Atsuta Houraiken Matsuzakaya Branch — Restaurant in Nagoya

The restaurant is located on 10th floor in Matsuzakaya. The fastest way to get here is to take an elevator near the back entrance of the mall (the one next to the garden). There are only 2 restaurants on that floor so you won't miss it.

In these recent years, fortunately the restaurant has switched to use the queue card system, unlike normal Japanese restaurants, where you're given a card to tell you when to come back. There is a sign there to tell you how long the wait time is right now.

The wait time varies depending on which day and at what time you show up. Half an hour to an hour if you're lucky. During Obon holiday, the wait time is 3.5 hours. Yes, if you arrive at 3 pm, your designated time to come back to be seated is 6:30 pm. They're very accurate about this so be sure to show up 10 minutes earlier.

We've probably been to this restaurant more than 10 times. 5 years ago, we first read about it from somewhere on the internet and decided to give it a try. Since then it has been the reason we make a stop for several nights at Nagoya whenever we visit Japan.

If you've never tried Japanese eel bowl, if you had it somewhere and thought you didn't like it, give this restaurant a chance. It's long been a locals' favourite for very...

Arrived on a Monday evening around 5:50 pm and queued to receive a number. The wait for a table for 2 was approximately 30-40 minutes. The staff provided us with a slip for 18:30 hours and instructed us to return at 18:20 hours.

Everyone with a ticket waited in the vicinity of the restaurant. Their timing was impeccable, and we were seated in the expansive restaurant at 6:25 pm, with our order placed at 6:28 pm.

We ordered the regular Hitsu-mabushi priced at ¥4,600, Kimo-yaki (charcoal-boiled liver with specially made soy sauce) at ¥650, and a small slice of melon at ¥850. The Kimo-yaki had a chewy texture with a robust charcoal flavor enhanced by the citrusy seasoning.

The serving of Hitsu-mabushi was quick, arriving in about 10 minutes, and had a pronounced charcoal taste. We followed the restaurant's recommended 3-step method to enjoy the eel, with step 3 being our favorite, adding seasoning and a spoonful of bouillon to prevent dryness.

The melon was incredibly juicy and tender, adding a delightful touch...

Outstanding Unadon in Nagoya!

it was truly amazing! The eel was cooked to perfection, with a slightly crispy skin that added a delightful texture. The flavors were outstanding, making it the best unadon I've ever had.

This restaurant, along with three others under the same name, is exclusively located in Nagoya. Its popularity became evident when we tried to visit last night for dinner, only to find a waiting time of 1.5 hours. Determined to try their renowned dish, we returned this morning at 10:30am, an hour before their opening at 11am, and yet there was still a one-hour queue. Now I understand why this place is in such high demand.

The wait was absolutely worth it, as the eel rice exceeded all expectations. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was also top-notch. The staff was attentive and friendly.

I highly recommend visiting this restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait, as its popularity...