Kokubu Steak House - Kobe

We chose this restaurant based on its reviews, and I can assure you, the reviews don't lie! I wish I could give six stars! The evening spent at Kokubu was the most memorable dinner experience I ever had. Not only thanks to the food (which was incredible), but also thanks to the people. Nikohiro; his mom making her special fried rice for us and his son waitering for us are the sweetest people. The Kobe beef was amazing, it quite literally melts in your mouth. We had a early dinner reservation at 5 pm and there was only one other guest in the restaurant for an hour. Nikohiro gave his undivided attention to us, explaining us everything we have to know about Kobe beef. Later the restaurant got really busy. If you can, I'd advise you to make an early reservation for the best experience! Even if you are full, don't miss out on Kokubu mom's delicious fried rice at the end of the evening! We paid around ¥32000 for 450 g of Kobe beef (A5 grade) and a bottle of wine. Dear Kokubu family, thank you so much for this unforgettable evening!

I've visit this steakhouse 4 years ago, without reservation. We are so lucky. It's the best beef steak we've try. During our dinner, when the chef/owner learned we are from Indonesia. He get to his drawer and show us sambal BELIBIS from our country that he like so much I'm planning to visit KOKUBU again this month. It's been long overdue to be able to come again to Japan. The first time is the lucky one for our family to dine in without reservation. This time, try to avoid dissapointment and push our luck. I want to make reservation in advance. Is anyone know how to make reservation? I have call the phone number at the website. Also try the email. But cannot get through. I will be very gratefull if anyone can help. Thank you so much.

This is a very special experience that is focused on the food. Straight up first-rate A5 Kobe beef, grilled veggies, and rice. No jingles and bells. The chef is there grilling and cutting right in front of you and focused on you and your food. The place is nothing fancy but the service and experience is still levels above what you get in your typical fine dining restaurant in Japan. Highly recommended. Ps. Looking through the reviews, the only bad ratings are because people wanted to eat there, walked in, and didn’t get a table. Yes. It is a small, simple, chef restaurant with few seats and you will need a reservation. Nothing wrong or unfair with that people!

Like what others say, small family run joint that put so much dedication and soul into what they make and serve. I've never tasted anything as good or satisfying as kobe beef from here--an amazing experience to keep for life. Service was superb with so much care and attention shown towards everyone there. We were the last customers for the day, so the chef opened a bottle of sake to drink with us before closing the restaurant. A small warning to book in advance as the restaurant is very intimate and theyre usually fully booked.

We traveled from yokohama to visit Himeji-jo, but no possibility that I leave the opposite without a proper cove meat dinner. searched Google reviews and we made reservations at kokubu. we were not disappointed! in any case call them ahead for reservations, 2 weeks in advance we were not able to get the exact date we wanted, but to the luck our timetable was flexible. the chef was pretty busy filling a big Bento order when we first arrived, but once he got our service was great, super friendly, and the steak was just delicious. we had our 4 year old daughters with us, my wife and I ordered a set menu with intention to share only with her, but the chef prepared extra sweet for our daughters (we are honest, they pay for the bark not the sweet). if they are curious about the price, for a combined 350g bark meat, a few side rice, and a few drinks a piece it was ¥31000. everyone was very nice, I love the fact that it's family in the possession of the boss and his wonderful mother who walked the place for 47 years. the employees were all super nice to use and for our 4yr old, which made our dinner so much more pleasant.