Kobe isn’t just about legendary beef—it’s a gateway to Japan’s finest culinary traditions. From sizzling teppanyaki to intimate sushi counters, here are 5 must-try Japanese restaurants perfect for foreign visitors, complete with English-friendly services and unforgettable experiences.
🔥 1. Steak Aoyama
Specialty: Kobe Beef Teppanyaki
Why Foreigners Love It:
- English-speaking chefs who explain cooking techniques while performing teppanyaki theatrics.
- Clear beef grading displays (A5 rankings demystified!).
- Must-order: “Kobe Beef Fillet Course” (melt-in-your-mouth texture) with garlic fried rice.
Tip: Book via their English website. Sit at the counter for front-row views of your steak’s journey!
🍣 2. Sushiseisakusho Mitsu
Specialty: Edomae Sushi
Why Foreigners Love It:
- Omakase (chef’s choice) menus with seasonal fish—no language barrier; chefs use visual menus.
- Secluded counter seating (12 seats only) feels exclusive yet welcoming.
- Must-try: Chūtoro (medium-fatty tuna) and Hokkaido uni.
Tip: Reserve via Pocket Concierge (English platform). Lunch is 40% cheaper than dinner!
� 3. Mouriya Honten (Est. 1885)
Specialty: Historic Kobe Beef Dining
Why Foreigners Love It:
- Century-old charm meets modern comfort—private rooms available.
- Interactive dining: Choose your own A5 beef cut from a display case.
- Must-order: “Sandai Mouriya Course” (beef + lobster combo).
Tip: Request the “foreigner-friendly” menu with allergen icons. Near Kitano Ijinkan (tourist area).
🥢 4. Ishida. Kobe
Specialty: Modern Kaiseki with Kobe Beef
Why Foreigners Love It:
- Instagram-worthy presentation—dishes resemble edible art.
- Multilingual tablet menus show cooking videos for each course.
- Must-try: Wagyu shabu-shabu in dashi broth.
Tip: Opt for the shorter 7-course menu if new to kaiseki. 5-min walk from Sannomiya Station.
🍜 5. Nadaman Kobe (in the Okura Hotel)
Specialty: Refined Washoku (Traditional Japanese)
Why Foreigners Love It:
- No-stress elegance: English staff guide you through multi-course meals.
- Vegetarian-friendly options (rare for high-end Japanese spots!).
- Must-order: Matcha-salted tempura and Kobe beef sukiyaki.
Tip: Perfect for post-sightseeing—views of Mount Rokko from the dining room.
🌟 Final Tips for Foreign Diners:
- Reservations: Use TableCheck or hotel concierges—most top spots require bookings.
- Etiquette Simplified:
- Say “itadakimasu” (ee-ta-da-kee-mas) before eating.
- Never stand chopsticks upright in rice.
- Budget: Expect ¥8,000–¥30,000/person. Lunch sets offer great value!
Kobe’s food scene blends luxury with warmth—where every meal tells a story. Whether it’s beef that dissolves like butter or sushi that tastes of the ocean, these spots promise more than a meal: they offer Japan on a plate. 🥢✨
> “In Kobe, even the simplest dish is a love letter to craftsmanship.”