Toridokoro Raku — Restaurant in Spring Valley

Terrible Service and Disappointing Food at Raku

I’ve been to Raku many times, but this visit really made me want to blacklist this place. We tried to walk in and were told the wait would only be 10 minutes. After waiting 10 minutes, they suddenly said someone with a reservation had arrived and asked us to wait another 30 minutes. I said, “Didn’t you just say 10 minutes?” We waited anyway. The staff claimed they couldn’t notify us because they didn’t have our name or phone number—but they never asked for it in the first place.

After finally being seated I ordered the daily special Uni Don. But from the very first bite, I felt it was the worst uni I’ve ever had—completely fishy and unappetizing, such a small bowl to cost $45. I told the server the uni didn’t taste fresh and she insisted it had just been air-shipped from Japan. I explained that I truly couldn’t eat it and asked for a refund. She told me I’d already eaten half. But I only took one bite—how does that count as half?

Eventually, after we firmly insisted, they agreed to refund it. But overall, the experience was extremely disappointing. The service was terrible, and the attitude of the staff made...

This was my second visit here, and it was just as good as the first. I called during their opening hours to make a reservation the week of, and it was easy to get. It's a small restaurant so I def recommend making rezzies.

All I need to say is that, if it's anything that has chicken in it, get it! Seriously, I'm not crazy about chicken, but at this restaurant, that's all I want. My fave dishes are Karaage (this is done in such a unique way, it's crispy, juicy chunks of chicken, and super tasty), Paitan Ramen (the broth on this is white, thick and creamy - and the noodles are a plus), Skin (served yakitori/on the stick style, and if you're into chicken skin, get this!), and lastly, Raku's Tofu ( if you're a tofu lover, this homemade tofu that has no chicken in it, is a must - so simple but the taste of pure tofu is amazing).

Parking is easy and plenty, located in a big plaza with other restaurants, and the service here is what you expect at an authentic Japanese restaurant - 100%...

One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. We initially stopped for simple late night eats and then liked it so much we came back the next night to try more of the menu. We ended up trying most of the skewers and some of the house specialties (paitan ramen, raku tofu, oyako don). In a surprising turn, not a single menu item fell short of impressive. Surprisingly not too salty for restaurant food, which really lets the flavors of the food itself come through. Meat skewers were juicy and flavorful, with the fragrance and light char from the charcoal grill. Chef Sakamoto prepared all the skewers fresh behind a glass walled-off kitchen area. Dessert was also incredibly balanced, not too sweet, light, and went beautifully with the complimentary houjicha for a great end to the meal. Service was attentive and unobstrusive. Highly...