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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oita
An Evening in Yufuin with Izakaya-Style Dishes
This restaurant brings together the menus of "Unaichi," a locally well-known eel specialist, and udon shop "Ganso Bungo Nikujiru Udon" in one place. At night, a varied izakaya menu is served alongside alcoholic drinks, making it a particularly valuable option in Yufuin, where many restaurants close early. It works well for a meal before or after a JR train, a stop while sampling food along Yunotsubo Kaido from the station, or dinner during an overnight stay, helping make a trip to Yufuin even more memorable.
Mie
Charcoal-Grilled Eel That Has Been Loved Locally for Over 50 Years
"Taikantei" has been operating for over 50 years in Tsu City, Mie , where the food culture of eating eel on a daily basis is deeply rooted, and is loved by many people, especially locals. The fourth store, "Taikantei Misato", run by the owner who is the grandson of the founder, is located in an area rich in nature and has a calm atmosphere in an old folk house-style building. A popular menu item is "Unaju", made with eel purchased directly from Nagoya that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The owner, who has been trained for many years, carefully grills the meat on a charcoal grill.
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.
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.
Hyogo
A Sommelier’s Take on Wine and Traditional Japanese Dishes
Just a 17-minute walk from JR Kakogawa Station, Shun Ryori Rindō is a Japanese restaurant that highlights locally sourced ingredients, paired with carefully selected sake and wine. In 2017, the owner became the first Japanese recipient of a Gold Diploma in the international sommelier qualification exam, "International A.S.I. Sommelier Diploma", held by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), and has since achieved a refined harmony between Japanese cuisine and wine. As both chef and sommelier, the owner is also able to craft courses that complement wine pairings. When it comes to sake, the focus is on local brews that match beautifully with the region’s seasonal ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
Kyoto
A Luxurious Moment to Enjoy Ingredients From Kyoto
Located approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, Shizen Sakana Isshun is a Japanese izakaya where you can enjoy Kyoto vegetables and fresh fish. In addition to lava-grilled dishes, where carefully selected seasonal ingredients are grilled on a lava plate, the restaurant offers a full menu of Kyoto-produced items, including craft beer and local sake.
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.
Niigata
Offering Delicious Dishes Made with Carefully Selected Ingredients
Produced by professionals in salmon sales based in Niigata City, Niigata, "Sakeyama Masuo Shoten" is a Japanese dining restaurant centered on carefully selected salmon. The menu features a wide variety of set meals, boxed lunches, and takeout options. While the restaurant initially attracted an older clientele, its focus on wholesome dining has led to growing popularity among younger customers in recent years. The most popular item is the "Large-Cut Coho Salmon Set Meal." Other favorites include the thick-cut "King Salmon Set Meal" and the "Large-Cut Black Cod Set Meal," which pairs especially well with Uonuma-grown "Koshihikari" rice. In addition to seafood, the menu offers a range of dishes showcasing local Niigata ingredients, including pork and fresh vegetables from the prefecture.
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.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Eel for Lunch by Area
