“Since I’ve come all the way to Kobe, I want to taste authentic Kobe beef,” some visitors may think. Kobe beef is a designation given only to beef from Tajima cattle that meets strict standards, and it’s served only at limited establishments. Therefore, to taste the real thing, you need to verify whether the restaurant is a “Kobe Beef Designated Registered Store.”
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the definition of Kobe beef and the designated registered store system, and introduces recommended restaurants in the Kobe area where you can enjoy Kobe beef. By learning about each restaurant’s particular commitment and characteristics, you should be able to find the perfect place that matches your travel purpose and budget.
1. What is Kobe Beef
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Kobe beef is a designation given only to beef from Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture that meets particularly strict standards. It’s commonly called “Kobe-gyu,” but the official name is “Kobe Beef” or “Kobe-niku.”
Kobe beef certification involves many conditions including bloodline, breeding environment, and grading standards.The meat quality must be grade “A” or “B” at 4th grade or higher, the BMS (Beef Marbling Score) indicating the degree of fat marbling must be 6 or above, and it must meet certain carcass weight requirements. It’s recommended not only as steak but also in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu preparations.
1-1. What are Kobe Beef Designated Registered Stores
引用：神戸ビーフ・神戸肉流通推進協議会「神戸ビーフの指定登録店とは」引用日2025/8/5
Kobe beef can only be enjoyed at designated registered stores.From production farms to restaurants, only businesses registered under the strict management of the Kobe Beef Distribution Promotion Council can legitimately handle Kobe beef.
Registered stores display either a “membership certificate,” “designation certificate,” or “bronze statue” at their storefront, which serve as proof that they provide authentic Kobe beef.When visiting, look for the Kobe Beef Designated Registered Store signage as your guide.
2. Top 10 Recommended Restaurants Where You Can Eat Kobe Beef
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For those who want to savor Kobe beef in its hometown, we’ve carefully selected popular restaurants in Kobe that legitimately serve it. You can enjoy Kobe beef sirloin and Kobe beef fillet at any of these restaurants, so please find the perfect place to create memorable travel experiences.
2-1. Misono Kobe Main Store
Founded in Kobe in 1945, “Misono” is a renowned establishment known as the birthplace of teppanyaki steak.Each table has a dedicated chef who carefully prepares Kobe beef steak right before your eyes, allowing you to enjoy it with all five senses.
The restaurant is located on the 7th and 8th floors of their own building near Sannomiya’s Ikuta Shrine, where you can spend special moments while admiring Kobe’s beautiful night view.Along with carefully selected Kobe beef, they offer a full selection of drinks that pair well with the cuisine, including sake from the local brewery “Fukuju.”
2-2. Aragawa
The long-established restaurant “Aragawa,” founded in 1967, is a renowned steakhouse specializing in charcoal-grilled steaks using rare purebred virgin Tajima cattle.Their steaks are cooked in a special charcoal oven using bincho charcoal, seasoned only with salt and pepper to fully bring out the natural umami of the ingredients.
A distinctive feature is their exclusive selection of female cattle aged 40 months or more.They accommodate grilling preferences across 10 levels from rare to well-done, with skilled craftsmen delivering exquisite results for each plate.
2-3. Wakkoqu
“Wakkoqu” exclusively selects only the highest quality Sanda beef and Kobe beef from Hyogo Prefecture’s Tajima cattle, serving them using their unique “aburi-yaki” (flame-searing) method. Their steaks, expertly flame-seared with masterful technique, bring out the meat’s natural umami and rich flavor.
Seasonings can be enjoyed according to preference, including natural coarse salt, black pepper, and their special Wakkoqu-style sauce.With two locations in Shin-Kobe and Kitano, you can enjoy the ultimate meat experience alongside the charm of Kobe, where nature and urban life harmonize.
2-4. En Steak House
“En Steak House,” located near Kobe’s Motomachi Station, is a renowned teppanyaki restaurant named with the concept of cherishing human connections. They use Kobe beef sourced from the long-established “Nakanishi Ranch” in Kobe, along with Tennouzan beef, spiny lobster, abalone, and seasonal pesticide-free vegetables, paying attention to the production background of all ingredients.
Along with teppanyaki that can be enjoyed with all five senses, they provide quality time.Both lunch and dinner offer experiences where you can fully feel the charm of Kobe.
2-5. Kobesteak Propeller
“Kobesteak Propeller” is a popular restaurant located just a 1-minute walk from Sannomiya Hanazokei-mae Station, offering high-quality Kobe beef in an exotic atmosphere. Their unique grilling method removes excess fat while enhancing the aromatic fragrance and umami characteristic of Kobe beef, creating steaks that pair perfectly with their special sauce.
In addition to Kobe beef, they offer diverse lunch menus featuring Kuroge Wagyu and domestic beef, making it perfect for tourism, dates, and business use.
2-6. Mouriya Honten
Founded in 1885, “Mouriya Honten” is a long-established steakhouse that has been handling Kobe beef for approximately 140 years. In their calm space with a total of 50 seats across three floors, they serve only beef that has been carefully selected with an expert eye, emphasizing the bloodline of Tajima cattle.
Along with high-quality Kobe beef, their “Mouriya Strictly Selected Beef,” which offers taste and flavor comparable to Kobe beef, is also popular.This establishment delivers emotion to both first-time visitors and regular customers, where you can taste exquisite steaks alongside the weight of history.
2-7. Tor Road Steak Aoyama
Founded in 1963, “Tor Road Steak Aoyama” is a long-established teppanyaki steak restaurant located along Tor Road, close to JR Motomachi Station.Carefully selected Kobe beef is expertly grilled on the teppan right before your eyes by skilled chefs and can be enjoyed refreshingly with homemade ponzu sauce.
The restaurant’s homey atmosphere features both counter and table seating, accommodating everyone from solo diners to special anniversary celebrations.With carefully selected ingredients for each dish and homemade desserts, you can spend heartwarming moments here.
2-8. Resthouse Glück
“Resthouse Glück” is a self-service style yakiniku restaurant directly operated by “Honkobe-niku Moritani Shoten,” famous for their croquettes.Located in Kobe’s Nishi ward, this spacious and bright establishment allows you to casually grill and eat your choice of Kobe beef and domestic beef.
Perfect for families and friends, the counter seating also welcomes solo yakiniku dining, offering a high degree of freedom in your yakiniku experience.The menu is diverse, featuring reasonably priced Kobe beef yakiniku lunches, set meals, and limited-quantity tsurami ramen.
2-9. Bifteck Kawamura Sannomiya Flagship Restaurant
Founded in 1972, “Bifteck Kawamura Sannomiya Flagship Restaurant” is a renowned establishment that handles only the finest Grand Champion Kobe beef (award-winning beef) and the highest-grade A5 rank meat. Their exquisite steaks with melting marbled fat are carefully grilled by chefs right before your eyes.
The displayed meat weight represents the “net lean meat” weight with fat and sinew removed.With thorough quality control and a sincere approach, this is a place where you can confidently enjoy the taste of authentic Kobe beef.
2-10. Oi Niku-ten
The restaurant “Beef Cuisine Kobe Oi” is operated by the long-established “Oi Meat Shop” with over 150 years of history, boasting quality and technique unique to a butcher shop. They serve the rare Kobe beef “Tajimazuru,” raised with unique bloodlines and breeding methods. This beef is exclusive to Oi Meat Shop and is characterized by rich umami and a melting texture.
At the restaurant on the upper floor of the main shop, you can enjoy steaks grilled by craftsmen right before your eyes, as well as dishes that showcase high-quality wagyu. This is the perfect place for those who want to taste the essence of Kobe beef.
Conclusion
Kobe beef is world-renowned brand meat that receives certification through strict definitions and examinations. When you want to taste the authentic product, dine at “designated registered stores.” Each restaurant has its own personality in terms of quality commitment, craftsman techniques, and atmosphere, making them perfect for special dining occasions such as travel and anniversaries.
When you want to enjoy Kobe beef gourmet, select a restaurant from those introduced that matches your purpose and style, and consider making reservations or visiting. Each restaurant offers Kobe beef lunch and course options. Kobe beef served at designated registered stores provides not only taste but also peace of mind and satisfaction.
*This article was created based on information as of August 2025.
