Eel is delicious and good for the body, and it's a waste to just eat it on the Saturday of the Ox or as a measure against summer fatigue. There are famous eel restaurants all over the country, and you can find some delicious eel dishes. In addition to dishes such as kabayaki and hitsumabushi, we will introduce trivia about eel and how to enjoy it.
When you hear about eel dishes, the first thing that comes to mind is ``kabayaki.'' Shirayaki is grilled directly without adding any seasonings or sauces, and is further grilled with a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. The difference is that in the Kanto region, Shirayaki is steamed and then kabayaki, while in the Kansai region, it is not steamed but kabayaki.
Hitsumabushi is a dish of chopped eel kabayaki placed on top of rice. It is known as a Nagoya specialty. First, taste it as is, then add condiments such as green onions and wasabi. At the end, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as adding the soup stock that comes with it and making it ochazuke style.
Shirayaki, which is grilled eel without sauce, is characterized by its light taste and texture. You can enjoy the original flavor and aroma of eel better than kabayaki. We recommend eating it simply with salt, soy sauce, wasabi, yuzu pepper, etc.
A vinegared dish made with finely cut grilled eel and thinly sliced cucumber. The richness of the eel and the sourness of the vinegar are a perfect balance, making it easy to eat. At eel specialty restaurants, it is a standard menu item along with ``Umaki,'' an omelette stuffed with eel, and is also a popular dish as an accompaniment to alcohol.
Eel is often thought to be in season in summer because of the ``Doyou no Ushi no Hi'' (Doyou no Ushi no Hi). Delicious farmed eel can be eaten all year round, but wild eel is in season from autumn to winter, when eel accumulates fat in preparation for hibernation.
There are famous eel producing areas all over Japan, and there are many famous restaurants that serve delicious eel dishes. Particularly famous areas include Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Kochi Prefecture.
Japanese pepper is often eaten with kabayaki, and it is said that not only does the refreshing spiciness bring out the deliciousness of the eel, but also that the antibacterial properties of Japanese pepper are good for preventing food poisoning.
When you hear about eel dishes, the first thing that comes to mind is ``kabayaki.'' Shirayaki is grilled directly without adding any seasonings or sauces, and is further grilled with a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. The difference is that in the Kanto region, Shirayaki is steamed and then kabayaki, while in the Kansai region, it is not steamed but kabayaki.
Hitsumabushi is a dish of chopped eel kabayaki placed on top of rice. It is known as a Nagoya specialty. First, taste it as is, then add condiments such as green onions and wasabi. At the end, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as adding the soup stock that comes with it and making it ochazuke style.
Shirayaki, which is grilled eel without sauce, is characterized by its light taste and texture. You can enjoy the original flavor and aroma of eel better than kabayaki. We recommend eating it simply with salt, soy sauce, wasabi, yuzu pepper, etc.
A vinegared dish made with finely cut grilled eel and thinly sliced cucumber. The richness of the eel and the sourness of the vinegar are a perfect balance, making it easy to eat. At eel specialty restaurants, it is a standard menu item along with ``Umaki,'' an omelette stuffed with eel, and is also a popular dish as an accompaniment to alcohol.
Eel is often thought to be in season in summer because of the ``Doyou no Ushi no Hi'' (Doyou no Ushi no Hi). Delicious farmed eel can be eaten all year round, but wild eel is in season from autumn to winter, when eel accumulates fat in preparation for hibernation.
There are famous eel producing areas all over Japan, and there are many famous restaurants that serve delicious eel dishes. Particularly famous areas include Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Kochi Prefecture.
Japanese pepper is often eaten with kabayaki, and it is said that not only does the refreshing spiciness bring out the deliciousness of the eel, but also that the antibacterial properties of Japanese pepper are good for preventing food poisoning.
As the word ``eel streamer'' suggests, eel dishes have long been popular in Japan as an auspicious delicacy, and are the perfect food to decorate important occasions, hospitality, and important anniversaries. In addition to areas famous for producing eel, there are long-established and famous eel restaurants in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, which have been chosen for entertaining and anniversaries. It is rare to find a restaurant that sells rare wild eel, making it even more special.
Yamanashi
Enjoy Seasonal Authentic Japanese Food at Reasonable Prices
A Japanese restaurant prepared by artisans using seasonal ingredients. We are proud of our dashi, which is made with the concentrated flavor of bonito from Yaizu and kelp from Rishiri. Focusing on local ingredients, you can also enjoy buckwheat flour and rice from Shinshu, Koshihikari "Pear North America" from Yamanashi Prefecture, which is highly rated in terms of taste, as well as fresh vegetables and seafood delivered directly from the farm. With a children's menu and a structure that eliminates steps, it's perfect for gatherings of a wide range of generations. Private rooms available. For take - out items such as bento boxes, please contact us directly.
Kagoshima
Enjoy Exquisite Eel From Kagoshima Prefecture in Kirishima City
"Unagi no Ogata" is an eel specialty store located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. They only purchase eels from Kagoshima Prefecture that are farmed in high - quality natural groundwater, and they carefully manage the water by exposing them to natural groundwater even after they arrive at the store. Each morning, the eel is prepared only for the amount that will be used that day, so they are able to serve the freshest eel. The eel, which is slowly grilled over charcoal without being steamed, is fragrant and has a firm texture, but the meat is soft and chewy. In addition to being available for take - out or delivery, we can also ship nationwide, so you can enjoy the taste of the famous restaurant at home.
Hiroshima
Custom-Made Course Meals Tailored to Your Tastes
A Japanese restaurant that requires reservations and is limited to a maximum of two groups per day, located about a 6-minute walk from the Hiroshima Electric Railway Komachi stop. They purchase ingredients only after receiving a reservation and always provide fresh ingredients. In addition to the standard main dishes such as eel, crab, sukiyaki, and hot pot, they also take requests into account and customize the course contents to suit your tastes, which is why it is popular. The head chef, who has over 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, has a reliable skill that brings out the best in ingredients, even when it comes to how they are cut and can accommodate a wide range of Japanese cuisine requests. Enjoy the exceptional cuisine prepared by Japanese culinary craftsmen.
Ishikawa
A Heartfelt Japanese Hideaway in Komatsu
This Japanese restaurant in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, primarily uses seasonal ingredients from the local area and the Hokuriku region. It serves dishes that are carefully selected for their freshness and seasonality. The tableware and setting incorporate traditional crafts from Ishikawa, and together with the food, you can immerse yourself in the "art of Japan" with all five senses. The restaurant's interior, built in the sukiya style, makes the most of the elegant building, creating a slightly more formal and sophisticated atmosphere than usual. The restaurant is renowned for its hospitality that caters to a wide range of generations. It also has a private annex, making it an ideal place to celebrate milestones in life, such as the first meal, a meeting between family members, or a longevity celebration. Many events are also held to promote the merits of Japanese cuisine to the younger generation.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Entertainment or Anniversaries by Area
Although eel is known as a luxury ingredient, it was a dish loved by common people during the Edo period. Even now, in areas famous for eel and in downtown areas, there are restaurants where you can casually stop by and enjoy eel such as umaki, uzaku, and shirayaki, allowing you to experience the food culture that has been alive since ancient times. There are also restaurants that specialize in ``unagi skewers,'' in which each part of the eel is skewered and grilled. It tastes like yakitori and can be enjoyed as an inexpensive accompaniment to alcohol.
Aichi
Relish Premium Eel Enhanced by a Special House Sauce
"Maruya Honten Tenpaku Main Restaurant" is conveniently located close to the station and features a dedicated parking lot with 40 spaces. The restaurant specialises in eel raised in high-quality environments, served with a tamari-based sauce crafted using a traditional method that has been passed down for over 180 years. The diverse menu includes the limited "Seasonal Gozen," ideal for special occasions such as engagement ceremonies or memorial services. Another popular dish is the carefully prepared "Freshly Rolled Umaki," loved for its delicate, comforting flavour.
Kyoto
Enjoy Kansai-Style Charcoal-Grilled Domestic Eel
This eel specialty restaurant is located just a 1-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, making it a convenient stop during your visit to Arashiyama. Housed in a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse that honors its historic charm, the restaurant offers a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for both sightseeing breaks and special occasions. The dishes feature carefully selected, high-quality Japanese eel, expertly grilled by skilled chefs using Kansai-style techniques. The result is crispy skin, thick, tender flesh, and the irresistible aroma of charcoal grilling that enhances every bite. The rice is a premium Koshihikari variety specially prepared by Hachidaime Gihey, a well-known rice purveyor in Kyoto. The menu includes classics like Shirayaki (grilled without sauce), Kabayaki (grilled with sauce), Unaju (eel over rice), and Hitsumabushi, as well as a unique "Unagyuju"—a savory combination of Japanese eel and domestic beef. It’s a must-visit for eel lovers.
Mie
A Japanese Restaurant Serving Eel in a Taisho-Era Setting
Founded in 1914, "Seifutei" is a beloved Japanese restaurant specializing in eel dishes. Its signature dish is "Grilled eel," made with a secret sauce that has been preserved since the restaurant opened. The eel is split open along the back in the Kanto style and grilled in the Kansai style without steaming until golden brown and fragrant, a method unique to the Nabari region, where the cultures of Kanto and Kansai blend together. Another specialty dish is "Koikoku (carp stewed in miso)." The carp is simmered for a week to remove the mud, resulting in a mellow flavor with no unpleasant odor. Enjoy a leisurely meal in a calm Japanese space that retains the atmosphere of the restaurant's days as a traditional inn, while taking in the view of the Nabari-gawa River.
Shizuoka
An Eel Specialty Store in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Where You Can Enjoy a Spectacular View
An eel specialty store located on the 18th floor of Hotel Concorde Hamamatsu, which stands near Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka . The eel from Lake Hamana, which is thick, fatty, and of consistent quality, is carefully grilled to create a fluffy texture on the inside and a crispy exterior. The sauce, inherited from the recipe of Hotel Kokonoe, a luxury inn that closed in 2021, is sweet and rich, and pairs perfectly with the sticky, flavorful rice made with Koshihikari rice grown locally in Hamamatsu City. It's also nice to have a selection of local sake carefully selected by the sake master. In addition to table seats, there are private rooms, so it is recommended for anniversaries and get-togethers.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Casually Eat Eel by Area
Eel restaurants are loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults to the elderly, and have been used since ancient times for gatherings of families and relatives, such as meals on the day of the ox. Perhaps for this reason, there are many restaurants where families can enjoy meals together. If you have a private room, you can eat with your family without having to worry about people watching you, and if you have a tatami room, you can feel safe even if you have a baby or small child with you. When you travel with your family to an area famous for eel production, be sure to try it.
Mie
A Matsusaka Restaurant Specializing in Premium Eel Dishes Grilled Over Binchotan
This charcoal-grilled eel restaurant is located in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, just a short drive from popular tourist sites such as the Gojōban Yashiki (former samurai residence) and Ise Shrine. The owner carefully selects each eel, allowing them to swim in fresh well water on the premises for several days to tighten the flesh before preparation. The skin is grilled over binchotan charcoal until perfectly crisp, adding a rich, smoky aroma, while the meat remains tender and fluffy. The restaurant’s signature dish, "Hitsumabushi", features a perfect balance of eel, rice, and condiments that is simply irresistible. The rice is a specially cultivated variety, sourced directly from contracted farmers, enhancing the full flavor of the eel in every bite.
Nagano
Charcoal-Grilled Eel That Inherited the Taste of Its Predecessors
Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Ueda Station, "Hamasei" serves domestic eel dishes like unaju (eel rice box) and shirayaki-don (grilled plain eel rice bowl), alongside seasonal vegetable tempura. The restaurant's light, flavorful tare sauce has been passed down through generations, enhancing the taste of the tenderly grilled eel. The menu reflects seasonal ingredients, offering a well-rounded dining experience.
Shizuoka
Hamamatsu City Eel, Fluffy and Grilled in the Kanto Style
An eel restaurant founded in 1966 in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka . The eel, grilled plumply in the Kanto style with a sauce perfected over more than half a century, is a masterpiece befitting Hamamatsu City's specialty. A beautiful Japanese garden sprawls across the premises, offering a luxurious experience that helps to forget daily stress. Guests can savor the exquisite eel while admiring the seasonal beauty of nature. The restaurant features 125 seats—including table and tatami seating—and a spacious parking lot, making it a popular stop on sightseeing tours. Private rooms are available to accommodate a wide range of occasions such as memorial services, banquets, and dinners with loved ones. A comprehensive take-out menu further enhances the appeal of this establishment.
Ehime
Enjoy Authentic Eel with Carefully Selected Sake
An eel restaurant in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Domestic eels are cooked plump in the Kanto style, and the skin is thoroughly grilled to bring out the fragrant aroma. The sansho pepper used is from Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, and has a rich aroma that brings out the flavor of the eel. The restaurant stocks local sake from Ehime Prefecture's Toyo, Chuyo, and Nanyo, and the wines are carefully selected, focusing on natural varieties. The interior features a calm, modern Japanese atmosphere with table seating, making it perfect for dining together. There are also plenty of counter seats, so solo diners can easily stop by.
Search for Family-Friendly Restaurants Serving Eel, Categorized by Area
Even if you go to a well-known or long-established restaurant that is difficult to enter at night, for lunch you may be able to enjoy eel rice bowls, eel bowls, hitsumabushi, etc. at relatively reasonable prices. The eel is slowly grilled over charcoal with a secret sauce that has been passed down over time. There is no doubt that you will feel happy when you eat it. Recommended when you want to have a luxurious meal with friends, or when you want to recharge for work in the afternoon.
Kagawa
A Long-Established Restaurant Serving High-Quality Japanese and Seafood Cuisine
Located about a 5-minute walk from JR Yashima Station, "Uonatsu" is a Japanese and seafood restaurant with roots dating back to 1917 as a fishmonger. Utilizing the expertise and techniques honed over its long history, the owner personally selects fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea every morning. The restaurant offers high-quality Japanese cuisine in a calm atmosphere. Private and semi-private rooms with sunken kotatsu seating provide an ideal setting for important gatherings. The counter seating is perfect for solo diners to enjoy food and sake casually. A spacious hall with a stage and karaoke is also available, making it suitable for year-end and New Year parties, welcome and farewell gatherings, and meals during sightseeing tours.
Gifu
Unagi Glazed in a Secret House Sauce
"Namazuya Marunouchi" is located an 8-minute walk from Hashima City Hall Station on the Nagoya Railroad. Set in a warm, wooden interior, the restaurant serves traditional river fish dishes made with eel and carp. The 45-year-experienced chef grills the eel using traditional methods and finishes it with a secret sauce that has been refined over time. The "unaju (Grilled eel and rice in a lacquered box)" is renowned for its exquisite balance of eel, sauce, and rice. Other impressive and hearty options include the oke-mabushi, a rice bowl containing five long grilled eels, and the hitsumabushi, a rice bowl containing so much eel that it almost spills out of the lid.
Yamanashi
Enjoy Seasonal Authentic Japanese Food at Reasonable Prices
A Japanese restaurant prepared by artisans using seasonal ingredients. We are proud of our dashi, which is made with the concentrated flavor of bonito from Yaizu and kelp from Rishiri. Focusing on local ingredients, you can also enjoy buckwheat flour and rice from Shinshu, Koshihikari "Pear North America" from Yamanashi Prefecture, which is highly rated in terms of taste, as well as fresh vegetables and seafood delivered directly from the farm. With a children's menu and a structure that eliminates steps, it's perfect for gatherings of a wide range of generations. Private rooms available. For take - out items such as bento boxes, please contact us directly.
Tokyo
A High-Quality Eel Restaurant for Everyone, Affordable and Welcoming
The first Tokyo branch of "Seiryu Unagi Tsukishima," with its main store located in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is just a 4-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hongo-sanchome Station. The restaurant offers high-quality, large Japanese eels at affordable prices, seasoned with a sweet Kyushu-style sauce that is easy for children to enjoy and appeals to people of all ages and genders.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Lunch by Area
