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. 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 Map
More Details Reservation 2. Sumibi Yakiniku Tsubaki
At this restaurant, customers can enjoy Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef), such as Kobe beef, at affordable prices. Everything is succulently grilled with binchotan (high-grade charcoal made from ubame oak). The menu also includes Kobe pork that's freshly stocked from Kobe City Western Market, seasonal vegetables, and authentic kimchi handmade by experts in Korea. While relaxing and enjoying their meals, customers will find themselves soothed by the gentle jazz music in the background. Naturally, this classy atmosphere makes for an ideal date spot!
Sumibi Yakiniku Tsubaki
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
*Assortment of Tokusengyu (Finest Beef) costs 3,500 JPY. Tsubaki Course costs 3,500 JPY.
Access: 1 minute walk from Kamisawa Station
10-minute walk from Hyogo Station
Address: 7-2-5, Kamisawa-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
MapMore Details 3. Yakiniku Tomiya
Only a 2-minute walk from Shinkaichi Station, this restaurant is extremely accessible. Here, customers can enjoy meat at reasonable prices that have all been carefully selected by the owner. The blocks of meat that can be seen inside the refrigerator from the dining area will surely draw your attention! They are particular about delivering the freshest and most delicious meat to their customers, which can be seen in in their actions, like how they only slice the meat once an order comes in. The [Tencho Osusume Goka Tokusen Niku Set] is highly recommended, and consists of the most luxurious meat chosen by the manager from the top cuts of the day.
Yakiniku Tomiya
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinkaichi Station
3-minute walk from Minatogawa Koen Station
Address: 1-1-2, Nakamichi-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
MapSource: More Details 4. Yakiniku Fuji
This restaurant serves only the finest quality Kuroge Wagyu. While the quality of the meat goes without saying, the value for money might come as a surprise! The [Slice of Grilled Top-Class Loin] is so large and luxurious that it really makes a lasting impression on diners. The extensive menu includes not only a wide variety of meat, but also a generous side menu consisting of noodles, soup, and rice. Why not plan a visit to this restaurant the next time you are in Kobe?
Yakiniku Fuji
Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday (closed the following day instead if Monday falls on a national holiday)
Average price: 4,001 JPY - 4,500 JPY
Access: Shinnagata Station
Address: 3-1-1, Wakamatsu-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
(Map)Source:
hitosara (Japanese) 5. Hien
The concept of Hien is to "compromise nothing". This yakiniku restaurant is very particular about all of their ingredients. They thoroughly research everything regarding the especially safe and flavorsome Sanda beef, such as where the cow was born and bred. Absolutely everything is supervised - from production to distribution. The owner makes no compromises in ensuring that all customers can eat delicious and safe meat. They are also proud to offer top-quality rice and charcoal, and even the restaurant interior is great! It is a must-visit restaurant!
Hien
Open: [Monday - Saturday] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Beginning and end of the year
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY - 5,999 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Address: 1-1-69, Matsubara-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
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hitosara (Japanese) 6. Yakiniku Possamuchipu
Yakiniku Possamuchip is famous for having a "wide variety of meat". The stylish appearance of the restaurant - especially the black and white motifs of a cow on the tables - shows that this isn't your typical yakiniku joint. It is plain to see that the owner cares not only for the quality of the food served, but also the interior of the restaurant. This restaurant has an extensive menu that includes an assortment of raw ingredients, as well as great offal that are sold at great prices. The daily recommendations can be found written on the wall, so don’t forget to take a look! Making a reservation is highly recommended at this popular restaurant.
Yakiniku Possamuchipu
Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY - 4,999 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY - 2,999 JPY
Address: 1-2-20, Eki Minami-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
(Map)Source:
hitosara (Japanese) 7. Kanetake Hyogo Main Branch
This restaurant is popular for its affordable prices, achieved thanks to getting their ingredients delivered directly from farms. Their wasabi is also worth a mention - it goes amazingly well with meat, and just so happens to come from the oldest wasabi plantation in Japan! Enjoy your meal at ease in this relaxing restaurant that strongly cares for their ingredients. It is not only the meat that is highly recommended - please also try the [Tail Ramen], which is packed full of collagen!
Kanetake Hyogo Main Branch
Open: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: December 31, January 1
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY - 4,999 JPY
Address: 1F, Grand Palais Hyogo, 6-1-27, Tsukamoto-dori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
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hitosara (Japanese) 8. Tajimaya
Reservations are required at this popular restaurant that is frequented by well-known entertainment stars and professional sports players. It has a great reputation not only for its top-quality meat, which are all sold at reasonable prices, but also for its fantastic customer service. While a customer can, of course, fill their stomach up on fine meat, an extensive side menu is also available, making it ideal for parties and after-work meals. If you visit Kobe, then don't miss out on visiting this gem!
Tajimaya
Open: [Food Stand] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Tatami Room] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY - 3,999 JPY
Address: 2-3-4, Nishide-machi, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
(Map)Source:
hitosara (Japanese) 9. Mangetsu
This restaurant that's only a 3-minute walk from Hanakuma Station is very popular, thanks to its wide variety of meat that are sold at very affordable prices. The [Omakase Course] allows customers to taste a generous selection of what's on offer at Mangetsu. Being quite particular about their sauces, they have developed them so that they bring out the full flavor of the meat. While the atmosphere of the first floor is bursting with energy and people, horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables) are available on the second floor for anyone looking for a more relaxing dining experience. Take the opportunity to try their wide selection of meat, sold at reasonable prices!
Mangetsu
Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY - 5,999 JPY
Address: 8-7-3, Shimo Yamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
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hitosara (Japanese) 10. Maruyasu
This restaurant is directly managed by a butcher store with a trained eye for quality. They are very particular about the quality of meat that they serve. All of their meat are produced in Japan, which allows customers to enjoy their meal at ease. An extensive range of offal is also available, and everything comes with affordable price tags. The compact interior is a truly ideal place to enjoy a meaty meal in a comfortable environment.
Maruyasu
Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY - 4,999 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Address: 3-1, Kita-machi, Nagata-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
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hitosara (Japanese) 11. Shichirin Yakiniku KIKUYA
Customers at this restaurant can enjoy top quality meat grilled over a charcoal shichirin (portable cooking stove). Alongside the reasonably priced meat is an extensive side menu, consisting of - but not limited to - high-quality offal. It is recommended to eat it as yukhoe (Korean dish of seasoned raw meat) or raw liver. Although the meat menu is simple, all the meat is of good quality, taken to the next level by the expertise of the owner. The customer service is also very highly rated, and the comfortable atmosphere makes it easy to bring children along, too!
Shichirin Yakiniku KIKUYA
Open: [Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY - 3,999 JPY
Address: 1F, 2-1, Nishi Miyauchi-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
(Map)Source:
hitosara (Japanese) 12. Otaya Kobe Minatogawa Branch
There is plenty of high-grade meat at affordable prices at this restaurant, which is managed by a butcher store. Also open during lunch, there are two ways to have your meal prepared - you can either have the restaurant cook the meat for you, or cook it yourself. Enjoy your meal any way you want! No matter which method you choose, both cost around 1,000 JPY during lunch - making lunch time the best time to visit this restaurant for authentic yakiniku! Top quality Tajima beef (a type of Kuroge Wagyu) is also available within the extensive meat menu. This is a must-visit place!
Otaya Kobe Minatogawa Branch
Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY - 7,999 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Address: 1F, Minatogawa Center Bldg. A, 1-16-8, Arata-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
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hitosara (Japanese) 13. Yakiniku & Grill Kisaka
Both yakiniku and grilled cuisine (such as sirloin steak) can be enjoyed at this restaurant. The hamburg steak comes highly recommended. As this is a yakiniku restaurant, you can enjoy hamburg steak that is different from those served in other restaurants. Beef ranked A4 and above are carefully handpicked by this restaurant, assuring customers of the finest quality. A wide variety of wine is also available for those who like to indulge in both wine and meat at the same time.
Yakiniku & Grill Kisaka
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am – 2:00 pm *May close early if sold out
[Monday - Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (reservations required)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY - 3,999 JPY / [Lunch] Up to 999 JPY
Address: 1F, ADVANTAGE, 4-3-14, Eizawa-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
(Map)Source:
hitosara (Japanese)
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.