text: Since my initial visit during their first year opened I have been back a handful of times and felt it was time I updated my review nnRaku is the kind of place we usually reserve for special occasions and recommend to out of town guests Our most recent visit was only last week as the Husband and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversarynnWe attempted to make reservations on the same day and the only opening they had was at pm We did a walk in to hopefully land a cancellation spot or two of the coveted five counter seats and it was only a minute wait for the counter seats Sweet But yes make reservations way in advance especially if you have a larger party or it is a weekendnnThe thing to look out for is the Specials Board They usually list about items on there that range from raw to cooked items The weirdest part about this board is that it will change during your visit there During our hour dinner we saw some things sell out and get replaced with something else The waitstaff does not mention the newer items so it is something you just have to look out for For example oysters were not listed on the specials board but the party sitting next to us ended up ordering the last giant oyster They were seated after us and only knew about it because the oyster was sitting on ice right in front of them They had squid on ice too but it was not listed on the specials board So not only are you keeping your eyes out for the changing Specials Board but you have to see what is fresh and on ice that day We do get a few cooked items and although they are good the raw fish choices are always the bestnnThese days we skip the Robata Grill items not because they are not tasty but we like to focus on the more unique items nnOne of our most favorite items is the Crispy Asparagus Okaki It is a simple asparagus that is been dredged in rice crackers and deepfried I do not know why it is so good but it just is And when you add a little of their matcha salt oh my gawd I just love itnnAnother item we had on this last visit include the Steamed Foie Gras Egg Custard There is a piece of duck that lays on top of this dish and it is actually duck liver they use not goose The foie gras is already mixed in with the egg so it gives the whole dish a rich egg taste nnPoached Egg with Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe is another unusual pairing mostly because of the mountain yam that gives this dish a slimy texture You break up the egg and mix it all together but you cannot help but notice the slimy effect from the mountain yam It is a tasty nonetheless nnThe Kobe Beef Liver Sashimi is something that not everyone would enjoy The Husband is not usually a fan of liver except served foie gras style but he was game And it did still lend a livery taste but it is something that you have to try oncennI always enjoy homemade tofu and Rakus Tofu Whole does not disappoint They server theirs with bonito shavings ginger and scallionsnnThe four condiments placed on every table should not go ignored especially the green tea salt and their own soy sauce YumnnSince they expanded their bathrooms are indeed something to look at First off it is so clean and pristine and holds one of the cleanest fish tanks you will ever see on Spring Mountain nnService on our last few visits have been much better compared to my first visit The waitress that took care of us at the counter never let my water glass go empty and she was always letting us know when our food was coming so we were not waiting too long and giving us clean plates toonnMy only real gripe was this Although I usually love sitting at the counter so I can watch the chefs at work I also cannot overlook things that probably should not be seen by dining guests One of the prep guys at the counter sneezed into his hands and continued prepping the food I was totally turned off by this especially because there was a sink right behind him It was not too long after when the Husband said to me that we were not going to be ordering anymore cold foods When I inquired as to why he said he noticed the same prep guy just cough into his hands and continue working Yes a sneeze and cough into the very bare hands that were prepping the food YucknnNonetheless we still do love Raku and would continue recommending it But alas those basic hygiene issues need to be addressed nn stars