Located in the heart of the city at Shop DG36C/148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Raku stands as a prominent destination for those seeking a refined dining experience. The restaurant has established itself as a cornerstone of the local culinary scene, blending traditional techniques with a contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that balances modern elegance with a welcoming warmth, making it an ideal setting for both intimate gatherings and celebratory occasions. The philosophy behind Raku centers on the integrity of ingredients, ensuring that every dish presented reflects a commitment to quality, seasonality, and the artistry of Japanese culinary traditions.
The menu at Raku is a thoughtful exploration of flavors, designed to cater to a diverse range of palates while maintaining a cohesive narrative of excellence. By focusing on the nuances of texture and the balance of umami, the kitchen team crafts offerings that honor the heritage of their craft while embracing the innovative spirit of modern gastronomy. Whether you are a connoisseur of fine dining or simply someone who appreciates a well-prepared meal, the restaurant provides an environment where the focus remains entirely on the sensory experience of the food and the company you keep.
Key Highlights of the Raku Experience
Commitment to Ingredient Quality: The foundation of the menu lies in the careful selection of premium produce. By prioritizing fresh, high-quality components, the culinary team ensures that the natural flavors of each ingredient are allowed to shine, resulting in dishes that are both clean and deeply satisfying.
Artisanal Culinary Techniques: Raku places a strong emphasis on the precision of Japanese cooking methods. From the delicate preparation of raw seafood to the controlled heat of the grill, every step in the kitchen is executed with a level of care that highlights the skill and dedication of the chefs.
Sophisticated Ambiance: The interior design of the restaurant is curated to provide a seamless dining experience. The space is thoughtfully arranged to offer comfort and privacy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the meal without distraction, complemented by attentive and professional service.
A Modern Take on Tradition: While deeply rooted in classic Japanese culinary principles, the restaurant is not afraid to incorporate contemporary influences. This fusion creates a unique dining profile that feels both timeless and relevant, appealing to those who enjoy exploring the evolution of global food culture.
Beyond the individual dishes, the true value of Raku lies in its ability to create a holistic experience for its patrons. The attention to detail extends from the initial greeting at the door to the final presentation of each course. It is this consistency that has allowed the restaurant to become a fixture in the Canberra dining landscape, consistently drawing those who value a thoughtful approach to hospitality. The team behind the scenes works tirelessly to maintain these standards, ensuring that every visit feels as special as the first.
For those navigating the vibrant culinary landscape of Canberra, Raku offers a compelling reason to visit the Bunda Street precinct. It serves as a testament to what can be achieved when passion for food meets a dedication to service excellence. As you plan your next outing, consider the unique blend of atmosphere and culinary craft that defines this establishment. Whether you are looking to explore new flavor profiles or simply enjoy a high-quality meal in a refined setting, Raku remains a significant destination that invites you to slow down and appreciate the art of dining.
Ultimately, the reputation of Raku is built on the simple yet profound goal of providing a memorable meal. By focusing on the essentials—excellent ingredients, skilled preparation, and a welcoming environment—the restaurant continues to contribute positively to the local community. We invite you to experience the dedication and care that goes into every aspect of the Raku experience, situated conveniently in the heart of Canberra. It is more than just a place to eat; it is a space where the culture of Japanese cuisine is celebrated with respect, creativity, and a genuine passion for the craft.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Healthy options
Late-night food
Private dining room
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Raku
Damien H.
30-05-2026
What a find.
Dined on a Sunday night as a walk-in, not really knowing much about the … More
Damien H.
30-05-2026
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.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$160–180
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Bridefetti
30-05-2026
We absolutely love Raku and make a point of dining here every time we visit Canberra. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a calm, refined atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for a great evening. The food is … More
Harry S
30-05-2026
Everywhere else was quiet so we hadn't bothered to book, luckily we got a table as it was soon full. The staff were professional and welcoming and had us seated overlooking the prep kitchen which was entertaining. Both the drinks and food … More
Steve Miller
30-05-2026
Such an elegant ambiance dining experience. Effortless and flavourful.
Can't fault the service. Just perfect and so knowledgeable about or choices. … More
Mango Sling
30-05-2026
We were incredibly lucky to get a table without a booking, but I would strongly recommend making a reservation in advance—this place is popular and for good reason. Every dish we tried was thoughtfully crafted and visually stunning. The … More
Mr R
30-05-2026
Raku is easily one of the best dining spots in Canberra. The service was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience feel effortless. The oysters were a real standout—super fresh and perfectly prepared. The sashimi was delicate and … More
Darryl Cram
30-05-2026
Another fantastic wedding anniversary at one of Canberra’s great restaurants. Sitting across from the chefs was also a wonderful experience. More
Rasha Abou Al Shamat
30-05-2026
Modern Japanese sushi bar+ restaurants
One of the best Japanese restaurants, ingredients are fresh, umami flavores, … More
Vic
30-05-2026
We were really disappointed today, both the service and food quality were poor tonight.
The lamb ribs we received were extremely salty and almost inedible. We informed … More
Chanel Pardoe
30-05-2026
Loved the dinner experience here. Super knowledgeable and friendly staff. Food was amazing 😍 a Greta place for a special occasion 😀 … More
Chloe Wentworth
30-05-2026
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. … More
Rachel T
30-05-2026
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. More
Laura Candy
30-05-2026
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 . More
Natalie Siu
30-05-2026
The food didn’t quite meet the high expectations.
Oysters with too much vinegar, a bit too sour. Eggplants: the sauce was overly salty and strong, which overpowered the flavour of the eggplant. … More
Steve
30-05-2026
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. … More
ET
30-05-2026
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 … More
Kenish bhattarai
30-05-2026
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. … More
Jenna Annalise
30-05-2026
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 … More
Mattan32
30-05-2026
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! More
Dee Ibrahim-Milligan
30-05-2026
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. … More
Reviews Raku