Eel restaurant in Kagoshima run by owner with 20-year experience in Japanese cuisine

PUBLISHED Jun 9, 2021

Unadon from Unagi Shikisai - Fujii

It has been two months since the opening of the eel restaurant Unagi Shikisai – Fujii in Chuzancho, Kagoshima City.

Fujii Mikihisa, who has 20 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, opened the restaurant on March 22 “with the idea of establishing a restaurant in Kagoshima that serves Japanese cuisine and eel dishes.” The restaurant can accommodate 28 people, including four tables and six counter seats.

It offers Unagi — the Japanese word for eel — dishes such as Hitsumabushi (from 2,000 yen), chopped grilled eel on rice; Unaju (from 1,800 yen), grilled eel rice box; Unadon (from 1,800 yen), grilled eel rice bowl; as well as a la carte dishes such as Shirayaki (2,300 yen), unseasoned grilled eel; Kabayaki (from 1,700 yen), glaze-grilled eel; Umaki (500 yen), eel wrapped in an omelet; and Unagi Chawanmushi (600 yen), steamed egg custard with eel. Takeout is also available, including Unagi Bento (from 1,800 yen), Hitsumabushi, and Kabayaki. Banquet meals, which include sashimi and other Japanese dishes, are available by reservation only.

The restaurant recommends enjoying Hitsumabushi in three stages: first as is, and then with condiments, and finally as ochazuke with broth. “I use groundwater from a well behind the restaurant to keep eels alive, and I prepare the day’s supply every morning,” said Fujii, as eels cannot survive in tap water containing chlorine. He uses a blend of two types of rice produced in Kagoshima Prefecture. “This way, the rice is not too sticky, but just right,” he explained.

“You can choose how you want your eel cooked, either in the Kanto style or Kansai style. In the Kanto style, eel is steamed once to preserve its tenderness, and in the Kansai style, raw eel is grilled over an open flame to give it a crispy finish. We use Arita and Bizen ware for our plates and dishes, so you can enjoy your meal with your eyes as well. Come and enjoy with us,” Fujii added.

Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Parking is available for 10 cars.

  • Shirayaki from Unagi Shikisai - Fujii

  • Inside Unagi Shikisai - Fujii

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