Nagoya, Aichi, Japan｜Hitsumabushi Bincho Kinshachi Yokocho Branch

We were sightseeing around the castle and this place had good reviews (unlike most of the other places near the castle that seemed touristy). We waited about 20 mins outside with a bunch of Japanese folks (which we took to be a good sign). While we waited, we could see them grilling the eel (it is HOT against the window so don't get too close) and they gave us the menu to look at and took our order, so by the time we got inside, it was only a couple of minutes before the food arrived. The tamago stuffed with eel was fluffy, savory, melt in your mouth goodness! And the eel! Hitsumabushi apparently uses a special kind of eel and is considered the best regional dish in Nagoya for a good reason! It was soft with not too much glaze and a nice char. Loved this place and would definitely recommend it to everyone! I might even go so far to say, if you're on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, get off in Nagoya. It's well worth the slight detour!

There was a bit of a queue to get in, but it was absolutely worth the wait. Incredible unagi! Trying the Nagoya style of Hitsumabushi was a great experience.

Best unagi I’ve had in my life! All other unagi dishes I’ve had after this place fails in comparison. I can’t praise this place enough.