Cosmopolitan port city Kobe has a great selection of restaurants in all budget ranges, across all genres. Whether you want to indulge in gorgeously marbled Kobe beef or gorge yourself on toothsome pastries, there’s something for everyone in Kobe.
Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa – image © Florentyna Leow
All of these places can be found on our Kobe Google Map.
Best Places To Eat in Kobe by Area
Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa – image © Florentyna Leow
Sannomiya-Motomachi
- Hyotan
Tucked beneath the train tracks at Hanshin Sannomiya Station in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district, down-to-earth Hyotan specialises in gyoza or Japanese dumplings. - Komon
Kobe is famous for its tender, marbled Wagyu beef and Komon is a popular (and reasonably-priced) venue to get a taste in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district. - Kokubu
Located in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district, you’ll need a reservation to eat at Kokubu. But the restaurant is a strong contender for sampling Kobe’s famous beef. - Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya Honten
As the name suggests, Kobe Steak Restaurant Mouriya Honten is a well-established teppanyaki steakhouse in the Sannomiya part of Kobe, that’s been in business for over 130 years. - Kobe Gyu Ramen Yazawa
Appropriately for Kobe, Gyu Ramen Yazawa serves up delicious beef ramen dishes simmered in a choice of broth. This Sannomiya-based restaurant lives up to its reputation. - Steakland Kobe-kan
If you’re keen to try Kobe beef but are on a stricter budget, Steakland Kobe-kan in the Sannomiya district is here for you. One of the most affordable restaurants in the city but also a fun experience. - Kobe Gyu Takakura
Kobe Gyu Takakura is a small Kobe steak restaurant in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district. The menu is flexible and you can tailor to your budget but you’ll need a reservation. - Isuzu Bakery
If you’re interested in trying a more Japanese bakery, Isuzu in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district is a good choice for breakfast pastries, such as a ‘toreron’ sausage roll or curry bread.
Quiche-ya – image © Florentyna Leow
Kitano-cho
- Wakkoqu
Whilst there’s no shortage of places in town to try Kobe’s famous Wagyu beef, Wakkoqu in the Kitano-cho district is one of the best. It’s expensive but a great introduction to this excellent cuisine. - Nishimura’s Coffee
Nishimura’s Coffee in the Kitano-cho district is an elegant space to spend an hour or two. Tasteful interiors, on-site roasting, and delicious cakes make for a great experience. - Freundlieb
Set in Kitano-cho’s former Kobe Union Church, Freundlieb offers vaulted ceilings and lots of light. It’s great as a coffee stop but also serves an excellent breakfast. - Ça Marche
Incredibly, bakery Ça Marche offers more than 100 types of bread, which sees locals queuing out the door. There’s an outdoor terrace, so it’s also a great place to watch the world go by. - Quiche-ya
As the name implies, Quicha-ya is a haven for quiche connoisseurs. You can taste the gamut of quiche concoctions, including a recipe made with Kobe beef. A perfect takeaway option for sunny days. - Kitano Club
Kitano Club is a gorgeous hillside restaurant serving French fine-dining. It’s reasonably pricy but the food is classic and the bar offers excellent views of Kobe below.
Kobe Travel Guide:
- Kobe Travel Guide Overview
- Things To Do In Kobe
- Places To Eat In Kobe
- Kobe Itineraries
- Family-friendly Attractions in Kobe
- Kobe Cherry Blossoms
- Kobe Fall Foliage
- Kobe Districts
- Kobe Ryokan
- Kobe Hotels
- Kobe Map
- How To Get To Kobe
- Getting Around Kobe
- Best Time To Go To Kobe
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help