Yeoksam eel rice bowl: thicker double-steamed unadon at Unagiwa

A Yeoksam favorite, a hitsumabushi favorite [Unagiwa]

Is Unagiwa in Yeoksam worth it? The verdict

• A Yeoksam favorite with a generous portion of eel you can pick to your taste
• Filling for the price
• Friendly staff and a clean space
• Close to Yeoksam Station with valet parking available (paid)
• Works for groups, couples, or solo dining

Today I want to introduce Unagiwa, a favorite near Yeoksam Station for eel rice bowl and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice, eaten three ways)!

Of all the eel rice bowls I've had recently, this was a satisfying meal — generous portions and tasty.

Unagiwa hours, location and parking

• Mon–Fri 11:00–21:00 (break time 15:00–17:00, last order 20:00)
• Closed every Saturday and Sunday
• Paid valet parking available — flat ₩5,000 for 2 hours including valet fee, then ₩1,000 per 30 minutes
• Separate men's/women's restrooms
• 2nd floor (stairs at the entrance)
• No pets allowed
• Corkage allowed (free)
• Naver reservations available

How to walk to Unagiwa from Yeoksam Station, and the mood inside

Unagiwa is about a 5-minute walk from Exit 7 or 8 of Yeoksam Station on Line 2.

It's on the 2nd floor, and there are stairs at the entrance. Valet parking (paid, flat ₩5,000 for 2 hours) is available too, so it's good for anyone driving in. Here's the inside of the restaurant!

The interior was really clean, and the tables come in a variety of layouts — solo dining, dates, office lunches, group dinners — so it seemed easy to visit for whatever purpose you have in mind.

The men's and women's restrooms were separate and super clean!!!

Unagiwa menu and prices

Unagiwa's signature menu is, of course, eel rice bowls! There are several kinds — hitsumabushi, unadon, grilled eel — so you can choose according to your taste. Prices range from the mid ₩20,000s to the ₩50,000s depending on size.

There's also a perk if you write a Naver receipt review, so give it a try!

They also carry a wide range of drinks, and true to a Yeoksam favorite, corkage is even free — great for office get-togethers near Yeoksam Station.

Hitsumabushi Set vs Unadon Set: what's the difference?

📍Hitsumabushi Set (whole eel / ₩38,000) 📍Unadon Set (whole eel / ₩38,000)

I ordered both the Hitsumabushi Set (whole) and the Unadon Set (whole)! They seemed similar, but the way the eel is grilled is a bit different, which makes for a difference in texture. If you want the eel softer and cut in bigger, thicker pieces, go for the unadon, which gets steamed once more. If you want variety — smaller-cut, crispy-outside-tender-inside eel, plus eating it swimming in tea — I'd recommend the hitsumabushi!

I also wanted to try the eel rolled omelet, but sadly it was sold out, ㅜㅜ

Hitsumabushi Set (whole eel, 38,000 won)

First up, the hitsumabushi! A whole eel was piled generously on top.

You divide it into four with the paddle and eat it plain first, then with toppings like roasted seaweed flakes, scallion, and perilla leaves, then poured over with green tea, and finally in whatever way you liked best!

The eel was sliced thin, crispy outside and tender inside! Compared to the unadon there was a slight sense of small bones, but not enough to be bothersome — it was delicious!

I followed the staff's kind explanation and divided it into four, trying all three ways of eating it.

Personally, pouring it with green tea felt the softest and best matched!! It's just personal preference, so try all the different flavors and see what suits you haha.

A confirmed Yeoksam favorite... the hitsumabushi is delicious ㅠㅠ

Unadon Set (whole eel, 38,000 won)

Next up, the unadon!! Since the eel gets steamed once more after grilling, it was sliced much softer and thicker than the eel on the hitsumabushi!

The biggest difference — no green tea served with this one!

Can you see the color of that tender eel...

A generous whole eel!! It was really piled high.

If you're looking for a Yeoksam favorite... and you love eel, give Unagiwa a try haha. It's so good!

Personally, unless it's grilled, I prefer softer eel, so next time I go I think I'll get the unadon! If you like hitsumabushi or eel rice bowls, give Yeoksam favorite Unagiwa a try for an office lunch, team dinner, or date haha.