Raku

Damien H.

7 months ago

What a find. Dined on a Sunday night as a walk-in, not really knowing much about the restaurants in the area but decided I wanted Japanese. Ambience was perfect. Sat at the bar with a great view of the chefs ad kitchen staff and it was like watching an orchestra of silent movement. Very entertaining and strangely calming all at once. Service was excellent with an excellent recommendation from my waitstaff and every dish was perfect. I had oysters, kingfish sashimi, Little Joe Angus striploin and wagyu gyoza. Kyoto Caiparinha was fire. Ended up having two 😂. I'd highly recommend.

Rachel T

8 months ago

My experience with Raku was nothing short of exceptional! The presentation was perfect and flawless, the ingredients fresh and very high quality, the service was fantastic. I surprised my partner for his 40th birthday and they made sure the day was personalised and special.

Laura Candy

Edited 7 months ago

Wonderful Japanese in the heart of Canberra . Girls night out with 3 mates. We shared plates which is a wonderful way to sample the beautiful food on offer . Excellent menu and choice . Moody intimate atmosphere .. we loved it . The wait staff are excellent and very attentive. Ensure you book ! It is popular and worth it .

Steve

8 months ago

I did quite a bit of research before deciding on Raku. Reviews were positive both on the food and the service, it looked a great looking place, and offered a menu showcasing a wide variety of Japanese food. From the moment we turned up Raku restaurant it was very impressive. The service from the door to the table was fantastic and the food was just wow! It was a great choice to pick one of Han San’s Tasting Menu’s, because you got a wide variety of choices, and was created for two people to enjoy. From the first serving it was just amazing, and the amazing food kept coming. I hadn’t been to a full on Japanese restaurant before and it had been sometime since my wife had been, and we were both very impressed with Raku. We really enjoyed Raku, and still can’t decide on our favourite serving today. We’ll definitely be back!!!! I've never given a five star review before, but Raku definitely deserves our first. Pics are of some of the wonderful food we really enjoyed.

ET

5 months ago

Heard great reviews and awards about Raku so we decided to spend the few meals to be had in Canberra here. We decided to try the Hao San’s Tasting Menu $120pp with Sake Experience $70pp. I asked for an alternative to oyster and they kindly swapped my share to snapper sashimi. Everything was well executed, and we especially love the Toasted Sesame Ice Cream.

Kenish bhattarai

4 months ago

We visited Raku for dinner to celebrate my wife’s birthday and had a wonderful experience. Everything—from the food to the service—was top-notch, and we truly enjoyed the evening. A special mention to the bartender, Bikesh, who made a fabulous cocktail and recommended a few others that were equally impressive. His service really elevated our experience. Highly recommend Raku to anyone looking for great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service

Jenna Annalise

7 months ago

We had such a wonderful dining experience. Booking ahead meant we were lucky enough to be seated at the best spot in the house - right in front of the sushi-making. We chose Hao San’s tasting menu, which was incredible value and showcased such a great variety of flavours and dishes. Each course was served seamlessly, with our plates promptly cleared as we finished, making the whole experience feel effortless. If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable Japanese dining experience, this place is an absolute must.

Mattan32

3 months ago

Our first visit to Raku won’t be our last. The Hao San’a Tasting Menu was superb. Every dish had beautiful presentation and amazing flavours. Each dish had you excited for the next. Highly recommend Raku!

Dee Ibrahim-Milligan

4 months ago

This was our third visit to Raku, and each experience has been nothing short of fantastic! We absolutely love every dish we've tried, and the consistency of quality keeps us coming back for more. From the warm welcome at the door to the attentive service throughout our meal, the staff truly make dining here a pleasure. A special shout-out to Casey, who was exceptional! Every dish we ordered was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. We can’t recommend Raku enough! Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special occasion, you won't be disappointed. We’re already looking forward to our next visit, and I can't wait to buy Hao’s Canberra and have Chef Hao sign the book! 👌🏼

Chloe Wentworth

5 months ago

RAKU Canberra absolutely exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and effortlessly stylish — the kind of place that immediately makes you feel like you’re in for a special experience. The food was genuinely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavour, with such clear attention to detail. You can really tell how much care and passion goes into the menu — nothing felt rushed or generic, and every bite felt intentional. The balance of flavours, textures, and freshness was just perfect, and it’s the kind of meal you keep thinking about long after you’ve left. The service was equally incredible — attentive without being overbearing, friendly, and so knowledgeable. But the absolute highlight was getting the chance to chat with the owner. He is truly one of the loveliest people you could meet — warm, humble, and clearly so passionate about what he’s created. It added such a personal touch to the whole experience and made the night feel even more special. You can tell RAKU isn’t just a restaurant to him — it’s something he genuinely loves, and that passion flows through every part of the place. RAKU is one of those rare restaurants where everything comes together perfectly: food, service, atmosphere, and heart. It’s an absolute gem in Canberra and easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. We’ll 100% be back — and recommending it to everyone we know.