I visited "Unamasa," a specialty eel restaurant in Kanda, Tokyo. It's locally famous as a place where you can eat incredibly delicious eel at unbelievably cheap prices for today's times. I was surprised by the high quality offered for the price. It's truly an eel restaurant with outstanding cost performance, well deserving of the title "champion of the common people."
Unamasa is conveniently located a 1-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kanda Station. It's very appealing that you can enjoy authentic eel at reasonable prices despite its close proximity and easy access from the station. The interior has a calm atmosphere with counter seats and table seats, making it easy to enter whether you are alone or in a group.
The item I ordered this time is the signature dishDouble unadonI got a large portion of rice. True to its name, this is a filling dish with eel not only on top of the rice but also between the layers of rice. The hearty appearance alone raises expectations. You can enjoy more eel than in a regular unadon, so it's especially recommended for big eaters or eel lovers.
Upon taking a bite, the first thing that surprises you is the tenderness of the eel. The eel used isDomestic Japanese eelThe texture is fluffy and tender, melting in your mouth. It follows the traditional Kanto-style cooking method, which involves splitting the eel open along the back, grilling it once, steaming it, and then grilling it again. This technique enhances the eel's natural flavor and makes it so tender that even the bones are soft.
The sauce is also exquisite, characterized by its refreshing and non-greasy taste. A homemade sauce with reduced sweetness is used to enhance the natural flavor of the eel. It pairs well with the rice, offering a taste that is light yet deep, allowing you to enjoy every bite without getting tired of it. It's such a tantalizing flavor that you'll devour even a large portion of rice.
This timeGrilled liverI ordered it together. The distinctive bittersweet taste of eel liver was very delicious and paired perfectly with the unadon. The bitterness served as an accent, enhancing the flavor of the unadon. The grilled eel liver is a limited quantity menu item, so if you're lucky enough to get it, please try it.
The affordability is another major appeal of Unasho. Despite its location in front of a station in the city center, the quality you get for the price is truly unbelievable. While expensive eel eaten only on special occasions is nice, this is the perfect restaurant for those who want to enjoy delicious eel on a daily basis. We highly recommend it as an unagi restaurant for the common people that both tourists visiting Tokyo and locals can easily stop by.
You can also feel the shop's dedication. The owner himself starts preparations at 3 AM every morning, carefully preparing domestic eels directly shipped from Shizuoka. By grilling them the same day, they maintain their freshness. They also accommodate large bento orders and banquet reservations, so you can use them for corporate parties and events (reservations required by the day before yesterday).
Store Information
- Shop nameUnama (Kanda Unama)
- Address: 3-11-1 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 1F, Sankei Building
- Phone number03-3256-9288 (Reservations/Inquiries)
- Opening HoursMonday-Friday 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM / 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM (ends when sold out)
- regular closing daySunday and Holidays
- Access1 minute walk from the West Exit of Kanda Station on the JR Yamanote Line, 1 minute walk from the West Exit of Kanda Station on the JR Chuo Line, 3 minute walk from Exit 1 of Kanda Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Payment MethodCash only (no credit cards)
- Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/57Kzb1EPZFBBrnYu7?g_st=ic
- Recommended Menu ItemsDouble Unadon, Liver dish
- featureKanto-style cooking method, uses domestic eel, homemade sauce, reasonable price
Unamasu is a rare eel restaurant that continues to be loved as a champion of the common people while preserving its traditional flavors. It is an establishment that can undoubtedly be recommended to those seeking delicious and affordable eel, as well as those looking for lunch or dinner in the Kanda and Akihabara areas. Please visit at least once and experience its excellent cost performance and deliciousness for yourself.
Business hours, regular holidays, and menu items are subject to change. Please check the latest information on Google Maps or with the store before visiting.