Unryutei — Restaurant in Nagasaki

This is one of the highest rated restaurants in Nagasaki on Tabelog, and it's well deserved! This is a great hole in the wall gyoza joint with 3 counter seats and a couple of small tables. They serve gyoza (obviously), liver steak, and a few varieties of omlete-esque egg dishes, all of which are delicious! The gyoza and kimoteki (liver steak on shredded cabbage) in particular are my favourites.

The place is run by a very friendly elderly couple who love when I try to talk in my broken-ass Japanese. I've seen a couple of reviews saying that this place is not gaijin friendly and would like to stress that this is not true at all; I can only conclude that those reviewers were rude or boistrous in some way and earned themselves some scorn all on their own. The lovely lady who is the server always tries to speak english and instruct foreign diners on how to mix the gyoza sauce, and I have never had anything but a wonderful experience in all the times I've been here. If you want 5 star decor and a classy atmosphere, this place definitely isn't your speed, but if you want an authentic, friendly, and close-knit atmosphere and incredible food, you should definitely check this place out!

Tips: the gyoza are smaller than they look and you are only allowed to place another order once, so if you're hungry, do what I do and get 2 orders of gyoza right off the bat, plus a beer and whatever side dishes you want. Would recommend this place for solo diners or couples, as there really isn't all that much space inside. They have takout available as well, but diners are prioritized so there might be a wait. I've never seen a line more than a few people long outside, but it is the 4th highest rated restaurant in Nagasaki on Tabelog, so be prepared to wait. I usually like to show up right at 6 or shortly after to avoid the...

As a gyoza enjoyer, I came here since they were so highly rated on Tabelog for it.

The first time I came by, they had closed quite a bit earlier than the time indicated on Google Maps, so I came again the next day closer to opening and was able to be seated. It's a small restaurant, with some bar seats and two tables.

Upon entering and sitting, they'll hit you with their rules: Each person must order at least one item and one drink. You can only place one additional order. They can seem a bit pushy or rude in their insistence about it for people used to the sheer politeness of japanese wait staff, but coming from America, I was totally fine with it.

I ordered their bite sized gyoza and liver steak on cabbage (kimoteki). The gyoza was super delicious and went perfectly with the beer. I finished my first order quickly and followed it up with my one additional order of two more servings of gyoza(they're bite sized after all!) and another beer.

Something worth noting is that one group of 4 came in after me, as well as two people ordering takeout, and any guests that came in afterwards were told that the store had sold out. This explains what happened the first time I tried to come by. Do be aware of this possibility if you plan on coming later in the night.

Once I crushed the additional 20 pieces of gyoza, it was time to go in accordance with their rules, but I was more than satisfied. As long as you keep that rule in mind and make good use of your one follow up order you should have no problems eating and drinking...

Definitely a hole in the wall, intimidating-ish for the average Gaijin :)

However they make the best Gyozas I've ever had, silky Tofu, excellent preparation of Pork liver and this odd looking "omelet" with chives that tastes fantastic.

Google Translate fails mightily with the menu so your best bet is http://eat-nagasaki.info/menupage/1600061/menu1.html

If you like spicy food, there is a tray with fantastic options, sauces and chillies that are catered to the specific dishes....