Unagi no Matsu Ka (うなぎのまつ嘉) Matsumoto

The unagi bento with three pieces of grilled eel (equivalent to 1.5 eels) was sold out by the time I got there as the third customer. It seems that the high demand was due to the takeout reservations that day. The grilled liver was also sold out by the time I arrived as part of the early customers. Despite the rainy weather, they sold out before opening, proving how popular this place is.After waiting since morning, I was delighted to finally enjoy both the unagi bento and the grilled liver. I sat down in bliss and added some grated daikon radish. Honestly, the unagi bento was the best I’ve ever had. The grilled eel was incredibly delicious, and I was perfectly satisfied. I wouldn’t hesitate to wait in line again; I’ll definitely come back! Less

This is an eel restaurant located in Matsumoto, Nagano. I started lining up at 8:30 AM, and they sold out by around 9:15 AM. Even though it was Sunday, that was quite intense. After waiting on tatami mats for another two hours, I finally got my rice bowl. The impact of 1.5 eels was huge! It looked delicious right from the start, and when I finally tasted it, the flavors exploded. The balance of fat and grilling was just right, and the way they steam it in the Kanto style perfectly flaked the meat, leaving the skin with just the right amount of collagen. It was incredibly delicious! Less

Since it was a Sunday, I headed to the restaurant around 8:30 AM, referencing other reviews. At that time, there were about six groups waiting, and around 9 AM, a staff member came out to take orders. However, even as the seventh group, I was told, "We can't offer bento, so you'll have to have the unadon," which meant my menu choice was made automatically (laughs). After that, the 12th and 13th groups ran out of food, and a sign was put up. I was allowed inside around 9:30 to 10 AM, and after waiting in the cool interior for about 1 to 2 hours, my meal was served around 11:30 AM. The skin was perfectly grilled, and the thick eel was fluffy without the usual greasiness, offering a refreshing taste! I want to go again, but the wait is quite a hurdle! Less

I arrived around 9:30 on Friday and was the 5th group (14 people) in line. After about 10 minutes, the staff came to take our orders. I ordered the unagi bento, grilled liver, and a non-alcoholic drink. We were allowed to enter the restaurant before 10:00, which was a thoughtful gesture. At 10:45, the grilled liver, bone crackers, and non-alcoholic drink arrived. From this point on, the wait became much more bearable. The grilled liver was delicious!Finally, around 11:30, the unagi arrived. The surface had a crispy texture, and combined with the sweet sauce, it was exactly the delicious unagi don I had hoped for. The portion was generous, with one and a half eels. Towards the end, I found it a bit overwhelming, so I might have preferred to order the unagi rice bowl instead. Less

I arrived around 9:10 AM on a weekday and was the fourth group in line. I was able to sit and wait, and those who arrived at 10:00 AM had no issues either.I ordered the Unadon (grilled eel rice bowl). It comes with one eel, pickles, and a liver soup.I was guided inside the restaurant shortly after 10:00 AM, but since it was a tatami seating area, my legs got quite tired waiting. Although the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, my order was served at 11:25 AM.As for the Unadon, the eel was perfectly grilled on the outside and fluffy on the inside—absolutely delicious! It was definitely worth the long wait! ☺︎ Less

There are two famous eel restaurants in Matsumoto City. I had visited Yamase several times, but this was my first time at Unagi no Matsu Ka. I arrived just before 9 AM and found three groups already waiting. I barely managed to sit down and wait. Later, a group of 14 arrived, and by 9:30, they had sold out. Although I entered the restaurant early, I ended up waiting over two hours until my meal was finally served just after 11 AM. The taste was undeniably delicious. I ordered the unadon (eel rice bowl), and the portion was more than satisfying. One thing that caught my attention was how they handled the group reservations. One person arrived for a reservation of 14, and the others didn’t show up until the last minute, which felt a bit unfair. Since this restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, I sensed mixed opinions about that. Less

I visited around 8:30 AM on the weekend.I was the sixth group in line.Before 9:30 AM, they took our orders, and shortly after, we were seated in the tatami area.I ordered the Unagi Bento and grilled liver. The Unagi Bento came with pickles and liver soup, totaling JPY 6,300.The grilled liver was served around 10:30 AM, and the Unagi Bento arrived around 11:15 AM.The eel, which seemed to be a young one, was tender with a sharp flavor, and the grilling was perfectly done (the crispy exterior was particularly delightful). I felt that the quality at this price was outstanding.Additionally, the large pieces of grilled liver and liver soup were so exquisite that I would highly recommend them to many people.I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Less

Order: Unagi Donburi JPY 4200Arrived at 9 AM on a weekday.There were 2 customers ahead of me.Outside, there seemed to be enough seating for about 6 people.In the shade, there were around 8 people total.The parking lot in front of the restaurant can accommodate about 3 cars (not suitable for larger vehicles).The road in front is narrow and one-way.It seems there is another parking lot nearby.On this day, due to the heat, I was guided inside around 9:40 AM.They mentioned that after the last customer who entered at 10 AM, they would be sold out for the day.The dish arrived around 11:30 AM.The unagi was plump, and the skin was grilled to a crispy, fragrant perfection.Even before eating, the portion was quite substantial, but as I continued, it filled me up more than I expected...It was delicious, but I couldn't eat as much as I thought I would.I felt a bit regretful...It seemed like I could have reduced the amount of rice if I wanted to.Amidst the ongoing hot days, I was glad to have the opportunity to enjoy this meal at just the right time. Less

The restaurant opens at 11 AM, but I lined up at 9 AM and was able to enter by 9:40 AM. Those who arrived at 10:40 AM found that everything was already sold out and had to leave. In addition to the people waiting in line, many had also made takeout reservations, so the unagi sells out quickly. The unagi is perfectly grilled, with a crispy and fragrant exterior and an astonishingly tender and fluffy interior. I arrived with a hungry stomach, and the unagi rice bowl (with two pieces) was more than enough. Since unagi is high in nutrients and fats, I especially recommend two pieces for women. This establishment has been passed down through six generations since the Edo period. The traditions and craftsmanship that have been preserved over the years, along with the trust from customers, contribute to its reputation. I believe that the legacy of their dedication has led to their recognition as one of the "Top 100 Unagi Restaurants on Tabelog," being ranked first in the unagi category in Nagano Prefecture, and receiving the "Tabelog Bronze" award. In an era where many things fade away, the "unchanging" essence of this restaurant remains. That is truly remarkable. If you are tired of the ever-changing trends, I highly recommend experiencing the unwavering pride of the craftsmen here. What does it mean to be genuine? I believe you will have a wonderful time contemplating such questions. Less

【2026 BRONZE】【Top 100 Unagi Restaurants】I visited the renowned Unagi no Matsu Ka in Matsumoto just before "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" (the Day of the Ox). This popular restaurant sells out quickly right after opening. Since it was the middle of a three-day weekend, I made sure to arrive early at 7:37 AM, being the first customer. Shortly after, the second group arrived, and by 8:30 AM, there were already five groups totaling ten people waiting. By 9:00 AM, over twenty people were in line. When the staff came to take orders at 9:20 AM, there were more than thirty people waiting, and those at the back of the line were informed that they had sold out.While waiting outside, there are six benches available, but on that day, there were bees around, so I was allowed inside the restaurant by 9:30 AM.I ordered:Unagi Bento - JPY 6,300 (small rice)Grilled Liver (limited quantity) - JPY 900Beer (Sapporo Lager Aka boshi) - JPY 650I appreciated the thoughtful question, "Would you like your beer with the grilled liver?" By the way, the grilled liver was available for only the first three to four groups.Around 10:40 AM, the grilled liver, crispy fish bones, and Aka boshi arrived. It was a luxurious moment enjoying beer while waiting for the unagi. The grilled liver, cooked over charcoal, was large and plump, with a delightful aroma that paired perfectly with the sauce.The Unagi Bento arrived around 11:10 AM, accompanied by liver soup and pickles, including Nara-zuke. The unagi was prepared in the Kanto style, steamed before being grilled over charcoal, resulting in a fragrant exterior and fluffy texture. The skin was thin and melted in the mouth. The sauce was perfectly balanced, making it an excellent match with the rice.The hospitality was also outstanding.It was truly delicious.It was a great meal. Less

Unagi Donburi JPY 4200I visited on a Sunday.- Arrived around 9:15- Ordered around 9:30 (at this point, they had sold out, and we were the last customers)- Seated around 9:45- Unagi served around 11:30I waited about 2 hours from ordering to receiving my meal. Although the wait was long, the staff provided very attentive service, and I appreciated being able to relax at my table while waiting. The unagi was freshly grilled, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. Since it gets quite crowded on weekends, I recommend arriving early. Less

★★★★★ A must-visit restaurant that I definitely want to return to.*I arrived on a weekday and had to wait in line before entering.*I got there at 7 AM, but there are only two parking spots in front of the restaurant, which quickly filled up. At first, no one was in line, but gradually people started to gather. There are chairs for the first six people, and the rest have to stand. The standing area has no roof, so it might be tough under the summer sun.Around 9:30 AM, I placed my order outside and received a ticket.At 9:50 AM, I was allowed to enter. Everyone who was waiting got in that day, and a few more trickled in until 11 AM.Even though it was a weekday, they ran out of food by opening time. I recommend arriving at least an hour early, even on weekdays.The interior has tatami seating and feels very clean.*Food*Around 11:15 AM, my meal arrived.I splurged on the Unagi Bento for JPY 6,300 (tax included).The price is quite steep, but the eel was absolutely exquisite—flawless in every way.You can really taste the eel, and there’s no unpleasant odor at all.It’s fluffy yet has just the right tenderness. The crispy grilled texture on the surface is delightful. The skin isn’t tough, and there are no small bones to worry about. There’s a subtle aroma of charcoal grilling. I added some sansho pepper halfway through, but it wasn’t necessary; I preferred to enjoy the flavor as it was.The liver in the liver soup seems to have been grilled before being added.There’s a lot of care put into this dish.Both the ingredients and the grilling technique were perfect. Less

Since I came all the way to Matsumoto, I visited Unagi no Matsu Ka, which was the main purpose of my trip. I love eel and have tried many different restaurants, but this place has been one of my favorites for a while.First of all, the eel is perfectly grilled, with a fragrant exterior and a wonderfully tender interior. The moment I took a bite, I thought, "Ah, this is delicious!" The sauce is not overly sweet or heavy, so it doesn’t become cloying, and before I knew it, I was happily finishing my rice. Just the unagi donburi alone is very satisfying.If you have time, definitely try the grilled liver as well. It’s limited in quantity due to its use in the liver soup, but the large pieces are substantial and memorable. There’s no unpleasant odor at all, and the umami flavor is rich with a delightful bitterness. It’s a dish that makes you want to enjoy it with a drink if you’re not driving.The mushroom with grated daikon that I ordered as a side dish was surprisingly good, providing a refreshing taste and enjoyable texture, making it a perfect balance between bites of eel.I lined up before opening, and by the time I finished my meal and left, there was already a sign indicating that they were sold out, which shows just how popular this place is. It’s definitely a restaurant worth queuing for. I will be back. It was a great meal! Less

I visited around 9:30 on Saturday. There were about six groups ahead of me waiting. I was seated around 9:45 and patiently enjoyed some tea while waiting. By around 11:20, my unadon (grilled eel rice bowl) arrived. It was perfectly grilled on the outside and fluffy on the inside—absolutely delicious! It ranks among the top three eels I've ever had! The grilled liver was already sold out, so if you really want to try it, it seems you need to line up earlier. I plan to stop by again the next time I visit Matsumoto! I also saw fish swimming in the ditch outside. Less

In a broad sense, most farmed eel is one-year-old, so I like to refer to the fresh eel of that year as "Ichiban Unagi." Matsu Ka has been awarded the BLONZ for two consecutive years. It’s a must-visit eel restaurant whenever I’m on a business trip to Matsumoto. On this day, I lined up at 9 AM and was surprisingly third in line, managing to order the grilled liver as well. You can enter the restaurant before 10 AM, so you’re not waiting in line for too long. After a short wait, my beer arrived. The accompanying "bone chips" were meticulously prepared, deep-fried slowly at a low temperature, resulting in a crispy texture with excellent oil drainage. I believe they are the best bone chips in Japan. Even if you order non-alcoholic beer, they come with it, so definitely try them! The grilled liver is served after 10:30 AM. It’s incredibly fresh and has a delightful texture. Since it’s limited in quantity, if you want to try it, aim to arrive by 9 AM. Around 11:10 AM, the main dish arrives. I ordered the eel rice bowl, which uses one whole eel. The Kanto-style steaming and grilling give it a fluffy melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the thin skin doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the meat, which is a characteristic of "Ichiban Unagi." I always enjoy my meal here. Thank you for the wonderful food. The owner is getting older, and the lady of the house mentioned, "We might only be open on weekends from now on." I will do my best to visit as often as I can. Less

First VisitThis restaurant shares popularity with "Yamase" in Matsumoto City.I visited after enjoying some firefly viewing.Arrival at 09:40. I was third in line.The two people ahead had already placed their orders...One of them is a regular who travels from Iwate, reportedly visiting two days in a row.Due to the approaching Typhoon No. 7 and 8, along with the World Cup match against Sweden, perhaps only three people were lined up when they opened...According to the regular, this is unusual.While waiting, I admired the beautiful waterway flowing in front of the restaurant, and suddenly, the "master" appeared from under the waterway cover! (See the bonus section for details.)Here’s what I ordered: (Prices include tax)1. JPY 4200: Unadon (1 eel, liver soup, pickles)2. JPY 1300: Unazake3. JPY 900: Grilled liver4. JPY 650: Medium bottle (Sapporo Lager Aka boshi) with bone crackersTotal: JPY 705009:55: Door opens: 3 people10:00: Order placed10:05: Beer + bone crackers10:25: Grilled liver10:55: Sold out... 12 people with a total of 13 bowls (2 people ordered the eel bento: 1.5 eels)11:15: Unadon + Unazake11:45: Departure (A sold-out notice was posted at the entrance...) Here are my impressions of the meal:1. **Unadon: 3.8** - The eel was huge... about 1 cm thick. - It was said to be grilled in the Kanto style, but it felt slightly softer, more like the Kansai style. - The sauce was strong in soy flavor (not to my liking) and a bit less than I prefer. - The rice was slightly loose. - I didn’t use the separate packet of sansho pepper...2. **Unazake: +0.2** - I imagined bone sake for the price, but there were two pieces of grilled eel (when spread out in the bowl, it was just half an eel: see photo 9). - It’s undeniably an incredibly low price at JPY 1300.3. **Grilled Liver: +0.2** - I counted and found 12 pieces of heart and liver connected... that’s 2-3 times more than at other places. - The last piece was so large that I took a photo (see photo 5), but looking at it again, it resembles an insect pupa and is quite grotesque... - A total of 4 plates were sold out.4. **Bone Crackers:** - The appearance of the white bone crackers is elegant.Now, regarding the grilled eel, which should amount to 48 pieces, where did they go? When I asked the regulars, they said it was for takeout by nearby regulars...**Bonus:** The identity of the "master" is a rainbow trout (see photos 17-19).Is it being fed? When it sees a person, it appears from under the cover...When I tossed in some flower buds from nandina and pine cones (the size of rice grains), it eagerly snatched them up (see photo 19). Less

I visited around 9:30 AM on a holiday and found four groups waiting. The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM, but I had heard that the dishes sell out quickly right after opening, so I decided to line up. This place is famous for its unagi dishes, characterized by a sweet sauce that enhances the fluffy texture and generous portions.While waiting, the owner came to take orders and informed us that the grilled unagi liver was already sold out, which was lucky for me. At 10 AM, they opened the doors, and after waiting for an hour and a half inside, I finally received my meal. It felt like a long wait!⚫︎ Unagi Donburi (2 pieces of unagi, liver soup, and pickles)⚫︎ Grilled Liver (limited quantity)The unagi was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a rich flavor that stood out. Among all the renowned restaurants I've visited, this one ranks at the top for its deliciousness, leaving me truly impressed. The grilled liver was also exceptional, with no unpleasant odor, showcasing its freshness. I want to commend myself for being able to order it—it was that good! After a long time, I was reminded of how amazing unagi can be. I definitely want to return when I visit Matsumoto City again. Less

I was recommended this place during my sightseeing in Matsumoto. I heard there’s usually a long wait, so I decided to arrive early.However, by 9:45, I was already the 8th person (or group) in line. I placed my order and was guided inside by the staff just before 10 AM to wait.After a long wait at my table, my rice bowl arrived just after 11.Unagi Don: JPY 4,200Includes two pieces of grilled eel (one whole eel), rice, liver soup, and pickles.Even though it’s just one eel, the portion is incredibly generous. The eel is thick and large, even when opened up.The surface is slightly crispy, while the inside is tender and melts in your mouth.The sweet and savory sauce complements the rich flavor, aroma, and fat of the eel, which pairs perfectly with the well-cooked rice.It’s a culinary masterpiece.The liver soup is rich without any unpleasant odor, and the pickles are perfectly seasoned, making them a great match with tea.Even with a total stay of 2 hours, it felt worth every moment.It’s been a while since I’ve had such high-quality eel.There are many famous restaurants in my area, but the fairness of being able to eat here if you wait is impressive. Less

I visited Unagi no Matsu Ka on a Saturday morning in May 2026. This popular restaurant does not take reservations and closes once they run out of food. They open at 11 AM, but you can start lining up around 10 AM. When I arrived just after 10 AM, there wasn’t a line, but the shoe rack was nearly full. Fortunately, there were two seats available.I ordered the Unadon (JPY 4,200). By the time I entered, all other menu items were sold out, so this was essentially my only option. If you’re aiming for the limited quantity of grilled liver, you’ll need to line up quite early.I was seated at 10:13 AM, and my Unadon was served at 11:41 AM. It was just under an hour and a half wait, but I passed the time with a beer (Sapporo Lager) and some accompanying bone crackers. Since they steam the eel before grilling it in the Kanto style, the wait time was understandable.The grilled eel itself was plump and thick, with a strong flavor that stood out on its own. It wasn’t overly reliant on the sauce, allowing the natural umami of the eel to shine through. It was delicious even without sansho pepper. The liver soup was clear with mitsuba and liver, and the pickles included cucumber and Nara-zuke.Considering the price of JPY 4,200 for two pieces of eel, I felt it was reasonable given the satisfaction of the flavor. If you’re looking to enjoy eel in Matsumoto, this place is a strong contender alongside the nearby Yamasei. I recommend arriving early if you want to ensure you get a meal.*For detailed reviews and many photos, please check my blog: https://shamo-rock.com/13673/ Less

I visited during Golden Week. I arrived at 9:30 AM and was the third group in line. By the time I finished eating and left, they had already sold out, so I believe you must arrive before opening to get a chance to eat.The grilled liver was already sold out, so I couldn't try it, but the unagi don was hearty and incredibly delicious. (I think the unagi jyu might be too much for women.) The skin was crispy while the inside was fluffy, which I really enjoyed. I think the quality for this price is outstanding! ✨ They also sold their special sauce! If I come back to Matsumoto, I will definitely visit again.It was a great meal! ✨ Less

I visited Unagi no Matsu Ka during my trip to Matsumoto for Golden Week. As soon as I arrived at the station, I checked and found out that some items were sold out. The staff informed me that there were still some available, so I hurried over and made it just before 11 AM.The unagi rice bowl arrived about 40 minutes later. It had a sweet sauce, with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The fat was well-balanced. Since the portion of rice is quite large, I recommend that women ask for a smaller serving.It was a great meal! Less