Unagi Inu: Japanese soul food with a modern twist

At Unagi Inu in Riga, guests can expect tasty Japanese street-style food, good vibes and a fun atmosphere. The restaurant offers Japanese soul food with a modern twist, in a casual and vibrant setting.

Open for nearly five years now, Unagi Inu is an unbeatable dining experience in central Riga. The perfect balance between a café and fine dining, this charming restaurant brings the warmth of Japanese comfort food, blending authentic flavours with local touches.

At Unagi Inu, rice is the heart of every dish. In Japanese culture, rice symbolises prosperity and connection, and has been a staple for centuries. Whether savouring a bowl of donburi or a perfect sushi roll, rice is central to the culinary experience.

A classic dish is onigiri, a rice ball shaped by hand and wrapped in nori. Simple, filling, and packed with flavour. Smoked eel is another hit and a true delicacy. Paired with tamago, wakame, and teriyaki sauce, this is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The menu features plenty of other tasty Asian dishes, as well as a selection of Japanese whisky and beer.

Charming interior and kids’ corner

“Unagi Inu is like a Japanese bistro, where each dish reimagines tradition to create something new yet familiar. On every plate, cultures meet,” says owner Evelina Viškine. “Japanese food is a favourite of ours and we wanted to create a warm and inviting place for people of all ages to meet and socialise whilst sharing tasty food.”

The interior is anime-inspired with Unagi Inu being the restaurant’s spirit animal. A cross-breed between a dog and an eel, the funny character comes from the 1960s manga comic Tensai Bakabon by Fujio Akatsuka. “Just like us, he’s unconventional but always positive and cheerful,” smiles Evelina.

The restaurant also has a wonderful children’s corner, where the little ones can play and relax while their parents enjoy the cuisine. There is also a children’s menu available, perfect for family lunches.

Web: www.unagiinu.lv
Facebook: UnagiInuRiga
Instagram: @unagiinu.lv