Tabelog ratingSumiyaki Unagi Aoiya (炭焼うなぎ あおいや) grills eel the Kansai way. This is jiyaki: the eel goes straight over binchōtan charcoal, without the steaming stage usual in Tokyo. The skin turns crisp and smoky while the flesh stays plump. In the unajū the pieces are laid over the rice in a distinctive lattice. The restaurant has been selected for Tabelog's Unagi "Tabelog 100" list five times, most recently in 2026.
Nearly every review comes back to the texture, crisp outside and soft inside, and to the charcoal aroma. Several English- and Korean-speaking visitors call it the best unagi they have eaten. The shippo (grilled tail ends) is the side reviewers keep insisting on, ideally with beer or sake. The shirayaki (unsauced eel with wasabi and salt), the kimoyaki (grilled liver) and the yuzu-scented pickles are also praised regularly.
The main complaint is the wait. Some reviewers found the rice portion small and the sauce sweet or strong. A few thought the eel thin or merely ordinary, or felt rushed near closing time. One diner was unhappy that grilling began only after they were seated.
Reviewers in 2025–2026 paid ¥3,900 for the unajū with liver soup and ¥3,700 for the una-don, which comes with slightly less eel. The two-tier toku unajū with melon cost ¥6,000. Shirayaki was ¥3,300 whole or ¥1,700 for a half, shippo ¥300 and bone karaage (fried eel bones) ¥500. Large rice cost ¥150 extra. Expect to spend about ¥3,000–4,000 per person at both lunch and dinner.
Value is a strong point. Reviewers note that a whole eel for ¥3,900 undercuts Hamamatsu's other well-known eel houses. One remarks that the top grade here costs what a small portion does in Tokyo.
- Getting there: 15 minutes on foot from the south exit of JR Tenryugawa Station (about 1.2 km). Parking for 15 cars.
- Booking: Booking is not required. On weekdays it is recommended, by phone on 053-464-6323. Reservations are not accepted on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. On those days, and in summer, lunch registration can close before the 11:00 opening, and waits of one to two hours are common, so arrive early.
- Payment: Cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners). Electronic money and QR payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 40 seats, including counter seating. No private rooms or private hire.
- Smoking: Entirely non-smoking.
- Families: Children are welcome.
- Take-out: Available.