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.
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.
Shizuoka
Hamamatsu Eel Dining Surrounded by Scenic Landscapes
An eel specialty restaurant located on the 18th floor of Hotel Concorde Hamamatsu near Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka. Carefully grilled eel from Lake Hamana, known for its thick flesh, rich fat, and consistent quality, is prepared to achieve a crisp exterior and tender interior. The sauce, based on a recipe inherited from the former luxury ryokan Hotel Kokonoe, which closed in 2021, offers a deep, sweet flavor that pairs well with Koshihikari rice grown in Hamamatsu City, noted for its firm texture and rich taste. A selection of local sake chosen by a certified sake sommelier is also available. In addition to table seating, private rooms are provided, accommodating occasions such as anniversaries and formal gatherings.
Shizuoka
Enjoy Premium Eel Grilled by the Second-Generation Master
The owner trained at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shimizu City and took over the business in 2020 as the second-generation owner of "Hirota Unagi". He sources live eels from areas in season, ensuring he uses the freshest and most delicious ones available. He values the knowledge acquired during his training, the techniques passed down from his father, and the traditional secret sauce, which together allow him to serve high-quality eel dishes every day. He emphasizes, "I want people to enjoy eel with peace of mind." As you pass through the noren curtain, you are greeted by a fragrant aroma that fills the air, and an irori hearth comes into view, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant also features a tatami room that can accommodate up to 20 guests, suitable for various occasions. Here, you can savor eel dishes at your leisure in a charming, rustic-style setting.
Saitama
Savor the "Spirit of Hospitality" With the Cuisine of a Long-Established Restaurant
"Omiya Isekin" was founded in 1881 in front of the gates of "Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine". Now located about an 8-minute walk from JR, Tobu Railway, and Saitama New Urban Transit Omiya Station, this renowned kaiseki restaurant preserves the traditions of its long-established roots. Seasonal ingredients are prepared by skilled chefs who carefully highlight their colors, shapes, aromas, and natural flavors, resulting in delicately seasoned yet deeply satisfying dishes, all served with heartfelt hospitality. With a rich history of hosting celebratory occasions, the restaurant also offers a unique Isekin-style engagement ceremony that combines the formal ritual with a banquet. Relax and enjoy refined kaiseki cuisine in a serene setting steeped in traditional Japanese elegance.
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.
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.
Okayama
Unhurried Meals in a Dedicated Unagi Restaurant
"Marukatsu" is an eel and sushi restaurant founded in 1974. Domestically caught eels from Kagoshima and Miyazaki are slowly grilled in a secret sauce that has been added to since the restaurant first opened. Eels caught from autumn to winter are characterized by thicker flesh and skin, which enhances their flavor. Eels are also believed to help prevent colds and restore physical strength. As part of their social contribution efforts, the restaurant is running a campaign to support pregnant women and new mothers. Discounts are offered on unaju (grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box) and unadon (grilled eel over rice in a bowl). The carefully prepared soup stock and house-pickled eel reflect close attention to flavor, while a consistent focus on taste and hospitality shapes a dining experience that encourages return visits to Marukatsu.
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.
Kyoto
Enjoy the Seasonal Scenery Along the Kamo-gawa River
This long-established Japanese restaurant is located in an alley in Pontocho, Kyoto. Its tasteful appearance blends in with the historic streetscape, further enhancing the atmosphere of its customers. Taking advantage of its location along the Kamo-gawa River, the restaurant offers a riverside terrace from May to September, allowing customers to enjoy their meal while feeling the cool breeze. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including eel dishes, which have been on offer since the restaurant's founding, as well as Kyoto kaiseki and sukiyaki. The restaurant is renowned for its delicate flavors that make the most of the ingredients' natural taste. In addition to tatami rooms, the restaurant also has private rooms with table seating, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, including entertaining, business meetings, and family meals. It is also close to Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion, making it an easy place to stop by in between sightseeing.
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.
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.
Niigata
Offering Delicious Dishes Made with Carefully Selected Ingredients
"Sakeyama Masuo Shop" is a Japanese dining restaurant in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, owned by a salmon sales professional. The restaurant offers a wide variety of set meals, bento boxes, and takeout items, focusing on their carefully selected salmon. While the restaurant initially attracted a more mature clientele, in recent years, it has become popular with younger diners as well, thanks to the growing health-conscious trend. The most popular dish is the "large cut silver salmon set meal." Other popular dishes include the "king salmon set meal," with thick cuts of fish that stand tall, and the "large cut silver cod set meal," which pairs perfectly with Uonuma "Koshihikari" rice. In addition to fish, the menu features local Niigata pork and fresh vegetables, allowing them to enjoy the authentic "taste of Niigata."
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.
Kyoto
Enjoy the Seasonal Scenery Along the Kamo-gawa River
This long-established Japanese restaurant is located in an alley in Pontocho, Kyoto. Its tasteful appearance blends in with the historic streetscape, further enhancing the atmosphere of its customers. Taking advantage of its location along the Kamo-gawa River, the restaurant offers a riverside terrace from May to September, allowing customers to enjoy their meal while feeling the cool breeze. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including eel dishes, which have been on offer since the restaurant's founding, as well as Kyoto kaiseki and sukiyaki. The restaurant is renowned for its delicate flavors that make the most of the ingredients' natural taste. In addition to tatami rooms, the restaurant also has private rooms with table seating, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, including entertaining, business meetings, and family meals. It is also close to Shijo Kawaramachi and Gion, making it an easy place to stop by in between sightseeing.
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.
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.
Okayama
Unhurried Meals in a Dedicated Unagi Restaurant
"Marukatsu" is an eel and sushi restaurant founded in 1974. Domestically caught eels from Kagoshima and Miyazaki are slowly grilled in a secret sauce that has been added to since the restaurant first opened. Eels caught from autumn to winter are characterized by thicker flesh and skin, which enhances their flavor. Eels are also believed to help prevent colds and restore physical strength. As part of their social contribution efforts, the restaurant is running a campaign to support pregnant women and new mothers. Discounts are offered on unaju (grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box) and unadon (grilled eel over rice in a bowl). The carefully prepared soup stock and house-pickled eel reflect close attention to flavor, while a consistent focus on taste and hospitality shapes a dining experience that encourages return visits to Marukatsu.
Oita
Enjoy the Finest River Fish at a Long-Established Restaurant in Tenryo Hita
A long - established eel and river fish restaurant that has been in business for over 160 years in Mameda Town, Hita City, Oita Prefecture, which flourished as a feudal lord during the Edo period. The river fish they sell, such as eel and sweetfish, are of such high quality that they are sold wholesale. The eel kabayaki grilled with a mild, not - too - sweet "secret sauce" that has been passed down from generation to generation is exceptionally delicious. The famous "Tenryo Unagi no Seiromushi", which uses carefully selected domestic eels, and the "Tenryo Ayu no Kamameshi", which is popular among women for its light taste, are must - try at least once. Enjoy the taste of a famous restaurant with a long history in a calm space filled with the warmth of wood, a reminder of the past.
Gunma
Taste the Seasons in a Historic Meiji-Era Ryotei
"Ryotei Chojinso" was built in 1900 in Tsubaki Town, central Takasaki, as a businessman’s villa. It became a ryotei in 1955, named after the character "Chojin" from a calligraphy gifted by a visiting imperial family member during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The 1,000 m² garden is home to two free-roaming peacocks. The kaiseki course offers eight to eleven dishes using "Joshu beef" and local vegetables, updated every two months with occasional Western touches. All nine rooms are private and vary in size, making it ideal for celebrations, engagements, and family gatherings. Catering and lunch boxes are also available.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Lunch by Area
