The port city of Kobe in southeastern Hyogo Prefecture is famous for its many tourist attractions. For example, the night time view from Kikuseidai on Mt. Maya (Maya-san) is one of the Three Major Night Views of Japan. Popular with couples and families, many people flock to this area. Kobe is also famous for having lots of great food – starting from Kobe beef, there's no shortage of delicious restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine. This article has narrowed down the top 13 yakiniku restaurants in the city centre. Each of them are unique in their own way, so please be sure to visit them the next time you are in Kobe!
1. MARCO
MARCO is a teppanyaki restaurant celebrated for its exquisite Kobe Beef and Kuroge Wagyu, meticulously grilled by an owner-chef with over 20 years of experience. Guests also enjoy premium seafood, such as lobsters and abalones, paired with fresh vegetables like Awaji Island onions. Run by a couple who are certified sommeliers, MARCO offers a curated selection of wines, from classics to natural varieties, ensuring the perfect pairing for any dish. A perfect destination for memorable special occasions.
MARCO
Open:
[Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 - 3:00 pm (L.O.2:00 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPYAccess:
8-minute walk from Kobe-Sannomiya Station on Hankyu Railway, Sannomiya Station, and Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway. 11-minute walk from Motomachi Station on the JR Line.Address:
1F, 2-17-3, Naka Yamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation 2. Kobe Koushiya
Located just 10 minutes from Sumiyoshi Station, Kobe Koushiya is a registered Kobe Beef store, showcasing one of Japan’s finest beef breeds. Offering all-you-can-eat and drink options, guests enjoy premium cuts like ribs, thick tongue slices, and loin. Signature dishes include the Kobe Beef chuck rib and the Seared Japanese Black Beef Nigiri. Diners can savor diverse flavors, from salt and spicy to Korean-style and ponzu. With stylish private-room settings, it’s ideal for a blissful and elevated dining experience.
Kobe Koushiya
Open:
[Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Last entry at 10:00 pmClosed:
TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPYAccess:
10-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Station on JR Kobe Line and Rokko LinerAddress:
4-3-6, Tanaka-cho, Higashi-nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation 3. Kobe Beef Steak Hana-Houbi
Located near Sannomiya and Ikuta Shrine, Hana-Houbi is a hidden teppanyaki gem offering certified Kobe Beef sirloin, filet, and chateaubriand. Guests savor fresh seafood like live abalone, lobster, and vegetables from Kobe’s Nishi Ward. The Japanese-modern atmosphere pairs perfectly with domestic whiskey and wine, making it ideal for casual business dining or hosting overseas guests. Enjoy an unforgettable sensory experience, showcasing Japan’s finest ingredients and expert craftsmanship in this elegant hideout-style restaurant.
Kobe Beef Steak Hana-Houbi
Open:
[Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance. / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPYAccess:
1 minute walk from West Exit 3 of Sannomiya Station on the Subway Yamate Line, 5 minutes walk from West Exit of Hankyu Sannomiya Station, 7 minutes walk from West Exit of JR Sannomiya Station (near Ikuta Shrine)Address:
2F, TN-II Bldg., 2-11-30, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
4. Teppan Yakiniku Steak Mikinao
Teppan Yakiniku Steak Mikinao offers exceptional service and luxurious cuisine, featuring premium Kobe and Japanese beef grilled to perfection. The relaxed, elegant interior creates the perfect atmosphere for special occasions, including the popular Anniversary Plan. Catering to various needs, the restaurant is also ideal for gatherings, parties, and tourists seeking a refined experience. With thoughtfully prepared courses and heartwarming service, Mikinao ensures a dining experience that leaves lasting memories of blissful flavors and comfort.
Teppan Yakiniku Steak Mikinao
Open:
Lunch 11:00 am -3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the JR Kobe Line / 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate LineAddress:
3F, Jizo Bldg., 1-20-12, Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
5. Nick
Located in Kobe, Nick is a butcher shop with an elegant yet casual ambiance, perfect for savoring meat dishes effortlessly. The front showcase displays a selection of carefully curated beef and pork, including the premium Kobe beef “Tajimaguro”. Guests choose their preferred meat, cooked fresh in-store for the meat price plus a 500 JPY service fee. Utilizing Tajimaguro beef fat, dishes are aromatic and flavorful. The café-like eat-in space is kid-friendly, offering a relaxed dining experience with exceptional quality meats.
Nick
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,Weekend] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) / [Wednesday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm (L.O. 6:00 pm)Closed:
Irregular (Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays)Average price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPYAccess:
5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on Kobe Municipal Subway / 7-minute walk from Motomachi Station on JR and Hanshin Lines / 495m from Kencho-mae StationAddress:
3-10-12, Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
6. Yakiniku Kobe Jushiya
Yakiniku Kobe Jushiya, located near Kobe Motomachi Station, offers Kobe Beef—the pinnacle of Japanese Wagyu—at surprisingly reasonable prices. The stylish, spacious interior ensures comfort while enjoying dishes like “Today’s Assorted Kobe Beef”, showcasing Kobe Beef’s irresistible charm. In addition to Kobe Beef, the menu features premium Japanese beef like Yamagata Beef, all affordably priced. Just a minute’s walk from the station, it’s ideal for introducing overseas guests to Japanese food culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Yakiniku Kobe Jushiya
Open:
[Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,600 JPYAccess:
About 1-minute south from the west exit of JR Motomachi Station. Located on the basement floor of a building with Nakau on the first floor.Address:
B1F, Nishiki Bldg., 2-10-1, Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation 7. Kobe Beef Yakiniku Okatora
Located just a 6-minute walk from Sannomiya Station, Okatora is a stylish three-story yakiniku restaurant run by former professional baseball players Takayuki Kato and Koji Okamoto. Mr. Okamoto, with his expertise in meat processing, offers premium Kobe beef from Hyogo Prefecture and carefully selected Wagyu. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and artful presentation, all reasonably priced, Okatora accommodates every occasion. The first floor features counter and table seating, the second has semi-private rooms, and the third offers private rooms with sunken kotatsu seating.
Kobe Beef Yakiniku Okatora
Open:
Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPYAccess:
6-minute walk from the West Exit of Sannomiya Station on JR Kobe Line, 4-minute walk from the West Exit of Kobe Sannomiya Station on Hankyu Kobe LineAddress:
2-2-8, Kitanagasa-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
8. Kobe Teppan Steak Iwasaki
Iwasaki offers an intimate teppanyaki experience, ideal for special occasions. This exclusive restaurant specializes in A5 Kobe beef, Japanese black beef, seasonal vegetables, and seafood, all selected by an expert chef devoted to teppan cuisine. With just 13 counter seats, the sophisticated space emphasizes the quality of each dish while ensuring a relaxing dining atmosphere. Perfect for birthdays or anniversaries, Iwasaki is a designated Kobe Beef registration store, guaranteeing an unforgettable meal.
Kobe Teppan Steak Iwasaki
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)Closed:
WednesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 15,000 JPYAccess:
4 minutes walk from JR Sannomiya Station / On the second floor of the building with the green staircase, which can be seen one minute after entering Higashimon StreetAddress:
2F, KOSIN Bldg., 1-3-5, Simo-yamate-dori, chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
9. Watahan
Watahan serves Grade A-4 or higher Sanda beef, known for its tender texture, sweet fat, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Specializing in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, only the finest Tajima cattle are selected. Ingredients are locally sourced, including Koshihikari rice from Sanda and Tamba sweet potatoes for the rich Tororo dipping sauce. Twin eggs are used to enhance the sukiyaki experience. Set in a serene Japanese atmosphere, Watahan combines exceptional cuisine with warm hospitality, making every visit unforgettable.
Watahan
Open:
Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Reservation required / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
SundayAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPYAccess:
5-minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the Hanshin Main Line, 5-minute walk from Kobe Sannomiya Station on the Hankyu Kobe Main LineAddress:
4-9-17, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
10. Originator of Teppanyaki Steak Misono, Kobe Main branch
Misono, the pioneer of teppan iron griddle cooking, serves an exquisite menu featuring world-famous Kobe beef and handpicked A4 and A5 Kuroge Wagyu. Guests can enjoy high-end seafood like lobster and abalone, freshly grilled on meticulously designed teppan grills for precise temperature control. Each seat is positioned by a grill for an immersive dining experience. Pair your meal with Fukuju sake from a renowned local brewery, thanks to Misono’s exclusive partnerships. Perfect for banquets, group dining, and celebrations, Misono offers a blend of tradition and indulgence.
Originator of Teppanyaki Steak Misono, Kobe Main branch
Open:
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm )Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPYAccess:
2 minutes walk toward North from the West Exit of the [Sannomiya Station], the Hankyu Kobe line; directly outside of the West Exit 1, the Sannomiya station, the Kobe city subway lines.Address:
8F, Misono Building, 1-1-2 Shimo-yamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
11. Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA
Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA offers an unforgettable dining experience with A5 grade Kobe beef, prepared as teppanyaki steak or teppanyaki shabu-shabu, alongside fresh seasonal ingredients. The menu features exquisite dishes like colorful appetizers, chawanmushi cooked on the griddle, and rice prepared in an earthen pot. Indispensable seafood, including prawns and abalone, complements the flavors of land and sea. The restaurant’s interior showcases Japanese aesthetics with washi paper lanterns and golden folding screens, creating a serene atmosphere. Enjoy thrilling performances and warm hospitality at SAKURA’s three counters.
Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA
Open:
Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPYAccess:
5-minute walk from [Sannomiya Station]. On the 2nd floor of the building next to Ikuta Shrine.Address:
203, Lion Bldg. Sannomiya, 2-17-10, Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe city, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation 12. Beefsteak Kawamura Sannomiya main branch
Beefsteak Kawamura Sannomiya serves award-winning champion Kobe beef, perfectly grilled by expert chefs who account for the meat’s thickness, fat, and marbling. The teppanyaki performance, done right in front of guests, resembles a captivating live show. Their highlight is the Steak Course Using First Prize Winning Kobe Beef, with portions available in 100g, 140g, or 180g. Set in a sophisticated restaurant with elegant brick décor, Kawamura offers a cozy, premium dining experience perfect for any occasion.
Beefsteak Kawamura Sannomiya main branch
Open:
[Weekdays except Monday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPYAccess:
2 minutes walk from Sannomiya Station on JR Kobe Line. Walk along the nothern street of Tajima Kobe Bldg. towards west and turn right at the first cornerAddress:
1F, Nuba spiritto Bldg., 4-5-13, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation 13. Sumibi Shichirin Yakiniku Itozakura
The heir to a long-established butcher, Oi Nikuten (established in 1871 (Meiji 4)), is the owner of this restaurant. They are not concerned with the brand or place of origin of the meat. The owner has a very keen eye, and uses his years of experience to handpick the best quality meat and wine that are enjoyed by his customers at reasonable prices. He is very passionate about serving truly fresh and delicious meat through measures such as only cutting the meat once it has been ordered. The [Osusume Moriawase] is highly recommended. It consists of only the best cuts of meat of the day. Why not come here yourself and enjoy the sumptuous meat filled with passion?
Sumibi Shichirin Yakiniku Itozakura
Open:
[Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Normal hours: 17:00 - 23:00 (Last order: 22:00)Closed:
SundaysAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPYAccess:
From Nishi-Motomachi Station, walk for 1 minute along the north side of JR Koka.Address:
8-3-2 Kita Nagasadori , Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.