Date: June 2026Location: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka PrefectureRestaurant Name: RinTabelog Rating: 4.19Tabelog Award: BronzeTabelog Top 100 RestaurantsToday, I visited Rin, a renowned eel restaurant that has been awarded the Tabelog Bronze in 2026.The menu offers only two options: the Special Unadon for JPY 5000 and the Hamana Lake Shikou Unadon for JPY 7000. Naturally, I made a reservation for the JPY 7000 course.Upon researching "Hamana Lake Shikou Unagi" on Gemini, I found that it is a premium brand of eel, exclusively female. Thanks to the latest aquaculture techniques using soybean isoflavone-based feed, they have successfully raised eels that would typically become male, all as females. This new brand was established in 2024.The eels are astonishingly tender with thick flesh. Even when grown large, they remain soft and plump without tough skin. Compared to regular eels, they have about 1.3 times more fat, resulting in a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.Only the "masterpieces" that pass strict quality standards from fry to shipment in the Hamana Lake region are certified. Due to their rarity and deliciousness, they are gaining attention as high-end specialty items and gifts.According to Tabelog, the cooking methods for eel are divided into Kanto and Kansai styles. The Shikou eel I had was steamed before being grilled, which is characteristic of the Kanto style.One of the highlights is that you can enjoy the cooking process live right in front of you, adding to the experience.As the smoke filled the restaurant, my appetite grew, and soon the dish was placed before me.Taking my first bite, I found the skin crispy and fragrant, while the inside was fluffy and incredibly delicious.As mentioned in Gemini's response, the eel has more fat than usual, so the dipping sauce was intentionally kept light to avoid being too rich.What stood out was the rice, which was perfectly cooked with distinct grains and a smooth surface, reminiscent of high-end sushi rice, indicating a great deal of care in its preparation.As expected from a top contender in the fierce eel competition, this restaurant truly excels.It was a great meal!