Best Kobe Beef Restaurants in Kobe: Where to Eat in Kobe

Kobe beef has become a global phenomenon thanks to its rarity and quality. Only a small region in Japan is certified to produce Kobe beef. The cattle’s bloodlines are limited to specific families of Tajima cattle raised to exacting standards in Hyogo Prefecture. 

Even in the world of high-quality wagyu beef, Kobe beef is considered some of the best meat on the market. It’s no surprise that Kobe beef makes the list of what to eat in Kobe, and while you can find Kobe beef around Japan, trying it in the very city it's named after hits different. 

While Kobe beef may be the most recognizable part of the city, Kobe has more to offer than just its juicy beef. In this walking tour, you’ll first visit Ikuta Shrine, the oldest shrine in the city, and marvel at its beautiful torii gate. 

Then, head to Kitano, a historical district in Kobe. Stroll through the streets and take in the sights of beautiful Western-style buildings and a wealth of religious buildings. 

Of course, no tour of the city would be complete without beef, so you’ll end up at one of the best Kobe beef restaurants in the city to enjoy a juicy Kobe beef set meal. 

There’s nothing like enjoying food fresh from the source, so let’s dive into the heart of Hyogo to discover the best and most famous Kobe beef restaurants in its capital city.

First on the list of the best Kobe beef restaurants in Kobe is En Steakhouse, a luxurious venue where guests can enjoy not one, not two, but three different cuts of Kobe beef in one course meal. The flat-iron teppanyaki grill offers diners an up-close view of every expertly cut and seared course. 

The showmanship of teppanyaki is more than just a feast for the eyes because all the beef here is sourced directly from Nakanishi Ranch, an award-winning wagyu ranch and partner of the official Kobe beef co-op.

Conveniently located next to Sannomiya Station, the city's transit hub, Kobe Steak and Cafe Noble Urus Sannomiya takes great care in sourcing the finest cuts of A5 Kobe beef to serve customers. 

High-quality wagyu from other areas of Japan, like Hokkaido and Kyushu, are also procured from trusted suppliers, allowing guests to compare a range of wagyu cuts.

Of course, if you are only after an assortment of strictly the best Kobe beef in Kobe, their finest course menu includes 320g of finely marbled A5 Kobe beef loin, filet, chuck flap and chuck eye roll. 

Savor each melt-in-your-mouth piece of beef while fully experiencing the world of Japan's most recognized wagyu beef. 

Employing a style not unlike the immensely popular TeamLab interactive art exhibits, Farm to Table Kanbe uses projection mapping of Kobe landscapes on the tables to tell the story of the local areas that bring the restaurant’s dishes to life. 

Taking inspiration from Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine, each course is full of fresh dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The star of every course menu is Kobe beef, served in styles ranging from a traditional steak, a Japanese-style hamburg steak and even Kobe beef sushi.

Treat yourself to this multisensory experience as you envelop yourself in the beautiful projection mapping landscapes, the calming ambient soundscape, and, of course, the rich flavors of Kobe beef, all at an affordable price point.

Surround yourself with the eclectic atmosphere of 1960s American memorabilia while enjoying courses of affordable Kobe beef at Kobe Steak Propeller. With an interior that melds vintage gas station vibes with a 60’s era lounge, the restaurant certainly has a distinctive style. 

Kobe beef is the main attraction, and each course serves up 200g of succulent Kobe steak. Cooked on a special grill that removes excess grease, the beef develops a delightful crispness with a sharp, savory flavor and just the right amount of fat. 

A range of seasonal side dishes that beautifully complement the richness of the Kobe steak completes your course meal.

A great place to try Kobe beef in style, Royal Mouriya is conveniently located next to Kobe-Sannomiya Station and is one of three restaurants in the area run by the same wagyu beef company. It may just be their most elegant. 

In dignified and mature surroundings, they serve A5-grade wagyu beef with gorgeous marbling. It's all cooked teppanyaki style, so you can savor the sights, sounds and smells before each dish.

Accolades and plaques line the luxe storefront of this 3-story mansion of meat. Yazawa could be your one-stop-shop for Kobe beef, located just two minutes from Sannomiya Station and offering a varied menu. 

There are two main draws to choosing Yazawa over other local venues, however. Yazawa offers takeout box meals of their fantastic Kobe beef steaks, so you have no excuse to miss out on trying Kobe beef during your trip, even if you have to enjoy it on the go. 

You can also buy freshly butchered cuts on-site to take out on a camping trip or for outdoor barbecues on the Mt. Rokko side of town.

Who better to serve world-famous Kobe beef than the people who raise the cows themselves? Kobe Plaisir is a true rarity, even in Japan. Hyogo's JA Agricultural Association owns and operates the elegant, contemporary eatery, offering farm-to-table fare and rotating menus. 

The beef and vegetables here are all fresh and seasonal, sourced directly from next-door farms, and the wine comes from an attached vineyard. 

The reservation-only course menu even comes with a take-home gift!

The perfect place for backpackers, solo travelers, and big eaters, Shabunoya offers all-you-can-eat Kobe beef hot pot at excellent prices. After a few seconds in the light but flavorful broth, that exquisite marbling begins to soften into a melt-in-your-mouth slice of heaven. 

One-person dining is their specialty, offering a great wagyu and shabu-shabu experience even if you aren't traveling with a group. 

Do you consider yourself a master griller? Try your hand at this do-it-yourself yakiniku spot in Kobe, where guests can try a wide array of cuts at reasonable prices. 

Yakiniku allows guests to season and sear steak to their liking over an engaging and interactive dining experience. 

You won't find dazzling lights or plaques advertising the beef here, but Moriya's homey feel hides its accolades. 

Moriya is one of only a few hundred shops in the world offering trade-mark-certified Kobe beef, so you can bet that even though the pricing seems average, the meat is superior.

This joint offers a rich and juicy Kobe beef burger as well as other regular burgers, perfect for anyone traveling with a family. You can also order a certified Kobe beef steak that’s served without the luxury fuss. 

You don't need to sit down for a 2-hour course meal to enjoy some of the best Kobe beef in the city.

Discover some of the best spots in Tokyo to try Kobe beef and other premium cuts of wagyu or learn about Matsusaka beef, said to be Japan’s most expensive beef.