Update-date: May 10 2023
Categories:
Kobe
Japanese Cuisine
Is it safe now to eat out in Kobe? Is it not? It is still in the gray area. But if you need some time to refresh your mind and belly, it might be the time to go out and eat, as long as you follow the safety protocol. It is now more important than ever to carefully choose where to eat. Many restaurants are taking extra steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. How does the new normal in Japan look like for restaurants?
*Business hours of the restaurants may differ due to the State of Emergency.
1. Japanese Restaurant HA-ZE
HA-ZE is located in Kitano, away from the hustle-bustle of the town. They have been continuing their restaurant till this day, supported by ingredients from across Japan, accompanied with delicious sake Japan is proud of, and the smiles of the guests which is their cornerstones. You may use this restaurant for important occasions such as business meetings and celebrations as their dishes are prepared with lots of time and care with a great atmosphere. One of the attractions of HA-ZE is the comfortable hospitality of the female manager reflecting her gentle and warm personality. In the evening they can cater to a variety of needs as they have more than 10 kinds of kaiseki style course meals such as Haze and Kobe Beef Kaiseki. In addition, for those who would like to enjoy drinks or light kaiseki meals, they have a new limited-to-counter-seats mini kaiseki course called Yunagi. All seatings other than counter seats are private rooms for 2 people or more.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ To prevent the outbreak, the restaurant provides private rooms for small groups.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ To prevent the outbreak, the restaurant provides private rooms for small groups.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
Japanese Restaurant HA-ZE
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 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: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from [Sannomiya station] of JR Kobe Line / 12-minute from [Shin-Kobe station] of Hokushin kyuko Hokushin Line and Kobe Municipal Subway Yamate Line
Address: 3-1-8, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
More Details
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from [Sannomiya station] of JR Kobe Line / 12-minute from [Shin-Kobe station] of Hokushin kyuko Hokushin Line and Kobe Municipal Subway Yamate Line
Address: 3-1-8, Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
More Details
2. Setsugekka Hanare
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Extra-large, meaty, wild Abalone from Sanriku and silky Foie Gras―At Hanare, high-quality ingredients like these are exactingly selected and cooked right in front of diners on a griddle for the precise time needed to bring the umami to its full potential, a feat that earned the restaurant a Michelin star in 2014. Hanare was opened in Sannomiya in 2014 with an ambition of creating delicious dishes that would surpass the main restaurant. The stunningly delicious Kobe Beef Sirloin Steak is aged over a long period of time, resulting in superb umami and texture. This steak's exterior is seared with a flame, creating a crispy texture outside, and this ingenious cooking process makes the melt-in-your-mouth meat. There are private rooms available for parties of 5 all the way to parties of 16. After you finish eating, relax and enjoy the beautiful nighttime views from the restaurant.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Space of more than a seat is opened between seats.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Space of more than a seat is opened between seats.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
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
More Details
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
More Details
3. Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA
Kobe Beef Steak SAKURA is a restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience with courses of premium Kobe beef and seasonal ingredients. A5 grade Kobe beef is served in two ways: as teppanyaki steak and teppanyaki shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables). The restaurant enchants guests with courses full of ingredients from the sea and land, including colorful appetizers, chawanmushi (egg custard) finished on the griddle, rice freshly cooked in an earthen pot, and vegetables that are simply grilled to bring out their natural flavors. On top of that, they stock ingredients of the highest quality, including seafood that is indispensable to teppanyaki, such as prawns and abalone. The interior is decorated to represent Japanese aesthetics that create an extraordinary atmosphere, with colorful paper lanterns made of Japanese washi paper and golden leaf folding screens with drawings of cherry blossoms and dragons. Indulge in the thrilling performance and attentive hospitality at the three counters in the restaurant.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
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: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 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 Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 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 Map
More Details Reservation
4. Setsugekka Sumibiyaki - Kobe beef Steak Kappo
At this restaurant, you can experience the joy of savoring Kobe beef - known for its vivid red and delicately marbled meat, as well as for its mellow sweet aroma - in a variety of ways. The menu consists primarily of course meals, through which guests can enjoy fresh Kobe beef and other ingredients that are cooked in several different ways to enhance their natural appeal. The Sumibiyaki Steak of Kobe beef that has been dry-aged and cooked in a special kiln is especially outstanding. The concentrated umami (Japanese savory taste) that fills the mouth is complemented by the aroma of binchotan (premium charcoal), creating a taste that is out of this world. Eat together with rare sake (a type of Japanese alcohol) or wine, it guarantees a blissful time! This is a great restaurant for special occasions and business dinners, so why not visit to dine on Japanese cuisine based around Kobe beef and branded alcohol?
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ To prevent the Coronavirus outbreak, the restaurant provides private rooms for small groups.
☑ Space of more than a seat is opened between seats.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
☑ Guests measured more than 37.5°C will be asked to leave.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ To prevent the Coronavirus outbreak, the restaurant provides private rooms for small groups.
☑ Space of more than a seat is opened between seats.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
☑ Capacity limits are set for the number of guests.
☑ Guests measured more than 37.5°C will be asked to leave.
Setsugekka Sumibiyaki - Kobe beef Steak Kappo
Open: 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from [Sannomiya Station]. Go straight on Kitanozaka Street and turn right at the cake shop. It is on the 2nd Floor of Parfum Bldg., which is on the left.
Address: 2F, Parfum Bldg., 4-8-19, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
More Details
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from [Sannomiya Station]. Go straight on Kitanozaka Street and turn right at the cake shop. It is on the 2nd Floor of Parfum Bldg., which is on the left.
Address: 2F, Parfum Bldg., 4-8-19, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Map
More Details
5. Kobe Steak Sai Dining
Sai Dining uses Kobe beef, which is one of the finest brands of beef in the world prided in Kobe. Furthermore, only A5-ranked beef, which is the highest grade is used. All of the ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and fish, are carefully selected before being procured, and the courses use an abundance of seasonal vegetables that have been carefully selected by a vegetable sommelier. In addition to that, the teppanyaki (griddle dish) fish is fresh enough to eat as sashimi and can be ordered a la carte. The seasoning techniques are simple since the quality ingredients are never below expectation. Guests are welcome to experience the flavors of these high-end ingredients. When guests come in, grilled vegetables, seafood, and high-quality meat are prepared, right before their eyes. So stop by and enjoy a delicious meal while watching the chef's knife and cooking skills.
Extra Hygiene Measures against Coronavirus:
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
☑ Sanitizers are provided at the entrance and inside.
☑ Staff members are required to wash their hands and gargle frequently.
☑ Staff members are required to wear masks.
☑ Staff members are required to check their body temperature before working.
☑ Thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed.
☑ Cooking utensils and dishes are sanitized.
☑ The restaurant is periodically ventilated.
☑ Information regarding cough etiquette is displayed in the restaurant.
☑ The restaurant’s current status for the measures against COVID-19 is displayed.
Kobe Steak Sai Dining
Open: Lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:30 - 22:30 (last order 21:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Access: 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 Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 13,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,500 JPY
Access: 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 Map
Those are the 5 restaurants in Kobe that are actively striving to combat the spread of COVID-19. Remember, if you must go out, wear your mask, wash your hands regularly, and keep the 2-meter distance with other people. Stay healthy and stay safe!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
