Unagi no Kanemitsu Isshiki Honten
One of the 'Three Great Eel Restaurants' of Isshiki, Japan's top eel-producing area. A rare specialty shop that handles the entire production from elver cultivation to kabayaki preparation in-house. Committed to authentic charcoal hand-grilling techniques to maximize the flavor of Mikawa Isshiki-raised eel. Despite being a large 112-seat restaurant, weekend reservations are essential. Regulars say 'when returning to Japan, Kanemitsu's eel is the first thing to eat.' Takeout available.
Reviews consistently praise 'the overwhelming quality of house-raised eel grown from elvers,' 'the charcoal-grilled fragrance is on a different level,' and 'if you're in Isshiki, go to Kanemitsu.' 396 Tabelog reviews, score 3.45. Retty 77 reviews, 977 'want to visit' registrations. Also on HotPepper with diverse review sources.