Unagi Salford Quays
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Salford Quays is finally starting to reach its dining potential. Once an out-of-town new-build island dominated by chain restaurants, now we’re finally seeing an influx of great eating spaces. Japanese restaurant Unagi is the latest and possibly greatest.
You’ve no doubt heard of Unagi. This street food brand has had a meteoric rise since launching just before lockdown hit in 2020. Word-of-mouth about the sky-high quality of their Japanese street food led to a series of bricks-and-mortar venues across Manchester, including last year’s Altrincham launch, and this brand-new venue in Salford Quays.
It’s well-deserved too – every element is as good as it gets. It’s evident from the moment you step through the doors: the staff are some of the best in the business. Relaxed, charming and fearsomely well-informed, they’re a huge reason why Unagi has become so popular.
Hungry or not, try the teriyaki beef tacos from the street food section of the menu, I implore you. Non-Mexican tacos can often disappoint, seeming flimsy and gimmicky – Unagi’s are neither. The taco shells are thick and crunchy, giving a smart contrast to the sauced-up teriyaki beef inside. They don’t skimp on the portions either, these were practically overflowing with moreish fried beef and chilli. It’s certainly not one of your five-a-day, but if you’re looking for a low-down dirty snack, this will hit the spot and several more.
But let’s be real, it’s all about the sushi and Unagi does it better than anywhere for miles. The produce is bright, fresh and full of flavour – nothing has been sitting around on shelves all day. It’s freshly chopped, freshly rolled and all the better for it.
Can’t decide what to try? Let the chef take the strain. Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I trust you”. So trust me, go for the Unagi Omakase: 30 or 40 pieces of sushi, loosely arranged like a dragon for some brilliant reason.
Everything your sushi-loving heart could desire is here: salmon, tuna, prawn, and more, cut, sliced and arranged in various ways, including sashimi, nigiri and California roll. Not to mention fiery fresh wasabi, some palate-cleansing ginger and a big swirl of shredded radish. Freshness is everything here.
It’s no surprise the Unagi name is sweeping the North. The quality is sky-high, the vibe is welcoming and the space-age decor is unforgettable. Whether you’re a washoku newbie, or experienced in all things sushi, Unagi is a must-visit Media City destination.
