Hyperlocal Tokyo

While the eel was natural, it lacked thickness compared to other eel restaurants in the 8,000 yen range, leaving me feeling a bit unsatisfied. However, the hospitality of the staff was exceptional.

I visited around 11:30 am on a Saturday at the end of May 2023. Since I hadn't made a reservation, I had to wait for a table. I left my phone number and they said they would call me when a table became available, so I relaxed on the rooftop. I received a call at 12:05 and returned at 12:10. The restaurant was filled with older patrons. The tables and aisles were spacious, and the high ceilings created an overall luxurious atmosphere. This time, I was celebrating a hospital discharge with a meal of Nozawai eel. I also ordered a half bottle of champagne, which they served in an ice bucket. The eel had a slightly earthy flavor, indicating it was domestically sourced and wild-caught. I was worried about the large portion size, but it was so delicious that I finished it all. The waitstaff was very attentive and made for a very pleasant experience. I plan to visit again for a special occasion.

I was recommended a delicious eel restaurant in Tokyo, and "Noda-iwa" was one of the suggestions, so I decided to try it out. The closest Noda-iwa was in Nihonbashi, so I went to the Takashimaya department store! I was guided to the "Special Dining" area. At first, there was a waiting area, and then I was called by name and led to a table. It reminded me of the family restaurants on the top floor of department stores in the old days, like the ones you see in the "Sazae-san" anime. (It had a similar vibe to a Chinese restaurant, almost like a wedding hall.) I've been on an eel restaurant tour of the Kanto region, and the taste was average. It wasn't particularly smelly, but the skin was soft, typical of Kanto-style eel. The flesh was fluffy. Lately, I've been thinking that all eel restaurants in Kanto are pretty much the same. It was neither good nor bad. The service was excellent, as expected from Takashimaya! I thought there would be a lot of older people, but there were many families. I was able to enjoy my meal with peace of mind, even during the pandemic. The photo was taken in June 2021.

On August 11th, I purchased a boxed eel meal from Nodaiwa at Takashimaya. Upon opening it, I found two insects resembling cockroaches moving inside. I tried calling but couldn't get through. I urgently request a response via chat regarding how you will handle this situation. I have kept the product as evidence.

I went there specifically for the Unagi at Nodaiwa, but I also ordered from the Imperial Hotel menu and ended up having a delicious cake for dessert! It's a unique combination you wouldn't find anywhere else, which is great. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere and there were many groups dining there. I will definitely visit again.