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Bunkyo

Watabe is highly praised for its authentic Kanto-style eel dishes, attentive service, and elegant ambiance. The fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with subtle French influences has garnered widespread acclaim.

Experience Watabe: Tokyo's Premier Eel Dining Destination in Koishikawa Bunkyo City Japan 

Nestled in the heart of Koishikawa, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Watabe offers an exquisite journey into the world of traditional Kanto-style eel cuisine. This upscale eatery is renowned for its masterful preparation of steamed and grilled unagi, complemented by fresh seafood dishes, delicate tofu, and crisp salads. The restaurant's ambiance exudes a welcoming and refined atmosphere, perfect for foodies and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan's culinary heritage.

A culinary masterpiece with a fusion twist

Watabe's menu showcases the art of unagi preparation, where each dish is crafted with impressive skill and care. Diners can savor the iconic unaju set, featuring broiled eel half-basted in a sweet, slightly charred unagi sauce and the other half unseasoned to appreciate the eel's pure flavor. Accompaniments such as sansho pepper, wasabi, sudachi citrus, and spring onion allow guests to customize their experience. The inclusion of clear soup with unagi liver and pickled vegetables completes the meal, delivering a richly satisfying yet balanced taste.

Inviting atmosphere and attentive service

Guests consistently praise Watabe for its beautiful and welcoming setting, where traditional elements blend with subtle French culinary influences. The service is friendly and attentive, ensuring a memorable dining experience whether you're there for a casual lunch or a special dinner. The private sunken tatami room offers an exclusive space ideal for intimate gatherings or celebrations, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to comfort and privacy.

What you need to know before visiting Watabe

 Lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM); Dinner: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Last Order 8:00 PM); Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Is there a private dining option available?

 Yes, Watabe offers a traditional sunken tatami room for private dining.

 Yes, Watabe accepts major credit cards including VISA and MasterCard.

 Yes, an English menu is available for non-Japanese speakers.

 Yes, takeout service is available for select dishes.

Community sentiment and visitor experiences

Watabe enjoys a glowing reputation among locals and tourists alike, celebrated for its authentic flavors and exceptional hospitality. Reviewers often highlight the impressive craftsmanship seen in every dish, the generous portion sizes, and the ability to savor both traditional and lightly charred eel. Many appreciate the peaceful dining environment and the chance to experience a private tatami room without the need for months-long reservations. Whether you are an eel aficionado or new to Japanese cuisine, Watabe promises a delightful and memorable meal.

Asia

Japan

Situato nel cuore di Bunkyo, in Giappone, Watabe è un ristorante che incanta i visitatori con la sua atmosfera autentica e un menu ricco di sapori tradizionali. Questo locale è il luogo ideale per chi desidera immergersi nella cultura culinaria giapponese, offrendo un'esperienza gastronomica che stimola tutti i sensi.

Upscale eatery specializing in steamed & grilled eel, plus other seafood dishes, tofu & salads.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyd3VhcmJ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-FF5kmMGGAR5xeTCnKgi4o/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNyd3VhcmJ3EAE

This establishment is beautiful and welcoming with an exceptionally tasty menu. The effort and skill placed into each dish is impressive and very much appreciated! Thank you for a wonderful culinary experience!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUbHVYaVl3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-FF5kmMGGAR5xeTCnKgi4o/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUbHVYaVl3EAE

MAR 2024

Came here for dinner with a reservation and ordered the unaju set which took about 30 minutes to be served. Half the broiled eel is basted in unagi sauce and the other half is unseasoned. The unagi with the sauce was sweet and tasty with a slight char and goes well with the sansho pepper. If it gets too sweet there is a pot of green tea to make ochazuke to lighten the meal and there are some condiments to adjust the flavor including salt, wasabi, sudachi Japanese citrus, seaweed and spring onion. The unseasoned unagi lets you experience the pure taste of the unagi; a bit of salt brings out the flavor more. The meal also comes with a clear soup with unagi liver which was very clean tasting and a side of pickled vegetables. Overall a bit pricey but the portion was large and filling, unagi was soft and fluffy and the rice was good too, very tasty. Service was good.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCMlAtUGt3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-FF5kmMGGAR5xeTCnKgi4o/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCMlAtUGt3RRAB

Good value for money given that unagi prices have been creeping up these past few years. One of the places in Tokyo to get a good kimoyaki, that is still possible to reserve without planning months in advance.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURSbV8zZGVREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-FF5kmMGGAR5xeTCnKgi4o/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURSbV8zZGVREAE

We had the set dinner which included 6 courses, the service was excellent and the food was fantastic. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves eel.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSaUx6QXdRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-FF5kmMGGAR5xeTCnKgi4o/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSaUx6QXdRRRAB

One of the best unagi I tasted in long time.
I recommend take the dinner course.

Friendly service and not so pricy.

Definitely coming back soon

Ristorante Watabe a Bunkyo, Esperienza Gastronomica Giapponese

Established in 1948 as a fish wholesaler, Watabe transformed into a high-end eel restaurant in 2004, preserving traditional Kanto-style eel preparation methods while introducing French culinary influences.

Watabe: A rich history of culinary evolution in Tokyo's Koishikawa district.

Nestled in the heart of Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Watabe has a fascinating legacy that stretches back to 1948. Originally established as a fish wholesaler, the business focused on providing fresh river fish and shellfish to local markets. This deep-rooted connection to quality seafood laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated culinary destination.

Transformation into a renowned eel restaurant

In 2004, under the third-generation leadership of brothers Yukikazu and Yoshitaka Watabe, the establishment underwent a remarkable transformation. Transitioning from fish wholesaling, it emerged as a dedicated eel restaurant, emphasizing traditional flavors with innovative preparation techniques. One of their signature methods involves steaming eel over tea leaves, a practice that significantly enhances the tenderness and delicate taste of the eel. This unique culinary approach has distinguished Watabe in Tokyo’s competitive dining scene.

Watabe’s dedication to quality and innovation earned it the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2018, highlighting its commitment to good quality and excellent value cooking. This accolade draws both locals and international food enthusiasts eager to experience its refined eel dishes and seafood offerings.

Founded as a fish wholesaler specializing in river fish and shellfish.

Transformed into an eel restaurant under third-generation ownership.

Awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking.

Dine In

Takeout

Restroom

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Reservable

Watabe

Authentic Kanto-style eel dishes with a French twist.

Unaju

Enma-ju

Shirayaki

Foie Gras Terrine with Kabayaki

Smoked Eel with Brie de Meaux

Eel Liver Sauté with Egg Yolk

Wasanbon Ice Cream

Watabe Menu

Benvenuti a Watabe, dove la tradizione giapponese dell'anguilla si fonde con un tocco raffinato della cucina francese. Il nostro menù offre un'esperienza culinaria unica, ricca di sapori autentici e presentazioni eleganti, perfetta per gli amanti del buon cibo e delle nuove scoperte gastronomiche.

Foie Gras Terrine con Kabayaki, un connubio di foie gras e anguilla grigliata, arricchito da una salsa segreta elegante.

Eel affumicato con Brie de Meaux, un contrasto tra sapori intensi e cremosi.

Unaju: anguilla grigliata servita con riso e una salsa segreta, un classico della cucina giapponese rivisitato con eleganza.

Enma-ju: anguilla grigliata e al vapore accompagnata da riso e condimenti, un piatto ricco di sapori intensi.

Shirayaki: anguilla grigliata, semplice e saporita, perfetta per gli amanti della cucina autentica.

Wasanbon Ice Cream: gelato artigianale fatto con zucchero Wasanbon e panna, un dolce refined e rinfrescante.

Accompagna il tuo pasto con una selezione di bevande accuratamente scelti, ideali per esaltare ogni piatto e rendere l’esperienza gastronomica ancora più indimenticabile.

Scopri Watabe a Bunkyo, un ristorante giapponese autentico che delizia i sensi con sapori tradizionali. Prenota ora e vivi un’esperienza culinaria unica!

Watabe a Bunkyo, ristorante giapponese autentico a Tokyo

Bunkyo City

A set menu featuring seasonal sashimi and eel dishes.

Lunch Course

An evening set menu with a variety of eel preparations.

Dinner Course

scopri l'esclusivo ristorante Watabe a bunkyo, giappone.

Watabe a Bunkyo è una destinazione imperdibile per gli amanti della cucina giapponese autentica e raffinata.

Lasciati conquistare dalle offerte di Watabe, che propone due menu degustazione a prezzo fisso, perfetti per immergerti nelle delizie della cucina giapponese.

Il "Dinner Course" propone invece un menù serale con una varietà di preparazioni di anguilla, perfetto per una cena elegante e ricca di sapori autentici.

Il primo, il "Lunch Course", offre un menù degustazione con sashimi di stagione e piatti di anguilla, il tutto a soli 12.500 JPY. È l'ideale per un pranzo raffinato e autentico.

Discover Watabe: A Refined Experience in Tokyo's Koishikawa District 

Nestled in the serene neighborhood of Koishikawa in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Watabe stands out as an upscale eatery celebrated for its masterful preparation of 

. This refined restaurant offers an enticing menu blending traditional flavors with innovative cooking techniques, ensuring a delightful culinary journey for seafood lovers and gourmets alike.

Watabe provides an intimate and exclusive atmosphere highlighted by its private tatami room, perfect for diners seeking a serene and authentic Japanese setting. The menu's emphasis on eel, complemented by other seafood delicacies, tofu, and fresh salads, reflects a dedication to quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship. Diners appreciate the availability of an English menu, making it accessible for international visitors, and the option to take out allows enjoying Watabe's specialties at home.

While Watabe offers a superb dining experience, there are a few points to consider. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which may require planning ahead for your visit. Additionally, a service charge applies during dinner hours for alcohol orders, slightly increasing the overall cost. Though the portions are generous and the quality justifies the pricing, budget-conscious diners might want to keep this in mind.

In a city abundant with dining options, Watabe distinguishes itself through its authentic approach to Kanto-style eel, a specialty that requires skill and tradition. The combination of 

, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance make it a favorite among locals and travelers craving a memorable eel dining experience.

 showcasing traditional flavors with modern flair.

Private tatami room for an exclusive and authentic Japanese dining experience.

English menu and takeout service that cater to international guests and convenience.

Consideration of service charge during dinner

Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, requiring advanced planning for visits.

Tokyo

わたべ

I would give it 5 star if it was just based on taste. Because this place cooks one mean eel rice. The eel cooked perfectly. It really melts in your mouth and you can taste the grilling flavor. So why 4 star? Their servivd is probably the worst service I've ever had in Japan. Slow, never around when you need someone and they even ran out of sushi at 5pm dinner time? How is that even possible? I would come back but at the same time, I can find better service anywhere else. So is a tough choice.

THE BEST unagi I've had in my life like truly amazing. First of all, it's part of the Michelin recommended restaurants and I can also attest to this quality. It's around ¥5000 for the set I got. The sauce is perfectly seasoned with hints of sweetness and savouriness. It's soaked into the sauce eel and into the warm bed of rice. Takes 20 minutes to cook after ordering so you know it's FRESH!!! I don't usually eat that much rice but the sauce and fish is so good, it makes you eat the whole box. The fish itself is buttery and literally falls out of your chopsticks. The fattiness is to die for - I've never had unagi like this before. Please come here!!! We also got their shirashi salad which was pretty good, very refreshing on a summer day. They take reservations but we didn't do it since it was an impromptu visit. We called them and we were part of the wait list and got in around 2pm! There aren't too many seatings so we shared with another person in the tatami rooms! Very relaxing atmosphere. Overall, I highly recommend this place!

English available!!! "Watabe" is an unagi (eel) specialty restaurant located right near the Kasuga Station. Ever since its opening, Watabe has kept serving best quality eel to its customers. A former fish shop, they still have dishes such as tsukudani and sashimi platters, along with original fusion dishes created by their new chef. Western customers may find a familiar flavor in the chef's newest eel dishes, while Japanese patrons might encounter some unique surprises. Let's look at the unique eel dishes you can only find at Watabe. "Homemade Foie Gras Terrine with Eel Kabayaki " (1,700 yen). In France, there are dishes that combine eel and foie gras, but this is considerably unique in Japan. The surface of the foie gras is caramelized to enhance its sweetness as you bite into it. The savory sauce that brings out the flavor of the foie gras and eel is a blend of strawberry liquor and the special house sauce that has been passed down for the past 70 years. This is a dish that I highly recommend trying with some wine.

Experience authentic Kanto-style eel dishes at Watabe in Bunkyo, Tokyo. Book now for a refined culinary journey in a cozy setting.

Watabe Tokyo: Premier Unagi Restaurant in Bunkyo

Discover Watabe in Tokyo's Bunkyo. Enjoy high-end eel dishes with French influences. Reserve now for an exceptional Japanese culinary experience.

Watabe Tokyo: Eel Dining & French Inspired Cuisine

Opening hours for Watabe, Tokyo. Find opening hours for Watabe, Tokyo on 1-chōme-9-14 Koishikawa, Bunkyo - novacircle.com

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