11 famous eel restaurants in Mie Prefecture! Introducing popular menus for each store!

This is a collaboration project with the special feature on famous eel restaurants in Mie Prefecture in the autumn 2022 issue of Kanko Mie, a quarterly newspaper published by the Mie Prefecture Tourism Federation.

Eel, which is said to be full of stamina, is a superfood that contains many nutrients such as vitamins, DHA and EPA, which work on the skin and mucous membranes and protect the body from virus invasion! Why not enjoy eel as an exciting delicacy or as a source of energy and stamina?

*Please note that the contents listed are subject to change without notice.

♦♦ ①Why is there so much eel consumption and so many specialty stores in Mie Prefecture? ♦♦

Mie Prefecture is long from north to south, and is a treasure trove of nature, facing the ocean to the east and mountains to the west.
The area is blessed with many rivers that connect to the sea, making it easy to catch eels, which have a habit of moving back and forth between the sea and rivers. Furthermore, eel farming began in the Meiji period, and the Tokai region, including Mie Prefecture, was one of the leading eel producing areas in Japan.
Because it was possible to obtain high-quality eel nearby at a reasonable price, the custom of eating eel has taken root since ancient times, and there are many shops specializing in eel, and it is still enjoyed by the citizens of the prefecture as a small luxury in their daily lives.

♦♦ ② Is the eel grilled the Kanto style? Kansai style? ♦♦

The way eel is grilled differs between Kanto and Kansai. In the Kanto region, eel is split from the back, grilled white, then steamed, then grilled with sauce and served on rice, but in Kansai, the eel is split from the belly, coated with sauce without steaming, and grilled directly over charcoal. Serve over rice.
Most of Mie Prefecture's restaurants are Kansai-style, but there are also Kanto-style restaurants, so you can enjoy both.

♦♦ ③ Introducing recommended famous eel restaurants ♦♦

Charcoal-grilled eel Shinjo (KuwanaCity)

We use locally grown eel!

With a focus on safety, security, and local production for local consumption, we use ``Kiso Sankawa Eel,'' which is grown in the clean underground water of the local Kiso San River. ``Shinjodon'', which uses eel grilled over binchotan charcoal, is a great value lunch-only dish.

Another popular menu item is ``jomabushi'', where you can enjoy the deliciousness of eel with condiments and soup stock. Since we are close to eel production areas and disclose producer information based on JAS certification, you can see the faces of the producers and feel more secure.

More than 40 years since its establishment. The sauce we use is one that has been added since the restaurant first opened, giving it a unique taste. Information about the producer of the eel used that day is displayed on a bulletin board inside the store.

Charcoal-grilled eel Shinjo business information

• Address: 2-21 Chuocho KuwanaCity 511-0068
• Phone: 0594-21-9416
• Business hours: [Weekdays] 11:00 - 14:00 (13:30LO), 16:30 - 20:00 (19:15LO) *Ends when sold out
  [Saturday and Sunday] 11:00 - 14:00 (13:30LO), 17:00 - 19:30 *Dinner requires reservations
• Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
• Parking: Available (15 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 7 minutes walk from the east exit of Kintetsu “Kuwana Station”
• Price: Shinjodon 2,600 yen, Jomabushi 4,200 yen
• Website: http://www.unagi-shinjyo.com/

Unase (YokkaichiCity)

Thick eel carefully grilled over charcoal

Kansai-style eel that is slowly grilled over charcoal by artisans using a 100-year-old secret sauce. We recommend the Tonosama-don, which uses a whole eel cooked crispy over Bincho charcoal.

``Jumbo'' is a sharing menu for 2 to 4 people, with eel served not only on top of the rice but also inside. The top row can be enjoyed as hitsumabushi, and the middle row can be enjoyed as Osaka's famous mamushi bowl. There is also a ``Mega Jumbo'' with an extra layer of eel.

We have had a store in Yokkaichi for over 50 years. Based on the sauce from Kawahachi in ShimaCity, we use two types of eel sauce: one for the sweet eel and one for the light rice. For the rice, we use Koshihikari, an Iga rice that matches the rich flavor of the eel.

Unasei business information

• Address: 8-15 YokkaichiCity 510-0829
• Phone: 059-353-0100
• Business hours: 11:00-15:00 (14:30LO), 17:00-20:30 (20:00LO)
• Closed: Thursday
• Parking: Available (45 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 6 minutes by car from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station
• Price: Tonosama-don 3,900 yen, jumbo 6,900 yen
• Website: https://www.unasei.co.jp/

Kanto-style eel Kaneguru (SuzukaCity)

Plump and tender Kanto style eel

A Kanto-style eel restaurant that is rare in Mie Prefecture. We make it a point to buy live eel every morning and prepare it freshly. ``Kami Unajyu'' is a hearty dish made with a whole eel.

We also recommend ``Johitsumabushi,'' where you can enjoy fluffy and beautifully grilled eel with condiments and soup stock. The eel is opened on the back and grilled, then steamed to remove excess fat, and finished with honyaki, which is grilled with three coats of sauce.

The current owner's parents opened the shop in Mitaka City, Tokyo 55 years ago. Kanto-style eel takes a lot of work, but I am very particular about making it delicious.

Kanto style eel Kaneko business information

• Address: 3-7-20 SuzukaCity Suzuka 513-0027
• Phone: 059-379-3443
• Business hours: 11:00 - 14:00 (13:30LO), 17:00 - 21:00 (20:30LO) *Ends when sold out
• Closed: Wednesdays, irregular holidays once or twice a month
• Parking: Available (17 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 14 minutes walk from Kintetsu “Hiratacho Station”
• Price: Upper Unaju 3,600 yen, Upper Hitsumabushi 3,500 yen
• Website: https://www.unagi-kaneko.com/

Shingyutei (TsuCity)

Grilled crispy over charcoal

A long-established eel restaurant founded in 1897. We order eel in the best condition at that time of year from all over the country and grill it over charcoal until crispy. The popular ``Unadon Tokujo'' has eel sandwiched between rice and is very filling.

``Shirachoyaki'', where you can taste the deliciousness of the eel itself, is refreshing with condiments and ponzu sauce. The eels are kept alive with natural well water, and the stress-free environment keeps them energetic.

The store is located near TsuCity. It has a history of over 100 years since its establishment, and the current owner is the 4th generation. It also has a large banquet hall and has been loved by TsuCity who love eel for many years.

Business information for Shintama-tei

• Address: 5-1 Yoseicho, Marunouchi TsuCity 514-0036
• Phone: 059-224-0008
• Business hours: 11:00 - 14:30 (14:00LO), 16:00 - 20:30 (20:00LO)
• Closed: Mondays, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
• Parking: Yes
• Access: Approximately 11 minutes walk from Kintetsu Tsushinmachi Station
• Price: Unadon special 3,355 yen, Shirachoyaki 3,080 yen
• Website: https://shintamatei.co.jp/

Eel Ito (IgaCity)

The owner will teach you how to cook!

This shop is run by a shop owner who teaches you everything from how to cut, skewer, and grill. We recommend the ``Tokudon'', which has 4 pieces of large live eel from Mikawa Isshiki grilled to a crisp using Bincho charcoal.

We have moved from our previous location and have reduced the number of seats from 13 tables to 3 tables, so please make a reservation before visiting. It is said that many professional chefs come to learn how to cut and grill eel from the owner, who is an expert in eel cooking.

Eel Ito business information

• Address: 246-1 Indai, IgaCity, 518-0008
• Phone: 0595-24-2117
• Business hours: 11:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - Closes when sold out
• Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
• Parking: Available (4 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Meihan National Highway “Iga Ichinomiya IC”
• Price: Special bowl 2,800 yen

Unagi Iga (NabariCity)

Crispy and fragrant eel

It is grilled using a special method using charcoal, giving it a fragrant aroma and crispy texture. ``Ohitsumabushi'', which uses a large eel weighing just under 300g, is popular. We have introduced a serving robot to automate all serving tasks.

``Unaju'', which has four slices of eel on top, also comes with liver soup, and is a classic and popular dish. The owner trained at Hashiya, a popular restaurant in TsuCity, so the sauce is added to Hashiya's and creates a unique flavor.

We have introduced "Ketty Bot," a serving robot with a display that is rare in Mie Prefecture, to automate all serving work in the store. You can have fun just watching the cute robots run around the store.

Business information for Unagi Iga

• Address: 2-55 Konodai NabariCity, 518-0702
• Phone: 0595-61-3033
• Business hours: 11:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00
• Closed: Monday
• Parking: Yes
• Access: Approximately 18 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nabari Station
• Price: Ohitsumabushi 3,300 yen, Unaju 2,700 yen
• Website: https://unagiiga.business.site/

Charcoal Grilled Eel Wakaya Honpo (MatsusakaCity)

Charcoal-grilled live eel

We purchase large live eels from Mikawa Isshiki and maintain their taste and freshness using a unique method of keeping them alive with well water running through them. ``Ippon Hitsumabushi,'' which uses a whole fragrant eel grilled directly over charcoal, is very filling.

For those who don't eat a lot, there is also a ``small bowl'' with two slices of eel on top, so choose the one that suits your stomach. The generous amount of sweet and spicy sauce blends well with the eel and rice.

It's a popular store in Matsusaka, so it often sells out around noon. It was selected as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide 2019, and there is a constant stream of customers during business hours.

Charcoal grilled eel Wakaya Honpo business information

• Address: 243-35 Nishinoshocho MatsusakaCity 515-0816
• Phone: 0598-22-1131
• Business hours: 10:30 to 14:00 (until sold out)
• Closed: Thursdays, one consecutive holiday a month
• Parking: Yes
• Access: Approximately 13 minutes walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station
• Price: 4,650 yen for a single hitumabushi, 3,650 yen for a small bowl

UnagiYondaimeKikukawa (TakiTown)

Operated by an eel wholesaler that has been in business for 90 years.

Utilizing the discerning taste of a long-established wholesaler founded in 1930, we use large, high-quality eels that are suitable for our signature single eel. Hyakugiku, a kaiseki restaurant full of eel, allows you to enjoy every eel to its fullest. Please try it once.

The specialty menu item ``Ipponju'' is a dish that is very satisfying both in terms of its visual impact and the amount of food you eat. We are particular about serving a whole eel and use a custom-made Shigaraki ware bowl.

The store is located in the Japanese Visson area of Visson in TakiTown. Since the kitchen is open, you will be surrounded by the delicious aroma of grilled eel as you pass by.

Business information for UnagiYondaimeKikukawa

• Address: Umami 10, 672-1 Vison, TakiTown, Taki-gun, 519-2170
• Phone: 0598-67-9332
• Business hours: 11:00 - 15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
• Regular holiday: No holidays
• Parking: Available (Please use VISON paid parking lot)
• Access: Approximately 3 minutes by car from Sewataki IC on the Ise Expressway
• Price: Kaiseki “Hyakugiku” 10,000 yen, single weight 4,950 yen
• Website: https://vison.jp/shop/detail.php?id=13

Sashio (IseCity)

Eel packed tightly in a bowl

We mainly purchase eel in good condition from all over Kyushu, mainly from Nakamura Eel Farm in Miyazaki Prefecture. The rice, which is made with Koshihikari rice purchased from farmers in the Ise area and cooked slightly firm, goes perfectly with the eel. ``Unaju Matsu'' is filled with eel without any gaps.

The ``medium'', which consists of two pieces of eel, is a popular item among local regulars because it can be eaten easily at a reasonable price. From summer to autumn, you can enjoy eel called ``Shinko,'' which has soft flesh and elegant fat.

It is located near the intersection of Futami Kaido and National Route 23, making it convenient for transportation. The restaurant is particular about using eel from Kyushu, which grows in areas with clean water, and its secret sauce, which has been used since its founding about 50 years ago, is the restaurant's treasure.

Sashishio business information

• Address: 193-3 toricho IseCity 516-0012
• Phone: 0596-22-3696
• Business hours: 10:30 - 14:30 (LO, takeout until 15:00), 16:00 - 20:00 (LO)
• Closed: Tuesdays (the following weekday if Tuesday is a holiday), New Year's Day
• Parking: Available (15 spaces in the first parking lot, 15 spaces in the second parking lot)
• Access: Approximately 6 minutes by car from Ise Expressway “Ise IC”
• Price: Unaju Matsu 3,300 yen, Unaju average 1,540 yen
• Website: https://sasisio.com/

Higashiyama Bussan (ShimaCity)

Crispy and fluffy with charcoal grilling

We use fresh eel each morning, opening the eel as much as we need, and grilling it slowly over Bincho charcoal until it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The recommended ``Unaju (upper)'' is a great-value menu full of eel that comes with unaju, mini umaki, and mini uzaku.

The store, which has a stately Japanese-style architecture that catches the eye, is a popular store with long lines on holidays. It is close to Ugata Station, and many people come not only from locals but also from far away after hearing the rumors.

Higashiyama Bussan business information

• Address: 4032 Ugata ShimaCity cho, Shima-shi 517-0501
• Phone: 0599-43-0539
• Business hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (18:00LO) *Ends when sold out
• Closed: Tuesdays (temporary closures may occur)
• Parking: Available (20 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Kintetsu “Ugata Station”
• Price: Unaju (top) 3,300 yen
• Website: https://higashiyamabussan.gorp.jp/

Kikusushi (KihokuTown)

The secret sauce that has been preserved even during disasters

After receiving your order, the eel is opened and grilled until aromatic. The ``Unaju'' is made with a secret sauce that was used by the first people to evacuate during the flood 18 years ago.It has a light color and is light, so you can eat it till the end without getting tired of it.

For the first cup of Hitsumabushi, try it as is, add seasonings for the second, and add bonito soup for the third to enjoy the change in taste. In addition, there are also a la carte dishes such as Shirayaki, Uzaku, and Umaki.

It is located in an easy-to-find location along National Route 42. In addition to eel, we also recommend sushi made with fresh seafood from HigashiKishu. This restaurant is recognized by the locals and has won the Grand Prix twice at the Kihoku Love Meshi Competition.

Kikusushi business information

• Address: 849-2 Aiga, Kihoku-KihokuTown 519-3406
• Phone: 0597-32-2036
• Business hours: 11:00 - 14:00 (13:30LO), 16:00 - 21:00 (20:15LO)
• Closed: Monday
• Parking: Available (8 spaces)
• Access: Approximately 2 minutes by car from Kisei Expressway “Kaizan IC”
• Price: Unaju 3,300 yen, Hitsumabushi 3,520 yen