Sumiyaki Unafuji
Michelin-approved Sumiyaki Unafuji offers exquisite charcoal-grilled unagi in a unique Yurakucho setting. Experience traditional flavors and perfect t...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed dining
Sumiyaki Unafuji
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Michelin-approved Sumiyaki Unafuji offers exquisite charcoal-grilled unagi in a unique Yurakucho setting. Experience traditional flavors and perfect textures.
"The best unagi I've ever had – crispy, tender, and perfectly smoky!"
🎯 Try the Hitsu Mabushi
This is the recommended way to enjoy the eel! Mix it with rice and broth for a unique flavor experience.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Popular spot, especially for dinner. Waits can be around 30 minutes, but reviewers say it's worth it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charcoal-Grilled Unagi
Main dining area
Perfectly grilled eel with a crispy exterior and tender, moist interior. A true taste of Japanese culinary art.
Hitsu Mabushi Style
Table
Experience eel in three ways: mixed with rice and broth, as is, and with condiments. A multi-layered flavor journey.
Silky Chawanmushi
Table
A delicate steamed egg custard, often praised as one of the best, with tender seafood and ginkgo nuts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Unagi Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Hitsu Mabushi
This is the recommended way to enjoy the eel! Mix it with rice and broth for a unique flavor experience.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Popular spot, especially for dinner. Waits can be around 30 minutes, but reviewers say it's worth it!
💰 Price for Quality
Expect to spend around ¥5,000-¥6,000 per bowl. It's a Michelin-approved experience!
💯 Unagi Perfection
Crispy outside, tender inside. The charcoal grilling adds a perfect smoky flavor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Hitsu Mabushi
This is the recommended way to enjoy the eel! Mix it with rice and broth for a unique flavor experience.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Popular spot, especially for dinner. Waits can be around 30 minutes, but reviewers say it's worth it!
💰 Price for Quality
Expect to spend around ¥5,000-¥6,000 per bowl. It's a Michelin-approved experience!
💯 Unagi Perfection
Crispy outside, tender inside. The charcoal grilling adds a perfect smoky flavor.
🥒 Refreshing Start
Don't miss the complimentary cucumber salad – it's a refreshing palate cleanser!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Sumiyaki Unafuji's perfectly grilled unagi, praising its crispy exterior and tender interior, with many calling it the best they've ever had. The unique 'hitsu mabushi' style and the silky chawanmushi are also highly celebrated. While the price point is high, most agree the quality and experience are well worth it.
"Such a great place for unagi. The unagi was cooked to perfection. It was marinated and grilled. Sauce was provided on the side, but you don’t need. Usually most restaurants pour sauce over the eel overwhelming the favor, not here. Best unagi I’ve ever had. Great ambiance as the restaurant is situated in a mall underground subway station."
Arthur Tow
"super yummy ! went for dinner and had no wait time, sat at the counter for two,
i really liked the refreshing cucumber salad they give you in the beginning
the circle bowl was flakey and lighter in flavour, the liver was very delicious ( and worth it ) and was a good addition to the meal. I personally liked the soup mixed with the rice with all of the wasabi, was a very warming meal
compared to the long flat eel ( which was bbq’s and had more sauce ) which comes with really fresh tuna, salmon sashimi and a steamed egg, this one was also super delicious and stronger in flavour
both dishes were delicious just depends on which one you prefer
spent total of about ~ 16 000
circle bowl ~ 69 00
long eel ~ 76 00
has cheaper options with no add ons"
Janice Wu
"We ordered the Una-ju superior. It came with clam soup, vinegar eel, pickles, and wasabi. The unagi was crispy on the outside but soft and delicate in the middle. The vinegar eel was different but delicious and the clam soup was a light dashi broth with a hint of clam. The service was really quick and at the end you just get up and pay at the counter"
Janine Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sumiyaki Unafuji is conveniently located in Yurakucho, often described as being under the railway arches or in the subway station area. It's accessible via public transport, with nearby stations like Yurakucho Station. +2
While it's a 'hidden gem' for some, it's generally found in a well-trafficked area. Look for it in the underground passages or arches near Yurakucho Station. +1
The Tokyo Metro and JR lines serve Yurakucho Station, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city. +1
Information on specific parking is limited, but given its location in a busy urban area, using public transport is highly recommended.
Yes, Ginza is relatively close to Yurakucho, and it's a pleasant walk between the two areas, especially if you enjoy exploring Tokyo's streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, as wait times can be around 30 minutes. Some visitors have experienced no wait, but it's best to plan ahead.
The restaurant is typically open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to check for any irregular holidays or changes. +1
Expect to spend around ¥5,000 to ¥6,000 per bowl for the main dishes. There are also cheaper options available without add-ons.
There is no entrance fee; you pay for the food you order. The cost is for the high-quality grilled eel dishes.
Payment is typically done at the counter after your meal. While not explicitly stated, major credit cards are usually accepted in such establishments in Tokyo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sumiyaki Unafuji is renowned for its expertly charcoal-grilled unagi (eel). They are particularly famous for their 'hitsu mabushi' style, offering a unique way to enjoy the dish. +2
This style involves enjoying the grilled eel with rice in three ways: as is, mixed with a savory broth and condiments, and finally as a rice porridge. It's a highly recommended experience.
The charcoal-grilled unagi, especially in the hitsu mabushi style, is a must-try. The chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) is also frequently praised for its silky texture and flavor.
Sumiyaki Unafuji specializes in eel, so vegetarian or vegan options are unlikely to be available on the main menu.
The restaurant has a minimalist dining room with warm wood furnishings. It's often described as having a great ambiance, situated in a unique location under the railway arches.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The beautifully cooked and presented unagi, along with the unique hitsu mabushi presentation, makes for stunning food photos. +1
The signature charcoal-grilled unagi, especially when served in the hitsu mabushi bowl, is highly photogenic. The vibrant colors and textures are very appealing.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is accepted. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive flash photography.
Daytime visits might offer slightly better natural light, but the restaurant's ambiance is also appealing in the evening. Focus on capturing the food's details.
Yes, the unique location under the railway arches can make for interesting exterior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that the price point is on the higher side, so it might be more of a special treat for families. The restaurant's focus is on a refined dining experience, so while generally welcoming, it's best to gauge your children's temperament for a sit-down meal. The efficient service means you won't be waiting excessively long for your food once seated.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make it more budget-conscious, consider visiting for lunch, which might sometimes offer slightly different pricing or fewer add-ons. Sharing a dish or focusing on a single, highly-recommended item like the hitsu mabushi could also be a strategy. However, for the full experience and the quality of ingredients, the price is generally considered justified by most diners.
🍣 Foodies & Culinary Explorers
Don't overlook the chawanmushi and the subtle flavors of the accompanying soup and pickles. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation means every element of the meal is designed to impress. Be prepared for a potentially short wait, but embrace it as part of the anticipation for an exceptional culinary journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Unagi at Sumiyaki Unafuji
The restaurant is particularly famous for its 'hitsu mabushi' style of serving unagi. This traditional Nagoya-style dish is a multi-layered culinary experience. It involves enjoying the grilled eel with rice in three distinct ways: first, as is, to appreciate the pure flavor; second, mixed with a savory broth and condiments like wasabi and green onions for a richer taste; and finally, as a comforting rice porridge (ochazuke). This method allows diners to explore the versatility of the dish and discover their preferred way of enjoying it.
Beyond the star unagi, Sumiyaki Unafuji also offers other delights. The chawanmushi, a savory steamed egg custard, is frequently highlighted as exceptionally smooth and flavorful, often containing tender pieces of seafood and ginkgo nuts. The accompanying clam soup provides a light, dashi-based broth that complements the richness of the eel. These thoughtful additions contribute to the overall high-quality dining experience that has earned the restaurant acclaim.
Navigating the Yurakucho Location
Finding the restaurant might feel like discovering a hidden gem, as it's nestled within the bustling urban landscape. Its proximity to areas like Ginza also means it's a feasible destination for those exploring central Tokyo. While specific parking information is scarce, the excellent public transport links make it the most practical way to reach the restaurant.
The ambiance inside is characterized by a minimalist design with warm wood furnishings, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Despite its urban setting, the interior offers a sense of calm, allowing diners to focus on the exquisite meal. The efficient service, often noted as being quick, ensures a smooth dining experience, even during busy periods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit