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.
Ishikawa
Long Established Ryotei Surrounded by Yamanaka Onsen Seasons
"Meigetsuro," a traditional restaurant located beside Korogi Bridge in Yamanaka Onsen, the inner retreat of Kanazawa. Founded in the Taisho era (1910s) as a river fish restaurant, the establishment features tatami rooms all facing the river, allowing meals to be enjoyed while taking in the flowing Daishoji River and the seasonal scenery of Kakusen Gorge. A detached building renovated from a traditional house includes a tea room. The signature eel dish is prepared with a sauce continuously replenished since the restaurant’s founding and grilled in a distinctive manner. Lunch features eel rice bowls and kaiseki cuisine, while dinner is served as a series of courses.
Ishikawa
Long Established Ryotei Surrounded by Yamanaka Onsen Seasons
"Meigetsuro," a traditional restaurant located beside Korogi Bridge in Yamanaka Onsen, the inner retreat of Kanazawa. Founded in the Taisho era (1910s) as a river fish restaurant, the establishment features tatami rooms all facing the river, allowing meals to be enjoyed while taking in the flowing Daishoji River and the seasonal scenery of Kakusen Gorge. A detached building renovated from a traditional house includes a tea room. The signature eel dish is prepared with a sauce continuously replenished since the restaurant’s founding and grilled in a distinctive manner. Lunch features eel rice bowls and kaiseki cuisine, while dinner is served as a series of courses.
Okayama
A Culinary Experience for Special Occasions
Located on the second floor of "Hotel Granvia Okayama," directly connected to JR Okayama Station, this Japanese restaurant serves "Toka," a Japanese-Western fusion kaiseki course featuring ingredients such as "Nagi Beef" from Nagi, Okayama Prefecture, red shrimp, and caviar. Suited to occasions ranging from celebrations and formal family meetings to memorial gatherings, the restaurant offers table seating, Japanese- and Western-style private rooms, and semi-private rooms in a calm, comfortable setting. An extensive drink selection includes local sake and craft beer from Okayama, complemented by warm hospitality and a refined dining experience.
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.
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.
Gifu
Expertly Handled Seafood From a Trusted Fish Shop
A long-established fish shop in Gifu City with an eat-in space, in operation since its founding in 1910. After generations of operating solely as a fresh fish retailer, the fourth-generation owner began serving prepared dishes in-store to share professional knowledge on selecting, preparing, and appreciating seafood. Seasonal fish is expertly prepared in full view, offering a unique experience at a specialty fish shop. Efforts also extend beyond the shop through workshops and takeout options that make it easier to enjoy fish at home. To introduce children growing up in landlocked Gifu to the appeal of seasonal seafood, tuna-cutting demonstrations featuring whole bluefin tuna are held at kindergartens and at local events such as the Dosan Festival in spring and the Gifu Nobunaga Festival in autumn.
Saitama
Historic Charm and Seasonal Beauty at a Renowned Japanese Restaurant
A Japanese garden spanning approximately 2,000 m² offers beautiful views throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer to colorful autumn foliage and the stillness of winter. The changing scenery can be enjoyed alongside kaiseki cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients. The interior preserves a sense of history and traditional Japanese charm, with numerous private rooms where guests can relax without worrying about those around them. Ideal for celebrations, pre-wedding family introductions, memorial gatherings, and business entertaining, the restaurant provides a setting where time spent with loved ones becomes a lasting memory, together with the garden views. It is a place that brings a gentle touch to life's important milestones.
Gifu
A Restaurant Where Families Can Enjoy Meals Together With Smiles
Located in Takayama City, Gifu, with views of the Northern Alps, "Gyosai, a Japanese Restaurant" offers a full taste of the Hida Takayama region’s rich bounty. In addition to fresh seasonal seafood and its signature eel dishes, the restaurant features a variety of menu items made with "Hida Beef." The retro interior evokes a sense of nostalgia and calm, creating a relaxed setting that welcomes guests of all ages. It is a place where grandparents and grandchildren often share precious moments together. Thoughtful details such as a ramp at the entrance reflect the restaurant’s commitment to accessibility. With approximately 140 seats in total, the restaurant accommodates everything from intimate gatherings to large groups.
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.
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.
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.
Iwate
Freshly Ground 100 Percent Soba Served in an Old Folk House
At "Juwari Soba Takara-ya," diners can enjoy aromatic 100% buckwheat soba freshly ground on a millstone daily. Located in a renovated old house that retains its traditional charm, the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists. The broth, made with soy sauce from Iwate's Kido Soy Sauce Shop, pairs perfectly with the soba. Plans are underway to offer online sales, making this delicacy accessible nationwide.
Tokyo
Staying True to Tradition with Sincerity and Hospitality
"Japanese Cuisine Shin, Nihonbashi" conveys Japanese aesthetics through refined cuisine and warm hospitality, with a deep commitment to "staying true to its roots, sincerity, and hospitality." Each dish is prepared with heartfelt care, bringing out the umami of seasonal ingredients while reflecting the changing seasons. The calm interior offers a comfortable setting for taking time to appreciate the cuisine, with Japanese hospitality adding to the experience of the depth and warmth of Japanese culture through all five senses.
Saitama
Established Restaurant Centered on Unagi Cuisine with Over 35 Years of History
Located about a 2-minute walk from Gamo Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, this kappo-style restaurant (a traditional Japanese dining style where chefs prepare seasonal dishes in front of guests) has been in operation for 35 years. Alongside its signature domestic eel, the menu features fugu, softshell turtle, sashimi, and tempura as à la carte offerings. Fresh eel sourced each morning from Kyushu is grilled with a continuously replenished tare sauce, resulting in a richly layered unaju.
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.
Aichi
Skilled Craftsmanship at an Eel Specialty Restaurant
"Unagi no Kokoro Miwa" specializes in eel dishes, sourcing high-quality eel from wholesalers according to the season. Each morning, lively, firm-fleshed eels are taken from the tank and prepared by a chef. They are slowly grilled over binchotan charcoal using far-infrared heat, then coated thoroughly with the "secret sauce" that has been preserved since the restaurant was founded. The result is an irresistible dish with a crisp, fragrant exterior and a plump, tender center.
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.
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.
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.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Lunch by Area
