Unagi no Nakasho is also an established restaurant.!! From the way its two dishes fit perfectly to match the width of the table, to the fact that guests can directly view the kitchen where the eels are grilled, everything shows the mark of a mature dining establishment. The moment you step through the door, you can tell that every detail has been meticulously considered.
[Hitsumabushi - 4,380 yen] The bowl is topped with eel, accompanied by a pot of broth. The chef recommends eating it in three ways: first, enjoy the original flavor; then add the broth; and finally, add seasonings to experience different textures and flavors. I initially thought that this would be just enough for a girl to finish, but to my surprise, after finishing one layer of eel, I discovered another layer beneath it. It was a delightful and satisfying experience, unlike other eel bowls where you're left with only rice at the end.
[Ichino Unadon - 5,480 yen] This dish is more suitable for those who love eel. The entire eel is grilled over high heat to seal in its fresh flavor, and the whole grilled eel is laid across your bowl of rice. With a light touch of the chopsticks, you can feel the crispy exterior and the tender meat underneath. The sweet and savory eel paired with the sauce and rice creates a flavor so delicious that it sends shivers down your spine.
I highly recommend this new restaurant in Shinsaibashi. It has a prime location, and there are very few eel restaurants in the area that can compete with it in terms of environment and cost performance. The menu is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese, and you can order by scanning a QR code, making it very...
Read moreThis was our first visit to Japan, and the first unagi restaurant we have been to. We actually went here by mistake as I did not read the sign properly.
As a non japanese speaker, the ordering process was very straightforward thanks to the ordering app and the japanese-english menu with pictures. Also the last page of the menu provided some information on the restaurants background.
We ordered the unagidon and the hitsumabushi. The hitsumabushi was fantastic especially when the broth was poured through. While the unagidon was similar in taste, it lacked the stronger flavour and had a few larger bones in it, which affected the experience. Still, for someone not used to eating eel, the flavour, moisture, and texture was excellent.
The atmosphere was pleasant if not a bit loud when more customers turned up. The decor is very tasteful and modern.
The letdown was that the wait staff didn't come out straight away when called and our drink order took a long time to turn up - however the wait staff were also working in the kitchen so maybe that's understandable.
Also, I'd love to know about what to do with the hot water that is stored in the jugs that come out with the tea - I thought it was tea and created an awkward moment when asking about it, which resulted in it being taken away. Would love ro know what to do next time.
Overall, very good food. Nice atmosphere, service was a bit slow, but still a great...
Read moreIt is easily one of the best I’ve had anywhere. The eel arrives sizzling hot, with a beautifully caramelized glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and smoky. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the rice underneath soaks up every drop of that addictive tare sauce without turning soggy.
Beyond the food, the experience is thoughtful from start to finish: the staff greet you with genuine warmth, the pacing between courses is just right, and the little touches—like freshly grated wasabi and a light, umami-rich miso soup on the side—elevate the meal even further. Portions are generous for the price, yet the presentation still feels refined.
Whether you’re a longtime eel lover or trying unagi for the first time, Eel Nakasho Shinsaibashi store sets the bar high. I’d happily make the trip again (and again) for another bowl. Highly...
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