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.
Tochigi
Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine Made with Tochigi Ingredients Served in a Private Room
Japanese Restaurant Tajima is located in Hotel New Itaya near Utsunomiya Station, where you can enjoy seasonal flavors in a luxurious private room. The kaiseki cuisine is packed with flavor and seasonal ingredients from locally sourced ingredients, and the dishes vary depending on the season, day and night, so you'll want to come back again and again.
Kyoto
Creative Kaiseki Dining Engaging All Five Senses
Located in a quaint Sukiya-style building in the Kamikiyacho area of Kyoto, "Onseki Sakontaro – Traditional Kaiseki Dining Flagship" serves creative kaiseki cuisine that combines Japanese and Western styles. It uses local ingredients such as traditional Kyoto vegetables. Experience the refined flavors of Kyoto through cuisine that combines tradition with creative expression.
Tokyo
Proudly Serving Eel "Prepared With the Utmost Care in Japan"
Located near Kabukiza Tower, this long-established Japanese restaurant boasts a history of approximately 150 years. It is renowned as a discreet destination for celebrities from the world of kabuki and beyond. Selected in the "Michelin Guide Tokyo 2024", the restaurant’s eel, prepared with traditional flavours and meticulous care, is a masterpiece passed down through generations. Upholding the belief of being "Prepared With the Utmost Care in Japan," no compromises are made across the seven stages of preparation, from selecting ingredients to the final grilling. Preparing a single eel, including the removal of fine bones, takes approximately two hours. With a dedication to excellence in ingredients, culinary technique, tableware, and atmosphere, the establishment offers an experience akin to visiting a small museum where both food and artistry can be savoured.
Fukui
Famous Eel "Seiromushi" and Eel Dishes
When it comes to eel in Fukui, the restaurant is so famous that it is often referred to as "Unashin". The traditional "Seiro - mushiju" is especially popular. By steaming the eel with rice in a bamboo steamer, the flavor of the eel is further enhanced and the eel becomes soft and fluffy, creating a delicate dish that you'll want to try at least once. Steamed crab dishes are also popular during the winter, and many customers come from outside the prefecture. You can order course meals to suit your budget, so we recommend that as well. The interior has a calm atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese inn, and we have added table seats. We cater for everything from small group meals to families.
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.
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.
Osaka
High-Quality Grilled Eel at a Reasonable Price
Opened in July 2024, this eel restaurant is located approximately a 5-minute walk from Terachimachi Station on the Hankai Electric Railway. The owner, who has long supplied eel to department stores throughout Osaka Prefecture, is known for offering high-quality eel at reasonable prices. The signature kabayaki (grilled eel with sauce) is prepared with great care over two days before serving. Inside, the space features a stylish ash beige interior, yet maintains a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere - reminiscent of a casual diner - reflecting the owner's warm and welcoming personality and "desire to make delicious eel more accessible".
Kyoto
Mastering the Art of Eel — A Tradition Passed Down with Pride
Located just a 1-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway, this authentic charcoal-grilled eel restaurant offers a truly memorable dining experience. Fresh eel is prepared each morning and grilled slowly over binchotan charcoal using a traditional method—high heat from a distance—to achieve a unique texture: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Paired with the restaurant’s secret sauce, it delivers a flavor that stands out. The eel is served over “Mizukagami rice,” a premium variety of Omi rice selected for its soft texture and subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the dish.Menu highlights include “Sumibiyaki Shirakaba Jyu” (white-grilled eel over rice), “Sumibiyaki Unagi Nishiki Jyu” (charcoal-grilled eel with savory rolled omelet), and “Omi Beef Jyu” (rice bowl topped with premium Omi beef)—a great option for guests who prefer beef, making it easy to dine together with varying tastes. Reservations are recommended during peak hours.
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s Landmarks and Savour Premium Grilled Eel
Located approximately a 17-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, "Kyounawa Honten - Shimizu Hanare" is a restaurant specializing in eel dishes that are full of Kyoto atmosphere. High-quality eels are carefully selected and procured from all over the country, including from Mikawa Isshiki in Aichi Prefecture. They are carefully grilled by craftsmen and served with a deep-flavored sauce made using traditional methods to enhance the flavor. Their signature dish, Hitsumabushi, is a recommended delicacy. The restaurant's plain wood interior is a Japanese space that exudes the atmosphere of Kyoto, and there are tables where you can relax and unwind. It is close to Kyoto's famous sites and is easy to drop by, so why not enjoy some luxurious eel dishes 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.
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.
Hyogo
Beloved by Locals for Authentic Japanese Cuisine
This Japanese restaurant is approximately a 10-minute drive from JR Sasayamaguchi Station. The owner and chef, who have experience training in Osaka, use their skills while considering what their customers want and only serve dishes that they themselves believe are delicious, offering dishes such as "Otsukuri Gozen (Sashimi set meal)," which features an assortment of recommended fresh fish. As they source seasonal ingredients, the menu changes depending on the season, and they aim for local production and consumption, so they use vegetables from Tanba Sasayama City as much as possible and Koshihikari rice that has been lovingly grown locally. In addition to purchasing sake from a local sake brewery in the hopes of supporting the local area, they also stock a selection of shochu carefully selected by the owner.
Aichi
Savour Eel Casually at a Dedicated Eel Restaurant
This eel specialty restaurant sources high-quality eels from the Fisheries Cooperative Association in Mikawa Isshiki, Aichi, known for its eel production, and serves them fresh every morning. Grilling them over high-heat charcoal fire allows you to enjoy two different textures: crisp on the outside and plump on the inside. In addition to the popular "Jyo Hitsumabushi and Liver Soup Set" and "Special Unaju," they also offer à la carte dishes such as "Umaki" and "Unagi Mabushi Nigiri" that are easy for children to eat, achieving the satisfaction and reasonable prices that only a specialty restaurant can offer so that a wide range of people can enjoy authentic flavors. Bright and cheerful customer service is also part of the restaurant’s charm, and the space offers a relaxing atmosphere that is welcoming to families.
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 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.
Fukui
Famous Eel "Seiromushi" and Eel Dishes
When it comes to eel in Fukui, the restaurant is so famous that it is often referred to as "Unashin". The traditional "Seiro - mushiju" is especially popular. By steaming the eel with rice in a bamboo steamer, the flavor of the eel is further enhanced and the eel becomes soft and fluffy, creating a delicate dish that you'll want to try at least once. Steamed crab dishes are also popular during the winter, and many customers come from outside the prefecture. You can order course meals to suit your budget, so we recommend that as well. The interior has a calm atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese inn, and we have added table seats. We cater for everything from small group meals to families.
Nagano
The Ultimate Eel, Grilled With Expert Skill at a Long-Established Restaurant
"Kappo Maruitei" is located approximately a 6-minute walk from JR Iida Station. It is a prestigious restaurant that has been pursuing eel cuisine every day while preserving the taste of a long-established restaurant. Only the highest quality farm-raised eels are carefully selected, then grilled over charcoal by skilled artisans until the surface takes on a glossy amber hue. The flesh is plump and tender, while the skin offers an irresistible crispness. This exquisite eel is complemented by a rich, sweet sauce that has been nurtured and preserved for over a century since the restaurant's founding. Paired with rice from Nagano, grown in the abundant natural environment of Shinshu, the dish delivers blissful flavour from the first bite to the last.
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.
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.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Lunch by Area
