Unagiten, a specialty eel restaurant known for its authentic Kansai-style grilled eel, is opening its fourth location in Tondabayashi, Osaka on July 3, 2026. The restaurant prides itself on preparing fresh live eel in-house and grilling it at 1000℃ to deliver a crispy skin and fluffy texture.
For travelers and food lovers visiting Osaka, Unagiten offers a unique chance to enjoy traditional Kansai-style eel dishes made with carefully managed live Japanese eel. The restaurant’s spacious and modern Japanese-style interior, with 42 seats and parking for 23 cars, makes it an ideal spot for families, friends, and business gatherings.
About Unagiten Tondabayashi
Unagiten focuses on serving freshly prepared eel with a commitment to quality from start to finish. The live eels are kept in a special purification tank called “tateba” inside the restaurant to maintain their freshness. Skilled chefs prepare each eel by the Kansai “harakiri” method, which cuts open the belly, ensuring the eel remains tender and flavorful. Unlike the Kanto style, Unagiten skips steaming and grills the eel directly at high heat, creating a crisp exterior and juicy interior that highlights the eel’s natural taste.
The restaurant uses a subtly flavored original sauce made from soy sauce, tamari, mirin, sake, and sugar, applied once during grilling to let the eel’s flavor shine. Niigata Koshihikari rice accompanies the dishes, enhancing the meal with its fluffy texture and mild sweetness.
Highlights
- Fresh live Japanese eel managed on-site for optimal freshness
- Kansai-style “harakiri” preparation by expert chefs for tender, flavorful eel
- Grilled at 1000℃ without steaming for a crispy skin and fluffy texture
- Original light sauce that enhances rather than masks eel flavor
- Accompanied by premium Niigata Koshihikari rice
- Spacious, modern Japanese-style dining space with 42 seats and parking for 23 cars
- Menu prices range from ¥3,080 to ¥8,690 (tax included)
- Popular dishes include Unajū Heian set, Nara Gozen set, and Unadon bowl
Menu and Location Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Unagiten Tondabayashi |
| Menu / items | Unajū Heian set (one eel, with soup and pickles); Nara Gozen set (1.5 eels with unajū, uzaku, umaki, soup, pickles, dessert); Unadon bowl (with soup, dashimaki slice, pickles) |
| Location | Tondabayashi, Osaka |
| Address | 2-244-1 Nakanonishi, Tondabayashi, Osaka |
| Period | From July 3, 2026 |
| Release date | July 3, 2026 |
| Price | ¥3,080 – ¥8,690 (tax included) |
Unagiten Tondabayashi offers a refined dining experience with a focus on freshness and traditional Kansai eel preparation techniques. Whether enjoying the classic Unajū Heian set for ¥3,080 or the hearty Nara Gozen set at higher prices, guests can savor the rich flavors of high-quality eel grilled to perfection. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and convenient parking make it a great destination for both locals and visitors.
