Tabelog ratingUnagiya (鰻家) is a celebrated, long-running unagi specialist in the quiet neighbourhood of Minaminagasaki. This family-run shop, established in 1969, is helmed by an elderly master who personally grills each fillet. The restaurant is famous for its classic Kanto-style preparation: the eel is steamed to remove excess fat before being grilled, resulting in an exceptionally soft, tender texture that many describe as 'fuwa-fuwa' (fluffy) or 'torokeru' (melt-in-the-mouth).
The star of the menu is the Unaju Tokujo, a lacquered box of rice topped with an impressively large fillet of eel. Unagiya uses unusually mature eels from the Mikawa Isshiki region, reportedly aged four to six years, which accounts for their thickness. The tare (sauce) is light and restrained, allowing the rich, clean flavour of the eel itself to take centre stage. Other praised dishes include the Shirayaki (unseasoned grilled eel) and the Kimoyaki (grilled eel liver), though the latter is in limited supply and often sells out. Diners appreciate the generous portions and the warm, welcoming service, with many foreign visitors reporting feeling at ease despite the language barrier.
While overwhelmingly praised, a few points are worth noting. Some diners who prefer a crispier, charcoal-charred finish find the gas-grilled Kanto style less to their taste. The chef can sometimes appear gruff, though many others describe the staff as friendly. Given the premium quality, prices are high, but most guests feel the experience justifies the cost. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥6,500–¥7,150 for the Unaju Tokujo and ¥4,000–¥4,950 for the smaller Unaju Toku. The Shirayaki was reported between ¥5,000 and ¥7,150. A typical meal for lunch or dinner costs between ¥6,000 and ¥7,999.
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. You will be asked to pre-order your main dish so it can be timed for your arrival. Walk-ins may face long waits or find the restaurant full.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Getting There: Unagiya is a 4-minute walk from the south exit of Higashi-Nagasaki Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, or a 10-minute walk from Exit A2 of Ochiai Minaminagasaki Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
- Seating: The restaurant has 31 seats, including counter seats, tables, and a tatami room. There are no private rooms. Seating is limited to two hours.
- Dietary Notes: The limited-availability Kimoyaki (eel liver) should be requested when you book.
- Service: While there is no English menu, staff are known to be welcoming to international visitors.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
