Raku

"Udon delivery and takeout available - call or order online." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren

"For udon, there’s Raku. Everyone at the Soho spot has a bowl of it in front of them, topped with things like shrimp tempura, wagyu, and oysters, and each bowl—really more like a cauldron in size—releases steam into the light wood dining room as if this were a noodle spa. Grab a seat at the bar for lunch, or sit in the big window in the front for dinner. The udon has a flavorful, fish-based broth and silky yet chewy noodles—and the frozen grapes you receive with your check are a massive highlight. Raku also has a second, smaller location in the East Village." - will hartman, neha talreja, bryan kim, willa moore

"It’s a good idea to make a reservation at Raku, because otherwise you’re looking at an hour’s wait for a table, even on a random weeknight at 6pm. Fortunately, you can put your name down and go shopping until it’s time for you to enjoy some of NYC’s best udon, available in both hot and cold versions, as well as some small plates. The minimalist space has a useful combination of cozy booths, bar seating, and long communal tables, and you can have a filling dinner for two here for under $100." - Willa Moore, Bryan Kim, Kenny Yang, Carina Finn Koeppicus

"Order a perfect bowl of udon and tea for under $40 including tax and tip at this neighborhood Japanese noodle restaurant, part of Cloud Nine Hospitality Group. The menu of also includes variations on hot and cold noodles, vegetables, gyoza, and donburi." - Robert Sietsema, Melissa McCart

"Duck down Macdougal Street on the western edge of SoHo and look for a small white square sign with artfully drawn Japanese characters and Raku spelled out in small Roman letters below. If you elect to dine inside, you’ll be greeted by a calming and transportive dining room and some of the city’s best udon (The latter you'll have your fill of outside, of course). The lengthy menu at Raku can be a touch overwhelming for a first-time visitor, so first decide if you want your udon warm or cold, then concentrate your efforts on that section. Raku is one of those rare New York restaurants that’s impressive, transportive, consistently excellent—and (most importantly and surprisingly) easy to get a reservation at." - Devra Ferst