Gangseo eel rice bowls and ochazuke: Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa is a traditional hitsumabushi restaurant that evokes Japan, highlighting the craft of artisans passed down through four generations.

It serves authentic Nagoya-style eel dishes and refined course meals. With fresh eel and carefully selected ingredients, it is also a lovely choice for a business gathering or a special occasion. I already love eel rice bowls, but the food here was delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the staff were just the right amount of attentive, so I felt comfortable throughout the meal.

Getting to Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa One Grove Branch from Magok Station

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa One Grove Branch is outside Building A of One Grove, near Magok Station on Subway Line 5.

• From outside the building: From Exit 2 of Magok Station, go straight along the central passage of One Grove Mall toward Building A; it is on the right.
• From inside the building: From Exit 2 of Magok Station, enter Building B and walk straight into Building A. Pass Tim Hortons and Sukseongdo, then head outside; it is on the right.

A simple, polished dining space

This is the sign you see as soon as you walk in. Its feel matched the interior perfectly: refined but not artificial, simple and clean.

It is a spacious restaurant that can easily accommodate groups. There were tables in a range of sizes, from two-person tables to tables for four and six.

There were also private rooms that looked great for having a quiet conversation. They would be nice for a family meal or a business meeting.

I made a reservation before visiting. You can book through Catchtable or Naver Reservation, so I recommend reserving ahead. There are high chairs too, which made me think it would be good for a family meal out. In fact, by dinnertime, plenty of families were coming in.

Food and drink menus

Here is the menu at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa. The food menu and drink menu were prepared separately.

Ordering mentaiko hitsumabushi and umaki

I ordered the mentaiko hitsumabushi, umaki (eel omelet), and sparkling water.

The eel omelet came first, and it was so fluffy and soft, with eel inside. Honestly, I thought it would be filling enough on its own.

Then came the mentaiko hitsumabushi! I loved how neatly the whole set was served.

I was told they use eel at its most delicious size and grill it over charcoal.

Mentaiko hitsumabushi, open~! That color is insane, right? The moment I saw it, my mouth was watering.

First, to taste the eel on its own, I put two pieces of eel over the rice and took a biiig bite. It was tender, pleasantly salty, and clean-tasting..!

I tried it with the mentaiko too, but putting on a whole piece like this made it a little salty, haha. If you have this, I recommend using a little less.

Rice topped with wasabi, scallions, and eel was wonderfully clean and delicious too.

My favorite way was to put rice, eel, mentaiko, scallions, and shredded seaweed into a small bowl, pour over kombu broth, and eat it as ochazuke (rice with savory broth). It was a truly satisfying meal.

If you are looking for a restaurant near Magok Station with a refined yet comfortable atmosphere, I recommend Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa One Grove Branch for eel rice bowls at One Grove in Magok!