Unagi Hashimoto

Went here for an Unagi dinner. We did some research online and found out that this restaurant is the 4th oldest in Tokyo. It is very cute from the outside and family owned. It is conveniently located. Approx. 5 minutes walking from the metro. We were also the only tourists here when visited! We choose the Unagi with a Miso Soup. The Unagi was full of flavour! Sweet soy flavour made it absolutely perfect. The waitress was also very friendly and very helpful. She choose a sake for us and we were pleased with her recommendation. All in all our first experience with Unagi and it will be one to remember.

Came here on a Monday at 12 and had to wait about 30-45 minutes with no reservation. The staff was very kind and accommodating whilst speaking limited English. The place is small seating only 2 per table and 2 tables with 4. I would recommend splitting up big parties for faster seating. The unagi was savory and amazing and just melts. I ordered the regular size and got some hot matcha with it as well. I would definitely recommend this for anyone that is thinking of waiting and trying. Though I do wish there was a little more sauce on it 😔

Unagi liver skewer is burned and bitter, was told it’s bitter cuz it’s liver, bills were waved on this item but that doesn’t save the damage. Chicken skewer is blend. 1 star cuz i have to give a star to post. Unagi don is very normal, pickles are trash. A lot of bugs in the store! Oh mushroom soup is just hot water with salt with a half mushroom inside! GREAT! Overall very bad and pricey experience. Good side, grocery store across street is good. Service is good as he had to kneel down when took our order.

Unagi Hashimoto (1835) is currently the fourth oldest operating restaurant in Tokyo, after Kenuki Sushi (1702), Momonjiya (1718), and Komakata Dojo (1801). Kawajin (1699) has shut down permanently due to COVID-19, and Sasanoyuki (1691) and Tamahide (1760) are both undergoing renovations until fall 2024. Unagi Hashimoto has been recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand restaurant. I was seated immediately without a reservation by arriving a couple minutes before the 11:30 opening time. The staff can understand some English, and there are English menus available. I ordered the regular set, a rib meat skewer, a fin skewer, and a fried eel bone. The liver (labeled as stomach on the menu) was out of stock: I suspect this is something you may been to call ahead to order in advance, as I was one of the first tables of the day. The fried eel bone and the skewers arrived first. I didn’t think much of the fried eel bone: It was enjoyably crunchy but not remarkable. The skewers, similarly, were good but hard to differentiate from any other eel restaurant. The eel itself was good. I enjoyed the roasted aromas, the subtly sweet flavors, and the delicate texture as well. The regular size was just right for me; any more, and I wouldn’t have an appetite come dinner time. Overall, it was a good meal. The food was not incredible, but it was still tasty, and it’s fun sitting down and eating at such a historical establishment.

Quiet restaurant with incredible food! The eel was cooked perfectly and the rice is amazing. They have an english menu so ordering is easy. They accept cards although my foreign visa didn't work so I'm glad I brought cash.

Absolutely delicious eel grilled to perfection with that savory sweet soy glaze on a bed of perfectly cooked rice. If you’re an eel lover, you need to go here. The restaurant is cozy and you can feel the richness of the food in this place. I also tried eel stomach soup which was fine but you’re not missing anything if you don’t get it. The waitress was also very kind, spoke English, and gave me an English menu. Waited maybe 15-20 minutes for the food to come out. Give this place a shot and add it to your must eat place in Tokyo!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Unagi Hashimoto, and it was an experience that truly exceeded my expectations. Each bite of the expertly prepared unagi was a revelation. The eel was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, with a texture that simply melted in my mouth. What really set this dish apart was the sauce: a beautifully balanced glaze that enriched the natural flavors of the eel without being overly sweet. It was a harmonious blend that showcased both the chef’s skill and a deep respect for traditional Edo flavors, 6th generation onwards. Unagi Hashimoto is a shining example of culinary excellence paired with thoughtful service. I wholeheartedly recommend Unagi Hashimoto to anyone seeking an exceptional Unagi dining experience where traditional craftsmanship meets modern hospitality.

Booked a private room which you can do online. We came earlier and our room was already available. Service was lovely, eel was fantastic. Not too fishy and very soft and fatty. The pickles perfectly complemented it. The ambience was great.

Great eel. Probably the best eel I've ever had. I feel like it's less sauced than other unagi so you can taste the fish and the grilling better. The meal is expensive though for the portion so don't expect to leave stuffed. Restaurant is small and given the fame of this place there's always a line. Show up at opening for a chance to be seated first.

Oh... My...Gawd... Gasp after gasp. The tongue yearning. Give me more, more, yes more. On the precipice, waiting for the climactic explosion but it doesn't come. Instead better and better. This is OUTSTANDING unagi. Family owned and run for the past 187 years, now in its sixth generation, earning a Michelin star on the way, eating unagi here is an incredible experience. The restaurant, a small, old looking house along a canal in the quieter part of Tokyo. Tables squished together, a couple of communal tatami spaces. Several generations of family members shuffling around serving happy guest. It exudes charm. Only wild caught, extra large eels are used. Dispatched, cleaned, grilled over charcoal, steamed, and grilled again this time coated in the perfect sauce (the mother sauce goes back as far as the restaurant has been around). The effort is repeated day after day. Breaking it down, the unagi, extremely fluffy, fatty, tender, not overwhelmingly muddy but you can clearly taste where the eel lived. Charring from the cooking process adds a hint of bitterness and gentle sweet smoke complexity. The sauce has A pronounced earthy flavor with an almost fermented but not unpleasant citrus tartness with a clean sea salt finish.. The combination is mind-boggling. Definitely have it over rice (unajyu). In the beginning, the rice acts as a foil, clearing the pallet between bites. As time goes on, the fat from the eel soaks the rice, and like the melting fat of foie. It adds its own flavor and richness. Adding a bowl of kimosui (fragrant Sakura scented clear soup with eel liver) then works to cleanse the palate. Finally, don't pass up the umaki. Basically dashimaki tamago with a huge piece of unagi running through it all brushed by the ethereal sauce. Easley the best I've ever had. Note two orders minimum. Two pieces per order. 1,700¥ each. Note: the unagi it's not finished (grilled with the sauce) until it is ordered. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. English menus but no English spoken. Phone reservations only. One day advance booking is all that is required. CASH ONLY. Japan never ceases to amaze. This hold out of Edo cuisine still does it the traditional way in the modern megalopolis that is Tokyo.

Walked 30 min from Ochanomizu University and worked up an appetite by that time. An establishment since 1865, it's apparently passed to its 6th generation owner. I had no reservation but was here early enough at 5.30pm to get seated at the one table which had no places set out so I assumed there were reservations for the other tables. Sure enough as I sat there waiting, a steady flow of people came in and were shown their seats or were told to come back in 30 to 45 min. I'd initially thought it was closed as the sign at the door indicated something was sold out. But I figured since I was already there I'd go in anyway and hopefully they can seat just one. Menu was simple with only eel. And eel ribs, eel bones and eel intestines. Not sure how these are cooked but I decided to go with the tamagoyaki and the regular sized unagi don. The omelette was absolutely delicious and cooked just enough to be fluffy and still juicy with the broth. They make orders only for 2 people and indicated it might be too much for just one. I went ahead anyway thinking I can bring the extra home. No regrets! The eel rice bowl came in a lacquered box together with a small bowl of pickles. Smelt great and smoky, with the eel flesh pretty much melt in your mouth tender. The sauce was just right and not the cloyingly sweet kind smothered all over and drenching the rice. Apparently it's a family secret recipe passed down from the original founder. The rice was also good and fragrant enough.

I've only had eel a handful of times on top of sushi usually but this place is petty mind-blowingly good. We made reservations to go on a Thursday night in the morning with our concierge. They don't speak English very well and I don't think you can make reservations online. When we got in, it was about 7pm and it was empty but as time went by, it got full so I'm pretty sure reservations are needed. Food 5/5: the eel tasted super fresh. We had the tamago too, it was alright. I probably could've passed on that. Price 5/5: It's on the high side but it has a Michelin star so can't complain. Service 5/5: They were very attentive. The eel took slightly long but they may have been killing it in the back? I would imagine that if it tasted this fresh, they were doing something extra in the back to cook it. I don't know, I'm not an eel expert. I just liked what I ate. Ambiance 5/5: there's 3 traditional Japanese style seating and the rest were normal tables. We were warned they can place us anywhere but we didn't mind. Tip: they have English menus.

This was one of the most outstanding meals I've ever had. The outside of the shop is quite pretty, and the inside is also cute. The staff was quite helpful, and I was able to snag a table without a reservation for Tuesday lunch. There was one open table the entire time I was there, so I think it's possible for lunch time to not have a reservation (if you're willing to sit Japanese style instead of at a table). All of the food was incredible. I had the hone (fried eel's bone) to start, which was interesting and delicious, though there isn't much to eat! Then came the umaki (eel egg roll), which was my favourite dish, combining two of my top foods in one and it didn't disappoint. The eel and egg complemented each other very well. The main course, unajyu (large) with kimosui (plain soup with eel's stomach), came next and did not disappoint. The eel was not covered in a ton of sauce like it is in Western culture, which I preferred. It had a distinct salty taste. It also came with delicious pickles. The soup was amazing! I can't even describe the taste but it warmed my soul. I had a cold, dry sake with the meal, which helped relieve any anxiety I was feeling! Overall, unbelievable experience. Will definitely be back the next time I visit Tokyo!

Called Friday after noon and made appointment for Sunday at 1:30pm. I was staying in Kagurazaka so it was about a 15 minute walk from my place. I don't know if there are closer stations, but if you walk from Iidabashi Station, it will probably take you about 20-30 minutes. Arrived around 11am to wait, and shortly after there was a queue of about 10 people behind us. After doors opened at 11:30am, I overheard a gentleman who did not have reservations being denied a seat as the whole restaurant was reserved. I didn't hear how long the wait would be but he looked pretty disappointed, most likely due to the fact they were booked up for all of lunch. We sat, ordered, and it took about 15 minutes for the food to come out. I will just say, you can only get this kind of flavor and quality in Japan (and not in the USA). My wife and I were really glad we came, and after our meal, we asked if we could greet the owner. He was nice to come out during the lunch rush and take a picture with us, and he was even kind enough to greet us as we left. He seemed like a humble, hard working guy, and you can taste the care and effort he puts into the food. The ambiance is quiet and comforting inside, but the food is delicious. If you plan on visiting, be sure to call and make reservations.

After seeing Hashimoto's video on YouTube, I knew I had to try this spot and boy I was not left disappointed. We came in at around 4pm and the owners almost didn't let us in because it was fully reserved for the night! The unagi was incredible, the fat from the fish complimented really well with their in-house sauce. The unagi were charred perfectly and had a great smokey flavour to it. They also had some type of mixed spiced pepper, it left my mouth a bit numb but I think the hostess was trying to tell wasn't for the fish haha.

Ok, full disclosure, I liked this meal, but didn't love it. I'm not a huge Unagi fan, and this didn't convert me like I expected it would. So why 5 stars? Because there was an elderly Japanese couple eating behind me, and the woman COULD. NOT. STOP. going on about how absolutely delicious the food was. I think westerners have this perception of Japanese people as demure and quiet in public. Throw all that out the window, because the orgasmic cries of OISHIIIII, UMAEEEEE did not stop from this woman for one moment, and she thanked the owner a thousand times for the delicious food. I have to emphasize that I am not exaggerating. She literally would not stop going on about the food for the entire meal. It was kind of awkward, but it made me super happy to see such an ecstatic human. So if you like Unagi, I have to recommend this place based off that alone. Reservations: didn't need one on a Monday night; just walked in. I ordered: - Jyuu (regular sized) Unagi (suspiciously sold out of the small size I wanted..) - my favorite part of this was the rice, which was absolutely stellar. And as far as Unagi goes, this was obviously top notch. - yakitori - two skewers. I think thigh meat. Simple, delicious, and also not the reason to come here. It's an afterthought. - umaki - tamagoyaki with eel in the center. Honestly, I would've preferred just the regular tamagoyaki. The portion is big enough for two, so if you're dining solo like I was, this might be too much. Final note - the people who operate this place are super super friendly and kind.

Best unagi ever! I'm not even a big unagi fan but this was by far one of my favorite meals in Japan. It melts in your mouth and has a kick of charcoal flavor. The bed of rice it comes with isn't just any ordinary rice either it has great flavor on it own and goes perfectly with the unagi. I definitely recommend this to anyone in Japan. It's a bit pricey but I think it's well worth the splurge.

THE best unagi I've ever had in my life. The meat is so soft and melts in your mouth rightt away, even the bones. It has a nice charcoal smokey taste. The yakitori was just ok, but since they're only known for their unagi, let's not talk about it. Back to the unagi: it's so good and flavorful. The sauce is light so it doesn't hide the taste of the fish but has just enough taste to add an extra flavor. The location is just 3 min walk from a metro station, but it's in a residential neighborhood so there's not much near it. The place itself is a cute little japanese house. We reserved before going to make sure to have a table since places are limitsd there. The lady greeted us at the door and was very friendly even though her english was poor. All the staff there are nice and you feel welcomed there.

I have to applaud my buddy Rod U for telling me about this jewel. The unagi was outstanding. The flavors were unreal. The unagi had texture and a nice smokey finish. It sat on top of hot rice with worked well with the unagi. We also ordered the unagi rib. The rib had more of a meaty taste. It was also amazing! The service was great and the workers were so friendly. We only paid with cash since they don't take credit cards. It was a little out of the way from the subway we took. But it was worth the walk. I hope to go back again, soon.

OPINION - Really liked this restaurant. We were able to get a table walking in (we were shocked!) but I think this is because we went for lunch. I think for dinner time it's better to make a reservation as I think it is very popular. The meal was on the pricey side but it was a very special experience (worth it!). SERVICE- The service was good. Waiters were very polite and accommodating considering our Japanese-speaking skills were limited. They were attentive and helpful. FOOD- The restaurant is known for their unagi (eel) and that was the main dish on the menu. I got the small unagi lunch box which large enough for me. The unagi was cooked and seasoned very well.

This place apparently has one Michelin Star and has been making unagi for years and years. We were able to make a reservation only a few days in advance. I didn't enjoy the eel liver soup - probably an acquired taste. The unagi melted in your month. But the seasoning is very light. I'm used to the unagi drenched in that sweet glaze so my palate is probably too un-refined to enjoy this!

Such an honor to be able to enjoy the delicious unaju with with such a long history. The unagi was tender, fresh and subtly seasoned. The tamago omelette is also a must try - so soft and tender with light dashi flavor! We made reservations well in advance for 4 people through our hotel concierge and so glad we did!

I felt really welcomed there! It was a rainy-ish day when I left, there was a really kind granny worker who told me to be careful, it's going to rain. I felt so at home. You're allowed to smoke in there. There isn't an area where it's no smoking. Ask for a seat near the window in the back or near the door if it's open if you can't handle smoke. I really love the eel dish! It's the first time that I've smiled at food before. Love at first bite! :heart: Will definitely come back again! I ordered the eel and rice. It came with a side dish. Their tea is surprisingly good too.

This is may be the most expensive bowl of unagi you'll ever eat. At 3800 yen you get their regular size bowl, 3100 for the small and 4600 for their large. The meal comes with a small side of pickled vegetables and unlimited tea. Othe sides are separate orders, no set menus here. The star of the meal is the eel. This is definitely the freshes eel, most likely gutted and grilled over coal right after you order. It's very good, but for the price, it isn't mind blowing. If you're looking to eat top of the line unagi, this is the place for you, but if you're looking for something good and decently priced, look elsewhere.

good place to hangout. Great dishes Service is welcoming Price is a little high though

This restaurant is a hidden gem. At 1 Michelin Star, you know your going in for a treat. The Unagi is extremely well prepared and it melts in your mouth. The sauce and the rice together combines a well balance to the palate.

Amazing unagi! It's incredibly soft and the fat is well rendered from the steaming process. The chargrilled flavour is wonderfully smokey, paired with a delicate sweet soy glaze. The grilled eel liver, tamagoyaki, and and eel liver soup are also must tries! #michelinstar

Can You Help Please ! Can someone who reads this ask the whereabouts of my old friend Koko Hashimoto who was the daughter of the owner of this wonderful restaurant in the late 80's and early 90's I would love to hear from her. Please write eddioo@gmail.com She was a wonderful pianist and a good friend. I would love to hear from her or her family after all these years. eddioo@gmail.com

*whispers* Even the rice was good by itself. Why whisper? Because the moment you walk in you find yourself in a tranquil little niche away from the busy world that is Tokyo. You should most definitely make a reservation! Not to say its completely packed but only 1 or 2 tables were empty of a "Reserved" card. I made my reservation for two for 4:30pm on a Wednesday. That's right when it opens. We were the only ones there for about half an hour before another couple showed up for their 5pm reservation. Nearly every single table there had was reserved except one. Soft music is playing, it's very serene. Then, 5:30pm. BAM! A Chinese mother and husband and baby son storm in, demanding a table for three and a "BABY SEAT??!" I'm Chinese. I was embarrassed because anyone who travels knows Chinese tour groups. Anyway, they didn't have a reservation but the waitress, a very very sweet old lady, managed to accommodate them anyways! There are no baby seats in this restaurant btw. So don't bring babies. I mean you can, but they will sit in your lap. Also! Since the reservation was fully booked, with the next table coming in at 6:30pm, the staff informed the Chinese couple that they would have to finish their meal within an hour, to which they said "YES OF COURSEEE." So don't be that Chinese couple. Do make a reservation! They understand enough English to get it. Or learn some Japanese! Also, as most people said, the eel was delicious. Also the miso soup is a good pairing. Also, the small size was perfect for me but damn I wish I could eat more so I could order the larrgeee... I'd most definitely come back here again.

Best. Eel. Ever. You may not like eel, but I guarantee you will like this. 35 dollars for a box of eel might sound crazy to you if you are penny pinching on a trip, but trust me when I say that it is worth every penny!

It's really good. Pricy, long wait, might need reservation but worth it. Best eel I've ever had.

Read about this place online and decided to pay a visit during my last trip to Japan. Ordered the unaju, which was simply the best unagi of any kind, type or preparation that I've ever had. A little on the pricey side, but well worth it in my opinion. Not a very big place, with very limited seating without a reservation. Got there 30 minutes before their lunch time opening and was first in line, so got in easily; however on the day I went, there were only two unreserved tables available, so the 3rd party in line had to wait an hour to get seated. 4th in line may not have made it in at all, so be advised!