Raku, a new Japanese izakaya, opened on April 15 in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant emphasizes sake pairings alongside small plates.

  • Location: Midtown Manhattan, near 42nd Street.

  • Opening date: April 15, 2024.

  • Concept: Japanese izakaya specializing in sake pairings.

Raku is a Japanese-style izakaya that opened on April 15, 2024, in Midtown Manhattan near 42nd Street. The owners, a group of partners including chef Takashi Mori and sommelier Yuki Saito, designed the menu around sake as a central element. The space seats approximately 50 guests and features a minimalist wood and stone interior.

The restaurant’s core offering is a sake pairing experience designed to complement a rotating menu of small plates. Chef Mori crafts dishes inspired by traditional izakaya fare, such as grilled fish, skewers, and pickled vegetables. Sommelier Saito curates a sake list of about 20 varieties sourced from multiple regions in Japan.

Raku aims to introduce Midtown diners to a more focused sake experience. The sake pairings are offered in set flights or individually, with descriptions explaining the characteristics and brewing methods of each sake. The restaurant also provides sake education during evening service through brief presentations and tastings.

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Where is Raku located?

Raku is located in Midtown Manhattan, near 42nd Street, close to Grand Central Terminal. The exact address is 345 East 42nd Street.

What type of food does Raku serve?

Raku serves traditional Japanese small plates common to izakayas. Menu items include grilled fish, skewers, pickled vegetables, and seasonal dishes designed to pair with sake.

How does Raku approach sake pairings?

Raku offers curated sake pairings designed by sommelier Yuki Saito. The pairings are available as flights or individual servings, with educational descriptions and occasional tastings offered to guests.