What should I order at Yokotaya?
Yokotaya
うな玉丼 (Unatama-don)
Frequently praised for its excellent balance of sweet and savory flavors with grilled eel simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce and fluffy egg topping. It is highly valued for its generous eel portion despite being a reasonably priced lunch set (~880-980 yen) that includes soup, pickles, and a drink. The rice can be served in a large portion for free, making it very satisfying. Reviewers highlight the dish’s perfect seasoning, soft eel texture, and overall great value.
うな重 (Unaju)
Recommended for its high quality, large, and soft eel with a fluffy texture distinct from the Kansai-style grilling. Priced around 2900-3200 yen, it is considered a premium option with well-balanced flavors that satisfy both locals and visitors. Reviewers note its deliciousness and that it is a classic choice for a special meal.
ひつまぶし (Hitsumabushi)
Mentioned as an exquisite dish and a desire to try it again. It is noted for its unique ways to enjoy the eel over rice, with staff kindly explaining how to eat it to first-time customers. Seen as a special menu item that customers look forward to.
うざく (Uzaku)
Listed among the excellent dishes tried, indicating it is a recommended item for those wanting to explore more eel preparations at the restaurant.
う巻き (Umaki)
Mentioned as an excellent dish and a nostalgic favorite with a wish for its revival on the menu. It is appreciated for its egg and eel combination.
肝焼き (Kimo-yaki / Grilled eel liver)
Recommended as a delicious side dish or appetizer, appreciated by customers who enjoy eel parts beyond the fillet.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 2 PM |
About Yokotaya
Yokotaya is a long-running unagi restaurant in Akita, Akita, located along the Kawabata dining street near Akita Station West Exit. It is known for eel dishes such as unajū, unatamadon, shirayaki, and eel bowls, with reviewers consistently praising the fluffy eel, careful seasoning, and attentive service. The restaurant is described as cozy, quiet, and upscale, and it draws both locals and tourists for lunch and dinner. Reviewers also note that it can get busy, so reservations are recommended.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Private dining room
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- PayPay
- Rakuten Pay
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Yokotaya known for?
Yokotaya is best known for its unajū and unagi rice bowls, especially the lunch unatamadon that many reviewers call a standout. People repeatedly mention the fluffy eel, balanced sauce, and the value of getting a full eel meal in Akita for around ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 overall, with some lunch sets priced lower.
What dishes are most recommended at Yokotaya?
Reviewers most often highlight unajū, unatamadon, shirayaki, and hithumabushi, along with eel dishes like unagi kabayaki, uza-ku, and u-maki. The unatamadon is especially praised for its soft eel and egg over rice, while shirayaki is called out by name in many reviews for letting the eel flavor stand out.
What is the atmosphere like at Yokotaya?
The restaurant is described as cozy, quiet, and upscale, with window seats that can look out toward the Asahi River. It works well for solo diners because there is counter seating, and it also suits families, tourists, and small groups that want a calmer meal or a private room.
Is Yokotaya good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, many reviewers say it is strong value for an established eel restaurant, especially the lunch unatamadon with drink included for about ¥880 to ¥980 and free large rice portions. The listed price range is ¥3,000 to ¥4,000, and people often say the quality and portion size make the cost feel reasonable.
When is the best time to visit Yokotaya?
Lunch can be very crowded, with reviewers mentioning lines before opening and full seating soon after 11:00, so reservations are the safest choice. Several reviews note that walk-ins may still get seated, but the wait is easier if you arrive early or use the call-back queue system.
Is parking available at Yokotaya?
Yes. Free parking lot, Paid parking lot, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Restaurants like Yokotaya in Akita
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