Tokyo Unagi Restaurants(21)
COURSE MENUNyorosuke Roppongi
At Nyorosuke, you can experience authentic Kansai-style charcoal grilled eel dishes such as grilled eel skewers, unaju and unagi-don. Unlike most Tokyo-style eel restaurants, the eel here is not steamed—meaning it’s bursting full of flavor!
COURSE MENUMARUICHI FUJI AKASAKA (formerly Nyorosuke Akasaka)
Rather than steam the eel first in Kanto style, this famed Akasaka unagi specialist upholds Kansai tradition by going straight into grilling the eel for a crispier, crunchier texture.
COURSE MENUUnagi Kappo Ooedo
Unagi Kappo Oedo repeatedly immerses whole pieces of eel within jars of their secret sauce, letting its flavor suffuse the meat entirely. It is then paired with sticky Yumegokochi rice for maximum texture.
COURSE MENUAzabujuban Hanabusa
This Tokyo restaurant sources its eels from unagi farmers in Isshiki Town, who have raised them in an all-natural environment for over 100 years. The unagi are then coated in a secret sauce, before being grilled Kansai-style over a charcoal flame.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Komagata Maekawa Marunouchi Branch
Located in the Shin-Marunouchi Building, Maekawa’s unagi is a delicacy that has been passed down for generations. The pairing of Spanish wine and sweet sauce-glazed unagi makes for a combination found in no other restaurant.
SEAT RESERVATIONNodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten
Centuries of honing cooking technique has resulted in this storied unagi restaurant receiving a Michelin star — and a reputation for being difficult to reserve.
SEAT RESERVATIONIshibashi (Bunkyo)
Enjoy a taste of traditional Japanese food culture at a Tokyo eel restaurant with over 100 years of history.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Hashimoto
This Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded freshwater eel restaurant has been thriving since 1835, due to their fantastic value meals and unwavering commitment to quality.
SEAT RESERVATIONKabuto
One of the best unagi restaurants in the whole country, easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo.
SEAT RESERVATIONObana
Freshwater eel with a Michelin star in 2020, just 20 minutes from Tokyo Station.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Komagata Maekawa Asakusa Main Branch
Time travel with your taste buds to Komagata Maekawa, Tokyo’s legendary eel restaurant. Having been present in Asakusa since the Bunsei era, Maekawa serves up unagi perfection, each bite bursting with flavor thanks to a 200-year-old secret sauce.
SEAT RESERVATIONHatsuogawa
Eel is cooked to order using time-honored classic grilling methods at the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded unagi restaurant Hatsuogawa, which has called Tokyo’s Asakusa district home for over 100 years.
SEAT RESERVATIONWatabe
Previously a fish wholesaler shop, Watabe evolved into an unagi restaurant under the helm of its third-generation owners with a menu and cooking methodology worthy of the Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnazen (Tokyo)
No unagi is fresher than at this Oshiage eel shop, which prepares the live fish as soon as an order is made.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Yamanochaya
Escape bustling Tokyo at this Chiyoda Ward hidden gem serving exquisite kabayaki dishes.
SEAT RESERVATIONNodaya
Put your trust in the hands of a grilled eel master, at a shop which has been refining their craft since the Meiji Restoration.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagiya
Dine at the restaurant that the late founder of Honda personally picked as his favorite unagi eatery.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Uomasa
Boost your vitality with some of the best unagi eel in all of Tokyo, at a competitive price.
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagi Tokitou
Inventive unagi gastronomy which unlocks new potential in a classic Japanese ingredient.
SEAT RESERVATIONMiyake Akira
Luxury unagi dining in Roppongi, with an omakase course meal prepared by Chef Miyake, who was recognized by the government as a “goodwill ambassador” for Japanese cuisine.
SEAT RESERVATIONMejiro Zorome
This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient is only one of 40-plus restaurants across Japan allowed to serve Kyosui unagi, an extremely rare breed from Shizuoka Prefecture.
Recent Reviews from GuestsDiscover the Best Unagi Restaurants in Tokyo
If you're on the hunt for the best unagi (eel) dining experiences in Tokyo, you've come to the right place. Tokyo, being a culinary capital, offers a plethora of choices when it comes to savoring fresh and expertly prepared unagi dishes. Unagi, typically served as unadon (grilled eel over rice) or unajuu (eel served in a box with rice), is a must-try delicacy when visiting Japan. In this listing, we showcase a variety of establishments that excel at preparing this traditional dish, each offering their own unique twist while adhering to authentic flavors and techniques.
Traditional Unagi Preparation Techniques
Unagi has a special place in Japanese cuisine and is celebrated not just for its taste but also for its nutritious value. Tokyo's unagi restaurants often follow time-honored methods, ensuring the authentic taste remains intact. The preparation typically involves filleting the eel, skewering it, and grilling it over hot coals. This process often includes the addition of a savory sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, which enhances the flavors beautifully. Many Tokyo establishments pride themselves on having their own secret sauce recipes, passed down through generations, which adds a distinct signature taste to their dishes.
Why Choose Tokyo for Unagi?
Tokyo offers an unparalleled diversity of unagi restaurants, from cozy local eateries to high-end dining experiences. The freshness of ingredients cannot be overstated as Tokyo's proximity to the sea ensures the highest quality of eel is available. Many restaurants in Tokyo source their unagi domestically from the best suppliers, ensuring sustainability and freshness. Whether you are a first-time unagi eater or a seasoned enthusiast, you will find a restaurant that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Enjoying unagi in Tokyo is not just about savoring great food; it's about immersing yourself in the city's rich culinary heritage.