Get Your Fill of Steak While Watching the Chef at Work! 5 Recommended Kobe Steak Restaurants in Sannomiya with Counter Seating Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 08 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Get Your Fill of Steak While Watching the Chef at Work! 5 Recommended Kobe Steak Restaurants in Sannomiya with Counter Seating

Kobe beef is one of Japan's Sandaigyu (three major beef brands). This meat preserves the lineage of Hyogo Prefecture's Tajima breed of cattle, and cannot be called "Kobe beef" without adhering to strict regulations. In fact, these standards for judging beef are the strictest in the world. Furthermore, the style of cooking the meat directly in front of customers seated at the counter originated in Kobe, so it's only natural that when eating a steak in Kobe, you expect to see a performance as well! Here is a collection of restaurants from around Sannomiya Station where you can experience Kobe beef with all five of your senses!

See full listings of Teppanyaki restaurants found in and around Kobe.

1. Kobe Teppan Dining Negroni

A satisfying teppanyaki (ingredients grilled on an iron griddle) experience in a private spot for those who desire a nighttime view. This restaurant is only a 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. The wide teppanyaki counter and private rooms, intended for relaxed, leisurely dining, create a calm atmosphere - good for anniversaries, receptions, dates, or any other occasion.

Featuring carefully selected Kobe beef sirloin fillet.

Locally raised, thick Kobe beef sold at market prices.

Kobe Teppan Dining Negroni

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) *Offered on Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays. Reservations required on weekdays.
Dinner 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am) *Recommended to make a reservation.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Located on the 6F of the White Rose Bldg.
Address: 6F, White Rose, 1-7-6, Kita Nagasa-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

2. Kobe Gyu / Kobe Yukiyasai Shin

This restaurant is renowned for the skilled chef's impressive techniques, honed at a famous hotel. The sofa-type counter creates a relaxed, calm atmosphere, and birthday surprises such as cake, flowers, and wine from your birth year are popular features. The exquisite collaborations using high-quality food items such as caviar, foie gras, and truffles are also a major draw.

Enjoy watching your food being prepared right in front of you.

Meat is supplied by contracted farmers with a close relationship to the restaurant, as is the reliably fresh organic produce.

Kobe Gyu / Kobe Yukiyasai Shin

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) *Only lunch menu available, Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
*Irregular closing on May 15
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: Around a 3-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Located on the southern side of Kobe Sauna.
Address: 2F, SEIGYO Bldg., 2-10-12, Kita Nagasa-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Map
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3. Kobe Steak Sai Dining

Where better to enjoy a teppanyaki steak than its birthplace, Kobe? Stylish Kobe locals frequent this restaurant, located in Tor West, which features a simple yet elegant interior created by a designer from Kobe. Naturally, they offer Kobe beef, as well as seasonal vegetables curated by the vegetable sommelier and various fresh fish delivered directly from the market. Carefully chosen ingredients make all the difference here.

Simply prepared, high-quality ingredients speak for themselves. This is the ultimate in omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).

The substantial course option is another popular way to enjoy this excellent meat.

Kobe Steak Sai Dining

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last entry at 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (last entry at 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
*Except December 31 and January 1
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY *Courses from 5,400 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY *Courses from 3,300 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Head west on Sunset Street and turn right at the next street that intersects Tor Road. The restaurant will be another 150m ahead on the right.
Address: B1F, Cosmo Bldg., 3-1-9, Shimo Yamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Map
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4. Kobe Steak Iccokuya

This counter-style restaurant only has 8 seats, which allows it to provide a high level of attentive service. The red carpet creates a chic atmosphere inside this tucked-away location right by Sannomiya Station. With only 8 counter seats, every slightest whim can be attended to, and conversation will unfold naturally in the intimate space. Watching the performance of the steaks being cooked right in front of you is another highlight.

Top-quality steaks cooked exactly to customers' preferences.

Proudly serving Kobe beef awarded the Kobe Beef Fair Excellence Award.

Kobe Steak Iccokuya

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 5,900 JPY *Courses from 5,900 JPY
Access: Proceed north from the West Exit for 5 minutes, passing via Seishin-Yamate Line's East Exit 8 to the left. Turn left at the next passageway, then right at the second passageway, and proceed for another 40m.
Address: 1F, West Bldg., 1-7-8, Naka Yamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

5. Setsugekka Hanare

Enjoy the flavors of this starred restaurant with all five of your senses. The prominent counter, featuring a water tank, will catch your eye the moment you walk in, and the restaurant's open, stylish feel is perfect for enjoying both the nighttime view of Kobe, as well as the flavors that earned it a star.

The steak is crisp on the outside while juicy and soft on the inside, with a wonderful aroma.

As the Kobe beef dances on the grill, its freshness combines with skillful preparation for a fully satisfying experience.

Setsugekka Hanare

Open: [Weekdays, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: Exit JR [Sannomiya Station] West Exit and head north. Go straight towards the corner with the docomo store and turn left at the second Lawson store. Cross the road to the right at the next light, and it will be next to Nakahyogo Shinkin Bank.
Address: 8F, La Doll Ray Kobe Sannomiya Bldg., 1-25-6, Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo (Map)
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.