Raku

Raku is a new Japanese restaurant in the heart of Koreatown (it is owned/managed by a Korean woman despite the food having a Japanese inspiration) by the Super H Mart on Pleasant Hill Road. The same owner also owns Honey Pig, which I've reviewed before and am a big fan of.

We ordered the Okonomiyaki first because it was listed as an appetizer. Wow was it HUGE and definitely not an appetizer unless you're sharing it with a large party of people. There were only 2 of us and we'd each ordered an entree so we could barely eat any of this dish even though it was really delicious. I recommend it but only as an entree unless you are sharing or starving!

Raku's two main specialties are tonkatsu (or tonkatsu inspired) dishes and ramen. The minute I saw Cheese Tonkatsu on the menu I knew I was hooked. Like a cross between my favorite tonkatsu and a cordon bleu this dish blew me away. Filled with a few different melty cheeses this tonkatsu dish is a must have for me. While they have a variety of other delicious tonkatsu dishes I don't think I can ever order another, this one has my heart.

And of course what else to have with a tonkatsu dish than the Tonkotsu Ramen? While I still love Umaido's ramen Raku has a MUCH bigger selection and variety of ramen's to choose from. This is perfection to me. All of my favorite flavors from my childhood flourish within this bowl and it just pure happiness for me.

The other great perk of being a frequent eater at Raku is they now have a stamp card that can earn you free beverages/free entree's the more you come in! I've already filled one - I suggest you guys get going!