Nodaiwa Azabuiikurahonten

This is a famous Hitsumabushi (traditional Japanese bowl of cooked eel and rice) place so I needed to pull a few strings to get a reservation. I have to say that we had some high expectation due to the restaurant’s high reputation. I recall they were on Michellin’s star or plate list. Restaurant h...ad great atmosphere, full of traditional Japanese details - wood, flowers, miniture trees and impressive tableware, but space was a bit crowded and we could overhear conversations of other tables. The rice was just perfectly cooked. Flavor, glutinosity, cookedness, moisture all just perfect! I was impressed. Eel on the other hand was not surprising. It was good, well cooked and seasoned but just didnt have a ring that made me understand the fame. However, I am not much of an experienced eel dish consumer so do read this review with a grain of salt.

Visited January 2024

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is a culinary gem that has consistently impressed me during my visits. The star of their menu is the exquisite unaju, a traditional dish of grilled eel over rice. The tender, flavorful eel perfectly complements the fluffy rice. The restaurant's rich history, dating back 2...00 years, adds to its allure. With a Michelin star, Nodaiwa is undoubtedly the best place for unagi in Tokyo. I highly recommend making a reservation by phone to secure a memorable dining experience.

Visited July 2023

Truly special restaurant. All the eel dishes were amazing. I especially loved the eel wrapped in egg. We had a private room and the service was impeccable. Highly recommended!

Visited December 2019

one of the oldest Unagi restaurant in Tokyo, supposedly it's a family restaurant that is over 100 years old, handed down 3 generations. the building retained its historical outlook although its been refurbished. Much of the interior is still traditional Japanese style and very much wooden. we wer...e lucky that our colleague got us a table as the restaurant closes early. they gladly took out orders and we went for the classic must have - Unagi rice. the menu is limited, more of choosing which style. the unagi looks a bit pale in comparison to the the others that I have tried. the taste is flavorful despite the paler colour, perhaps the sauce used is less intense. the Unagi is still grilled to a nice crisp. I still prefer a sweeter grill but i must say this traditional family legacy is still a must try.

Visited September 2019

Domesticated natural eel, good but there is certainly better for similar price. Eel is delicately grilled but I much prefer the Nagoya version “hitsumabushi”. Unaju and eel courses run from 3k- 7k Yen which are comparable to other places. It’s a charming 3 stores old building and service by middle a...ge ladies in kimonos whom are all very charming. Good food and nice atmosphere but the Michelin star is a tad overrated.

Visited August 2019