October 10, 2025

Unakichi in Makati: Savor the Taste of Fresh Eel Dishes, Ramen, Yakitori, and More

There is only one place to go if you are looking for authentic unagi or eel dishes in Metro Manila, and that is Unakichi, a Japanese specialty restaurant located at Makati Cinema Square!

IMAGE from Philippine Primer

What sets Unakichi apart from other is their use of fresh and high-quality eels, reminiscent of those found in Japan.

IMAGE from Unakichi

What’s more, they incorporate a special unagi sauce recipe from a 100-year-old eel restaurant in Tsukiji, giving diners the best-tasting unagi dishes they could hope to taste. Paired with Japanese Koshihikari rice, their unagi dishes achieve an ensemble of fresh and perfectly seasoned flavors that replicates the delicate flavors of authentic Japanese fare.

IMAGE from Unakichi

The main menu boasts an array of eel delights, including the signature eel bowls, Unajyu Jyo and Unajyu Gokujyo, which feature grilled fine eel in unagi sauce with rice. These eel dishes are said to be highly nutritious, rich with vitamins, proteins, and minerals, effective for relieving stress and fatigue.

Aside from the unagi menu, Unakichi also offers a selection of traditional Japanese dishes such as soul-warming options like shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, yosenabe, chicken mizutaki, and ramen.

Yosenabe / IMAGE from Unakichi

Shabu-Shabu / IMAGE from Unakichi

Chicken Mizutaki / IMAGE from Unakichi

Unakichi has a handful of ramen options such as Tantanmen (Php 480), a spicy and creamy ramen with minced pork and vegetables, Miso Ramen (Php 420), which has pork chashu, boiled eggs, and vegetables in a miso-based soup; and Tonkotsu Ramen (Php 390) a classic with pork bone broth and chashu.

Tantanmen / IMAGE from Unakichi

They also have Hiyashi Chuka Cold Ramen (Php 470), Shoyu Ramen (Php 420), and Shio Ramen (Php 420), which has a salt-based broth.

For hearty eaters Unakichi has Chashu Shoyu Ramen (Php 580) and Chashu Ship Ramen (Php 580), both generously topped with pork slices. Diners can also upgrade to “Omori” large noodles for only Php 100.

Chasu Shoyu Ramen / IMAGE from Unakichi

Aside from these, Unakichi also offers yakitori or grilled chicken skewers for those who are craving for a bite-sized delight.

Diners are treated to skewers made from tender, fresh thigh meat, carefully selected for its quality and flavor. The restaurant takes pride in its time-honored sauce, crafted from a traditional recipe perfected over many years, while the salt used is all-natural, bringing out the meat’s natural juiciness.

Unakichi Yakitori with Salt / IMAGE from Unakichi

To elevate the experience, guests can customize their yakitori with an array of condiments, including shichimi togarashi (seven-flavor chili pepper), zesty yuzu kosho, fresh wasabi, or the aromatic Arima sansho pepper. With options priced at Php 160 for salt and Php 180 for sauce, each skewer promises a balance of tradition, freshness, and bold flavor that captures the essence of authentic Japanese grilling.

Unakichi Yakitori with Sauce / IMAGE from Unakichi

To complement these yakitori specialties, diners can explore Unakichi’s curated beverage selection, featuring premium sake such as Hakkaisan and Kubota, as well as shochu options like Iichiko, each drink thoughtfully paired to enhance the flavors of the food.

Guests also have the option to bring their own favorite beverages, with a corkage fee of Php 1,000 for bottles up to 1 liter and Php 1,500 for bottles over 1 liter.

Elevating the entire experience is the expertise of shop owner Mr. Terashima, who refined his culinary skills at a high-class tempura specialty store in Ginza. Working alongside him, three skilled Japanese chefs meticulously prepare each dish, ensuring that every skewer and plate reflects the precision and authenticity of traditional Japanese cooking.

IMAGE from Unakichi

With a seating capacity of 47 and a private room available for 18 people, Unakichi is perfect for intimate gatherings and celebrations, or a cozy dinner for two.

IMAGE from Unakichi