Image: All in a row, to go.
Last Updated: December 2023
Rakuya has several things going for it, starting with its location, a corner spot, with a big patio, a block north of Dupont Circle. The spot was even improved with the shutdown of 19th Street and a large streatery creating more sunny seating. It has a diligent service team that hustles to cover the tables even at peak hours. And it does a good job with the Japanese food it serves. So much so, that it is a local favorite.
The food is not fancy or fussy, but it does aim for quality. The restaurant takes pride in its fish selection, which can be as deep and well-sourced as any fancy place, but serve them without a big mark-up. They appear to make it up with the huge number of rolls they sell. The sizable bento boxes (and other combo plates) are a lunchtime power move.
The current team behind Rakuya took it over when it was called Raku. They narrowed the focus to Japanese staples and changed the name. Then to confuse things they opened a sister restaurant in Cathedral Heights and called it Raku. If you are in the neighborhood, we suggest you keep the name in mind.
Other Guidance: Located at street level, no steps. GF and pescatarians can do well, vegetarians less so.
Summary:
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Dupont
Address: 1900 Q St, NW Washington, DC 20009
Website: https://www.rakuyarestaurant.com/
Reservations: https://www.rakuyarestaurant.com/reservations/
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: No reviews, but a plug for happy hour.
Washingtonian: Made Top 100 in 2023. In 2021, it made 61 Neighborhood Restaurants That Make the DC Area a Better Place to Eat—and Live. Another happy hour plug. Also did well in a readers’ poll.
Washington City Paper: Laura Hayes profile and plug from 2019.