Food here was delicious. There were a lot of actual Japanese people here. Not that that means anything itself but always a good sign. The lunch sets were great - the cod and eel was yummy. I do wish the protein portion was slightly bigger.
I've been to Rakuya a few times and had their Ramen and rolls (dinner) and bento boxes for lunch. I think overall the food was good and the bento box for lunch is good value. The Ramen was fine but I find the pork slices a bit too thick at times. It can be pretty busy so I like to go when it's not rush hour.
The service was very nice. That's it. The place does not have atmosphere, it's more like a casual nothing special restaurant, almost fast-food type. Plates and baguettes are given together for the table: help yourself! Soy sauce arrives in a small plastic container with a cap, there will be no china dish for it. The menu is far too long: 4 pages written small. Being suspicious we asked and hostess confirmed the so-called crab was surimi; We ordered real crab (Alaskan rolls), it tasted … nothing. Most rolls were tasteless. The tempura was not one, but deep-fried shrimps with heavy dough. I don't think a real Japanese trained chef runs the place: nothing is delicate, nothing is consciously prepared, it is one of the worst Japanese restaurants I have been to.
Much better than the wannabe Japanese restaurants on Wisconsin Ave. Georgetown.However, some prices have changed since my first visit. The chicken karaage I've had last time is now 17 USD instead of 16 USD. The price on the menu still says 16 USD tho... Thus loses 1 star for not telling in advance.
Food and service were good but the restaurant was quite crowded and loud. I would eat at Rakuya again.
Delicious sushi. Hide your white shirt if you order the curry noodle soup. Scrumptious cocktails, outdoor seating in Dupont Circle what more could you ask for.
Good food, great service. We came in without reservation on a busy Friday but was able to snag a table because it is available until 7:30pm. Got the tonkotsu and yakisoba plus drinks. Total was about $40 plus tip.
one of the best Japanese places we've been to in DC! The udon was the perfect consistency and everything was well cooked. we will definitely come back again! super happy with our meal. service was also friendly and tried to be attentive even though the place was packed.
My go to sushi place in the area. I’d recommended taking advantage of their happy hour menu from 4-6 to get good value on their appetizers and sushi rolls. I really enjoy the grilled salmon harasu roll as well as the takoyaki and steamed shumai.
Rakuya saved the night! We went to a very horribly ran Asian Night Market event in downtown DC. We left and decided to go to Rakuya near Dupont Circle. JACKPOT! Best decision we could have made. The extremely polite and friendly staff served us well. Their “Mocktail” Strawberry Lemonade was absolutely good. The Calamari with the Cucumber Sauce dip was outstanding. The Karaage Chicken rocked! I am not a vegan, but I loved the Vegetable Tempura. Finally the Shoyu Ramen was DELISH! Every piece of food I ate at Rakuya was extremely tasty and well prepared. It is safe to say that I will be patronizing Rayuka often. Well done!