Nagoya, Aichi, Japan｜Inou Hitsumabushi ESCA Branch

When it comes to grilled eel, this is it. As a foreigner that's had it multiple times in and outside of Japan I can say that, in my opinion, this is the best I've ever had. Service is super friendly. But beware of long waiting times. We had to wait 45 minutes at around 1:30 pm. Also, there's the main eel dish and another one that says "special" which the only difference is a tiny extra portion of pickles and literally a tiny eel liver in the same soup of the "normal" order. In my opinion, it is not worth the extra 10 USD. 100% recommend this place!

This place is amazing! It is very easy to locate on the west side of JR Nagoya station exit. Head downstairs to esca. Went here twice. The first was around 3pm in the afternoon when it wasn't too busy. The second time was 6pm on a Friday night. Very little wait, but there was a long line when we left. The hitsumabushi was perfect. Eel was plump and juicy, and the outside was nicely charred and smokey. Had the eel the three ways as was tradition. My favourite way was with the wasabi and onions.

A must try if its ur first time in Nagoya! This restaurant serves pretty decent unagi and the staff there were very polite and attentive :)