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Raku-An Asian Dining & Sushi

7240 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814-2951
(301) 718-8680
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Ranked #19 of 196 restaurants in Bethesda
Price range: $20 - $40
Cuisines: Pan-Asian
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Restaurant details
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Btw Bethesda Ave & Elm St.
Transit: 2 Blocks South of Bethesda Metro Station (Red Line)
Description: Located in Bethesda Row community,Raku offers Contemporary Asian Cuisine and a Sushi Bar. We accept limited reservation and the rest of the dining room are for walk-in customers.
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66 reviews from our community

80% Recommend
    30
    23
    6
    4
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Bethesda, Maryland
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
43 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013

I used to really like Raku, especially for lunch. The beef tenderloin was exquisite, definitely worth five stars. But I ate there on Mother's Day and found the food had suddenly become ordinary. It was a big disappointment. Perhaps they are living off their reputation, as restaurants are apt to do. It's a competitive market. You can't afford to be... More

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See 8 more reviews by oldruggedx for Bethesda
Rockville, Maryland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

A go-to for sushi in downtown Bethesda. Always fresh, but never earth shattering. Long waits, but a friendly staff and courteous hostesses.

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Washington, DC
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2013

Had a great dinner for two here the other night. Ordered and split 4 dishes, and all were really good. You would think there is not much to do with edamame, but they served it cooked to perfection and warmed to perfection as well. The tuna pizza was unusual and tasty. Two sushi rolls were superb. We came out of... More

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See 2 more reviews by JKDC for Bethesda
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 6, 2013

I had an appetizer - grilled asparagus and mushroom salad with asiago cheese over a and a light beef (?) broth served with chips made of fried egg roll wrappers. It was so amazing that I had to take a picture and email it to my foodie father in law. Everything was fabulous.

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Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

We wanted to go but the woman taking reservations was so rude on the phone. I heard they had really good sushi but I wouldn't know since she wasn't very accommodating. Maybe someone else should answer the phone and be more friendly. It's one thing to know you are good but it's another to not alienate potential customers!

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Stamford CT
Top Contributor
95 reviews 95 reviews
64 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 21, 2013

If you crave really good Asian Fusion/Sushi, and love noise, crowds, and unusual food, this is the place. We always dine here at least once whenever visiting Washington, and we're never disappointed (especially since we make reservations). The food is always tasty, interesting, well presented and served. What is amazing is how many young people are here, from small children... More

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See 2 more reviews by Bern K for Bethesda
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
22 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 16, 2013 via mobile

Definitely the best sushi and Japanese in the area. Fish is fresh. Some of the more unique items -- Tuna Tataki pizza, for example -- are quite tasty. Nice outdoor seating in the right weather. Good price. Drinks are so-so. The wait staff are always so friendly. Child-friendly place, as are all the places in this 'hood. Perfect place for... More

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See 6 more reviews by Josh B for Bethesda
Rockville, Maryland
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 11, 2012

In 1999, when I started working in Bethesda we had a great group and went to restaurants for lunch almost everyday. There was no shortage of restaurants in Bethesda. My vegetarian friend suggested this place and I frowned and said to eat Sushi? I was dragged there and since then have been a regular visitor for now 13 years. I... More

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San Francisco, CA
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 23, 2012

I have been going to Raku for over 10 years and it is definitely a favorite stop while in Bethesda. I'm from San Francisco and am somewhat of a food snob, but this really cuts the muster. They have wonderful sashimi, sushi and rolls to suit all palates. I'm always thanked when I bring new business colleagues here and expose... More

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San Francisco
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
22 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 21, 2012

I love their bento boxes! I always order the unagi or sashimi bento box and it comes with an assortment of goodies! There's some small crab puffs (or similar) along with portabella mushrooms and green beans. You also get four California rolls and a little salad. If you order the unagi bento box, I believe there's also some mashed potatoes... More

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See 5 more reviews by kiwikobe for Bethesda

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