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/
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