Update-date: Mar 04 2025
Author: SAVOR JAPAN
Globally renowned brand beef, Kobe beef. Its delicate texture that melts on your tongue and its high-quality flavor are irresistible. Here are five restaurants where you can enjoy Kobe beef in its best state, thanks to the skills of the chefs. Perfect for dates or special occasions that will be remembered.
1. MARCO
MARCO offers a refined teppanyaki experience centered around exquisite Kobe beef and Kuroge Wagyu. With over two decades of expertise, the owner-chef meticulously grills each cut to perfection. Beyond premium meats, MARCO showcases fresh seafood like lobster and abalone, alongside flavorful vegetables sourced from Awaji Island. The restaurant’s uniqueness shines through its sommelier couple, who curate an extensive wine list to complement every dish. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking culinary excellence, MARCO promises a memorable dining experience.
MARCO
Open:
[Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 - 3:00 pm (L.O.2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 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 Beef Steak Hana-Houbi
Tucked away on the second floor of a back alley building near Sannomiya and Ikuta Shrine, Hana-Houbi is a hidden gem specializing in teppanyaki. This sophisticated restaurant serves certified Kobe beef, showcasing prized cuts like sirloin, filet, and chateaubriand. Complementing the premium beef is a selection of live abalone, lobster, and fresh vegetables sourced from across Japan. The culinary experience extends to the drink menu, featuring domestic whiskey and a curated wine list. Hana-Houbi’s elegant and modern ambiance makes it an ideal destination for both special occasions and business dinners.
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
3. Kobe Steak Sai Dining
At Kobe Steak Sai Dining, we select and procure top-quality Kobe beef of the highest A5 grade, including award-winning cattle. Enjoy the exquisite flavors with the meticulously crafted course meals featuring seasonal vegetables handpicked by a vegetable sommelier. You can also savor premium ingredients like foie gras and abalone at reasonable prices.
The sophisticated interior, characteristic of Kobe, features impressive chic white wall tiles. The teppanyaki counter is divided into three islands, creating a calm atmosphere. For birthdays and anniversaries, there's a delightful free service where an additional sweet is added to the usual dessert and decorated.
Kobe Steak Sai Dining
Open:
Lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:30 - 22:30 (last order 21:00)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPYAccess:
5 minutes on foot from Sannomiya Station. Upon exiting the station, proceed west along Sunset-dori Street, make a right at the street after the intersection with Tor Road, and the restaurant will be 150 meters ahead on the right.Address:
B1 Cosmo Building, 3-1-9 Shimoyamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo More Details Reservation
4. Yakiniku Meat Ushio
Yakiniku Meat Ushio offers a stylish and approachable dining experience for discerning yakiniku lovers. The restaurant’s industrial-chic design creates a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for dates, gatherings with friends, and celebrations. Ushio prides itself on serving “Shikata Beef,” known for its exceptional quality. Indulge in the “Special Beef Assortment,” featuring premium cuts like top ribs, enhanced by Ushio’s signature sauce. A diverse selection of alcoholic beverages and budget-friendly courses ensure a satisfying experience for every guest. Discover a new level of yakiniku excellence at Yakiniku Meat Ushio.
Yakiniku Meat Ushio
Open:
Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPYAccess:
4-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station/Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya StationAddress:
1F West, Irie Bldg., 4-6-15, Ninomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo MapMore Details Reservation
5. Watahan
Watahan invites you to experience the exquisite taste of Sanda beef, carefully selected for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. The restaurant specializes in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, allowing the high-grade beef to shine. Watahan is committed to using top-quality, locally sourced ingredients, from the Sanda Koshihikari rice to the Tamba sweet potatoes used in their flavorful dipping sauce. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, down to the use of twin eggs in their sukiyaki. Enjoy a truly authentic and indulgent Japanese dining experience at Watahan, where the owner’s passion for quality and hospitality shines through.
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
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.