Since opening, RAKU has been a favorite, eating there on average three times in the five months we are in Bethesda each year. Last Saturday the noise level was deafening, while the quality of some menu items has deteriorated, e.g.,, BBQ octopus was overgrilled and the sauce overpowering; eel sashimi was dry and almost inedible; take-out from supermarkets is preferable.... more

Little crowded and noisy, but my softshell crab and the coconut veggie soup with noodles was VERY delicious. more

RAku is one of those places that amazes when it comes to sushi and Asian food in general. Food is consistently good, presentation lovely, noise level too high, always crowded and lately, they have become overconfident. It's true: if you want a table for two you'll get a bad attitude. Large tables can be empty and they still won't seat... more

I would like to see Raku turn into one of those places where you can just order, pay, get your own drinks, take a number, find your own seat and wait for the staff to bring the food to the table. Because do-it yourself would be a great improvement of the service you will get from Raku. My recent experiences... more

I visited Raku with my family and some friends and we all thought everything was very delicious. I love sushi and all was very fresh and delicious. My husband and kids do not eat sushi and had steak and chicken and those were very delicious also. They provide the training chopsticks for the kids - they loved being able to... more

i've been going here for years and it's still one of my fave sushi places. the outside seating allows for a tapered-down city feeling in the summer/spring months. the staff is soooo accomodating, since i've hosted lots of dinner parties here. check out the asparagus/red pepper roll, mt. fugi roll, and the crunchy spicy tuna roll. and for you carnivores,... more

Great binto box and very good sushi. more

It seems that after its review in the Washington Post, Raku, the Asian-fusion restaurant on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland, has gotten a little too big for their britches. My husband and I walked in for lunch on Saturday March 15, 2008 and simply said "Two please." The place was crowded with a few glaring exceptions. There were 3 roomy... more

nice place, good taste of food... especially the chocolate cake.. yummy... more