Nagoya-style eel with couple for 78,000 won at Kikukawa, Gangseo

My husband went to Nagoya back in February, and he's been thinking about the hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) he had there ever since. Before summer ended, he said he wanted a proper health-food meal, so we went to Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, known as the go-to eel rice bowl restaurant at Magok's One Grove!

A lot of reviews say this place recreates Nagoya-style eel rice bowls just like the real thing, so I had high expectations. Bottom line up front: this Magok One Grove eel spot completely satisfied both my husband and me~

An upscale vibe — good for group gatherings?

It would work perfectly as a gathering spot for eel lovers near Magok Station too.

The moment you walk in, the interior feels exactly like a high-end Japanese restaurant.

The dark green leather sofas paired with wood tones gave off a calm yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The hall is very spacious and kept clean, and there's a private room in the back — a great option if you're looking for a group meeting spot for eel near Magok Station.

They also had plenty of baby chairs on hand for families. Thanks to that, we could eat comfortably even with a child along~

A 100-year tradition — what's on the menu and how much?

This is apparently the Korean branch of a restaurant founded in Nagoya, Japan 100 years ago. Seeing the plaque on the wall marking its 2019 Michelin Guide listing really boosted my trust in the taste!

Looking at the menu, there was a wide range from the signature hitsumabushi to Ipponn Unagi, which comes with a whole eel on top. We decided to order the hitsumabushi at ₩38,000 per person.

The kitchen is open, so we could catch glimpses of the cooking process. Watching the eel being carefully grilled on a mesh grate, flipped front and back — I couldn't help but go 'whoa...'

Three ways to enjoy eel — is it actually that good?

After a short wait, the hitsumabushi arrived as a neat full course — isn't the presentation amazing? In Nagoya itself, you usually get a variety of side dishes, but here the course style focuses on the main eel rice bowl, which actually made me feel even more pampered.

The moment the lid came off, a sweet, salty aroma hit my nose and my mouth started watering, haha. The eel was crispy on the outside but truly moist and tender inside — the kids polished off a whole bowl once we put it over rice for them!

There are three ways to enjoy it deliciously~ First, you taste the eel and rice on their own; second, you add seaweed, chives, and wasabi — personally, that second combo with wasabi cut through the richness and was my favorite.

Finally, you pour in kelp broth and enjoy it ochazuke-style. Each of the three versions had its own charm, so there wasn't a dull moment through the whole meal. The gungchae (aster scaber greens) side dish that came as a basic banchan (side dish) was crunchy and paired really well with the eel~

There was also sansho pepper powder on the table, so sprinkling it on to taste brought out even more flavor. We paid ₩78,000 in total that day, and it was a meal worth every won!

A Magok date spot worth revisiting?

True to being a great eel date spot in One Grove, it's nice to take a walk inside the building after eating, and being able to use the One Grove parking lot means you can visit without worrying about parking — a big plus.

Being able to taste real Nagoya flavor here in Magok made my husband happy, saying he really got his energy boost. Thanks to the clean, upscale atmosphere, it would also be a fine place to bring parents. The secret sauce soaked in so well — we were completely satisfied. If you're looking for proper eel rice bowls around Magok, this place is worth a visit, haha.

Next time we need an energy boost, I'll have to come back with the family for more delicious eel!