, seabass and volcano rolls. She really loves eating all the ginger as well. The sake is really good! Overall, EXCELLENT food, service and atmosphere! I LOVE SUSHI!!!
(5)Kim R.
Raku has the best service and food in Bethesda! We have been going there for years and have never been disappointed! They also get 5 stars for catering parties!
(5)N V.
Went in to see the NCAA tournament and have some sushi and the tv isn't working. It evidently has been broken for 2 weeks. Don't go here if you want to watch basketball and have some sushi. I ended up leaving and going elsewhere.
(1)Ashira M.
Lunch is a rush-time, dinner's way more relaxed ... like a completely different restaurant, the atmosphere changes so much between one meal and the next -- why, it's like day and night! (Ha ha.) People are nice, place looks really good, and please don't miss the bathroom! De-sign-er. I really like that I can choose either rice or the far more unusual shredded raw white radish as a sushi filling instead. It's neat to have that choice. Tea comes served in a metal pot, which makes it seems somewhat ceremonious and more important, the way it ought to be. I enjoyed my ginger pumpkin soup and so did my friend who ordered the same ... I think it's got to be one of the healthiest places to eat on Woodmont Ave. -- not to say it isn't worth coming in from elsewhere for it!
(5)Chrissy L.
The food is fabulous which is why it's always jam-packed and the service is subpar. I could eat off of the table next to me if I wanted, that's how close they seat people. I am an enormous fan of the Crunchy Avo-Q Roll, it's to-die for. That's my order every time, 12 rolls of that deliciously crunchy creamy fabulousness. They need to work on space issues though, it was uncomfortable
(4)Jess A.
I went here last night with my boyfriend. He got the Thai Curry Bouillabaisse and I got the Deluxe Bento Box. Both were absolutely amazing. The broth in the bouillabaisse was to die for--good thing they give you a soup spoon to drink the rest with. There was a half lobster and generous portion of other seafoods. The deluxe bento box was incredible, though I asked if it was meant for one or two people and our waitress said one. You could easily split it with two people and get an appetizer or something if you're both super hungry. Everything in the box was beyond amazing: tempura shrimp & veggies, sashimi (so fresh & good), a steak w/ mushrooms and veggies in an awesome brown sauce, a piece of fish in an incredible orange sauce, and a seaweed salad. I ate as much as I could, but was too full to eat everything--I was sad about that haha. Definitely pricey, but if you skip alcohol, not too bad. I'd like to go back to try more of the sushi.
(5)Alexa B.
This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. I come here at least once a week and am never disappointed. The tuna tartare is amazing, coconut red curry soup is fantastic, hangar steak lettuce wraps are delicious and my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their bread pudding dessert!! I could lick the plate clean :) some waitresses are better than others but they always seem to make it work.
(5)Neil B.
Raku has good, reasonably priced food and is attractively decorated. However, if you want consistently good service, Raku is not the place to go. Although they have many pleasant hostesses and servers, the restaurant lacks a strong, guiding hand in management. The other night, I was the first person in the restaurant at 5:00 P.M. The hostess took my order for two soups to takeout. I waited 20 minutes. The chefs had prepared my order immediately, but then put it on a low shelf without letting anyone know that it was ready. They don't have a system to notify the server or bartender who places the takeout order when a meal is ready...A few months ago my server bailed on me. He literally disappeared, later I discovered to do his setup work. I asked to see the manager. The servers refused to get the manager because he was in the stock room and they did not want to disturb him. The hostesses are there to seat people. There is no one there who is trying to guide the restaurant as a whole as one would see in a restaurant with the owner as host. There is no way that the current manager ever had serving experience. Also, they do not have a team approach to serving. If your server is too busy or inattentive, you are out of luck. Try to call the owner of Raku or find out his name. The staff won't give you his name and Google didn't either. How about some accountability, a suggestion box, or an email address? You won't get indigestion from the food at Raku; you will get it from lapses in management.
(2)Sonya M.
This restaurant has such a great vibe. The food is great and reasonably priced. You'll get great service even if you sit at the bar. The drinks are always well made too. What I really like about this place is their consistency with their food and service. Most nights this restaurant is very busy. But it is easy to grab a seat at the bar if you don't have a reservation. We have tried different items on their menu and they have all been great. Always fresh and tasty. Favorite: Salmon toro, and Fatty Tuna (toro) nagiri.
(4)Adara N.
A lot of vegetarian roll options and delicious green tea ice cream. Nice atmosphere, too! Sushi was out so fast, but service was just OK.
(4)Donna Y.
The Pumpkin ginger soup is a must have! It was amazing especially when it was freezing outside :) I ordered the deluxe noodle soup with egg noodles. It came with so much noodles I could hardly finish. The only down side to all the items on the menu was price. The food was tasty but not tasty enough to justify how expensive everything was. The atmosphere is absolutely cute tho.
(3)Michelle A.
Tasty enough food, but not tasty enough to justify the price. Much better in the Bethesda area for the cost. Rolls were below average in size. Tuna tartare was unexpectedly good. Tea was $3 a cup, booooo. Surprising amount of late teens/early 20's people dropping $35+ a head to eat here, appears a gusher of money was discovered during excavation for that new condo building across the street. Or they're still on their parents' dime, which is statistically more likely. Cut the cord, man.
(2)Scarlette T.
so. their red coconut curry beckoned me back on this nipply night.... and the perfect accompaniment? fresh and freshly garnished sushi/sashimi. experience is very different and what used to keep me coming back night after night. host (must be the manager, i've seen him around forever) seated me very well, and i had one of two of the greatest servers that raku has ever seen: natalie. smiley, sweet, accurate, gracious and accomodating, i swear she made my food taste better! food was great: fresh items were fresh, neatly presented, flavors also on point. wish the sushi chef read the no ginger/wasabi mod, and wish the soup was hotter: was barely warm. WAS the end of the night, i'm sure they were exhausted and ready to go home but the great reception and awesome natalie who kept us swimming in hot green tea... 4.5 stars! can't wait to come back to perfection next time. keep it up raku!
(4)Mars F.
Was taken here for lunch by coworkers on my first week of work at my new job. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of coming in with high hopes...and I am Japanese, from Hawaii, and studied abroad in Japan. I had a sashimi bento lunch. The quality of the fish wasn't horrible, but it was just so weird because it was served with Chinese shu mai and a steamed green bean "salad" with CHEESE. CHEESE?! I do not want CHEESE with my SASHIMI. LIke I said, weird. It was crazy loud, too dark inside, and no one was managing the crowd at the door, so we had to squeeze our way out when we were done eating.
(2)Kyle S.
Food is very good! Edamame is out of this world! The New York Strip is very tender, along with the sauce it comes with. Yum! Would come back to this place any day!
(4)Blayne R.
So the food was decent, as well as the service. But out of nowhere they say they don't take Discover. There was no visible signage to let anyone know. So when we go to check out they say "we don't take this card". So we have to go out of our way and get cash back on a credit card which has a much higher interest rate. That, and having to travel to the ATM just to pay them. They need to get their stuff together.
(2)Stephanie W.
This place has always been good. The sushi is fresh and the passion fruit limeade is really yummy. The butterfly prawns are really delicious, too. The service is inconsistent, though. Also the menu has not really changed at all within the last 7 or so years since I started going. Make sure you have a reservation - this place is busy.
(3)Marci E.
Wow, fantastic dinner enjoyed by all and can't wait to return. I loved my tofu salad, sushi and edamame. My friend raved about her curry, spring rolls and her sister's veggie platter was beautiful.
(5)Lou K.
Wouldn't consider eating Sushi anywhere else. Ever. Get the same thing every time. Tuna California, wasabi dynamite roll and Maguro nigiri. Pure perfection. Eat in or carry out. Awesome. Go.
(5)Joseph P.
Loved the red curry soup and the ginger pumpkin. Great service too.
(5)Supraja M.
Came for a weeknight dinner a few weeks ago with 3 friends. I shared the vegan corn chowder, a veggie sushi assortment, a crunchy avo-q roll, and a veggie futomaki roll with a friend (wow that sounds like tons of food right now). it was all... OK. The chowder was basically corn and bits of potato swimming in water (unseasoned, no creaminess, just.. blah). The sushi rolls were all fine, but I find that veggie sushi is pretty hard to mess up or make spectacular.
(2)Geraud L.
Spending a few days in Bethesda. Tonight, we stopped at Raku and ordered take aways. Very tasty collection of sushis and sashimis.
(4)Mariah J.
The sushi is pretty fresh, but rolls are smaller than your average sushi roll. Tables are EXTREMELY close. Service was fast but the seat arrangements spoil the entire experience.
(2)Tiffany P.
I am absolutely in love with this place. Extremely friendly and attentive wait staff, REALLY great prices, DELICIOUS sushi, and probably some of the best potstickers/dumplings I've ever had. It is definitely my #1 choice for Sushi in Bethesda!
(5)Vicky L.
Upon stepping in, the interior decoration is really beautiful. The atmosphere was extremely busy though and it was near impossible to get a table even though it was Sunday night! I think Restaurant Week was partially to blame for that. My server and hostess were great. Friendly staff, despite how busy and hectic the place was so kudos to the staff! I think they might have been slightly understaffed though for the size of the amount of people going in and out. I believe we tried the liver pâté, as our appetizer, which was delicious and beautiful plated. In addition, I ordered the eel roll and philly roll. Both were delicious, though could be found at other restaurants as well so I didn't think they were anything spectacular. We also tried the Jo Nigiri sushi assortment which was fresh and great quality. Definitely worth coming back for if you enjoy sushi!
(4)Margaret N.
This restaurant is always packed! Make sure you make a reservation! I definitely recommend coming here for lunch! They have great deals for lunch boxes, and sushi is fresh!
(4)Lynn L.
Love the seaweed tofu salad and the udon noodle soups. Everything here is fresh and delicious. Well worth the price and the crowds. Amongst a lot of half-full restaurants in this area, Raku is always crowded.
(5)Amanda F.
SERVICE-attentive, prompt and helpful when needed, nothing above and beyond but I don't need overbearing at my sushi joint FOOD-good quality sushi, have yet to try other dishes; good saki and Asian beers but the wine list is okay, I'd go other places for a nice glass of vino ATMOSPHERE-busy, bustling, close proximity to your neighbor and very loud; at 9:00 pm on a Wednesday it's mostly full OVERALLY-a notch above one's typical sushi and will definitely be back
(4)Alexander K.
4.5 stars This is a solid japanese fusion restaurant where we have never had a bad meal. Items that I recommend are the chilean sea bass, grilled whole bronzino, pan seared Maine lobster (can get messy), deluxe bento box, and deluxe sashimi selection (make sure to request this with sushi rice on the side). However, I always go to the specials insert placed inside the menu. Some of the goodies usually include an enticing entree/appetizer (i.e. live sea urchin or soft shell crab) and a sushi sampler with various cuts of fish that won't be found in your neighborhood sushi spot. One gripe I have though is with the proximity of the neighboring tables, a little too close for comfort in my opinion. Sit at the bar in front of the kitchen, it is interesting watching all the chefs go about their business.
(4)Rebecca F.
I was very disappointed in Raku. I had called several days in advance to make a reservation for a birthday. When we arrived, they had not saved us a table. We had to wait 20 minutes. I spoke to the manager and she was unapologetic and did not try to fix the problem. Additionally, there was a hair in someone's food. Really Raku? That's embarrassing. 1 star and I will not be returning.
(1)Craig H.
Had a wonderful teriyaki bento box for lunch at this hoping place. The decor is lovely and done in an oriental motif. The server was pleasant though a little rushed as the lunch hour got going.
(4)C H.
Dear Raku, Your food is great (for Bethesda), and your servers are sweet and professional. I do have some recommendations for the New Year: 1. It's time to update your interior. The cushions on the booth seats are looking tired and need to be replaced. 2. The menu and cover are also worn and tattered and need to be refreshed. 3. Please don't charge me $2.50 for a bowl of white rice. That is an insult. Thanks and love. P.S.The lemon basil sauce is delish.
(4)Pegah Y.
Raku sushi is pretty solid! A friend and I visited Raku sushi on a Sunday night. We ordered several different rolls, which were quite filling. I ordered spicy tuna and another roll. The sushi was fresh and the pieces were large. The spices and sauces were also very flavorful and ambrosial. What more can you ask for? The service is pretty good - I appreciated how quickly they re-filled our waters. The place was busy, but we were definitely attended to in a timely manner. The dinner cost a lot, but what else can you expect from sushi? The only reason I give this place a "4" is that I think sushi is better when it's all-you-can-eat since you get a lot more for your money. Still, Raku is great and I would definitely love to eat there again.
(4)Eunice K.
idk if its cus i had high expectations but nothing stood out had the curry noodle thing which is HUGEEEEE! but it was just alright ordered some sushi and that too was just alright
(3)Steven W.
If you want a little taste of Asian fusion cooking with the feeling of being in NYC...skip the Vamoose and make a reservation to Raku...You won't be disappointed! Any place that reminds me of being in the west village of NYC gets an extra star and Raku pulls that off...tight quarters, great decor, bustling, high energy, people waiting (jammed in the entrance--make a reservation), cold air rushing through every time the door opens, a busy bar, and perfectly executed cooking...some may like that, others may hate it. You either get it or you don't. Some of you may tell me to put down the bottle...but how the names of Chefs Homma & Ballogdajan aren't mentioned with the likes of Matsuhisa, Morimoto and Vongerichten is beyond me...Raku is pumping out 1st Class Asian Fusion cooking! It's all about flavor...and the combinations and vibrancy in the flavors at Raku shine through. The Pumpkin Ginger soup was sweet with just enough savory...The sea bass was cooked to perfection in an amazing tomato, ginger, miso sauce that you never wanted to finish. The tuna tataki pizza was crispy thin crust, shaved tuna, cheese and a chili sauce that worked like you wouldn't believe. Sushi was on point, wine and service was good enough...you get the idea... I've eaten here many times over the years, but dinner a few weeks ago (for the first time in a long while), really reminded me of why I love this place.
(5)Jacinda T.
I called for a dinner reservation for 3 a day beforehand, just in case there was a crowd. It was a beautifully warm day in March, so the patio area was open; probably why there wasn't a wait that night. We were seated right away and ordered our drinks shortly afterwards. I ordered one of the cocktail specials they had for March Madness, but it ended up being wayyy to strong for me. I just set it to the side, not wanting to be rude and send it back, and kind of hoping someone else would drink it for me. Surprisingly, the nice waitress noticed that I hadn't touched my drink when we were almost half way through our meal, and offered to get me a different one with no charge for the original. I opted for a beer, since those are neutral territory. I was really impressed that she would even offer, and even happier that she really didn't charge for the first drink. We ordered a few dishes and just shared them all, family style. The pumpkin soup was pretty tasty (I'm a really a big fan of the whole squash family, so I may be biased), just a bit weird to find at a Japanese place. The dragon, raku, wasabi dynamite and volcano rolls were all pretty OK. nothing great, but good. All in all, Raku's a very "modernized," but not a bad place to eat if you're around the area. (btw, we were the only asian people in the whole restaurant, not counting the people who worked there. i think that says something in itself...)
(3)Alicia G.
PUMPKIN ALERT: pumpkin-ginger soup tweetphoto.com/djyjatzs - it's a must-have. Piping hot, creamy, pumkiny, gingery soup topped with croutons and pumpkin seeds. I much prefer coming here for lunch rather than dinner. Their lunch specials never let me down- between the soft-shell crab tempura bento box to the katsu curry - there's always something amazing on the menu. Even just their regular bento boxes make me happy. And their unsweetened peach iced tea. HUGE fan.
(5)Josh S.
Great food good service the only issue was our red wine was served to us way to warm. The waitress put it on ice for us and was wonderful
(4)Abegail A.
I've been dying to try this place out since (a) I love sushi (b) it has so many great reviews. Came here on a Saturday night for dinner. It was so nice outside that the wait to sit outdoors was somewhat long, but they had seating for two right away inside. We opted to sit inside since we were hungry. Started off with the Yellowtail Sashimi first flavor that came with sesame wasabi ponzu sauce and red onion-cilantro salad ($12.50). Yum yum yum! The sashimi melted in my mouth! I generally do not like sashimi (I prefer nigiri), but this was tasty! Fresh and just delicious! For our main course we had the Coconut Red Curry Noodle Soup with egg noodles and beef ($11), the Philly roll ($7), and the Deluxe Spicy Tuna ($10). More yummy-ness! The rolls had fresh fish and vegetables, cut evenly...they were delicious! The curry noodle soup was pretty good, but I was hoping for more spice to it. The beef was pretty tasty, and the soup itself was huge. Definitely enough for two people to share, or for two meals. Our waitress was rather attentive and the restaurant is nicely decorated and is inviting. I now see why people love this place. I'd definitely go back, but I think next time I'll stick with the sushi!
(4)Joel S.
We ate here today with Henya and Yuval after meeting them while walking along the crescent trail. It was a gorgeous spring day after a long, snowy summer, so we decided to end with a lunch in Raku. I ordered pumpkin ginger soup, which was exceptionally good, and a bento box, which was very good. When we wanted to order dessert, we were told the restaurant was closed.too bad.
(4)Ann H.
I'm a big fan of Raku (both the Bethesda and Dupont locations). I have never been disappointed in the food. The flavors are always good. The kind of food they do could easily veer off into oversalted territory, but they keep it in check. If they are offering the tuna flatbread when you go, get it. Where they occasionally trip up is service. It's always friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. Usually, I chalk it up to the fact that they're always super-busy. A reliably tasty bite to eat when you're in Bethesda or Dupont.
(4)Rachel P.
It is so hard to find sushi anywhere as good as Raku's! Trust me, I have been searching. Their menu is such a perfect fusion balance. I go for the sushi, but love the dumplings and other appetizers as well. The Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll is my all time favorite. And I love how the rolls here aren't too big. They are the perfect size and fish to sauce to rice ratio. Everything is fresh and the service is pleasant. I've been eating here for years and have never found a place that compares as far as well rounded with delicious cooked food and fresh sushi.
(5)Alicia B.
I love Japanese food and find that Raku offers a great variety for all tastes. It is also a very healthy choice.
(4)Mathewe B.
The food was amazing! I suggest getting their soft shell crab starter, and their sushi is subtle but sublime, especially their toro. Had great service, will definitely be coming here again soon! Even though the reviews might be lower than most would claim try-worthy, you should definitely give this place a chance.
(5)Natasha S.
My partner and I decided to return here, because I had really wanted to try the Red Curry Noodle Soup that everyone ordered during our last visit. Good thing I did, I was pleased! Mind you this is not an authentic Asian place, but definitely a great Asian Fusion kind of place. I really like the Tuna Tar Tar here, and I thought my soup was excellent. The broth was super tasty, and the bowl had a generous amount of Seafood and Veggies! Mmm! I ordered it with the Yellow Egg Noodles, which I thought were decent. Not the best noodles, but pretty good. My partner ordered sushi again, and everything she had was very fresh. I thought the fish selection was delicious here. I don't know about the special rolls, but just the basic Sashimi, Nigiri and basic Maki Rolls are good here. The service is A-OK. They weren't extremely busy, but pretty steady yet very hard to get the attention of. After struggling to get the server's attention the first couple times, she made an effort to pay attention to us more which was fine. I definitely would come back for the soup and sushi!
(4)Angela H.
Right after my first visit, I wanted to come back already. After eating here twice, I made up my mind about it. Both times I arrived shortly after nine on a weekday and both times it seemed pretty lively. Someone recommended the coconut red curry with noodles which was good enough for me to order during my second visit as well. My friend asked for rice instead of noodles for the curry which they do. Sushi: we ordered spicy tuna deluxe and red dragon sushi, both were ok-good - a good Asian-fusion sushi fix but probably not the best quality. Sake, on the other hand, was a perfect touch to the rest of the spicy (not too spicy) meal. I'm not sure how the restaurant compares to others in it's surrounding area but in my opinion, a solid 4. The food is decent and environment is nice, there's outside seating when it's nice out, but after coming twice, I don't think I would frequent often or go out of my way to come. Street parking can be a little difficult also.
(4)Toby R.
In order to have the best sushi in Bethesda, you must make a valiant effort. Thankfully, Raku stepped up to the challenge. Service is fantastic. The menu is extremely awesome with a wide selection of sushi. We tried the tuna spareribs. It was interesting and also delicious. As for the sushi itself, it's nothing short of mouth-watering. They have great rolls, sauces and soups. If you are a Bethesda-ite, this is your best bet for sushi.
(4)Theresa S.
I wouldn't be able to speak to the food because I called for take out, and when I tried to ask a question about a menu item, I was put on hold with a irritated tone from the person that answered the phone. So sorry to bother you, Raku -- I'll take my business elsewhere thank you.
(1)Valarie G.
Great sushi and drinks. I was really impressed with the quality and variety of the sushi here, and the appetizers were very good. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed though and they were very busy. They could probably use a few more servers.
(4)Jen F.
I just can't stay away from Raku. It is now my favorite restaurant in Bethesda (next to Jaleo). The bento boxes are a popular item here so I had to try the chicken teriyaki. It was good but A LOT of food. You can expect some leftovers. Personally, I believe the noodle soups are the way to go. You get a choice of meat (or tofu with veggies) and noodle (egg, udon or soba). Egg noodles are my personal favorite. They have a regular chicken based broth soup and the red coconut curry soup. Both are great but I LOVE the red coconut curry soup with tofu and veggies. I give it 5 stars. AND the soups come with a little salad. The ginger dressing on the salad is amazing- best ginger dressing I've ever had. You will leave full and satisfied for $7.50.
(5)Kristina M.
Great spot for sushi in Bethesda. it's always crowded so make a reservation if you are on a time limit. It's also very loud inside but the outdoor seating is nice. I always get the crunchy spicy tuna and the red dragon roll. Both are pretty good. They also have a really yummy kale salad as a special a lot of the times. Maybe not the best sushi in the world, but I enjoy it.
(4)Mark S.
I took my wife here for her birthday. We tried the sushi and split a curry noodle soup bowl. The portion for the noodle soup was huge and VERY delicious! We also ordered something else.. but I forgot. I'm guessing it wasn't that great since it wasn't memorable. The sushi was fresh and delicious.. but that curry noodle soup tasted yummmmmy! I would go back there just to get another bowl of the noodle soup! Delicious!
(4)Kyi H.
Awful.. 1. Service 2. Attitude 3. Unwrapped chopsticks 4. Taste Not recommended at all..
(1)Davita K.
I'm new to the Bethesda area, but every once in a while I treat myself to some of their udon. It never fails to cheer me up. The broth is delicious and the noodles are cooked just right.
(4)Rachel M.
I live in the area so this makes Raku a no-brainer. The sushi is fantastic but a bit expensive (on par with the area). The deluxe spicy tuna is always my go to. The coconut red curry noodles are the best thing on the menu. You get a huge bowl (I always have left-overs) and it's the perfect dish for a cold day. The down-side is that it can get really busy on the weekend and there is no room to wait for a table. Overall if you're in Bethesda and looking for sushi-this is the best bet.
(4)Louis B.
Its a decent sushi place but not the best ever. However, you will certainly pay as if it's the best ever. $$$$$$ Just about everything is at premium prices here. Just not worth it when there are the same type of places down the street and around the corner. Typical Bethesda restaurant with inflated prices. Good for people watching.
(2)Sarah J M.
Meet has been warm, not as fresh (stay away from the dumplings and the shrimp Spring rolls - fishy), and the restaurant is it loud and crowded! Many times of packed with families and the restaurant is loud without crying and screaming children! People can't seem to help themselves from overhearing your conversations. I feel so uncomfortable sometimes I either stop talking or try talking in code. How's that for dinner conversation? Same vice versa, you can't help but hear everything about your neighbors and their lives! Like you don't have enough to deal with - not to mention when my hubby and I dine just the two of us - they pack us on those tables of two like sardines. My husband is a tall and fairly big man at 6'2" and about 260 lbs that's a difficult feat in itself just fitting in between the tables! Not to mention we will have just waited anywhere from 30-45 minutes for that tiny table! Service is terrible, and we constantly have to flag our waiter /waitress - in fact we put our whole order in as soon as we are seated to avoid having to hunt down our waiter/ waitresses. At times I can't even get my sodas refilled! All in all if this particular sushi restaurant wasn't in downtown Bethesda Proper it would have been out of business a long time ago! Just telling it like it is. Cheers!
(2)Kiranj P.
VERDICT - To be honest, skip it. PROS: Portion Size (unless you get sushi), Trendy Ambiance (could be a con, slightly overcrowded and extremely loud) CONS: Portion Size (if you get sushi), Service is hit or miss (was fantastic at lunch, couldn't have been worse at dinner), Value - sorely overpriced for what you get TBD: Food is hit or miss - need to be careful with what you're ordering here as some of the items lack flavor and sometimes freshness REVIEW: My wife and I recently moved to the area and wanted to come here due to the great reviews and the fact that it was always crowded. I wasn't thoroughly impressed the first time we went (lunch) but my initial thoughts were confirmed when we returned for dinner. The hostess and waiting area were disorganized and over crowded. After getting seated over 30 minutes later, we were waited on by a server who didn't take our drink order for almost 15 min after we sat down and failed to check up on us until I flagged her down for the check (the food was delivered by other servers). Food itself was hit or miss, my wife is vegetarian and she loved the seaweed salad and the spicy avo-q roll. I had mixed feelings about my food though, I started with the ocean spring roll and felt it lacked flavor and was a bit too oily (even for a spring roll) and got the red dragon roll (the one with serrano pepper) as my entree. The red dragon was seriously disappointing as it was completely bland and had no heat from either the spicy tuna or the serrano peppers. The fish quality was so-so as well. To be honest, I did enjoy the soba noodles with chicken in the tokyo dashi broth when i had it for lunch...but dinner didn't impress me too much. Overall, I don't see what all the hype about this place is. The food wasn't bad but I've had better quality sushi for much less.
(2)Hollie L.
Decent lunch box for great price. Dinner is overpriced but it's Bethesda. The guy at the front could be really standoffish but
(4)Tu-van L.
Great appetizers, mediocre entrees, meh desserts. Appetizers and enjoyable outdoor seating only thing pulling this review up to three stars. From our three-course meal the appetizers were the star of the meal. My Korean galbi ssam was flavorful and tender meat though sloppy to eat with the lettuce wrap (though this is my first time eating ssam - it's supposed to be sloppy, no?). The husband's grilled octopus salad was delicious with perfectly grilled, tender octopus. The husband was satifsfied with his sashimi platter, and the chef did a good job making substitutions for some fish he didn't care for. My roasted duck was tasty but the dish was plagued like a lot of restaurants where they put too much jus/gravy/sauce on the plate to drown out whatever good flavors were there in the first place. Desserts were tasty yet not too memorable. Mixed drinks were well made, though the sake flights were not worth the effort. The tasting didn't have the brews listed in the menu, and they had more of a kick to them for what you pay for. Ambiance can be loud on he inside but if you get an outdoor seating spot it's for the most part quieter and better for people/car watching. Service was alright. The waitress was SLOW in bringing our stuff and was absent for most of our meal. It look longer than normal to get each course. Not a bad deal for trying out this place during Bethesda Row Restaurant week earlier in the spring. Nevertheless I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here.
(3)Sarah N.
Seriously? Yelp failed me this time. Girls night out was planned for this location when we saw all the great reviews. I'll keep it short and simple: 1) Make a reservation but know it's not guaranteed =) For the volume of guest traffic, they need to place brighter people at their host stand. How come we had to wait 20 minutes for a table when we had a reservation? How come you don't keep your promise of holding the table for us if I called in saying we would be 5 minutes late? And when the first 4 seater opened up, it went to a group who came in after us? Listen to me when I call. Use your noodle a bit when seating people. 2) You call this sushi?? Sushi rolls were fugly looking. The presentation was...wait, there was none. They rice did not cover the nori. They did not tighten the rolls because there were plenty of gap inside the roll. The cut was messy making the edges jagged and each piece uneven. Not just sushi chef, but all chefs who give a poop about their dish will put in effort to make it look presentable. The rice was falling apart just by being dipped in the soy sauce. Rolls were small and the taste was mediocre. 3) Everything else Tuna tartare was delicious but with three pieces of bread how can you scoop the entire chunk?? Here is where they try to upsell you with $1 for more bread. We ordered house sake to help down the sushi. I'm not a sake expert, but I noticed it lacked flavor from every other hot sake I've had. 4) Service Our waitress was friendly and helpful. However, service starts from the moment you pick up the phone and walk in the door. I would not come back here. Raku is not worth the hassle of Bethesda parking and long wait.
(2)Melissa H.
Not many entrees on the menu, so we ordered appetizers, small plates, and sushi rolls. The duck small plate was ok but more of a sample than what we would call a "small plate." The ginger- pumpkin soup was outstanding though! So good I almost bought some to go... :) The chicken and pork dumplings were delish as well! Our rolls were good, but Ive seen the rolls elsewhere where they looked much more appealing. They did taste good though! Our waitress was busy, but checked in on our table occasionally.
(3)Fenny L.
I was all prepared to be hatin' on this place. Yes, I'm a judgmental snob, but everyone has their foodie pet peeve. For some, it's anything that is non-organic or non-local. For others it's the plating. For me, it's a absolute disdain for fusion restaurants. There are many things wrong with fusion restaurants in my book. For starters, stick to a cuisine and GET IT RIGHT rather then slam together two incompatible flavors and pray that it'll be hip enough to catch on. Secondly, if I wanted schizophrenic food, one of the voices in my head can go ahead and cook it. Finally, most fusion restaurants draw pretentious hipsters and yuppies like racoons to a trashcan. While I still hate everything there is about fusion restaurants, Raku-An is a perfect example of how "fusion" can be done right. Although it's Asian Fusion, the foods are predominately Japanese, with slight "twists". The flavors are powerful, yet complementary. A great example of this, is their Plum Wine Sangria. I admit to being skeptical, however, it was fantastic and a great concept! I highly recommend the Seoul Train roll for those who enjoy kimchi (it is without a doubt, my husband and my favorite roll here!) - just enough kimchi flavor to be "yum", but not enough for your date to run screaming when you lean in for that kiss later. The seaweed salad is a mixture of the traditional seaweed salad, tossed with greens, cucumbers and a slight drizzle of carrot ginger dressing. I looked at it askance when it first arrived, but the flavors really blended well together and was quite enjoyable. The tuna tartar is magnificent, light and refreshing with a very light touch on the sauce and seasonings, so that the natural sweetness of tuna came through. I've been here twice, and both times I was so busy with shoveling food into my mouth, that I didn't have time to go off on my rant about why fusion restaurants will be the downfall of society. Also unlike many fusion restaurants, the service here has been impeccable. The first time we came, it was an hour before closing, but the server took as much time with us as if we were the first diners that he had all night. The second time, the weather was great, and we were seated outside. Although it was a beautiful and busy Saturday evening, and the table next to us were a pair of ladies who were vegetarian/vegans, but wanted to order off the Bethesda Restaurant Week menu (insert eyeroll here), our waiter was unfailingly polite, prompt and checked up on us often. I overheard some of his conversation with the table next to us, and he was wonderful at helping them come up with alternates and solutions (not that the two ladies seem to appreciate it). My only real complaint about the service is about the hostesses. The first time we came, the hostess couldn't seem to make up her mind if she was going to seat us or not (admittedly, it was an hour before closing, so I can understand her dilemma). The second time we came, it was on a Saturday, and we wanted to sit outside, and were told that the wait would be 30 minutes, but to check back in with her after 20. When I checked in with her at the 20 minute mark, she told me that tables were being cleared off now, and just please wait. We watched as 3 tables were cleared off...which she promptly gave away to other diners. I went to check in with her again, and she seemed completely confused as to why we weren't seated, and promised that the very next table would be ours. However, when 5 minutes later, a table was cleared off, she again gave it away to someone else. At this point, both my husband and I were getting upset. Another table opened up, and we approached the hostess. The other hostess (seemed like she was in training) was about to give away that table as well, when the hostess that we had been talking to, tells her to seat us. The second hostess begins to argue with the first hostess, but fortunately the first hostess insisted that it was our turn. Very confusing and not very organized it seems. However, despite the fact that the hostess stand is a hot mess, and the this is a fusion restaurant, I have come to love Raku-An and highly recommend it for dates or group outings. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside - believe it or not, it's quieter then inside.
(4)Henry M.
When I'd missed the Yelp cigar event in Bethesda, I shoulda just gone home disappointed instead of rolling the dice. I'd been to the old Raku in Bethesda, and I'd never been impressed, but this was obviously a different place... The good news is that I won't make the mistake of walking in to Raku with friends on a night out in Bethesda. The bad news was the food and the staff. I had no problem getting a seat at the sushi-bar, and my order was taken quickly enough, and my food arrived quickly... perhaps too quickly. I've eaten in Korean restaurants where none of the staff smiled, but this is Bethesda, and it's not that kind of place, and I just don't like to eat in a place where the staff looks like they're in pain. Then there's the food. I'm glad that I didn't order much, and so far I'm okay, but I like the sushi in Federal government cafeterias better than what I had tonight. I love ankimo, and I always order it when I see it on a menu, but I didn't know that it could be prepared in such apparently mass-produced blocks as to resemble a mild, not very soft liverwurst. That slight firmness would have been better in the yellowtail roll, which felt like the fish had been through the bass-o-matic. I'm also a big uni fan, but the uni tasted like some sort of beginner uni-light, i.e. none of the low-tide sweetness that good sea urchin can have. I've rarely spent so much on a meal that I found, in spite of low expectations, so disappointing. Will I return to Raku to check out other dishes? I won't?
(2)O P.
Lunch was good but the waiter really did not want to work, and in order for us to understand it, just let all the miso soup and the soja sauce on my wife. When asked if he will reimburse the dry cleaning, not feeling concerned, he just said "yeah bring me the receipt".
(1)Sarah H.
The whole japanese fusion just makes the restaurant sound more fancy but i didn't think the food was indulging. The egg rolls were very unique.. never seen it come with that special orange & green sauce at any restaurant. They are worth trying. My shrimp crunch roll was so below average. Is that because it wasn't a "specialty" roll? The bento box doesn't come with rice. That is the strangest thing. I don't care how fffffff-ing fusion you are, I need my damn rice. The ribeye in the box was pretty dry & chewy too. The service was paranoying.. is that a word? No I guess not because I have the red dotted lines under the word right now. You will see a person who I guess is the manager because she's dressed differently from the others. She stands with the servers and tells them to check up on this table & that table with her pointy finger. I see the server running to the table asking the most general question, "Is everything okay?" The lady gets me paranoid.
(2)Justin S.
Creative menu, fresh selection. Can be a little cramped inside. Overall my favorite in Bethesda.
(4)Lissa B.
Raku is one of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda. I think it's best for lunch as there is such a huge difference in the price for dinner. Also, the lunch bento boxes are amazing and far better in my opinion than the dinner entrees. The Chicken & Pork Dumplings are the best dumplings I've had in the US (only rivaled by Ippudo's bite sized dumplings in Tokyo). The pineapple flavored sauce is simply incredible and the dumplings are cooked to perfection. I can't go to Raku without ordering them. I believe the best bento box is the Beef Tenderloin Tataki Bento. It is a great combination of mashed potatos and steak with the Asian fusion. The steak is quality and always cooked perfectly. Something funny is that the Dupont location doesn't have this bento on the menu, which is definitely a shame.
(4)Ken L.
This is a really good Japanese restaurant in the heart of Bethesda. The food is pretty pricey but you'd expect that if you're grabbing dinner in Bethesda. The food is really good but I wouldn't say its unique in any way. I really enjoy the curry tonkatsu that they ONLY serve during lunchtime. It's a good place to take a date but it does get quite crowded sometimes. Get Natalie if you can, she's a great waitress!
(4)Mark E.
Food and service not longer justify the outrageous prices, unless you're trying to impress someone by going to a fancy sushi place/Japanese restaurant
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