Aiko Unagi-ya - Charcoal-Grilled Eel Restaurant
An 80-plus-year-old eel specialist representing Nobeoka, using a secret sauce that has been topped up for over 100 years. Carefully selected Kyushu eel is charcoal-grilled and dipped three times in the heirloom tare to produce meltingly soft kabayaki. Beyond the classic unaju and kabayaki, the menu features rare creations like eel shabu-shabu hot pot, una-taru, and eel tempura. TripAdvisor 4.6/11 reviews. Many reviews note 'lots of local regulars and always lively.' Credit cards accepted; private rooms available; parking for 10 cars.
Reviews say: 'Crispy skin, fluffy meat, perfectly balanced sweet-savory tare—excellent,' 'Lots of local regulars, always lively,' 'The aroma of the secret sauce is exceptional,' 'The classic eel-house atmosphere was wonderful.' TripAdvisor 4.6/11, Tabelog 25 reviews, Retty 5 reviews.