Kokubu Steak House - Kobe

So a familiar place mother (90) and son who leads this place and really cares for the guests and high-quality eating! the menu is tiny, but they get their Kobe-Rind (sirloin or tenderloin) and it is delicious! the roasted garlic rice was also really good! highly recommended

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.

Yes, this place can get very busy and yes you do require a booking. The lower ratings on this place is just silly and are people who didn't make bookings but still expect a popular restaurant to always be available for them. Kokubu is definitely my #1 favourite restaurant in the world that I've ever visited. The beef is just melt in the mouth. I tried both the tenderloin and the sirloin and they were both perfect in their own ways. I loved the how the fat in the sirloin was cooked separately and when you bite into them, they're like delicate little sacs where the outside is nice and crispy and then when you bite into it the fat just melts in your mouth. The garlic rice made by Mr Kokubu's mother is just perfect. Mr Kokubu told us the stories about how this restaurant was passed along his family through the generations. He also told us stories about Tajima beef and that this is the only beef that would actually melt in your mouth. Definitely get yourself a booking as this restaurant is a must in Japan!

The chef was really accommodating to my group of 4 who showed up without a reservation. Understandably, we were initially turned away by the hostess but the chef personally came running out to invite us in and made space for us to dine in. The kobe beef was sinful in the best way possible! It was a first time for all of us and we really enjoyed our experience at KOKUBU. We will remember to call in advance to make a reservation should we come back for more!

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!