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The Best Unagi Restaurant in Tokyo: A Premium Hitsumabushi Experience at Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City

Update-Date: Aug 2, 2026

Author: Malene Wixner

Categories: Unagi (eel)

The Best Unagi Restaurant in Tokyo: A Premium Hitsumabushi Experience at Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City

Looking for one of the best unagi restaurants in Tokyo? Perched on the 53rd floor of Tokyo Opera City in Nishi-Shinjuku, Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch combines expertly charcoal-grilled Japanese freshwater eel—famous for its signature Hitsumabushi—with spectacular panoramic city views, creating one of Tokyo's most memorable dining experiences.

Malene Wixner

Japan-Based Food Writer & Gourmet Content Creator

Food writer and gourmet content creator for one of Japan’s most well-known food media platforms. Originally from Scandinavia and based in Japan since 2022, I create travel and lifestyle content focused on Japan’s hidden gems, local food culture, and unique experiences. Through food writing, visual storytelling, and brand collaborations across travel, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, I share authentic discoveries that inspire deeper exploration of Japan.

Discover the Art of Authentic Unagi in Tokyo

When people think of Japanese cuisine, sushi and ramen are often the first dishes that come to mind. But if you truly want to experience one of Japan's most traditional and luxurious specialties, unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) deserves a place at the top of your list.

Tender, rich, and grilled over charcoal before being brushed with a sweet and savory tare sauce, unagi has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. It's considered a premium delicacy, prized not only for its incredible flavor but also for the craftsmanship required to prepare it perfectly.

If you're searching for one of the best unagi restaurants in Tokyo, Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch offers an unforgettable experience that combines exceptional cuisine with one of the city's most spectacular views.

Located on the 53rd floor of Tokyo Opera City in Nishi-Shinjuku, the restaurant allows guests to enjoy authentic charcoal-grilled unagi while overlooking the ever-changing Tokyo skyline.

Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: About a 2-minute walk from Hatsudai Station on the Keio New Line (directly connected to Tokyo Opera City via the East Exit)
Address: 53F, Tokyo Opera City Bldg., 3-20-2, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Why You Should Try Unagi When Visiting Japan

Unlike many Japanese dishes that have become popular worldwide, authentic unagi is surprisingly difficult to find outside Japan. Preparing freshwater eel is a highly specialized craft that takes years of training to master. Every step, from carefully filleting the eel to grilling it over high-quality charcoal, is performed with remarkable precision.

The result is completely different from what many first-time visitors expect. Instead of tasting fishy, high-quality unagi is incredibly delicate, with a soft, buttery texture and a rich umami flavor. The slightly crispy exterior created by the charcoal grill contrasts beautifully with the tender interior, while the signature tare sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the eel itself.

It's a dish that perfectly demonstrates the Japanese philosophy of allowing premium ingredients to speak for themselves. Whether it's your first visit to Japan or your fifth, trying authentic unagi is an experience every food lover should have.

A Restaurant with One of Tokyo's Best Views

One of the things that makes Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch truly special is its location. Perched high above the city on the 53rd floor of Tokyo Opera City, the restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across western Tokyo.

My biggest recommendation? Book an early evening reservation.

We arrived while it was still light outside and were able to watch Tokyo gradually transform as the sun began to set. The golden evening light slowly gave way to glowing city lights, creating a completely different atmosphere as the skyline came alive after dark.

Watching this transition while enjoying dinner made the entire experience feel even more memorable. If you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want a special dinner during your Tokyo trip, this timing is absolutely worth planning for.

Our Experience: Jou Hitsumabushi

For our visit, we ordered the Jou Hitsumabushi (Premium Hitsumabushi), one of Nagoya's most famous unagi dishes.

Unlike a traditional unagi rice bowl, hitsumabushi is designed to be enjoyed in several different ways, allowing you to appreciate how small changes completely transform the flavors.

The set also came with a comforting bowl of clear clam soup and tsukemono (Japanese pickles), both of which perfectly complemented the rich flavor of the grilled eel. The light, savory soup and crisp, refreshing pickles provided a wonderful balance throughout the meal.

clear clam soup

One of the things I loved most about the meal was how interactive the dining experience became. Rather than simply eating the same dish from beginning to end, each serving offered something slightly different. It almost felt like enjoying three meals in one.

Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch

What Is Hitsumabushi?

If you've never heard of hitsumabushi before, you're not alone. This unique style of serving grilled eel originated in Nagoya, a city famous throughout Japan for its outstanding unagi restaurants. Traditionally, the dish is enjoyed in three different stages, each highlighting a different aspect of the eel's flavor.

1. Enjoy It As It Is

The first serving is eaten exactly as it's presented.

This allows you to fully appreciate the perfectly grilled eel, fragrant rice, and the restaurant's signature tare sauce.

The balance between the smoky aroma from the charcoal and the naturally rich flavor of the eel is absolutely delicious.

2. Add Condiments

For the second serving, fresh condiments such as wasabi and spring onions are added.

This quickly became our favorite way to enjoy it.

The wasabi adds a gentle sharpness without overwhelming the eel, while the spring onions introduce freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

The combination creates an entirely new flavor profile while still allowing the quality of the unagi to shine.

3. Finish with Warm Dashi

The final serving is perhaps the most unique.

Warm dashi broth is poured over the remaining eel and rice, transforming the dish into something closer to a comforting soup.

The delicate broth softens the rice while adding another layer of umami.
It's amazing how the exact same ingredients can taste completely different simply by changing the way they're served.

This final stage made for a wonderfully comforting finish to the meal.

Perfectly Grilled Unagi

Of course, the true star of the meal was the unagi itself. Every piece was grilled with incredible precision. The outside developed a light caramelization from the charcoal, while the inside remained unbelievably soft and tender. The eel almost melted apart with each bite.

The sweet-savory tare glaze enhanced the natural richness without masking it, creating a beautiful balance of smoky, sweet, and umami flavors. Combined with the fluffy Japanese rice, every bite felt both comforting and luxurious.
It's easy to understand why unagi has remained one of Japan's most celebrated dishes for generations.

More Than Just the Food

Great restaurants aren't only remembered because of the food. They're remembered because of the complete experience. At Sumiyaki Unafuji, everything, from the elegant presentation to the attentive service and breathtaking views, worked together to create an unforgettable evening.

The calm atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy each course at a leisurely pace. Whether you're dining as a couple, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to one exceptional meal during your Tokyo trip, this restaurant offers an experience that feels genuinely special.

Booking Was Surprisingly Easy

Photo: Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch

One thing that can sometimes be challenging for international visitors is making restaurant reservations in Japan. Many restaurants still accept reservations only in Japanese.

Thankfully, I booked our table through SAVOR JAPAN, and the process couldn't have been easier. The entire reservation system is available in English, making it simple for overseas visitors to secure a reservation before arriving in Japan.

This is especially helpful for popular restaurants like Sumiyaki Unafuji, where tables during dinner hours can fill up quickly. Booking ahead also gives you a better chance of reserving a window seat around sunset, something I highly recommend if it's available.

Why Sumiyaki Unafuji Should Be on Your Tokyo Food List

Tokyo is home to thousands of incredible restaurants, but only a handful combine outstanding cuisine with unforgettable scenery.

Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch does exactly that.

The expertly grilled unagi, authentic Nagoya-style hitsumabushi, panoramic views from the 53rd floor, and convenient English reservation system make it one of the most memorable dining experiences we've had in Tokyo.

Whether you're trying unagi for the very first time or already consider yourself a fan of Japanese eel, this restaurant offers a wonderful introduction to one of Japan's most treasured culinary traditions.

If you're looking for one of the best unagi restaurants in Tokyo, this is absolutely a place worth adding to your itinerary.

From the first bite of perfectly grilled eel to the final spoonful of comforting dashi, it's an experience that showcases why unagi continues to be one of Japan's most beloved dishes, and one you'll likely be thinking about long after your trip is over.

Sumiyaki Unafuji Tokyo Opera City Branch

FAQ

Q1: How do I make a restaurant reservation through SAVOR JAPAN?
A: Click the "Book Now" button in the article, select your preferred date, time, and menu, then fill out your contact details to complete the booking.

Q2: Are there any booking fees for using SAVOR JAPAN?
A: No, it is completely free. There are no hidden fees for searching or booking restaurants. You only pay for what you eat and drink at the restaurant.

Q3: Will I receive a confirmation? How do I check in?
A: Yes. You will receive a "Reservation Confirmation Email." Upon arrival at the restaurant, simply show this email to the staff to be seated.

Q4: How can I change or cancel my reservation?
A: You can change or cancel your booking via the link provided in your confirmation email. Please check each restaurant's cancellation policy in advance.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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