Sumiyaki Unafuji Meieki Store — Restaurant in Nagoya

When I watched a number of YouTube vlog posts about Nagoya before venturing here, it became clear to me that the one essential food to try was unagi, which if you didn't know, is grilled eel. It had occurred to me that my husband and I have only had unagi in bite size pieces as a sushi topping. Having a full meal of it struck us as a bit daunting initially, but I was determined to find a good place near our hotel. This restaurant came up as highly recommended by locals.

Later I discovered that Unafuji is actually part of a local chain with several locations throughout the prefecture. Not a bad thing, but I guess I was hoping it was going to be a more unique unagi specialty spot. The reality is that unagi is available nearly everywhere in Nagoya except McDonald's (I assume!). I was able to make a 5PM reservation, and we were seated immediately in the semi-private back room. The menu showed more than unagi. There was sashimi, tempura, even chicken wings, another local specialty.

However, front and center were meal sets centered completely around variations on unagi. My husband decided to get the ¥4,910 Unagi Donburi, while I went for the ¥5,640 Unagi Donburi - Superior. What's the difference you ask? I got a bigger bowl of unagi, that's all. We were ignorant about the pricier Hitsumabashi options but later realized they were for true unagi connoisseurs. They assumed in ordering the Hitsumabashi, you know how to eat each section of the eel in three discretely different ways.

We were too remedial for that and quite pleased with our orders. We first received a shared dish of refreshingly crunchy Pickled Cucumbers. I got a whole eel, fully char-grilled, over a large bowl of rice, while my husband’s portion looked to be about 2/3 of one. It came with clam soup, chawanmushi, slices of fresh sashimi, and a variety of pickled and vinegared vegetables on different plates. It was quite delightful with the eel extremely tender and flavorful. Definitely consider coming here to get your eel on.

FOOD - 5 stars...eel like I've never had it, meltably tender AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...quiet in our space, nice SERVICE - 4.5 stars...very attentive and patient with our Google Translate questions TOTAL - 5 stars...unagi...

Fantastic hitsumabushi! This location is conveniently located near the stations, at the basement of 三井住友銀行. Service is great. Cute girls servers. I had Hitsumabushi Bincho the day before and would say I prefer Unafuji for the crispy skin. Portion-wise Unafuji’s is huuuge. Come very hungry. I usually finish all the food in front of me, but this one is huge. Some men next table also couldn’t finish. Unafuji gives a little appetizer along with the warm towel when you sit down which is pretty nice. I had Horaiken (Honten) a couple years ago. Honten is worth a visit for it’s well, the original store and an elegant Japanese style older building, you have to enter with your shoes off and it’s just very cute. But location wise it’s a bit of a walk from the nearest subway station. And it’s normally very popular and needs reservation. Food was great but also biased coz it was my first hitsumabushi experience, so. ❤️ For convenience, quality, and service. This Unafuji Meieki branch is the perfect one to go...

Recommended by her local friend. Says this Meieki branch is the best among many Unafuji branches.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Indeed, as guaranteed, it's Unagi set is super delicious. The Unagi instantly melts in the mouth and left some crispy grill glaze with sauce on the tongue, giving goosebumps while savouring the taste. I am glad I ordered the premium set for bigger portion, just nice for a big eater. Rice portion is not as over portion as the Unagi which is very important. (Rice 1 : 1.5 Unagi) Ordered the Umaki which is egg with Unagi and a bit of soup, would have been more pleasant if it came with the Unagi set.

Overall, this is the best Unagi experience for us. Will be back for more if we are in Nagoya,...