10 Must-Try Restaurants in Kobe, Japan

This no-frills restaurant has been packing in customers for more than 40 years with a single dish: gyoza (Japanese-style dumplings). Hyotan’s dumplings are known for the light texture of their wrappers, which are filled with savory cabbage, minced pork and leek. Tucked beneath the tracks of Hanshin Sannomiya Station, Hyotan has no English sign, but look for the red noren curtains hanging in front of the entrance.

Hyotan, 1-31-37 Kitanagasadori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, +81 78 331 1354

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For many people, the name ‘Kobe’ is inextricably linked to its world-famous beef, and Wakkoqu is one of the best places in the city to give it a try. There are several set menus featuring various cuts of beef, which is cooked directly in front of dinners on large iron griddles. The beef is served alongside side dishes like soup and fried vegetables, and the chefs provide guidance on which sauces and seasonings to add for different flavor experiences.

Opened in 1948, Nishimura is a timeless café that offers more than 20 different blends of coffee, all of which are roasted on-site. Set in a German-style house, its distinct half-timbered exterior has helped to establish it as a well-known Kobe landmark. The interior exudes the same elegant charm, decorated with antiques and beautiful wooden furniture. It was one of the first places in Japan to serve now-popular cappuccinos, Vienna coffees and coffee jelly, earning it a lasting place in Kobe’s coffee culture. Aside from coffee, the café offers a light menu of sandwiches, cakes, and other snacks.

Nishimura, 1-26-1 Nakayamate Dori, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, +81 78-221-1872

Nailey’s Grill is a friendly, European-style restaurant nestled down a quiet alleyway. The international menu features burgers, sandwiches, soups, and Kobe beef, but the restaurant is particularly well-known for its Caesar salads. The staff speak both Japanese and English, and the interior is invitingly decorated with warm lighting, comfortable seating and muted pink walls. Jazz music adds to the laid-back atmosphere, making this spot a great place for a meal or post-dinner drinks.

Nailey’s Grill, 2-8-12 Kanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, +81 78 231 2008

Nailey’s Grill, 2-8-12 Kanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan – Courtesy of Nailey’s Grill

Sun is one of the city’s few avant-garde restaurants, known for its creative dishes and trendy decor. The menu features seasonal fish, grilled eel sushi, tofu, and premium meats such as Kagoshima pork. The restaurant is also known for its dim sum, which represents an innovative twist on the Chinese tradition. The contemporary interior features metallic mesh walls, earthenware pottery, dried flowers, and its 10th floor location allows for dramatic views of the Kobe cityscape.

Set in the former Kobe Union Church, Café Freundlieb offers one of the city’s most unusual dining settings. The German owners were married in the church and later purchased the building to save it from demolition, subsequently making the decision to convert it into a café. The design takes advantage of the church’s distinct architectural features, including its arched windows, exposed wooden beams and sky-high ceilings. The menu features salads, sandwiches, organic coffee, as well as fresh pastries, bread, cakes, and other desserts which are made at the on-site bakery.

Café Freundlieb, 4–6–15 Ikuta-machi, Chūō-ku Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, +81 078-231-6051

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A photo posted by @sotoyamatic on Jul 15, 2016 at 7:37pm PDT

Bistrot Café de Paris offers authentic French cuisine and one of the city’s few outdoor dining areas. The menu features soups, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, as well as classic French dishes like beef bourguignon and crème brûlée, in addition to an excellent selection of Belgian beers and wine. The interior is decorated to resemble a typical French café, complete with a live accordion player serenading dinners on certain days.

Bistrot Cafe-de-Paris – Photo Courtesy of Bistrot Cafe de Paris

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