Next to our temple, facing Chibon-dori across from Narimasa's shop, they sell dishes like grilled eel and salt-grilled sweetfish. The atmosphere of an old-fashioned river fish shop still lingers. Inside, you can find a tatami room where 5-6 people can sit, overlooking a small garden, waiting leisurely amidst the smoke of grilled eel. The lack of air conditioning and presence of only a fan adds to the charm. For lunch, we each had a half portion of eel rice bowl. The eel, about 5 pieces from Mikawa, had an excellent flavor. The sauce was sweet and savory, with a good soy sauce taste that wasn't overly sweet. The highlight was the liver, which was exceptional in freshness and flavor. The rolled omelette and pickles were also included, and the chef was very friendly. It was a delightful lunch experience.

Located near Senbon Shakado Temple, in the area of Senbon Kamitachi, is a restaurant called Unagi no Ozeke. When I visited, the menu only listed two options for unagi donburi: a full portion for 4600 yen and a half portion for 2800 yen. Due to budget constraints, I ordered the half portion. I was the only customer in the restaurant. The dish took about 30 minutes to be served, and when it arrived, I found a decent amount of grilled eel on top of the rice. It also came with rolled omelette, konbu-wrapped pickles, and a large piece of eel liver. The grilled eel had a crispy skin and a delicious aroma. The sauce was served separately, allowing me to pour as much as I liked over the rice. I finished the meal, thinking that if the half portion was this filling, the full portion would be quite substantial. On my way out, I purchased two eel rice balls for 250 yen each. The restaurant was not crowded, making it a hidden gem. Overall, I believe the cost performance is reasonable.

Eel rice ball.

Hello, this is Average (^_^). After purchasing some shumai at "Zetsubou Shumai Factory," I passed by "Charcoal Grilled Eel Ozeke" and was greeted by the delicious aroma of grilled eel (*´∨`*). I realized I hadn't eaten any eel this year, so I decided to buy some on my way back home (o^^o). I ended up buying an eel rice ball for 220 yen, which is enough for a low-wage worker like me (￣▽￣). The smoke from grilling the eel was a bit irritating to my eyes though (T ^ T). By the way, a grilled eel costs around 4,000 yen per piece (^_^;). Food (⭐︎3.6) - Eel Rice Ball: Both the eel and rice are cold, but considering the price, it's acceptable (￣ー￣+). The eel sauce rice ball tastes good even when cold (+￣ー￣). However, I bet it would be amazing if both the eel and rice were hot (@￣ρ￣@). It might be best to go early in the morning (*・艸・). Service (⭐︎3.5) - The service is polite and you can also eat inside the shop. Atmosphere (⭐︎3.4) - The shop has an old-fashioned vibe, but the smell of eel being grilled over charcoal inside is quite pleasant. Cost Performance (⭐︎3.5) - Eel rice ball for 220 yen and grilled eel starting from 4,000 yen per piece, the rice ball is quite a good deal (〃艸〃). Overall, I believe the eel used is domestically sourced, and in Kyoto, being able to enjoy a domestically sourced eel rice ball for 220 yen is a good deal. However, since it's cold, the taste is just average (^_^;).

Walking alone in Kyoto on the third day. Unfortunately, it started raining coldly in the morning. Still, I walked around by myself. For lunch today, I went to a restaurant called OzeKi in Senbon Imadegawa. There is a famous eel restaurant called Edogawa near here, but it is closed on Fridays, so I ended up at this restaurant. It is located near the Senbon Kamitachiuri bus stop. There is a fish store facing the wide Senbon Street, and this eel restaurant is run by that fish store. It's a quiet place that doesn't look like a dining establishment at first glance, and you might overlook it. You have to be guided by the landlady to proceed further into the narrow passage. There is a well inside the passage. To the right at the back, there is a room with sliding doors where you take off your shoes and enter. The room is not very spacious, with only two tables. It can accommodate up to about six people. It's a simple and unadorned room, which some people may not like. The room is quite dark with only one light bulb on the ceiling. There is a tokonoma, and Hina dolls were still displayed. It was so dark that I used a flash to take a picture of this area. There was a menu outside, and it listed the eel bowl for lunch at 3700 yen and the eel set meal for lunch at 4000 yen. Since they only operate during lunchtime, there was no need to specify "for lunch" on the menu. When I asked about the difference between the bowl and the set meal, I was told that the set meal comes with tamagoyaki and rolled kombu, which the eel bowl also includes. I ordered the eel bowl. It takes time to grill, but I was told to take my time. On the left, you can see the garden. They are using the traditional Kyoto townhouse. This seat is separated only by a shoji screen, so it gets cold. There is an air conditioner, but warm air doesn't seem to reach this seat. I felt like I waited for about 30 minutes, although I wasn't watching the clock. The previous customers had left, and I was alone. All I could hear was the sound of the rain, creating a quiet atmosphere. Finally, the eel bowl was served. Why are there more eel restaurants serving in bowls rather than in traditional bento boxes in Kyoto? I pondered this question but couldn't find an answer. They served it to the table where the previous customers were sitting because it was warmer there. The warmth made a big difference. The eel was grilled in the Kansai style, cut into small pieces for easy eating. It seemed different from the Kanto style as it wasn't steamed. There was no crispy skin, but it glistened beautifully with the sauce. There were hardly any burnt marks on the skin. The meat was thin. I tried it immediately. It had a good texture, especially the skin that was tough to cut with chopsticks and required a good bite. Since the sauce was already flavorful on the eel, it was just right to eat it with the rice. Therefore, I didn't need to add more sauce as I continued eating. It had a different taste from the Kanto-style eel I usually have, but it was quite delicious. The eel tasted like it was coated in a sweet and savory candy-like sauce. The crispy texture of the skin was enjoyable. The pickles served as a side dish were delicious, although the portion was small. The liver of the eel was quite large. The roasted green tea had a fragrant aroma but was slightly strong. It was delicious, but I thought it could be a bit lighter. I took my time and ate slowly than usual. It was my first time dining alone in such a place, and I felt like it might not happen again in the future. After finishing the meal, I enjoyed a moment of solitude while sipping tea. The tea was already prepared in a teapot for me. They took care of many details, which I appreciated. The payment was made at the front of the restaurant. I thanked them and had a brief conversation with the owner. This place only operates for about three hours during lunchtime and is off the tourist route, making it quite a challenging restaurant to visit. I would like to come back again.

Near Senbon Kamishichiken, there is an eel restaurant called Ozeke. Although the reviews on Tabelog are not high, I have been curious about this eel restaurant for a while. When I visited, the owner was grilling the eel over charcoal at the storefront. It seems they have been in business for over 30 years. They offer eel for sale at the storefront and also have seating available inside the restaurant. I decided to dine in. The interior of the restaurant is a traditional Kyoto townhouse. It has a layout that leads to the back, resembling a "eel sleeping area". There is a well in the back where they keep the eels swimming. There are two menu options available: 1. Eel bowl (3700 yen) 2. Eel set meal (4000 yen). I chose the eel bowl this time. The eel bowl comes with liver sashimi and pickled daikon. The eel bowl had one whole eel cut into small pieces. It was grilled in the Kansai style, with crispy skin and tender meat. The sauce was relatively light, balancing well with the eel's richness. The rice does not have sauce on it, but you can request extra sauce separately. They also provide sansho pepper separately. The portion was satisfying and had a good amount of eel. I would like to visit again when I have time. It was delicious.

After finishing my prayers, I walked to the next shop in the miserable rain that made me feel cold. Even though the temperature in Kyoto's winter always feels cold, it is actually much lower in Sendai. When I arrived at the storefront, my hands were freezing and the hem of my denim was uncomfortably wet. I hesitated before calling out, "I called earlier, I'm Katka." The landlady rushed over and said, "Welcome, please come in from the bad weather." The master also warned me about the eel as he greeted me. I have seen stylish townhouse storefronts before, but this place preserved the essence of the townhouse in a way I had never seen before. "I'm very sorry, but would you mind sharing a table?" the landlady asked. "That's fine, I made a reservation earlier," I replied shyly. I slid into an open spot and immediately started rubbing my hands together on the brazier. Warmth was the best treat of all, as the ancients said, and I couldn't agree more. "The eel bowl comes with eel liver, and the set meal includes that as well as tamagoyaki," the landlady explained. Since this is primarily an eel restaurant, the menu is limited to what can be done with eel. I decided to indulge in the set meal. Knowing it would take time, I opened my laptop and checked my emails and updated my Facebook. Even though I felt a bit lonely, I decided to enjoy my own time. Whether in London or Kyoto, nothing really changes. I took some photos with permission, capturing the brazier, hanging scroll, flower vase, and the small garden with a chest of drawers that all reflected a Kyoto-inspired lifestyle. "I apologize for the wait, here is your eel set meal," the landlady finally brought out the food. It took about 30 minutes, but the meal was finally served. I immediately noticed the container of sansho pepper, toothpicks, and soy sauce dispenser. "The eel is already seasoned, but the rice is not dressed with sauce. Please add the sauce to your liking," she explained before quietly leaving. Coming from a culture where eel is usually served with the belly closed, the belly-open eel felt like a different kind of food to me. I picked up a piece from the edge and chewed it, feeling the skin was somewhat hard. The eel and cooking method were completely different from those in the Tokai region and north, but I honestly thought the eel here was delicious. I decided to pour the sauce over the rice and savor it. The sauce was rich and elegantly sweet and savory, coating the fluffy rice with its stickiness. The rice was made from a variety close to the original species, which may explain why Kyoto's rice is less sticky compared to the rice in Tohoku, where non-rice varieties are mixed in. The texture and taste of the rice varied depending on the temperature when eaten. Despite the differences in taste and culture, I enjoyed the rice as well. I opened a packet of sansho pepper to sprinkle on the meal, and the fragrance immediately reached my nose. There's something silly about sansho pepper that lacks aroma, so having freshly ground pepper is a thoughtful touch similar to that of freshly ground pepper. The liver flavor was strong in the eel, and the tamagoyaki, not too sweet, had a nice umami taste lingering from the kombu and shirasu. The konbu-wrapped pickles had a satisfying crunch, and all the dishes had a simple charm that I appreciated. The hospitality and effort to entertain the guests were impressive. I thanked the landlady as I left, feeling energized by the delicious eel. Just like diving into the water again.

This is Machi Taxi. I visited a shop that had caught my interest before, called Ozeke. They sell grilled eel at the storefront, but you can also eat inside the shop. The interior of the shop is an old Kyoto townhouse, with eel beds. When you pass through the curtain on the left and go further inside, there is a well on the left. This well is still alive, and they use this well water to keep the eels swimming. By the way, the well water is pumped up. There are two menu options: Eel bowl (with pickles, liver sashimi) for ¥3600, and Eel set meal (which includes eel bowl menu plus dashimaki tamago and more) for ¥3900. As we have small appetites, we opted for the eel bowl. It takes a little time as they prepare the order after receiving it. The seating area has only 6 tatami seats. If you squeeze in, it might fit up to 8 people. Since it is May, there are helmets displayed in the tokonoma. The inner garden is also beautiful. The staircase has drawers at the bottom. Since you have to sit on the tatami, it might be tough for foreigners. But it is appreciated to be able to tour an actual machiya that is in use. While waiting for the food to come out, you can smell the delicious aroma of grilled eel. Your stomach will growl, but the longer you wait, the better it gets, so they say. We waited for about 30 minutes. The eel is a whole piece. The rice does not have sauce on it, but it is brought separately. You can use it according to your preference. I personally did not use the sauce at all, but it was very delicious. The sansho pepper is from Shichimiya, packaged in small amounts. It was a well-preserved sansho pepper that tasted great. The eel is grilled over charcoal and has a crispy finish. The seasoning is good and goes well with the rice. Among the eels I have eaten in Kyoto, I think this is one of the most delicious. At least, I think it is the best match for my taste. The eel bowl for ¥3600 might feel a bit expensive, but considering the amount and taste of the eel, isn't it actually cheap? In this area, there is Chibon Enmado and Kuginuki Jizosan, but there are not many tourists. It is located between Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji, so even when you come for sightseeing, you can have a meal with minimal loss. If waiting for 30 minutes and sitting on tatami are not issues for you, I recommend this place. You can enjoy delicious eel in a machiya. By the way, this area is the hometown of Ms. Miyako Harumi. (Visited in May 2014)

This is the first post in a while for this restaurant. It is an eel restaurant facing Senbon Street (Senbon Kamidachiyuki). The eels are charcoal-grilled in a Kansai-style way that does not involve steaming. Originally, it was a shop that only sold eels, but they have started serving eels at the back of the shop. I heard that they have been serving eels for about 20 years as an eel shop. The interior has a traditional Kyoto townhouse feel, with a small raised tatami area in front of a courtyard. The lunch menu includes only the eel set meal for 2,100 yen without a reservation. The service is friendly and attentive, with a warm hostess and a lively owner. The meal includes an eel bowl, rolled herring with kelp, dashi roll, pickled radish, and eel liver. The eel is grilled in a crispy and nostalgic way, different from the usual steamed and grilled style in Kyoto. The taste is good, not too muddy. The homemade rolled herring with kelp and pickled radish are elegant and delicious. The eel liver is also flavorful. The meal ends with a dessert of matcha ice cream. Overall, the cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and attentive service make this restaurant a great find. I would rate it 4 out of 5 for its value for money, atmosphere, and service.

This is my second time dining at this restaurant, and I remember last time they had an eel set meal with a few side dishes. The price was in the 3000 yen range. This time, they offered eel bowls in different sizes - full, half, and one-third. I can't remember the exact prices, but I believe the full eel bowl I had this time was around 4600 yen. In addition to the bowl, they also served tamagoyaki, rolled kelp, and eel liver. The owner apologized for the high prices, but there's nothing to be done about it. The eel itself was delicious as always, and I have no complaints. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and traditional, with a Kyoto-style townhouse that I'm familiar with, but my partner from another prefecture found it charming, so that's a bonus point.

The restaurant is called "Omote wa Unagi" and they sell grilled eel cooked over charcoal. The store has a traditional Kyoto-style exterior and the dining area is located in a tatami room down a narrow alley next to the shop. The view of the garden from there adds to the atmosphere. The taste of the eel was very delicious. It is soft and warm because it is grilled over charcoal, making it even more delicious. And above all, the sauce is exquisite! Nearby, there are shops selling pickles like Chikaramochi and Konbu from Gotsubo, and it is relatively close to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, making it a recommended dining spot for those visiting Kyoto off the beaten path.

At the corner of Senbon Street, just north of the intersection with Kawaramachi Street, the chef at this eel restaurant is diligently grilling eel over charcoal. While you can dine in, they also offer takeout options such as grilled eel and tsukudani (preserved food boiled in soy sauce). One of their specialties is the eel rice ball (300 yen), which consists of two large pieces of grilled eel packed tightly into a generous portion of rice. It's about half the size of an eel bowl and is perfect for a light snack or as a gift.

Dr. Fujisaki Shinichi, the director of BODYPIT KYOTO. When you walk, you notice things you didn't notice before. While in a car, things pass by quickly, but walking allows you to see more. I discovered an eel rice ball. Surprisingly, it was only 280 yen each. What a great deal! I got two of them! They were incredibly beautiful! Not the best for eating on the go, but I was very satisfied! The staff at the shop were also very kind. Thank you very much.

Unagi no Ozeiki in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City (Arashiyama Electric Railway Kitano Hakubaicho). ♡ Charcoal-grilled eel onigiri. Enjoy affordable eel here. #CharcoalGrilledEelOzeiki #UnagiNoOzeiki #Ozeiki #KitanoHakubaicho #ImadegawaStreet #Kamitachiuridori #SenbonStreet #Unagi #Eel #GrilledEel #Onigiri #RiceBall #CharcoalGrilledEelOnigiri #Takeout #Takeaway #AvoidEatingOut #StayHome #KyotoGourmet #Aishokuo #Aitaiyo #AitaiyonosoudaKyotodeTabeyo #AishokuoKyotoGourmet

Eel rice ball for 250 yen.