Eel Restaurant Unagi no Naruse Matsumoto — Restaurant in Matsumoto

After being turned away like confused lost puppies from several restaurants (turns out “no reservation” and “no Japanese” is a powerful combo), my boyfriend and I stumbled into this place late on a Sunday night—hungry, slightly defeated, and ready to eat anything that wasn’t rejection.

To our surprise, they welcomed us with open arms and seated us right away like we were long-lost friends. The eel? Absolutely incredible—easily the tastiest comeback meal we’ve ever had. The service was fast, friendly, and so efficient it felt like they could read our minds (or maybe just saw the hunger in our eyes).

A total lifesaver and a hidden gem for wandering...

Discovering this unagi restaurant was a highlight of my travels—a culinary gem where each grilled eel fillet dazzled with its crispy, caramelized edges and luxuriously tender center, a perfect harmony of textures. The staff elevated the experience with their attentive, warm, and polished service, making every moment feel cherished. From the smoky-sweet aroma of the grill to the heartfelt hospitality, this wasn’t just a meal but a sensory celebration of Japanese tradition. A must-visit for anyone craving soulful food served with sincerity—it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after...

Food was a solid 4 stars! In terms of value, I would say it’s a 5 star because it’s tasty at an affordable price. My deluxe medium sized half eel portion was ¥1500. Although I don’t see this on the English menu, I think for an additional ¥200, you can get the Dashi broth so that for the last half of your meal, you can have it as a soup with rice and eel style. Or use the QR code on the menu to become a member and get it for free lol It was also super easy to make reservations from the Google app. Restaurant was a 15 minute walk from...