Best Japanese Unagi (Grilled Eel) Restaurant in Manila: Why Unakichi Sets the Gold Standard for Authentic Eel Dining
When it comes to authentic Japanese Kabayaki (charcoal-grilled glazed eel), Metro Manila’s food enthusiasts and expats know there is one destination that stands unrivaled: Unakichi, tucked away at Makati Cinema Square.
Whether you are craving a traditional lacquered box of Unaju or seeking the rich health benefits of fresh eel, Unakichi offers an uncompromising taste of Tokyo right in the heart of Manila.
1. What Makes Unakichi Manila’s Premier Unagi Destination?
Unagi isn't just another item on a Japanese menu, it is a specialized culinary craft requiring years of master craftsmanship. At Unakichi, they take pride in delivering an authentic experience built on three core pillars:
Freshness You Can Taste: As a customer, you shouldn't be deceived by other restaurants claiming to serve "fresh" eel. True fresh eel cannot travel all the way from Japan to a local dinner table.Those imports have been frozen for weeks or months before being served. Unlike mass-market establishments that rely on frozen, pre-cooked imports, Unakichi serves live, ultra-fresh eel farmed locally to strict, high-quality standards on par with Japan's top farms. Prepared directly for your table, it delivers an unparalleled taste and texture you can genuinely trust.
Authentic Preparation: Precision filleting and traditional binchotan-style charcoal grilling yield a crispy, smoky skin with melt-in-your-mouth tender flesh.
Signature Tare Sauce: A rich, savory-sweet glaze prepared using time-honored Japanese recipes, perfectly elevating the natural fat and richness of the eel.
2. From Farm to Table: The BrightStar Aqua Connection
The secret behind exceptional Unagi begins long before it reaches the grill—it starts with water quality, feed purity, and responsible aquaculture.
Through BrightStar Aqua, Philippines Trusted Source for Fresh, Premium Eels, high-quality, sustainable aquaculture & unagi supply are nurtured in optimal environments. By ensuring strict water standards and ideal conditions, BrightStar Aqua supplies premier restaurants like Unakichi with eel that delivers:
Clean, Butter-Soft Texture: Zero earthy aftertaste, ensuring pure flavor in every bite.
Rich Nutrient Profile: Packed with essential Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and high-quality protein.
Sustainable Traceability: Supporting local aquaculture while meeting rigorous Japanese culinary expectations.
3. Must-Try Dishes at Unakichi
When visiting Unakichi at Makati Cinema Square, here are the signature dishes you cannot miss:
Unaju (Unajyu Jyo / Gokujyo): Prime grilled eel resting over a bed of steaming Japanese rice in a traditional lacquered box, liberally brushed with tare sauce.
Shirayaki: Salt-grilled unagi served without sauce, allowing diners to appreciate the unadulterated flavor and texture of the fish.
Sake Pairings & Izakaya Specialties: Pair your meal with curated Japanese sakes like Kubota or Hakkaisan alongside yakitori and hot soups.
Plan Your Visit to Unakichi
Location: Ground Floor, Makati Cinema Square, Amorsolo St., Makati City, Metro Manila
Operating Hours: Daily Lunch & Dinner (11:30 AM – 4:00 AM)
Reservations: VIP private dining rooms available for gatherings.
Phone: 0961 321 5680
