Unagi (うなぎ), or freshwater eel, is a highly prized delicacy in Japan, celebrated for its savory-sweet flavor and tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s finest unagi restaurants, where chefs use traditional grilling techniques and carefully crafted sauces to bring out the best flavors in this beloved dish. Eating unagi is also considered a way to boost energy, especially during Japan’s hot summers.
This guide highlights seven of the top places to eat unagi in Tokyo, each offering a unique experience that showcases the art of unagi preparation and the culinary heritage of Japan.
1. Unagi Kanda (Kanda)
Unagi Kanda is a small, family-run restaurant located in Tokyo’s Kanda neighborhood, specializing in traditional Edo-style unagi. Known for its tender, flavorful unagi prepared using a steaming and grilling technique, Unagi Kanda serves unajū (grilled eel over rice) that is perfectly glazed with a slightly sweet tare sauce. The cozy setting and attention to detail make Unagi Kanda a favorite among locals and visitors seeking an authentic unagi experience.
2. Nodaiwa (Minato)
Nodaiwa, located in Minato, is a Michelin-starred unagi restaurant with over 200 years of history. The restaurant’s historic charm and dedication to quality make it one of Tokyo’s most esteemed unagi establishments. Nodaiwa’s unagi is grilled to perfection and served with a sauce that has been carefully passed down through generations. Their signature dish is the unajū, which is served in a beautifully lacquered box, offering a refined and traditional dining experience. Nodaiwa’s commitment to quality and its historic atmosphere make it a must-visit for unagi lovers in Tokyo.
3. Unagi Akimoto (Akihabara)
Unagi Akimoto, located near Akihabara, is a lesser-known gem that offers high-quality unagi at reasonable prices. This restaurant is popular for its unadon (unagi served in a bowl over rice), which features tender eel grilled to perfection and glazed with a flavorful tare sauce. Unagi Akimoto is known for its relaxed, friendly ambiance and is a favorite spot for locals looking to enjoy authentic unagi in a casual setting. The quality and affordability of Unagi Akimoto make it an excellent choice for unagi enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
4. Obana (Minami-Senju)
Obana, located in the Minami-Senju area, is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most respected unagi restaurants. Known for its traditional ambiance and high-quality unagi, Obana serves unajū that is grilled over charcoal and basted with a sauce that has been perfected over decades. Obana’s unagi is famed for its rich flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture, which is achieved by using traditional Edo-style techniques. The restaurant’s historic setting and reputation for excellence make it a top destination for unagi connoisseurs in Tokyo.
5. Izuei (Ueno)
Izuei is a long-established unagi restaurant located in Ueno, with several branches across Tokyo. This multi-generational restaurant is known for its high-quality unagi and variety of dishes that include unajū, kabayaki (grilled eel without rice), and shirayaki (grilled eel without sauce). Izuei’s flagship location in Ueno is beautifully decorated with traditional Japanese interiors, providing an immersive dining experience. Izuei’s dedication to quality and variety makes it a top choice for those looking to explore different ways of enjoying unagi.
6. Bincho (Ginza)
Located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, Bincho is a renowned unagi restaurant that specializes in high-grade hitsumabushi, a style of eating unagi popular in Nagoya. The eel is grilled until crispy, then served over rice in a wooden bowl, accompanied by condiments and dashi broth for a multi-layered tasting experience. At Bincho, diners can enjoy unagi in three different ways: plain, with seasonings, or with broth. This unique approach to unagi, combined with Bincho’s refined setting in Ginza, offers a memorable dining experience for unagi enthusiasts.
7. Ichinoji (Nihonbashi)
Ichinoji, located in Nihonbashi, is a hidden gem specializing in traditional unagi dishes with a focus on quality and presentation. The restaurant’s signature unajū is grilled to perfection, and the eel is soft and flavorful, complemented by a rich tare sauce. Ichinoji also offers shirayaki, allowing diners to enjoy the natural flavor of unagi without sauce. The restaurant’s intimate setting and dedication to authentic Edo-style unagi preparation make it a top choice for those seeking an elegant yet understated dining experience.
Tokyo’s unagi restaurants showcase the skill and dedication of Japanese chefs, each providing a unique take on this treasured dish. From the Michelin-starred elegance of Nodaiwa to the traditional charm of Obana, these seven restaurants offer a diverse range of unagi experiences that highlight the best of Tokyo’s culinary scene. For unagi lovers and first-timers alike, these dining spots are a must-visit for a taste of Tokyo’s finest eel preparations.
