Tabelog ratingIkewanagi no Mise Tsugumi An (活鰻の店 つぐみ庵) is an exceptionally intimate restaurant dedicated to the art of unagi (freshwater eel). Run by a husband-and-wife team from their home-like space in Nakazato, it serves just one party for lunch and one for dinner, making a seat here one of the toughest reservations in Tokyo. The owner’s reputation is built on a unique preparation method: after meticulously deboning the eel by hand, he employs a combination of light steaming (生蒸し, 'nama-mushi') and direct gas grilling (地焼き, 'jiyaki'). This process yields an unagi with exceptionally crisp skin and a complex, layered texture that evolves as you eat.
The meal is a strict omakase course, timed perfectly by the couple. Guests consistently praise the marquee unajū (eel over rice in a lacquered box), as well as the unseasoned shirayaki and glazed kabayaki preparations. Other highlights often include grilled eel liver (kimoyaki) and fins (hireyaki), alongside perfectly prepared rice and house-made pickles from a famously old pickling bed (nukadoko). While some historical reviews mention excellent yakitori, its availability now varies.
Diners should be aware of the restaurant's particularities. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure and are taken by phone in Japanese only. The high price point and the owner's occasionally curt manner, especially towards late arrivals, are noted by some. However, for connoisseurs who prize superlative eel and a deeply personal, craft-focused meal, most find the experience well worth the cost and effort.
The omakase course for lunch or dinner typically costs between ¥15,000 and ¥19,999. Reviewers in 2024 reported paying around ¥17,000 to ¥17,800 per person for the full course, including drinks.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 7-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Komagome Station.
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and can only be made by phone (Japanese language ability is likely required). Openings are extremely limited.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Punctuality: Arrive exactly on time. The owner is known to be strict about punctuality.
- Etiquette: You will be asked to remove your shoes upon entry.
- Seating: Seating is at a very small counter in an intimate, home-like setting.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
