Unagi Restaurants(39)

Explore delicious Japanese eel dishes at top unagi restaurants, offering a blend of traditional and modern flavors.
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TOKYO

Obana

Freshwater eel with a Michelin star in 2020, just 20 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Lunch: $57.74-72.17
Dinner: $72.17-108.26
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TOKYO

Unagi Tokitou

Inventive unagi gastronomy which unlocks new potential in a classic Japanese ingredient.

Lunch: $72.17-108.26
Dinner: $144.34-216.52
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TOKYO

Miyake 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.

Dinner: $216.52-252.60
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TOKYO

Nodaya

Put your trust in the hands of a grilled eel master, at a shop which has been refining their craft since the Meiji Restoration.

Lunch: $57.74-72.17
Dinner: $72.17-108.26
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OSAKA

Unagi Nishihara

Taste east and west Japan in one place — enjoy Kanto-style unagi in Kansai.

Lunch: $14.43-21.65
Dinner: $21.65-28.87
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SAITAMA

Eel Shop Sakebo-Esho Echigoya

This eel deal is a steal: top unagi dining in under an hour away from Tokyo

Lunch: $28.87-36.09
Dinner: $36.09-43.30
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TOKYO

Unagiya

Dine at the restaurant that the late founder of Honda personally picked as his favorite unagi eatery.

Lunch: $43.30-57.74
Dinner: $43.30-57.74
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TOKYO

Unagi 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.

Lunch: $36.09-43.30
Dinner: $43.30-57.74
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KYOTO

Okuniya Manbei

Specializing in Kansai-style unagi served in a clay pot with rice, with unrivaled service, Okuniya Manbei is no ordinary eel restaurant.

Lunch: $43.30-57.74
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TOKYO

Unazen (Tokyo)

No unagi is fresher than at this Oshiage eel shop, which prepares the live fish as soon as an order is made.

Lunch: $36.09-43.30
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TOKYO

Unagi Yamanochaya

Escape bustling Tokyo at this Chiyoda Ward hidden gem serving exquisite kabayaki dishes.

Lunch: $72.17-108.26
Dinner: $108.26-144.34
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Photo of reviews smiley iconRecent Reviews from Guests
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My wife and I made reservations to dine while on our visit to Kyoto. The food was amazing. It changed our perception and expectations of grilled eel and was truly one of our best meals in Kyoto. Thank you for allowing us to dine at the restaurant.
Joe Hui
May 02, 2025
Sizzling skewered meat grilling at a gourmet restaurant
Sumiyaki Unafuji Daimaru Kyoto Bettei
Restaurant in Kyoto
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Unagi what can i say one of the best meals you can get in japan! if you are in kyoto definetly book this place.
Laika Jhasmine Saleh
February 05, 2025
Sizzling skewered meat grilling at a gourmet restaurant
Sumiyaki Unafuji Daimaru Kyoto Bettei
Restaurant in Kyoto
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Our lunch at Unazen was fantastic. Best unagi and tamagoyaki we have ever had. I was not a fan of unagi before and only came to this restaurant because my husband loves unagi and we heard this was the best. Indeed! We have been to Japan 3 times pretty much just to eat. The restaurant is very small and quaint. Waitress was extremely friendly. The only caveat is that our lunch took over 2 hours. We were not expecting to be there that long for lunch. We had the first time slot and were the first to arrive. If you have the time I would absolutely recommend this restaurant.
Loree Sherman
January 21, 2025
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Unazen (Fukuoka)
Restaurant in Fukuoka
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Absolutely incredible. This restaurant ruined eel for me, because it will never be as good as it was here. I don’t think I can ever come back to Tokyo without eating here.
Joseph Frataccia
December 28, 2024
Grilled eel skewers over charcoal embers in a restaurant setting
Unagi Kappo Ooedo
Restaurant in Tokyo
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Really great value meal! Make sure to come hungry It was interesting to try unagi in so many unique ways, I loved the egg roll. I also really liked trying the Kansai style, its very crispy. Staff were very nice
Kim Ha
October 28, 2024
Grilled eel sizzling on a barbecue with a smoky glaze
Nyorosuke Roppongi
Restaurant in Tokyo

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.