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Unagi (freshwater eel)Japanese cuisineSeafoodTempuraIriya Station2 min walk

Nodaya in front of Iriya Kishimojin Gate

入谷鬼子母神門前のだや

A standalone unagi specialty restaurant where you can compare branded live eel, half by half, grilled right before your eyes

  • Compare branded eel varieties
  • Unaju grilled with manben-gaeshi technique
  • Shirayaki with skillful steaming
  • Weekday lunch said to offer great value
  • Comfortable for solo dining
  • Popular for meals with friends
  • Counter where you can watch filleting up close
  • Entirely non-smoking standalone house

Along Kotodori Avenue, close to Iriya Station, Iriya Kishimojin Monzen Nodaya hangs its noren curtain in a standalone house. Handling multiple branded live eels such as Kyosui, Kanemitsu, Washo, and Mirai, its signature is unaju (grilled eel over rice) served in the same dish with half portions from different eels, allowing guests to enjoy the differences in plumpness and fat content all at once. Grilled over charcoal with continuous manben-gaeshi turning, the skin turns fragrant and the flesh stays tender; the shirayaki (unseasoned grilled eel), where the steaming skill shines, and the dashi-flavored umaki (eel omelette) are also worth pairing. The annex features a live-kitchen-style counter where you can watch the craftsman's hand movements filleting the eel up close, while the main house and the private-room-like second floor each offer a different atmosphere. Staff carefully explain differences in origin and rearing methods, making it easy for first-time visitors to choose, and the weekday quantity-limited lunch unaju is said to offer great value. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking, suitable for a meal with friends or a quiet indulgence on your own, allowing you to focus calmly on the eel.

Details

Cuisine
Dishes
Address
2-3-1 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004, Japan

Address in Japanese: 東京都台東区下谷2-3-1

Nearest station
Phone
03-3874-1855
Budget
Lunch
¥8,000–¥9,999
Dinner
¥10,000–¥14,999
Reservations
Reservations accepted

*The following notes ①–⑤ apply to guests with seating-only reservations. ①We cannot accept orders for premium service items from guests with advance reservations. ②We cannot accept orders for unagi donburi (eel rice bowl) unless all guests in your party have arrived. ③Seating-only reservation guests cannot order courses. ④Access to the 2nd floor seating requires using stairs. Please be aware. ⑤Weekends and busy periods are crowded. If you prefer a quiet dining experience, we recommend reserving a weekday or course.

Payment
  • Credit cardAccepted(VISA, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club)
  • E-moneyNot accepted
  • QR code paymentAccepted(PayPay)
Seats
31 seats

Main building: 20 seats, Annex: 5 seats, 2nd floor: 6 seats (accessed by stairs)

  • Counter seats
  • Table seats
  • Sofa seats
  • Private room
Smoking
Non-smoking

There are no smoking areas inside or outside the restaurant. Regarding passive smoking prevention measures, please contact the restaurant directly for accurate information.

Parking
No

Coin parking available in the area

Wi-Fi
Yes
Accessibility
No
Power outlets
Yes
Private hire
Available
Service charge
Guests ordering alcohol will be charged ¥300 for otoshi (table charge appetizer).
Dress code
◎We may refuse entry to guests wearing strong-scented fabric softener or excessive perfume. *Strong fragrances interfere with enjoying our dishes and beverages and cause inconvenience to other guests. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding fragrance etiquette. ◎We do not accept reservations for groups of 8 or more on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays due to limited seating. Please note. For weekday group reservations, please contact the restaurant.
Opened
February 14, 2013
Notes
①Items may sell out before the last order time. We recommend arriving early. ②Please check with restaurant staff before taking photographs to avoid issues with other guests. ③We have set up a viewing area for premium live eel in the courtyard between the main building and annex. Interested guests are welcome to visit. ④We were featured by HAMOMI JAPAN. We hope you will watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LK-U-zkD8z0 ⑤We were featured in a wonderful article on CREA web. We hope you will read it: https://crea.bunshun.jp/articles/-/54774 ⑥We were featured by Gyuu-chan Gourmet with 340,000 views. We hope you will watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chR788Zue5k ⑦We were featured by oiwai channel with 330,000 views. We hope you will watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oT14ZYhwBI&feature=youtu.be ⑧Please also refer to our YouTube channel 'Nodaya Channel': https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCednzIknU2oJp5N4lB7j7QA ⑨We were featured in a dancyu WEB collaboration project. We hope you will read it: https://dancyu.jp/read/2022_00005826.html Additional notes ↓ ↓ ↓ *During peak summer season, we are crowded, so we prioritize reservation guests. *During peak summer season, we are frequently at full capacity. We ask for your consideration for the next guests in a spirit of mutual support. *During peak summer season, we cannot serve 'jiyaki' or 'hitsumabushi'. We apologize for the inconvenience. *If you do not contact us and arrive more than 15 minutes late for your reservation, it may be treated as a cancellation. We appreciate your understanding. *Guests wishing to make reservations for 3 or more people, please contact us by phone. *We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and recommend making reservations in advance.

Opening hours

MonClosed
Tue–Sun
  • 11:00–14:30
  • 17:30–20:00
HolidaysClosed

*Sold out service may occur. *We prioritize the freshness of our live eel cooking and source directly from producers, so unagi donburi may sell out in sequence. We recommend arriving early. We appreciate your understanding. ■ Closed days Every Monday (if a national holiday, closed the following Tuesday) Also closed several irregular days each month. September closures: 9/7 (Mon), 9/10 (Thu), 9/14 (Mon), 9/17 (Thu), 9/24 (Thu), 9/28 (Mon) October closures: 10/5 (Mon), 10/6 (Tue), 10/7 (Wed), 10/8 (Thu), 10/9 (Fri), 10/13 (Tue), 10/19 (Mon), 10/26 (Mon) October includes a fall break. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Opening hours and closing days may change. Please check with the restaurant before visiting.

Features & facilities

  • Non-smoking
  • Open for lunch

Map & access

2-3-1 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004, Japan

Address in Japanese: 東京都台東区下谷2-3-1

Official site & social

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