Nakajima
A historic Tokyo gem offering some of the city's best unagi and an acclaimed Michelin-star lunch at an unbeatable price.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Nakajima
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Tokyo gem offering some of the city's best unagi and an acclaimed Michelin-star lunch at an unbeatable price.
"Experience the best unagi in Tokyo at a price that can't be beat!"
Arrive Early for Lunch
Expect a queue even before opening for lunch. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Economical Set Lunch
The set lunch special is a must-try, offering great value for a delicious and filling meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese (Unagi)
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 3-3234-0361
Address
平河町リリエンハイム, 1 Chome-3-2 Hirakawachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Unagi
Experience one of Tokyo's best unagi (eel) dishes, served with a rich, decades-old sauce. A true taste of history.
Affordable Michelin Star Lunch
Enjoy a Michelin-starred experience with a delicious set lunch special featuring sardines for an incredible price.
Kaiseki with a Sardine Twist
Indulge in exquisite kaiseki dinners or try the humble sardine dishes, showcasing authentic Japanese flavors.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Lunch
Expect a queue even before opening for lunch. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Economical Set Lunch
The set lunch special is a must-try, offering great value for a delicious and filling meal.
Kaiseki Reservations
For dinner, reservations are possible and recommended, especially if ordering in advance for prompt service.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Lunch
Expect a queue even before opening for lunch. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Economical Set Lunch
The set lunch special is a must-try, offering great value for a delicious and filling meal.
Kaiseki Reservations
For dinner, reservations are possible and recommended, especially if ordering in advance for prompt service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nakajima is celebrated for its exceptional unagi, considered among Tokyo's finest, and its incredible value Michelin-star lunch specials. While the ambiance is described as simple, the quality of the food, particularly the aged sauce and perfectly grilled eel, is consistently praised. Diners recommend arriving early for lunch due to popular queues.
"The restaurant atmosphere is old and not very authentic Japanese, but the Unagi is grown in Japan and one of the best in this area. I frequent this restaurant for lunch."
Hiroshi Yasukawa
"One of the best unagi in Tokyo. Decades of history and serves real Japanese ugani."
roppongi life
"(Translated by Google) I received Miyabi for 5000 yen. It was delicious as usual. You can make reservations over the phone, and if you order your food in advance, you'll have eel served as soon as you enter the store. It might be better to think of fruit as a bonus.
(Original)
5000円の雅をいただきました。普通に美味しかったです。電話予約は可能で、事前に料理も注文しておけば、入店して速やかにうな重が提供されますよ。フルーツは、おまけ程度に思ったほうがいいかも。"
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nakajima is most famous for its exquisite unagi (eel) dishes, considered some of the best in Tokyo, and its affordable Michelin-star set lunch special.
Reservations are possible, especially for dinner. For lunch, it is highly recommended to arrive early as queues are common.
The set lunch typically includes rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and a sardine-based main course, offering excellent value.
The restaurant has a simple, historic atmosphere, with counter seating available, and some reviewers note it's not overtly traditional Japanese in decor.
Yes, in the evening, Nakajima serves exquisite kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) dinners, with weekdays also offering sardine-focused set lunches.
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If you’re hoping to experience the full Michelin-star experience without the premium price tag, consider heading to Nakajima for its set lunch special. While a kaiseki dinner will set you back upward of ¥15,000 (£111.75), a lunch special (which includes rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables and a sardine-based main course) will cost just ¥800 (£6). Note that the restaurant almost always has a lunchtime queue – even before it opens – so try to arrive early.
Best restaurants Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo, Tokyo
In the evening, Nakajima serves exquisite kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) dinners. On weekdays, it also serves a set lunch of humble iwashi (sardines)…
10 Sensational Stops for Japanese Food in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Tokyo tops the world when it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants, but that doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to enjoy the food at one of these acclaimed establishments. Not far from Shinjuku Station, in the basement floor of one of the city's many nondescript buildings, Nakajima serves up a set menu lunch at a bargain price of only 800 yen (about $5.50). Iwashi (sardines) are the star of the show during lunchtime.
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