
Maruya Honten Nagoya Station Branch
Experience Nagoya's iconic hitsumabushi at Maruya Honten, where perfectly grilled eel meets a unique culinary tradition.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Maruya Honten Nagoya Station Branch

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Nagoya's iconic hitsumabushi at Maruya Honten, where perfectly grilled eel meets a unique culinary tradition.
"This place is a must for anyone visiting Nagoya; it's a taste of the city's food culture we won't forget!"
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times like 2 pm or early evening to minimize wait times.
Consider Takeout
Opt for takeout if you prefer to avoid waiting in line for a table.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese (Unagi)
Price
$$$
Phone
+81 50-5492-9728
Address
名鉄百貨店本館 9F レストラン街, 1 Chome-2-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002, Japan
Website
maruya-honten.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Hitsumabushi Experience
Savor Nagoya's iconic dish, hitsumabushi, featuring perfectly grilled eel on rice with a rich glaze.

Unique Three-Way Eating Method
Enjoy your hitsumabushi in three distinct ways: plain, with condiments, or as an ochazuke (rice with broth).

Perfectly Grilled Unagi
Experience the irresistible aroma and texture of oak-wood grilled freshwater eel.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times like 2 pm or early evening to minimize wait times.
Consider Takeout
Opt for takeout if you prefer to avoid waiting in line for a table.
Portion Size Guidance
Choose smaller portions if you prefer a lighter taste, as larger sizes can be intense.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during off-peak times like 2 pm or early evening to minimize wait times.
Consider Takeout
Opt for takeout if you prefer to avoid waiting in line for a table.
Portion Size Guidance
Choose smaller portions if you prefer a lighter taste, as larger sizes can be intense.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Maruya Honten's authentic hitsumabushi, praising the perfectly grilled eel and the unique three-way eating method that adds depth to the experience. The friendly staff and warm atmosphere contribute to a memorable meal, though the popularity often leads to considerable wait times. While the intense flavor of the eel is a highlight for many, some found it rich enough to necessitate frequent water refills.
"It was surprisingly delicious, perhaps the best seafood I've ever had. The aroma of the unagi blended wonderfully with the rice, which added to the overall experience. The only downside was that its intense flavor made me drink a lot of water (around 7-8 glasses). I don't think it's necessary for a waiter to come every time just to refill the glass. Drinking water with strong-flavored dishes helps reset the palate. Thank you for everything!
Cost around 3000-4000 yen."
Onur Ege Uçar
"Our first meal in Nagoya! The one hour wait was really worth it! Wow, this was absolutely delicious! 🤩 The eel was perfectly grilled—crispy skin, tender and flavorful meat, and that signature smoky aroma. Even tried eel liver for the first time—surprisingly good! 🐟🔥"
BOON HOU TEOW
"We had dinner at Maruya Honten at Nagoya Station, and it completely lived up to the hype. Hitsumabushi is one of Nagoya’s most iconic dishes, and this place really does it justice. The grilled eel was seriously impressive—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a deep, flavorful glaze that wasn’t overly sweet. You could really taste the care in how it was prepared.
I loved the traditional way of eating it in three parts—starting with just the eel and rice, then adding condiments like wasabi and spring onion, and finally pouring dashi over it for a warm ochazuke-style finish. Each step gave a new dimension to the dish, and honestly, I enjoyed all three.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We sat at the counter and could watch the chefs at work, which added to the experience. Even though there was a queue, it moved steadily and was well managed.
For anyone visiting Nagoya, this place is a must. It’s not just a meal—it’s a taste of the city’s food culture, and one we won’t forget anytime soon."
Crumpled Nomad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Hitsumabushi is Nagoya's signature dish featuring grilled eel served over rice, which can be enjoyed in three different ways: plain, with condiments, or with broth.
You can eat it in three ways: first, plain with rice and eel; second, with added condiments like wasabi and spring onions; and finally, by pouring dashi broth over it for an ochazuke-style finish.
Yes, the restaurant is very popular, and wait times can be significant. Visiting during off-peak hours like 2 pm or early evening can help reduce your wait.
Yes, takeout options are available if you prefer to enjoy the meal without waiting in line.
Yes, the staff are friendly and provide printed English instructions on how to best enjoy your hitsumabushi.
Hitsumabushi is available in different portion sizes. Reviewers suggest that larger portions can have an intense flavor.
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The Top Ten Restaurants in and around Nagoya Station – Nagoya Station
Maruya Honten’s signature dish is hitsumabushi: eel chargrilled on oak wood, coated with a soy-based sauce, and served on a bowl of rice. The eel can be eaten with a variety of seasonings such as nori seaweed, wasabi horseradish, and green onions. The staff here are very friendly and there are printed English instructions that show you the recommended procedure to eat your meal.
Recommended by the Locals! Local Cuisine of Nagoya that Shouldn't Be Missed! Discover Oishii Japan
Directly connected to Nagoya Station, this restaurant is famous for its hitsumabushi (Nagoya style grilled eel). It is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and is definitely worth a visit in between work appointments. Its convenient location has made it an excellent option for those traveling for business.
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