Sumiyaki Unagi Hajime

Sumiyaki Unagi Hajime is a popular charcoal-grilled eel restaurant in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, consistently recognized as one of Tabelog's Unagi Top 100 Restaurants (Hyakumeiten) in 2022 and 2024. It's known for its 'crispy outside, fluffy inside' style of unagi, with a perfectly balanced sauce that isn't overly strong. Due to its popularity, especially on weekends, it often has queues and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though weekday reservations are available. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with counter, table, and private tatami rooms, and also provides parking.