Unagi No Naruse - Arashiyama — Restaurant in Kyoto

Unagi No Naruse, located in the picturesque Arashiyama district of Kyoto, is a renowned destination for those craving high-quality eel dishes, particularly unagi. The restaurant, nestled amid the tranquil beauty of Kyoto’s bamboo groves and temples, offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists alike. While the food certainly impresses with its quality and execution, the service leaves much to be desired, which unfortunately dampens the overall experience.

The highlight of dining at Unagi No Naruse is undoubtedly the unagi, or grilled eel, which is cooked to perfection. The eel is incredibly tender, succulent, and expertly seasoned. Grilled to a delicate char, the eel carries a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet, savory sauce it is glazed with. Served atop a bowl of perfectly steamed, fluffy rice, the unagi don (eel rice bowl) stands out as the restaurant’s signature dish, offering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each bite of the unagi is rich and satisfying, with a natural sweetness that’s brought out by the well-seasoned sauce. For those seeking an authentic, top-tier unagi experience, this dish delivers exactly what one would expect from a restaurant of this reputation.

In addition to the unagi, Unagi No Naruse offers a selection of traditional side dishes that complement the main dish. These accompaniments are thoughtfully chosen to enhance the dining experience, though it’s clear that the restaurant’s primary focus is on perfecting the unagi itself. The menu also features seasonal specials that showcase the freshest available ingredients, providing an additional layer of variety for returning guests. It’s evident that Unagi No Naruse places a great deal of care into sourcing ingredients and preparing its dishes, and the results speak for themselves.

However, despite the excellent food, the service at Unagi No Naruse falls short in several key areas. The staff seems disorganized, inattentive, and at times, even dismissive. For a restaurant of this caliber, service should be seamless and welcoming, yet there was a noticeable lack of hospitality. In particular, the staff failed to provide clear information about the menu, leaving diners unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine feeling uncertain about their choices. This lack of guidance can be frustrating, especially in a restaurant that is marketed as an upscale destination.

What compounded the disappointment was the restaurant’s failure to honor certain advertised benefits. Unagi No Naruse promotes membership privileges and other perks, but when inquiring about redeeming these during our visit, we were told they were not available. This left a feeling of being misled, especially after being reassured that the perks would be accessible. Furthermore, the restaurant was supposed to offer Wi-Fi, a basic amenity in many dining establishments, but it was unavailable, further adding to the sense of dissatisfaction.

The setting itself is undeniably charming, with a traditional and cozy interior that reflects the serene atmosphere of the surrounding Arashiyama district. The wooden furnishings and calm ambiance create an inviting space to enjoy a meal. The natural beauty of the area also contributes to the appeal of the restaurant, making it a pleasant place to spend time. However, the lackluster service detracts from what could have been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, Unagi No Naruse excels in terms of the quality of its food, particularly the unagi, which is undoubtedly one of the best in the area. Unfortunately, the service and the failure to deliver on advertised perks severely tarnish the overall dining experience. While the food is worth trying for unagi enthusiasts, the frustrating service and unmet expectations make it unlikely that I would return. In a restaurant where both food and service should be of equal importance, it’s clear that the latter still has room for...

The eel rice in Taiwan is so expensive, and you cannot ensu way they are cooked in Japanese-style or not.

I chose this restaurant to taste the eel rice because of the cheapest price. That day we arrived too early, so we waited for an hour XD aiwan, we always wait in line for famous food, which might good training.

We were the first customers to get in there. Everything I thought was all right. However, my partner's male rabbit did the wrong thing. He poured too much soy sauce into the eel rice, which made a hard to finish the eel rice. We were so sorry to the chef.

We ordered two kinds of eel rice. Regular UNA-JU UME (1/2eel over rice) 1600yen

Light and fluffy with less fat.

We thought we had never tasted this kind of flavor in Taiwan. It was so fluffy in my mouth. You don't have to mention to side dishes, each with its specialty. (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Super Deluxe UNA-JU UME (1/2eel over rice) 3400yen

Japanese eel is carefully selected by Naruse.

We thought the Super Deluxe UNA-JU UME was so delicious with its cooking techniques and meatiness. We wanted to eat more eel rice, but we had to save space in our stomachs for another local Japanese food. So we canceled our impulse. (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠❤ At first, we wanted to apologize to the chef, but the chef was angry with another abroad customer. We didn't disturb them in the end. Because a customer must order at least a meal. However, they were a mother with two children, which mom promised that it was impossible for them.

Their waitress was not good at English, so maybe customers couldn't understand the rules here. (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

They tried hard to translate the menu into Chinese. Maybe one day they can also translate the rules into English, which helps customers understand...

After exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in September 2024, I came across 鰻の成瀬 嵐山店 while looking for a place to eat. The high ratings on Google caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try.

The shop is relatively small but clean and comfortable, which made for a pleasant dining atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring that the dining experience was smooth and welcoming. Most of the other customers during my visit seemed to be tourists or visitors like myself, likely drawn by its convenient location and good reviews.

I ordered the eel rice set, which is one of their specialties. While the presentation was nice, I found the taste to be just okay. It didn’t quite meet my expectations, and the flavors weren’t what I typically prefer in an eel dish. This might just be a matter of personal taste, as others seemed to be enjoying their meals.

Overall, it’s a decent spot for a quick meal if you’re already in the area. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again, as the food didn’t stand out to me. That said, the cleanliness and comfort of the place, along with its convenient location near Arashiyama’s attractions, make it worth considering if you’re looking for a casual dining...