It’s Day 3 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in the DMV, and today we’re at Raku in Bethesda, a lovely Japanese spot that’s been on my radar for years. Justin actually put me onto this place wayyy back in the day, and it’s still one of those reliable Bethesda go-tos for sushi, homemade noodles, and yum options across the board.
The standout for me this time was the Tonkatsu Bento, which is a genuinely solid deal for the neighborhood, but honestly everything we got was on point! My friend Minje and I came hungry and left very happy. If you’re in Bethesda and want dependable, well-made Japanese food that won’t have you overthinking the menu, Raku’s a safe bet. Here’s everything we got this time and what I’d come back for.
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Why is Raku a Local Favorite?
Raku’s a Bethesda Row staple that’s been around for a long time, and it’s part of a small local DMV group (their sister spots include Rakuya and Rakugaki), so this isn’t some faceless chain. They redid the whole interior a couple years back, so it feels fresh and comfortable now, and they even added a dedicated pickup window for takeout. What keeps me coming back is the range: real sushi, homemade noodles, and a whole lineup of bentos that make lunch feel like a steal. It’s the kind of place that does a lot of things well instead of one thing, which is exactly why it’s lasted.
What to Order at Raku
Agedashi Tofu ($9)
This had such a great texture, lightly fried and served in a savory soy dashi with Brussels sprouts and shiitake mushrooms. If you’re a tofu fan, it’s a great app to start with.
Tonkatsu Bento ($23)
This was my favorite order, and honestly a really solid deal considering you’re in Bethesda! You get tonkatsu (crispy breaded pork cutlet) plus a California roll, green beans and mushrooms that were seasoned nicely, salad, shrimp shumai, miso soup, and even a little green and potato salad. It’s a full spread, and they’ve got other bentos on the menu too, so check those out online.
Jo Nigiri ($32)
Comes with 12 pieces of nigiri, and Minje said the fish was very fresh. I’ve had their sushi sets before and never been let down, so that tracked. If you’re coming for the sushi specifically, this is a generous way to sample it.
Beyond what we ordered, Raku does homemade udon, soba, and egg noodles in broths like their Tokyo Dashi and a spicy coconut red curry, so noodle lovers are covered too. They’ve also got weekend brunch sets that I haven’t tried yet, but their omuretsu and katsu sando are next on my list. If you want another brand-new Bethesda sushi option, the just-opened Sushi Masato down the road is worth a look.
The Vibe and Experience
Post-renovation, Raku feels comfortable and fresh, with outdoor seating when the weather’s nice. It sits right on Bethesda Row, so it’s easy to pair with a walk or some shopping. They run a happy hour on weekdays from 4:30 to 6, and between the bentos, the noodles, and the sushi, it works for a solo lunch, a casual dinner, or a low-key date. Service was friendly the whole time.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍7240 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, right on Bethesda Row.
- Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11-3 and 4:30-9:30PM, Friday and Saturday 11-3 and 4:30-10:30PM, Sunday and Monday 11-3 and 4:30-9PM.
- Happy hour: weekdays 4:30 to 6PM.
- Dietary: they’ve got a solid vegetarian selection and are known for accommodating gluten-free diners, so it’s an easy group pick.
- Takeout and delivery are available, and they added a dedicated pickup window in the 2024 remodel.
- Parking: Bethesda Row has several public garages (free on Sundays), and the Bethesda Metro (Red Line) is close. Reservations are a good idea on weekends. Menu and reservations are on their website here.
Is Raku Worth a Visit?
If you’re in the area, yes, especially that Tonkatsu Bento, which is a lot of well-made food for the price in Bethesda. It’s Japanese food that covers sushi, noodles, and bentos and does all of them well, and that’s rare. It lands as a reliable top pick for the neighborhood in my book. For a more casual, all-you-can-eat-adjacent sushi night nearby, Uzu Revolving Sushi in Rockville is a fun one to know.
Have you guys been to Raku yet?! Let me know what you order in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’ve got a go-to spot in Bethesda, shoot me a DM because I always love hearing from you. New videos for the series drop every Monday and Thursday, so keep an eye out.