Raku: Pan-Asian comfort
No one does comfort food, Asian-style, quite like they do at Raku. Though the Pan-Asian restaurant covers nearly all of the Orient, its food is fairly decent and rarely disappointing. Whether you're in the mood for sushi or noodles, or drinks with a side of potstickers, there's a little of everything for everyone, from tourists to first dates.
Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, next to Kramerbooks on Connecticut, Raku is a popular joint the office lunch crowd, dates, out-of-towners, solo diners at the sushi bar or a couple of friends catching up from a long day. Its interior is neatly decorated with two dining rooms and large windows, wood tables and floors echoing au natural minimalist Asian décor, paper parasols suspended from the ceiling and modern lighting over the sushi bar. There's almost always a wait on weekends and warm evening nights, but you can order drinks from the sushi bar and wait for a table, or just take a spot at the counter when one opens up.
Outdoor seating is a popular choice except during Washington nights when the skies spontaneously open up, but indoors is just as inviting. You might find yourself sitting really, really close to the couple at the next table and sometimes end up conversation with them for the entire meal, but you could also just easily ignore their presence as well.
Choose from a long sushi list to a reliable pad thai or cozy noodles in soup, and finish off with some bread pudding made of croissants. Raku's udon noodles are very soothing and flavorful, particularly on a winter or rainy day. The chicken tends to be on the dry side, but the shrimp tempura is crunchy and tasty. Raku's sushi list includes all the regulars and its own special rolls, such as the Raku Roll of eel, tamango omelet, cucumber and avocado; the Maryland roll of eel, Maryland crab, shiitake and cucumber; and the Volcano roll which has shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, eel, avocado, cucumber, roe, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.
Prices are fairly reasonable, unless you are overly tempted by its delicious martini menu. There are also a selection of Japanese beers and sakes, plus a regular beer and wine list.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Raku is a busy restaurant, with wait staff running to and fro and people gathering in the doorway waiting anxiously for a table. However, the staff is always accommodating, kind and quick. If you've been inconvenienced, the manager will make sure you'll get a discount or a free dessert. It's the kind of place where, if you live or work nearby, you find yourself returning over and over again.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
