Tabelog ratingUnagi Tei Tomoei (うなぎ亭 友栄) is a name spoken with reverence by eel lovers across Japan. Located in Odawara, it has built a reputation on one thing: serving a rare variety of 'blue eel' (青うなぎ, ao-unagi) prized for its quality. The fillets are famously large—around 330g, nearly double the typical size—and are steamed then grilled to a texture that reviewers consistently describe as 'fuwatoro': fluffy, rich, and so tender it seems to melt in the mouth.
The two signature preparations are the lacquered eel over rice, unajū (うな重), and the plain-grilled shirayaki (白焼き), which showcases the eel's natural flavour. Both are praised for their clean taste and perfectly balanced, non-cloying sauce (tare). Another standout is the freshly prepared liver, kimo-yaki (肝焼き), a specialty that often sells out. While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, be prepared for a complex process. The main complaint is the long wait, often one to two hours, and a system that can feel confusing to first-timers.
Though expensive, most guests find it offers excellent value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 frequently reported paying around ¥8,000 for the unajū and ¥8,200 for a shirayaki set menu. The kimo-yaki liver skewers cost about ¥900–¥1,400. One guest's bill for an unajū with kimo-yaki came to ¥9,350. Free rice refills are a welcome bonus given the generous portions.
- Reservations: This is critical: you cannot reserve a table for a specific time. Instead, you must phone ahead (up to two months in advance) to reserve the eel itself (this is called 'torioki'). Seating is first-come, first-served on arrival. The restaurant will take your number and call you when your table is ready, so you can wait nearby. A separate, special omakase course can be booked via the OMAKASE website.
- Getting there: The restaurant is a 7-minute walk from Kazamatsuri Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Private rooms: Available for parties of two or more, but they carry a 10% service charge. Securing a private room may reduce your wait time.
- Family: Children and strollers are welcome.
- Dress code: The dress code is casual.
- Parking: On-site parking is available but fills up quickly.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. A designated smoking area is provided outside the entrance.
