Chunagon Kobe Harborland

Chunagon’s exciting outlet in Kobe Harborland sits on the third floor of the Mosaic wing, where it draws a mix of families unwinding after a day of exploration and couples seeking a romantic evening post-shopping spree. Founded in 1974 by Tsutsumi Sei-ichi, this legendary restaurant has spanned several decades with branches across Tokyo and Osaka. At its culinary heart lies the Japanese spiny lobster, or ise-ebi: a revered seafood delicacy believed to bring success and longevity due to its remarkable shedding process and distinctive curved back. Boiled, grilled, fried or served as sashimi, Chunagon’s excellent shellfish quality relies on frequent shipments from trusted suppliers. The creatures are kept alive in a tank until they are ready to be prepared by chefs who have dedicated their careers to mastering the art of lobster cuisine. For the sashimi, the lobster is cut moments before serving, split and washed with chilled sake, which tightens the meat and enhances its sweetness. The live lobster odoriyaki, a performance-like experience where the chef grills it right in front of you, involves steaming the lobster with the rice wine. Each dish at Chunagon is a masterpiece in itself, presented on stunning plates adorned with vibrant vegetables. Often, the entire lobster shell remains intact for an added wow factor.