Raku it's Japanese Introduce
In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, the search for truly authentic and memorable dining experiences can be an adventure in itself. When it comes to Japanese cuisine, the options are vast, but few places manage to capture the heart and soul of traditional flavors while delivering a modern, friendly experience. Tucked away in the vibrant Midtown East neighborhood, Raku It's Japanese stands out as a genuine gem, offering a slice of Japan right here in NYC. More than just a restaurant, it's a culinary journey designed to delight your senses and leave you feeling truly happy—a sentiment that perfectly aligns with its name, as "Raku" means "happy" in Japanese.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is a welcoming blend of cozy, casual, and trendy, making it the perfect spot for almost any occasion. Whether you're a local looking for your next go-to spot or a visitor seeking an authentic meal, Raku It's Japanese promises an experience that is both satisfying and soulful. The restaurant proudly identifies as an Asian-owned business, bringing a deep cultural understanding and passion to every dish they prepare. This commitment is evident in the quality of their food and the exceptional warmth of their service, which has been praised by patrons who feel treated more like honored guests than customers.
The culinary philosophy here is simple: use the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. While the menu is a celebration of Japanese classics, it also features creative twists that cater to a wide range of palates. From the melt-in-your-mouth freshness of their sashimi to the rich and savory broth of their ramen, every plate tells a story. It's a place where you can find everything from a quick, delicious lunch to a leisurely dinner with friends, all in an environment that feels both special and unpretentious. The dedication to great food and outstanding service has earned Raku It's Japanese a devoted following, and it's easy to see why so many people feel a deep connection to this delightful establishment.
Raku It's Japanese is conveniently located at 212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022. This prime location places it right in the heart of Midtown East, making it easily accessible for anyone working or living in the area, as well as those visiting the city's many attractions. Situated between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, the restaurant is a short walk from major transit hubs and several subway lines, including the E and M trains at Lexington Ave-53 St, the 6 train at 51st St, and the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains at Grand Central. This central positioning ensures that getting to Raku is both simple and stress-free.
For those driving, parking is available, though it is limited to paid street parking, a common reality in this bustling part of the city. The area is well-lit and active, providing a safe and inviting environment for all guests. Inside, the restaurant's layout is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for everyone. While the provided information does not detail specific accessibility features, the welcoming nature of the business and its focus on being family-friendly and good for kids suggests an inclusive atmosphere. The staff is known for their kindness and attentiveness, ready to assist with any needs to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all.
Raku It's Japanese offers a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of its diverse clientele, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food no matter your dining preference.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full table service. The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for planning a meal during peak hours.
- Takeout: Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go. Simply place your order and pick it up to enjoy at your convenience.
- Delivery & No-contact delivery: Get your favorite Japanese dishes delivered right to your doorstep with flexible options that prioritize safety and convenience.
- Curbside Pickup: A convenient option that allows you to pick up your order without ever having to leave your car.
- Catering: Raku It's Japanese also offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for office lunches, private parties, or any event where you want to impress guests with authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine.
What sets Raku It's Japanese apart from other dining options in the area is its combination of exceptional food quality, efficient service, and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Here are some of the key highlights that make it a standout choice:
- Fast Service: Patrons consistently praise the efficiency and speed of the service, ensuring that even during busy lunch and dinner rushes, your food arrives promptly without compromising on quality. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick bite.
- Great Tea Selection: The restaurant offers a curated selection of teas that perfectly complement the flavors of the food. A great tea can elevate a dining experience, and Raku It's Japanese clearly understands this, providing a wonderful variety for tea lovers.
- Extensive Menu Offerings: The menu is incredibly diverse, offering everything from classic sushi and sashimi to comforting ramen and hearty bento boxes. You can find healthy options, vegetarian and vegan choices, and even late-night food. The menu includes alcohol, beer, and wine to pair with your meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're dining solo, having a casual lunch or dinner with a friend, or bringing the family, the atmosphere and menu are suitable for all. The restaurant is popular for solo dining, and it's also family-friendly with high chairs available for children.
- Authentic and Fresh Flavors: Reviews frequently highlight the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the sashimi. The dedication to quality ensures a delicious and authentic taste in every dish. One patron described the sashimi as "very fresh and melt in your mouth," a true testament to the quality of their offerings.
To make a reservation, place an order, or learn more about their services, you can contact Raku It's Japanese directly.
Address: 212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 355-3272
In a city overflowing with choices, deciding where to eat can often be the hardest part of the meal. Raku It's Japanese simplifies that choice by offering a compelling combination of quality, convenience, and charm. What makes this place truly worth choosing is not just the food, but the entire experience it provides. The name "Raku" means "happy," and that feeling is woven into every aspect of the restaurant, from the warm welcome you receive from the staff to the satisfaction of a perfectly prepared meal. One reviewer perfectly captured this sentiment, describing their visit as an experience that "didn't just fill my stomach — it filled my soul."
The menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, but if you're looking for a standout recommendation, the sashimi bento box is frequently praised as a fantastic choice. Patrons rave about the freshness and quality, making it a reliable go-to for a satisfying and delicious meal. For those who love creative and flavorful sushi rolls, the Crazy Dragon, Sakura, and Rainbow rolls are described with a kind of poetic reverence, as if each roll is a unique masterpiece. This is a place where even a simple edamame and miso soup are prepared with care and attention, making every bite and sip feel purposeful.
Beyond the food, the service is a defining feature. The staff at Raku It's Japanese are described as being incredibly kind and respectful, treating guests with a level of warmth that makes you feel valued and at home. This genuine hospitality, combined with a commitment to fast and efficient service, creates a dining environment that is both comfortable and professional. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or just someone looking for a great meal in a friendly setting, Raku It's Japanese provides a reason to visit again and again. It’s a place where happiness truly comes wrapped in rice and seaweed, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in New York City.
Raku it's Japanese Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Raku it's Japanese Photos










Raku it's Japanese Location
Raku it's Japanese
212 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Raku it's Japanese Reviews
bento boxdeliveryrollstempuraudongyozafishavocadomiso soupatmosphere
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The sashimi here was really good!! Very fresh and melt in your mouth. I would get this again.The nabeyaki udon was huge but not my favorite. The egg and noodles were overcooked. The mushroom dish was decent but pretty standard.I think the sashimi bento box is the way to go here!
August 16 · Gloria HaRaku means “happy” in Japanese, and let me tell you something, happy doesn’t even begin to cover the emotional rollercoaster my tastebuds went on. By the time we left, I was basically one “Domo arigato” away from moving to Tokyo and becoming a sushi monk.We ordered four rolls — Crazy Dragon, Sakura, Rainbow, and California — and each one was like a different chapter of the greatest novel never written. The Crazy Dragon? An absolute fever dream of flavors. The Sakura? Elegant and delicate, like it took a ballet class before landing on my plate. The Rainbow? So colorful it made me question if Lisa Frank is now moonlighting as a sushi chef. The California? A timeless classic, like the “Bohemian Rhapsody” of rolls. No skips. No regrets.We also crushed some edamame, miso soup, and a beer — because, you know, balance — and every bite and sip made me want to write a thank you letter to the chef in beautiful calligraphy that I absolutely cannot do.And the waitstaff? Honestly, if kindness were an Olympic sport, these folks would’ve swept the podium. They treated us with a level of warmth and respect that made me feel like a visiting dignitary instead of the overenthusiastic sushi goblin that I truly am.Eating here didn’t just fill my stomach — it filled my soul.It reminded me that food can be art, that service can be reverent, and that happiness sometimes comes wrapped in rice and seaweed, staring at you with spicy mayo eyes.In conclusion: if you don’t go to Raku, I genuinely have questions about your life choices.
April 26 · Adam JonesI love raku for their extensive selection of delicious rolls with MJ being one of my faves I often return to. I’ve now been to this and their UWS and think I prefer the UWS one. Both are good but I feel like the execution is just a bit better at the other location.
June 01 · ReedHAbsolutely loved Raku for their sushi LUNCH special!!! Working in midtown east, this place is an absolute gem for 2 sushi rolls and a soup or salad!! ALWAYS a Great quality and very Fast service!... I genuinely thought I found a secret diamond of midtown east. BUT they recently increades the price of their lunch special on grubhub from $14 to $16 :(I get a $15 credit from my company, daily, to order lunch via grubhub. I was a regular here - ordering 2 or 3 times a week, and even telling my coworkers and sending them to the location as well! But with the new price increase, it is officially off of my lunch roster. I understand business needs, but I must now sadly resign from my position as a regular lunch customer due to affordability - and my coworkers as well.
August 07 · Brooke BeyerJust what I needed after a long day out. The sansai udon had an abundant amount of vegetable and mushroom toppings! The staff was were warm too.
June 29 · Sumita T
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