If you're craving eel, Nagoya is the place to be: Five restaurants specializing in the delicacy Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jul 23 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

If you're craving eel, Nagoya is the place to be: Five restaurants specializing in the delicacy

One of the gourmet experiences that visitors to Japan should not miss is eel. Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture is particularly known for its concentration of delicious eel restaurants. This time, we introduce five recommended restaurants in Nagoya where you can enjoy eel. From Kabayaki (marinated, broiled eel) with its appetizing rich sauce to Shirayaki (unseasoned, broiled eel) and Hitsumabushi (slices eel over rice), these dishes will leave you with unforgettable memories.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Nagoya and Aichi.

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho (Esca Branch)

A restaurant specializing in Hitsumabushi that continues to uphold traditional grilling methods

A restaurant specializing in Hitsumabushi that continues to preserve traditional grilling methods

The Esca branch of Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho is located just a one-minute walk from Nagoya Station, which is easily accessible from the Shinkansen. The restaurant takes pride in its eel, which is grilled over a strong, indirect flame, resulting in a crispy skin and fluffy texture. The chefs, deeply moved by the profound flavors of eel, continuously train and refine their Hitsumabushi. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Japan, as it is best enjoyed freshly grilled.

If you want to eat eel, Nagoya is the place to be! Restaurants where you can enjoy delicious eel

Located in the underground shopping area "Esca," just a short walk from Nagoya Station, this restaurant is extremely convenient to visit. Inside, a warm, wooden Japanese-style space unfolds, creating an atmosphere where time seems to flow slowly. Enjoy Nagoya's specialty, Hitsumabushi, which is carefully and meticulously grilled, in a relaxing environment to your heart's content.

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho (Esca Branch)

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: Immediately from the Shinkansen ticket gates of JR Nagoya Station
Address: ESCA Underground Shopping Center, 6-9, Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
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Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi

A luxurious moment to enjoy the masterful craftsmanship of large eel

A luxurious moment enjoying a large eel that showcases the craftsmanship

Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi is situated in a peaceful residential area close to Hisayaodori Station. They specialize in serving eel dishes prepared by talented chefs. Their menu features high-quality, large eels seasoned with a uniquely blended soy sauce, resulting in a deep richness and rich aroma that spreads throughout the mouth. Additionally, the subtly sweet rice served enhances the deliciousness of the eel even more.

If you want to eat eel, Nagoya is the place to be! Restaurants where you can savor delicious eel

Upon entering the restaurant, marked by a sign shaped like an eel, guests will encounter an atmosphere brimming with traditional Japanese charm. The restaurant provides a space where every guest can truly relax. It can accommodate large groups, making it perfect for group travel. Why not enjoy exquisite eel dishes in a serene setting away from the hustle and bustle?

Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi

Open: [Monday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 409m from Hisaya-odori Station
Address: 1-11-35, Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
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Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou (Nakagawa Main Branch)

A long-established eel specialty restaurant. The traditional taste is brought to life by the chef's skill.

A 10-minute walk from Sasashima Live Station and a 12-minute walk from Kogane Station, the Nakagawa main branch of Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou was established in 1969. Their recommended dish is the 'Tokujo Hitsumabushi (Ippon-han)'. The large, high-quality eel is prepared fresh every morning. The eel, coated in a secret sauce that has been used and replenished since the restaurant's founding, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is a delicacy that allows you to savor the true essence of eel.

The restaurant has a lovely courtyard that combines traditional Japanese elements with modern techniques, offering a peaceful view. Guests can select from spacious table seating, raised tatami mat seating where they can relax without shoes, or bar-style counter seating. Furthermore, a striking ink wash painting of an eel is showcased in the private rooms and is definitely worth seeing. Experience the authentic flavors of Japan in a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou Nakagawa Main Branch

Open: Lunch 10:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: Head south from Sasashima-raibu Station. Proceed west along Osu-dori, and the restaurant is on the left side, past the post office.
Address: 9-22, Fukuzumi-cho, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
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Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch)

Experience meticulously crafted Hitsumabushi at a restaurant just one minute from the Shinkansen exit

Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch) is located on Umaimon Street at the Taiko-dori Exit inside Nagoya Station. Here, you can savor Nagoya's specialty, Hitsumabushi. The thick eel, grilled with a special sauce that is continuously added, is exquisite. It's recommended to savor the Hitsumabushi in three ways: first, eat it as is; then, add condiments for the second bowl; finally, enjoy it as Ochazuke (rice with tea) for the last bowl, changing the flavor as you go. Make sure to give it a try!

Despite being conveniently located within the station, the restaurant has a calm and modern Japanese atmosphere. The aroma of grilled eel wafting through the restaurant is sure to whet your appetite. In addition to table seating, there are counter seats facing the wall, making it easy for solo travelers to dine comfortably. The restaurant also offers a variety of takeout options, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy Nagoya's specialties but don't have time to sit down for a meal.

Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: Inside JR Nagoya Station. Take the south exit of the Shinkansen and turn left at the silver clock; it's on Umaimon-dori Street. Right next to the Aonami Line ticket gate.
Address: 1-1-4,Meieki,Nakamura-ku,Nagoya-shi,Aichi
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Unagika Shibafukuya

A new style of eel and wine pairing that can only be experienced here

Unagika Shibafukuya is a restaurant located in Shikemichi, just a 6-minute walk from Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakura-dori Line Kokusai Center Station. The restaurant offers a variety of innovative eel dishes in addition to the classic Hitsumabushi. Its menu includes new styles of eel dishes that can complement any type of alcohol, from sake to wine. For example, one of their specialties is 'Unagi no Tataki Ponzu,' which features lightly grilled eel served with grated Daikon radish and citrusy Ponzu sauce.

The restaurant's interior has been renovated to maintain the original pillars from its time as a traditional Japanese house. This creates a nostalgic yet stylish and luxurious atmosphere. It's a warm and welcoming place where guests can relax and enjoy their meals while traveling. The restaurant offers both large table seating for groups and private rooms for a more intimate experience. It's recommended to make reservations early for the popular private rooms.

Unagika Shibafukuya

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from exit No.2 of Kokusai Center Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakuradori Line
Address: 1-23-10 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya city, Aichi
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.