Izakaya Raku

953 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach
(805) 474-9962

Recent Reviews

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Kenny Chen

The salmon sushi is average 4 dollars. The Tonkutsu Ramen has no chatsu, also scallop roll has little bit small size scallops.The price they charged is 30 more than San Francisco. This is rip of people money.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Aletheia Higgins

The fish was very fresh! Nice ambiance and good service in a family run restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, 911 Roll

Joshua Engberg

Disappointed with the food at its price point, for a $22 entree of katsu curry, tasted and looked like a school lunch. Not much flavor or depth and the pork loin was quite tough. Would not recommend

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Rashi

Not the biggest fan. Ordered soba noodles, I think I got spaghetti. The ramen smelled fishy. The sushi rice was too vinigery. The portions for the price is ok, except for the soba. At best the quality of the soba is panda express comparable. Showed up at 7 and was told the dining area was closed but we can order to go. We were excited because it looked and smelled amazing. We were fine with that. Had high expectations but we're sadly disappointed.

To owner: I was there today around 7pm and had the to-go order of ramen, soba, and 2 sushi rolls.

Food: 2

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sushi

Rick Musto

Great service good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi

Jessica Garcia

Best seafood ramen in the world...
Service is always good!
It's one of my favorite places on earth ...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sarah Robinson

The Japanese restaurant has designated vegan items on their menu, which we really appreciate. They were very accommodating and explained they have zero fish sauce in their restaurant and their tempura batter has no eggs or dairy. We ordered three items to share. Looking forward to trying more items on their menu! The food was delicious and the service was nice. Also quite affordable.

Vegetarian options: Multiple veggie options, we are vegan so we ordered the ones that had zero eggs/dairy/ meat/fish. Multiple vegan options available and the server was quite knowledgeable in these items, which is so refreshing.

Parking: Small shared parking lot in the back with the other shops nearby. Also free street parking.

Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs, regular sized door, chairs could be moved to accommodate a wheelchair.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Evin Gultepe

Went because kids wanted ramen. Tonkutsu ramen was great, broth was very rich. The service was amazing, they were very accommodating my very hungry, very angry 4 yo.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pantea Fozouni

I really wanted to love this place as mom and pop restaurants are my favorite but the tonkotsu ramen was not creamy at all —service was attentive but I definitely won’t go back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Sarah.Robinson

Our first time eating here, and it may become a regular in our night outs. The server was very knowledgeable about which items are vegan. She said all the tempura batter is vegan (no eggs), and that they use no fish sauce at all in the restaurant. We ordered the mixed tempura veggie appetizer, the agedashi tofu, and the vegan tempura roll. The tofu itself was a bit bland but was crispy and the sauce it was soaking in was yummy. We'll definitely get the veggie tempura app again, so many good veggies, and will get the vegan roll probably every time we come here. The asparagus tempura in/on the roll is a stand out! Next time, we'd like to try their house-made kimchi and the edamame appetizers.

Ashley Landsman

Delicious ramen

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ihab Tanous

**Frustrated by Izakaya Raku's No-Kids Policy**

Recently, our family was looking forward to trying the much-talked-about Izakaya Raku, known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Unfortunately, our excitement quickly turned to disappointment when we learned of their strict no-children policy upon calling to confirm our reservation.

This policy was not clearly communicated on their website, which led to significant confusion and frustration on our part. As parents, we appreciate restaurants that offer a family-friendly atmosphere, and the lack of clear communication from Izakaya Raku meant we had to abruptly change our plans and look for another dining option that welcomed all members of our family.

While I understand that some establishments may choose to cater to an adults-only clientele to create a specific ambiance, Izakaya Raku's approach felt exclusionary and out of touch with the family-friendly community surrounding it. This experience left us feeling unwelcome and unlikely to recommend the restaurant to others with children.

It's disappointing when businesses do not consider the needs of the broader community, and in this case, it prevented us from enjoying what might have been a delightful culinary experience.

Matt Frakes

Stopped in for dinner 1st time tonight, was interested in a good bowl of ramen, was not disappointed. Food was delicious and well presented. Service was attentive but not intrusive, very pleased. For such a small place they have a large menu. Looking forward to eating there again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bill Vorhees (BillV)

Friendly, fresh, and delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. The Raku ramen with pork katsu was delicious and filling. Teriyaki chicken was also delicious. Highly recommend this place.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki

Caryn T

First time eating sushi and the host was so helpful and spot on with her picks for us to try.. amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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