UNAGI is a real Manchester success story. The team behind this beloved pan-Asian, albeit heavily Japanese-leaning eatery first came together in 2020, a veritable crack team of exceptionally talented chefs who began serving small bites from a food truck down in Altrincham. In 2023, they upgraded in the town where it all began with a new dine-in restaurant. One of several across the Greater Manchester region, at the time of writing the most recent addition is at Salford Quays.
Of course the biggest attraction here is the food, so let’s start with that. Priding themselves on the freshest and most authentic ingredients, the UNAGI legacy has been built — at least in part — on the incredible sushi and sashimi offering, with some pitting these guys as the best in the region. So Uramaki, Nigiri, and Hosomaki to your heart’s content. Beyond that, the street food and mains are also amazing, whether you opt for Unagi bang bang, crispy teriyaki tacos, a katsu curry or chilli udon noodles.
Special mentions need to go to the mushu special, made up of katsu prawns, seared salmon, black tobiko and teriyaki glaze, and the salmon deluxe — think namesake fish, done three ways. Not to mention the Spider Roll of soft shell crab, avocado and truffled mayo. Then we have the Mega Street Snack Boxes, filled with gyozas, chicken wings and plenty more, or the full scale Omakase platter. Billing itself as “the North’s largest sushi bar”, the interior alone is enough to warrant a look. Occupying the former site of Lime bar, the space is expansive and the decor aimed at creating a fun, vibrant atmosphere. That means ice white canteen style tables occupying the central floor, sleek booths overlooking the main action, and an ultra-sleek contemporary bar area with Far Eastern lanterns hanging from the ceiling among the bar lightbulbs.