Unagiku Nara Main Store — Restaurant in Nara

Unagiku is a refined and elegant Japanese dish that features freshwater eel (unagi) as its centerpiece. Known for its rich, savory flavors and tender texture, unagi has been a celebrated delicacy in Japan for centuries. The preparation of unagiku typically involves grilling the eel with a special sauce, known as tare, which is made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. This sauce imparts a glossy finish and a deep, umami-packed flavor to the dish.

“Unagiku” specifically refers to unagi served over steamed white rice, often with a layer of finely shredded egg or pickled vegetables as a garnish. While it shares similarities with unadon (eel over rice in a bowl) and unajū (eel served in a lacquered box), unagiku may also highlight additional presentation styles that elevate its visual appeal.

This dish is not only delicious but also carries cultural significance. Unagi is often consumed during the summer, particularly on the Day of the Ox (Doyo no Ushi no Hi), as it is believed to provide stamina and vitality during Japan’s hot and humid months.

Unagiku is widely available in specialty restaurants, known as unagiya, which often maintain traditional methods of preparation to ensure authenticity. Beyond its culinary appeal, unagiku represents the artistry of Japanese cuisine, balancing flavors, textures, and aesthetics to create a harmonious dining experience. It continues to be a beloved dish, enjoyed by locals and visitors seeking to experience a quintessential...

The best meal I had for my Japan trip! Booked the latest (7pm) dinner time slot in the morning of the same day. The unagi is prepared only when you order, so it took about 30 minutes for the meal to be served. The wait was worth it, because the unagi was soooo fresh! They warned us about bones (on the menu), but I barely noticed them as the entire eel was soft and melted in my mouth. The sides were amazing as well! The waitresses kindly explained to us how to eat the non-seasoned unagi. When we were confused about one of the side dishes, they tried their best to explain. They ran out of tea by the end of our meal (because it was near closing time and we were the last customers), but they brewed another pot for us! The service was wonderful and the food was delicious! Thank you for the meal, definitely recommended for anyone looking for a good unagi...

I recently visited this restaurant, excited to enjoy an authentic Japanese meal. However, my experience was quite disappointing. As a foreigner, I was seated at the only table in the corner, which felt isolated and uncomfortable. Unlike the other customers, who were primarily Japanese and seated comfortably facing their dining partners, we were seated side by side, with our view limited to watching the staff as they walked by and cleaned dishes. It was disheartening to feel treated differently, and the table arrangement made our dining experience feel less welcoming and special than what others seemed to enjoy. I hope the restaurant considers making all guests feel equally comfortable, regardless of...