Maneki Restaurant | Seattle's Timeless Unagi Masterpiece 🍱🔥
After more than a decade, I finally returned to Maneki (304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104) to fulfill my long-awaited unagi (eel) rice bowl craving. This historic restaurant has weathered tough times - surviving COVID restrictions, a two-year closure, and rumors of permanent shutdown - only to emerge victorious under new management (the beloved owners' grandchildren!). 📍 Location: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 (Historic Capitol Hill gem with decades of culinary heritage) 🍱 Must-Try Dishes: ✨ Unagi Donburi (Eel Rice Bowl) • Still the undisputed champion after all these years！ • Each rice grain perfectly absorbs the rich, savory eel sauce • Tender, flavorful eel that practically melts in your mouth • Pro tip: Ask for extra sauce on the side！ 🧀 Surprise Star: Cheese Grilled Oysters • Creamy, gooey cheese perfectly complements the briny oysters • Add a drizzle of their house mignonette for extra flavor dimensions • Addictive - we kept reaching for more！ 🐟 Sashimi (Mixed Seafood Platter) • Freshness is... acceptable but not exceptional • Safe choice but not the restaurant's specialty • Skip unless you're specifically craving raw fish 🍲 Disappointment: Beef Sukiyaki • Unfortunately underwhelming • Either the beef cuts or cooking method missed the mark • Not recommended compared to other menu highlights 🐟 Bonus Recommendation: Grilled Fish Specials • Daily changing selection based on freshest catch • Lightly seasoned to highlight natural flavors • Perfectly grilled with crispy skin 💡 Historic Context: This century-old restaurant has seen: • WWII-era Japanese-American community support • Countless celebrity visits (rumored but never confirmed！) • The current generation's successful revival efforts #SeattleJapaneseFood #ManekiRestaurant #CenturyOldEats #UnagiLover #CheeseOysterHeaven #SeattleDiningHistory #HiddenGemSeattle #SushiAndBeyond #PacificNorthwestCuisine #FoodieTimeCapsule
