We visited this famous restaurant for the first time in late October on a weekday with a total of two people. When we arrived at the restaurant at 10:20 am, there were already 12 people lined up, and we were 13th and 14th in line. The restaurant only allows a limited number of guests due to COVID-19 measures, and we were lucky to be the last ones allowed in the first round. We placed our orders for eel dishes at 10:35 am. I ordered the "Unaju" for 6,300 yen, while my companion ordered the "Unaju" for 5,300 yen. We also ordered broiled eel. The shutter was raised at 11:28 am, and we were guided inside. Inside, there was a garden with a small shrine, and a waiting area, which was not being used due to COVID-19. We took off our shoes and entered a spacious tatami room with tables and chairs. The seating was very limited and we were led to a 6-tatami mat space at the back of the restaurant, which we had all to ourselves as a party of two. A staff member took our orders for beer, eel roll, chawanmushi, and liver appetizers. We also added a cold sake (Hakkaisan Daiginjo) later. The food arrived at the following times: 11:37 am - beer, 11:47 am - eel roll, 11:49 am - chawanmushi, 12:31 pm - broiled eel, 12:38 pm - eel dish. As expected for being the last in the first round, it took quite some time for the main dishes to arrive. The eel dishes were of high quality, with a good balance of flavors. The eel was tender with a good amount of fat, and the sauce was delicately flavored. Overall, it was a high-quality dining experience as rumored.

Arrived at 9:40 am on Saturday, and was first in line for the second round. During the second round, everyone can wait in an orderly fashion on the benches within the premises. The entrance is at 12:40 pm. Tables are lined up with plenty of space between them on the tatami mats, ensuring a good distance from other customers. The toilet is new and clean. Ordered the large Unadon (eel rice bowl) and liver appetizer. Liver appetizer was served first followed by the Unadon shortly after. Waited for about 15 minutes. The eel was thick with a firm and soft texture. The flesh was rich and satisfying. The small bones in the tail end reminded me of fish. The flavor was somewhat mild, but tasted great with a sprinkle of sansho pepper. The liver was tender, cooked just right, unlike some other places where it tends to be overcooked. Wish reservations were possible as waiting can be tough. The pricing seemed fair, though it may be slightly on the higher side compared to other places. However, the service was excellent, with the same server assisting us throughout, much like a ryokan experience. Overall, it prioritizes quality over price.

I arrived two hours early at 9:30 on Saturday and was the second in line. It is recommended to use insect repellent spray in the summer as there are many mosquitoes. The eel was sold out and the store was closed! According to the staff, the number of eels being supplied has decreased, so they tend to sell out around the second round, both at lunch and dinner. I ordered the eel bowl for $70 and the yakitori which had good reviews online. Since we were the second to enter, the yakitori arrived in about 20 minutes after ordering, while the eel bowl took about 30 minutes because they need time to prepare the eel. Depending on the order of customers, be prepared to wait for about an hour after ordering the eel. The yakitori was tender and delicious, but to be honest, it wasn't as exceptional as those from high-end yakitori specialty restaurants. The eel bowl was surprisingly tender, melting in the mouth without needing to chew. The sauce was just right, not too overpowering, making it a well-balanced eel bowl. Even if you have to wait for 2 hours, it is definitely worth trying!

I had been wanting to try the eel restaurant where they make the eels in front of you. When I arrived after 10 am, there were already 5 groups waiting in line. Luckily, I managed to get in for the first round. By 10:30 am, they were already sold out. I ordered the large eel rice bowl and eel liver. The eel was fatty and fluffy, melting in my mouth. The sauce was light and the price was a bit on the expensive side, but it was extremely delicious.

There is a Michelin-starred eel restaurant called "Ohana" known as the east end's tail flower and the west end's Noda Iwa. Even if you go at 10 in the morning, there will be a line and once the eel runs out, it's over (laughs). Maybe you can eat around 12:30? It's hard to go often, but I still think it's delicious.

I visited for lunch on a regular Friday. I arrived at 9:45 and there were already about 3 groups in front of the store. By 10:00, there were about 6 groups. I gave my name and number of people, and after a short wait, I was guided to the garden. There was a mist fan there, which helped to ease the heat. I ordered the large sized eel rice bowl as it was only 1,000 yen more than the small one. Additionally, I ordered some liver and eel rolls inside the store. Everything was very delicious, especially the fluffy eel. Truly worthy of being called a top 100 eel restaurant. It was worth waiting in the heat. Thank you very much!

On the midsummer day of the Ox, in the morning session, when I arrived around 8:30, there were already more than 10 people waiting in line, and by 9:00, the sold out sign was up. I actually got to eat around 13:30. What I ordered: Unagi-don (eel bowl), Grilled eel liver, Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and beer. The taste was exceptional. The eel was plump and juicy, seasoned perfectly without being too strong. It was so delicious that I finished it in no time. It was a great memory for the once-a-year midsummer day of the Ox.

I am extremely grateful to my friends who lined up with me from early in the morning! The lunch time slots for two rotations were already sold out before 9 AM, so the challenge now is to find ways to avoid the sun while waiting until 11:30 AM. Fortunately, even if we are not all together, we can make reservations on the spot (although reservations are only accepted on-site), which is very convenient. Finally, after the first round, we reached the eel dish! Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we ordered as many specialty dishes as possible! The grilled eel and Suzaku were delicious! The grilled eel liver...wow! And when the dishes were served rhythmically and continuously, an eel bowl also arrived at our table! This is the most delicious eel I've ever had! It's fluffy and even the rice grains are tasty! It's delicious! We also enjoyed sake with the meal! This restaurant is truly a place of happiness that we were able to visit! Thank you for the feast, we'll be back!

I arrived in front of the restaurant at 9:55 for the second seating. Shortly after, it became sold out by 10:30 due to its popularity. I sat in a chair in a garden with a large gingko tree and a Inari shrine, enjoying the pleasant breeze from a mist fan. At 12:55, I received attentive service and finally entered the restaurant. The eel dish I ordered while waiting, priced at 7000 yen, was deliciously elegant with tender and fluffy eel over hot steamed rice.

I had eel at Onohana for the first time in about 5 years. I planned to arrive at 16:00 since they open at night from that time, but I ended up arriving after 17:00. Surprisingly, there was no line, but when I said there were three of us, they asked us to wait outside. Then, they brought a partition and told us it was already closing for the day after serving just three portions. It was only a little past 17:00! They used to stay open later before. I ordered grilled eel rolls and carp sashimi, and they were delicious. The eel was light and fluffy, and the sauce had a delicate sweetness. The grilled chicken was sold out, which was strange, but their grilled chicken is always tasty at eel shops. Onohana's eel is so fluffy and light. It had a refined taste, almost too refined for me who has been in the Tokai region for a while. But it was delicious. Next time, I'll make sure to come at a time when I can also buy some as souvenirs.

7th place when searching for "Unagi" in Tokyo on the Obafood blog. Also selected as one of the top 100 Unagi restaurants in 2022. This place used to have one Michelin star. Located about 300 meters from Minami-senju Station West Exit, a 3-4 minute walk. You can find it along the railway tracks, near the grave site of Yoshida Shoin and Hashimoto Sanai at the "Kozukappara Ekoin" temple. I arrived at 3 pm on a Saturday, just before the evening opening, and was the 12th person in line. After me, a couple more groups arrived, making up the first round of the evening. The line forms along the wall of a block fence next to the shop's shutter. Throughout the wait, the staff came to confirm the number of people and take orders for Unagi (including takeout), informing that additional orders were not allowed. We were seated at 3:50 pm (10 minutes before evening opening). The interior had tatami mats with tables and chairs spaced out properly. I placed orders for beer, pickles, and Ehomaki, then went to the restroom. The restroom was clean and felt luxurious. A bottle of beer, pickles, and Ehomaki were served, while waiting for the Unaju dish. I also ordered a bottle of Kikumasamune Honjozo to enjoy with the meal. The Unaju (large) for 7,000 yen arrived after about 45 minutes, and it was a delightful experience to savor delicious Unagi during this humid and sulky rainy season. I paid in cash at the table and left at 5:15 pm. By the time the first group of four arrived for the second round, the shop had stopped taking any more orders for the day. It seems they may close early depending on supply, so I recommend arriving early on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid disappointment. That's all.

"One of the most famous eel cuisine specialty restaurants in Tokyo, "Obara". Even a complete eel amateur like me has heard of its reputation as a top-notch establishment, often compared to "Obara in the east, Noda Iwa in the west". Naturally, it is very popular, and it is common for them to sell out before opening. On this day, I arrived at 9:31 AM, about 2 hours before opening, and was the first in line with no one else around. Around 9:38 AM, the second person in line appeared. At around 9:40 AM, the staff came out to confirm the number of people waiting. At 10 AM, orders for grilled dishes were taken. Because the number of eels is limited, additional orders for eel dishes cannot be made. Around 10:07 AM, the first round of customers was filled. Currently, Obara has reduced the number of seats and operates with 10 tables for 2 people each. The first round can accommodate up to 20 people, but since they don't allow sharing tables, this day started with 16 people. At 10:40 AM, a sign was put up indicating the end of lunchtime reservations. Considering the number of people, they probably prepared 35-40 eels for lunch. In any case, selling out before opening, 50 minutes before, shows just how popular it is. At 11:29 AM, the shutter at the entrance opened, and customers waiting in line entered one by one into the premises. Now, with the grand appearance of a traditional Japanese house, it's not common to find such a place with a shrine like this restaurant. At 11:30 AM, it was time to enter the restaurant. Now, let's enjoy some eel! I ordered a medium bottle of beer and some appetizers while waiting for the eel dishes. The beer options were Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo. The appetizer included pickles. However, on this day, one of the appetizers, yakitori, was not available. The first appetizer was 'uzaku', a common dish at eel restaurants. Usually, 'uzaku' consists of thinly sliced eel, but this time, the eel cuts were quite large, which was a pleasant surprise. The vinegar dressing had a hint of honey, which complemented the delicate eel flavor. The eel was tender and retained its texture even at room temperature, contrasting nicely with the crunchy cucumber. The second appetizer was 'unamaki', another classic eel dish. The minced eel was generously placed between layers of perfectly cooked tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), creating a flavorful combination. The sweet and savory eel added more richness, making it a delightful dish. Finally, the highlight of the meal; the 'Unaju' (eel over rice) arrived after a 30-minute wait. The eel had a beautiful caramelized surface, and the flesh was incredibly soft and tender. The slightly charred eel had a savory and slightly sweet sauce that enhanced the rich eel flavor, with a hint of spiciness. The meal also included a light and flavorful soup with egg tofu. The pickles served with the eel were on the stronger side, enhancing the overall dining experience. Overall, the eel dishes at Obara were delicious and well worth the wait."

Just one word: "Wow". This was not just the best eel I've ever had, but the best food I've ever had. It was incredibly fluffy, and the sauce was light, allowing me to fully savor the eel. I arrived at 3:10 and there was already a line of 12 people ahead of me. When the 17th person tried to line up, they were told it was sold out. I got in at 4:00 and my eel dish was served at 5:05, but it was worth every minute of the wait.

I visited the famous unagi restaurant "Ohana" in Minami-Senju, Tokyo, and tried their exquisite unagi rice bowl. The appearance of the dish was impressive, with a golden color and a fluffy texture. The sauce was perfect, complementing the eel and rice beautifully. The staff were friendly and provided excellent service. It's no wonder they have received Michelin stars. I will definitely visit again.

"The long-established eel restaurant in this town is something to be proud of. Even in a neighborhood like Minami-Senju, which doesn't see many visitors, the neighborhood is gradually returning to its lively daily routine, with events like the revival of the mikoshi procession. When I visited, it happened to be the day when the children's mikoshi was taking a break at Osakana no Niwa. Although the eel restaurant may seem high-end and a bit out of reach, you could feel the sense of pride that the local people have for it, as conveyed by the accompanying mothers. The restaurant interior had a lovely tatami scent, and as time passed, the aroma of grilled eel and the sweet and savory sauce permeated the air. The eel, of a medium size and so soft it melted in your mouth, was truly exceptional. By the time I left the restaurant after 5 o'clock, they had already sold out of eel. It's definitely worth waiting in line."

I visited after 5 years. After lining up around 9:30 am, I just managed to slip in on the first round. It's a bit sad that now you really have to make an effort to get your hands on delicious eel compared to before. The number of seats decreased after they switched to chair seating, and they might have reduced the number even more since the pandemic. After waiting for 2 hours, I finally came face to face with the coveted eel. The way they cook the eel here is fluffy and superb. Even in the eel roll, that texture stands out. The yakitori sauce is also delicious. The grilled white eel is a luxurious dish where you can enjoy the fragrant grilling and the eel's own fat. Then, it was time to meet the eagerly awaited grilled eel over rice. The not overly sweet sauce has a nice kick and doesn't interfere with the deliciousness of the eel. When you take a bite of the fluffy meat and the firm rice, it's heavenly. My husband was impressed, and my mother who came with us finished it in no time at all. The hurdle to visit easily has gone up, but I would like to visit again soon. Thank you for the delicious meal.

We used it for lunch with our family. The eel in the eel bowl was fluffy and it was the best I've ever had. I realized that it is probably the best steamed eel restaurant. Also, the seasoning was relatively subtle, but it was just right to enhance the natural flavor and taste of the eel. The oil was well absorbed and delicious, thanks to the balanced seasoning. However, if you prefer strong flavors, you may find it a bit lacking. We also had eel sushi rolls, which were also subtly seasoned and delicious. Overall, it was a wonderful restaurant. However, the fact that it opens at 11:30 and you need to line up from around 9:45, with those who lined up from 9:50 having to wait until 12:30, was a bit challenging for everyday use. Furthermore, although it is understandable, the prices seem to be getting higher, and when the eel bowl reaches around 8000 yen, there are other options to consider. Taking into account the lining up and the price, I have to give a slightly negative evaluation. However, I think it is a great choice for important occasions like anniversaries, so I would recommend it to those looking for a special dining experience.

Just a 5-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station. I visited a history-filled eel restaurant established in 1868 for the first time. Since reservations are not accepted, I lined up before the opening. I lined up 30 minutes before opening on a weekday and just made it in for the first round. While waiting in line, someone ahead of me placed an order for eel first. I ordered the following: - Eel rice bowl (large) - Grilled chicken skewers (2 pieces) - I was told that liver soup was not included, so I ordered the liver soup separately. It was rare to see grilled chicken skewers at an eel restaurant, so I ordered that too. They start preparing the eel after you place your order, so it took about 30 minutes from entering the restaurant until the eel rice bowl arrived. Since I was towards the back of the line, I waited about 50 minutes. They are quite strict about not letting you eat until 12:20 even if you enter at 11:30, which was a bit intense. The chicken skewers arrived in about 15 minutes, with a light and elegant seasoning. The eel had a rich aroma and flavor, and was grilled in the Kanto style, thick and fluffy. The rice was slightly soft. I wonder if the grilled eel (shirayaki) is better than eel with sweet soy sauce; I wanted to try it but couldn't afford both. The liver soup had egg tofu and the liver was firm and delicious. The restaurant had a luxurious atmosphere like a traditional inn, with a dignified old-fashioned feel. There were also some foreign customers. I was surprised to find a shrine on the premises. By the time I left, a sign was posted saying that the lunch servings had been sold out. Since lining up and dining in can take a considerable amount of time, I recommend visiting on a day when you have plenty of time.

Visited the restaurant with my wife on the second Saturday of Golden Week. Although the store opens at 11:30, when we arrived after 9 am, there were already 3 groups waiting in line. We waited along the sunny side of the entrance facing wall for 2 and a half hours until we were seated. It is advisable to bring a parasol on a sunny day. Once inside the restaurant, we were seated at a table in the middle of the hall. After careful consideration with my wife while waiting, we ordered unagi (eel) over rice, eel roll, pickled vegetables, 2 skewers of grilled chicken, and liver sashimi. Since my wife doesn't drink, I had a bottle of Super Dry beer to myself. We started with pickled vegetables, which had a perfect balance of vinegar that matched well with the eel. Next, we tried the eel roll, which was wrapped in delicate egg, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. We also ordered a sake called Sakura Masamune at this point. The grilled chicken skewers that followed were also delicious, with tender meat marinated in a rich sauce. It's important to eat them while they are still warm. And then, the star of the show - the unagi over rice. The eel sat atop the hot rice with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The delicate taste of the sauce paired wonderfully with the rice. There's no other way to describe it other than exquisite. It may be a challenge to wait in line, but this is definitely a restaurant worth revisiting.

Nishisenju "Unagi Oka" Ordered: Unagi Donburi 6300 yen, liver and spleen 400 yen. Unfortunately, the yakitori I wanted to try was sold out. Sunday, lined up at 10 in the morning and got in on the second rotation. By the time the lunch session opened, they were already sold out early. After opening, you can wait in a covered area next to the entrance. During that time, about 20 groups seemed disappointed looking at the sold-out sign from the lunch session in front of the store. The seating space is wide with 11 table seats. It seemed to be two rotations for both lunch and dinner. Now, what was served was the eel rice bowl that I waited for close to 3 and a half hours. When I opened the lid, I was momentarily mesmerized by its neatness. I hurriedly took a bite before it cooled down, and it was so soft and melty. The sauce had a good balance of sweetness and saltiness, not too strong. The liver and spleen also had no odor and a mild saltiness. It was pure bliss to savor every bite. Ah, it was so delicious. ❤️

One famous eel restaurant in Minami-Senju. It has a Michelin one-star rating and always has long lines, so it's recommended to go during the first seating. Although it gets really crowded for lunch, surprisingly it was empty in the evening on this day, so evening might be a better time to go. If you come just before opening time in the evening, you might be able to get in during the first seating. Share the grilled eel with soy sauce and wasabi, which is light and has less fat. You can also ask for salt separately. By the time you finish the grilled eel, the eel rice bowl arrives. The eel in their rice bowl is fluffy, with a light sauce and a restrained amount of fat, making it a refreshing dish. The rice is also very fluffy, almost too soft, it seemed like it might have been a mistake that day. If the rice was in better condition, it could have been even more delicious. Nevertheless, the eel sauce is light, and there is no heavy oily feeling after eating, making it a refreshing and light Michelin one-star meal. It was delicious, thank you for the meal!