Tabelog ratingUnagi no Toyokawa (うなぎの豊川) is a celebrated eel restaurant in Nara, repeatedly recognized as one of Japan's best. It stands out for its mastery of the Kansai-style jiyaki grilling technique. Unlike the more common Tokyo method, the eel is grilled directly over charcoal without steaming, resulting in a wonderfully crisp, crackling skin while the flesh remains remarkably fluffy and tender.
Guests consistently praise the signature unaju (grilled eel over rice), noting the perfectly balanced, not-too-sweet tare sauce that complements the rich flavour of the domestic eel. Beyond the classic, the menu offers a chance to explore eel in various forms. The usu-zukuri, a rare thin-sliced eel sashimi, is a delicate counterpoint to the grilled dishes. Other highly recommended items include the unseasoned, purely grilled shirayaki, the rich umaki (a rolled omelette with eel), and savoury kimoyaki (grilled eel liver skewers).
Reviewers frequently describe the restaurant as offering outstanding value. A standard unaju was recently reported at around ¥3,500, with a larger 1.5-portion set at ¥5,000. Side dishes like usu-zukuri cost about ¥1,500 and umaki was ¥1,000. A typical meal costs between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000, a price many consider a bargain for this level of quality.
The dining room is small and the restaurant is very popular, so it can feel busy and often sells out. The heat from the charcoal grill can make the room warm, especially in summer. Securing a reservation requires persistence, but the experience is widely considered worth the effort.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 4–5 minute walk from Tomio Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line.
- Reservations: Reservations are essential. Booking opens two weeks in advance by phone (0742-51-8171). The line is often busy, so be prepared to call repeatedly. You may be asked to pre-order your main dishes when booking.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, Rakuten Pay) are accepted.
- Seating: There are 24 seats, including a counter, tables, and a small tatami room. There are no private rooms.
- Languages: Staff use simple English and translation apps to help foreign guests.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking. Please use paid parking lots nearby.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
