Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten: A Timeless Tokyo Unagi Experience

Name: Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten
Address: 1-chōme-5-4 Higashiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0044, Japan, Minato, 106-0044, JP
Telephone: 03-3583-7852
Price range: $$

Nestled in the heart of Minato City, Tokyo, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten stands as a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, specializing in exquisite unagi (eel) dishes. With a remarkable heritage of over 200 years, this legendary restaurant invites discerning food lovers to indulge in a culinary journey marked by tradition, precision, and an unyielding passion for perfection.

Authentic Unagi Mastery and Ambiance

At Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, every dish tells a story. The fifth-generation owner, Kanejiro Kanemoto, has devoted over 80 years to honing the art of unagi grilling, ensuring that each bite bursts with delicate flavors and perfect texture. Diners marvel at the caramelized crust and moist flesh of the eel, complemented by a subtle gelatinous skin that enhances the mouthfeel. The signature Unaju, grilled eel served atop fluffy rice, and the refined Shirayaki, grilled eel without sauce, showcase the restaurant’s dedication to preserving tradition while excelling in quality.

Step inside to experience a warm and classy ambiance where attentive staff dressed in traditional kimonos demonstrate the celebrated “omotenashi” hospitality, making every guest feel honored and welcome.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

The menu features a range of carefully crafted eel dishes starting from an accessible ¥2,900 for the Eel Bowl to the full Unaju Course Dinner priced at ¥9,400. Guests often compliment the legendary chawanmushi (savory egg custard starter) and the seasonal fruit dessert, like juicy honey melon, which perfectly round out the meal. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with a light soup, enhancing the overall harmony of flavors.

Notably, photography and videography are respectfully prohibited to preserve the intimate and traditional dining atmosphere, inviting guests to savor the moment fully.

Convenience and Amenities

Located just a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line).
Accepts major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.
Paid parking is available nearby, but free parking is not offered.
Restroom facilities are available for guest comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation? Yes, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.
What are the operating hours? Lunch: 11:00 – 14:30; Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00; Closed on Sundays, occasional Mondays, Doyo-no-Ushi Days, and summer holidays.
What payment methods are accepted? Major credit cards are accepted, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.

Community Sentiment

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten enjoys glowing praise from visitors worldwide who celebrate its authentic flavors, impeccable service, and the immersive traditional ambiance. Food critics and enthusiastic diners alike consistently highlight the superb quality of their Japanese-origin eel, the warm hospitality, and the historical charm of the building, which is over 100 years old. This Michelin-starred establishment remains a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable unagi dining experience in Tokyo.

histoire de Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, un nom qui résonne comme une légende vivante, a été fondé en 1850, durant la période Edo, une époque où la cuisine japonaise commençait à s’affirmer comme un art. Depuis ses débuts, ce restaurant a su préserver l’authenticité de ses recettes tout en s’adaptant aux attentes modernes, devenant un symbole incontournable de la gastronomie japonaise à Tokyo. Son emplacement actuel à Higashiazabu, dans le quartier de Minato, a été choisi en 1920, permettant à l’établissement de bénéficier d’un environnement idéal pour accueillir ses clients dans un cadre élégant et traditionnel.

Aujourd’en 2025, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten continue de perpétuer son héritage culinaire exceptionnel, en servant avec passion ses plats traditionnels de unagi. Véritable symbole de l’art de la grillade de l’anguille au Japon, ce restaurant est une étape incontournable pour tous les amateurs de cuisine authentique et raffinée. Son histoire riche, sa gestion familiale et sa reconnaissance internationale font de cet établissement une destination de choix pour découvrir le patrimoine gastronomique japonais dans un cadre élégant et chargé d’histoire.