Dinner at Yamasei (山勢)

Dinner at Yamasei (山勢)

at Yamasei (山勢) on 3 August 2026
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I gave the highest rating in the unagi category on Tabelog! Located near Matsumoto Castle, this restaurant has won the Tabelog Bronze Award twice in just three years since relocating, and it has also been recognized as one of Japan's top 100 restaurants. It proudly ranks 10th in the nationwide unagi rankings! The exterior has a traditional kominka (old house) style, but once you step inside, you’ll find a stylish, modern space that still retains a Japanese aesthetic, complete with a beautiful green courtyard that creates a wonderful atmosphere. - Unaju: JPY 6,800 The owner, who was born in Osaka and trained in Tokyo, uses a Kansai-style grilling method that cooks the unagi directly over the fire without steaming. This results in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, creating a perfect hybrid cooking style. The unagi itself is thick and rich in flavor, and both my companion and I agreed it was the best unagi we’ve ever had! The rice portion is on the smaller side, cooked al dente in a way that complements the unagi, and the glossy rice was delicious. An interesting touch was the moringa miso soup, lightly pickled cucumbers, kombu, and pickled turnips that accompanied the meal. This place is highly recommended, and if you’re in Matsumoto, it’s worth a trip just to dine here. It was a great meal!

9 / 10