MK Guide Recommends

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is more than just a meal—it’s a legacy. Operated by five generations of eel masters since the Edo period, this historic restaurant serves unagi prepared in the kansai style: delicately grilled over charcoal, basted with a secret tare sauce, and presented in elegant lacquered boxes. The menu ranges from simple set meals to full kaiseki courses, with every detail—from the rice to the pickles—carefully chosen to complement the eel’s richness. The wooden townhouse, located at the base of Tokyo Tower, preserves its original structure and spirit, with tatami seating and hushed service that transports guests to a quieter age. Reservations are recommended, especially for those seeking a private dining room experience. Nodaiwa remains a touchstone of traditional Tokyo cuisine at its most polished. (Photo: City Foodsters, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)