Unagi-tei Tomoei

PRESERVE Selected

Founded 1976 at the Hakone gateway of Kazamatsuri, Tomoei rests its prized 'blue eel' in pure local spring water before grilling; it held a Michelin star four years running (2012-2015) and is considered among Japan's finest unagi.

Sells out and closes when the eel runs out, with serious eel devotees driving from afar; quality-obsessed and unhurried, the opposite of a tourist trap.