Unagi Restaurants(39)
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 RESERVATIONUnagi Nishihara
Taste east and west Japan in one place — enjoy Kanto-style unagi in Kansai.
SEAT RESERVATIONEel Shop Sakebo-Esho Echigoya
This eel deal is a steal: top unagi dining in under an hour away from Tokyo
SEAT RESERVATIONUnagiya
Dine at the restaurant that the late founder of Honda personally picked as his favorite unagi eatery.
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 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 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.
SEAT RESERVATIONKyogoku Kaneyo
The Taisho-era store continues to delight with its kinshidon — grilled eel rice bowl with a large blanket of tamago (omelet) — that is loved by both Michelin critics and locals alike.
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.
Recent Reviews from Guests
Welcome to the World of Unagi Delicacies
If you find yourself captivated by the unique charm of Japanese cuisine, then discovering the pleasures of unagi, or Japanese eel, should be high on your list. Unagi restaurants offer a delectable array of dishes centered around this savory delight. Grilled to perfection, unagi is typically served over a bed of rice, brushed with a sweet soy sauce-based glaze. This traditional dish is savored for its tender, delicate flesh and rich flavor, making it a staple in many Japanese culinary experiences.
Discover the Best Unagi Restaurants
In our curated list of unagi restaurants, each establishment brings its own variation of serving this beloved dish. Whether you're searching for a classic unadon, a bowl of rice topped with grilled eel fillets, or more elaborate set meals that include side dishes like miso soup and pickled vegetables, there is an unagi restaurant to suit your taste. Authentic unagi establishments often pride themselves on using charcoal grills to infuse the eel with a subtle smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-savory tare sauce. Enjoy the gentle care taken to prepare the eel, often live-caught, to ensure the highest quality and freshness.
Traditional Experiences with a Modern Touch
Many unagi restaurants seamlessly blend traditional approaches with contemporary touches, offering both cozy, traditional settings, complete with shoji screens and tatami mats, as well as modern, minimalist environments. You may even find some restaurants that add innovative twists to the classic eel dishes, serving them with ingredients like avocado or truffle, offering a fresh take without departing too much from traditional flavors. From the humble small eateries specializing in just a few cherished dishes to upscale establishments with varied menus, exploring the world of unagi can lead you to delightful new culinary adventures.
Enhance your dining experience by accompanying your meal with a selection of sake or green tea, which complements the flavors of unagi beautifully. Whether you're dining alone, with family, or with friends, these restaurants offer a wonderful setting to celebrate the art of Japanese cuisine. Dive into this delicious world full of rich, umami flavors and enjoy the incredible texture and taste of expertly prepared unagi.