Best Eel in Nagoya: 6 Must Try Unagi Restaurants for Hitsumabushi and Kabayaki Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Dec 11, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Best Eel in Nagoya: 6 Must Try Unagi Restaurants for Hitsumabushi and Kabayaki

Eel is one of the must try gourmet experiences for travelers visiting Japan. In particular, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is known for its excellent unagi restaurants and long standing local styles of preparation. In this guide, we introduce five of the best unagi restaurants in Nagoya where you can enjoy hitsumabushi, kabayaki with its rich and savory sauce, and fragrant shirayaki. These unforgettable dishes will make your visit to Nagoya even more memorable.

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho (Esca Branch)

Charcoal-grilled Hitsumabushi at Nagoya Bincho Esca branch near Nagoya Station

The Esca branch of Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho is located just a one-minute walk from Nagoya Station, which is easily accessible from the Shinkansen. The restaurant takes pride in its eel, which is grilled over a strong, indirect flame, resulting in a crispy skin and fluffy texture. The chefs, deeply moved by the profound flavors of eel, continuously train and refine their Hitsumabushi. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Japan, as it is best enjoyed freshly grilled.

Located in the underground shopping area "Esca," just a short walk from Nagoya Station, this restaurant is extremely convenient to visit. Inside, a warm, wooden Japanese-style space unfolds, creating an atmosphere where time seems to flow slowly. Enjoy Nagoya's specialty, Hitsumabushi, which is carefully and meticulously grilled, in a relaxing environment to your heart's content.

Hitsumabushi Nagoya Bincho (Esca Branch)

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: Immediately from the Shinkansen ticket gates of JR Nagoya Station
Address: ESCA Underground Shopping Center, 6-9, Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
More Details Reservation

Unawa Honten Nagoya Station

Unawa Honten Nagoya Station is a well known unagi restaurant located in the lively station area that is home to many popular dining spots. The restaurant works with trusted wholesalers and selects fresh eel every day. Skilled chefs prepare each piece with the ideal thickness and tenderness, allowing guests to enjoy flavorful dishes such as unaju, hitsumabushi, and a variety of à la carte items.

The calm Japanese style interior offers both private and semi private rooms, creating a comfortable setting for business meals, anniversaries, and family gatherings. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a wide range of occasions, from formal dinners to casual celebrations. It is an inviting place where guests can enjoy high quality eel in a relaxed atmosphere.

Unawa Honten Nagoya Station

Open: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station, 1-minute walk from UNIMALL Exit U4
Address: 1F, Third KH Bldg., 3-26-6, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Map

More Details Reservation

Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi

Located in a quiet area near Hisaya-odori Station, Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi serves premium grilled eel with a rich, aromatic sauce. Its serene, spacious interior offers a relaxing escape from the city, making it an ideal spot for both small and large groups.

If you want to eat eel, Nagoya is the place to be! Restaurants where you can savor delicious eel

Q. Why Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi?
Secure your seat with instant online booking! Exclusively at the Izumi branch, groups of two or more can enjoy a 90-minute all-you-can-drink plan with their eel dishes.
Q. Where is Hisaya-odori Station?
Only 5 mins from Nagoya Station or 1 stop from Sakae. The station is right by Hisaya-odori Park, a trendy, relaxed area known for its beautiful greenery and cafes.

Unagi Ryori Unawa Izumi

Open: [Monday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 409m from Hisaya-odori Station
Address: 1-11-35, Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
More Details Reservation

Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou (Nakagawa Main Branch)

Tokujo Hitsumabushi Ippon-han with extra large eel at Sandaime Unatou

A 10-minute walk from Sasashima Live Station and a 12-minute walk from Kogane Station, the Nakagawa main branch of Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou was established in 1969. Their recommended dish is the 'Tokujo Hitsumabushi (Ippon-han)'. The large, high-quality eel is prepared fresh every morning. The eel, coated in a secret sauce that has been used and replenished since the restaurant's founding, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is a delicacy that allows you to savor the true essence of eel.

Traditional Japanese courtyard view at Unatou Nakagawa main branch

The restaurant has a lovely courtyard that combines traditional Japanese elements with modern techniques, offering a peaceful view. Guests can select from spacious table seating, raised tatami mat seating where they can relax without shoes, or bar-style counter seating. Furthermore, a striking ink wash painting of an eel is showcased in the private rooms and is definitely worth seeing. Experience the authentic flavors of Japan in a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Unagi Ryori Sandaime Unatou Nakagawa Main Branch

Open: Lunch 10:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: Head south from Sasashima-raibu Station. Proceed west along Osu-dori, and the restaurant is on the left side, past the post office.
Address: 9-22, Fukuzumi-cho, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
More Details Reservation

Unagika Shibafukuya

Unagika Shibafukuya is a restaurant located in Shikemichi, just a 6-minute walk from Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakura-dori Line Kokusai Center Station. The restaurant offers a variety of innovative eel dishes in addition to the classic Hitsumabushi. Its menu includes new styles of eel dishes that can complement any type of alcohol, from sake to wine. For example, one of their specialties is 'Unagi no Tataki Ponzu,' which features lightly grilled eel served with grated Daikon radish and citrusy Ponzu sauce.

The restaurant's interior has been renovated to maintain the original pillars from its time as a traditional Japanese house. This creates a nostalgic yet stylish and luxurious atmosphere. It's a warm and welcoming place where guests can relax and enjoy their meals while traveling. The restaurant offers both large table seating for groups and private rooms for a more intimate experience. It's recommended to make reservations early for the popular private rooms.

Unagika Shibafukuya

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from exit No.2 of Kokusai Center Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakuradori Line
Address: 1-23-10 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya city, Aichi
More Details Reservation

Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch)

Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch) is located on Umaimon Street at the Taiko-dori Exit inside Nagoya Station. Here, you can savor Nagoya's specialty, Hitsumabushi. The thick eel, grilled with a special sauce that is continuously added, is exquisite. It's recommended to savor the Hitsumabushi in three ways: first, eat it as is; then, add condiments for the second bowl; finally, enjoy it as Ochazuke (rice with tea) for the last bowl, changing the flavor as you go. Make sure to give it a try!

If you want to eat eel, Nagoya is the place to be! Restaurants where you can savCounter seating for solo travelers at Maruya Honten Nagoya Stationor delicious eel

Despite being conveniently located within the station, the restaurant has a calm and modern Japanese atmosphere. The aroma of grilled eel wafting through the restaurant is sure to whet your appetite. In addition to table seating, there are counter seats facing the wall, making it easy for solo travelers to dine comfortably. The restaurant also offers a variety of takeout options, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy Nagoya's specialties but don't have time to sit down for a meal.

Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station Branch)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: Inside JR Nagoya Station. Take the south exit of the Shinkansen and turn left at the silver clock; it's on Umaimon-dori Street. Right next to the Aonami Line ticket gate.
Address: 1-1-4,Meieki,Nakamura-ku,Nagoya-shi,Aichi
More Details

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

Thank you for reading our article.

Our goal is to take your culinary journey to the next level by helping you find the best restaurant. With SAVOR JAPAN, you can search and make reservations for

the restaurants found in and around Nagoya and Aichi that fill your needs.