TOP 6 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANTS IN OSAKA FOR STEAK FOODIES
If there is one culinary wonder to be sampled in Japan, it is the world-famous Kobe beef. Its meticulously cultivated marble literally melts in your mouth. It is a must for any food lover to taste this mouth-watering delicacy in its hometown.
Kobe beef comes from the Tajima strain of Japanese black cattle raised in Japan’s Hyogo prefecture, just south of Osaka. Breeders take the utmost care in raising the cattle using specially developed feed. As confronting stringent regulations, they are able to craft an incomparable cut of beef that demands respect and belief.
Around 3,000 heads of cattle qualify as authentic Kobe beef annually. As you can imagine, restaurants that serve this heavenly product take great care in providing not only great food but a great experience to go with it. Osaka has no shortage of establishments to cater to your Kobe cravings.
There is a rating system that judges the quality of Japanese beef, Wagyu. It has a rank of A1 to A5 with A5 being the finest of the finest. Although, this is somewhat misleading as the quality of A1 grade Wagyu will still make your mouth salivate! In this post, we will review the top six Kobe beef restaurants in Osaka that are renowned for their beef.
#6 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA - TSURUGYU
Coming in at number six in Osaka’s best Kobe beef is Tsurugyu, located within walking distance of Nippombashi station. Upon entering Tsurugyu, you are immediately greeted by its classy aesthetic of rich dark colors and grand centerpiece of assorted cuts of Kobe beef. This would instantly get you in the mood for a night of feasting.
Tsurugyu is a Yakiniku style restaurant, meaning you will grill your own meat over a charcoal grill situated on your table. The Yakiniku experience is great to share with friends! Also the scent of barbecued aromas drifting through the air not only enhances the atmosphere but also the flavor of the food.
Tsurugyu boasts several special Kobe beef delights such as the ‘special loin’ an exquisite shoulder cut that softly disintegrates in your mouth. It leaves only a purely delightful taste that you wish would never end. You could find the perfectly marbled Tajima beef bone rib, aged for two days to heighten its already rich flavor.
In addition to some of Osaka’s finest Kobe beef, there is an array of accoutrements on the menu to balance out your meal. Ranging from salads, soups to their ‘special tongue salt’ .. I definitely recommend trying the tongue as this dish has the power to change your mind about eating tongue.
If you are searching for a delicious meal of Kobe beef with friends in Osaka, Tsurugyu is certainly a place worth visiting. The restaurant offers an English menu and plenty of friendly assistance, so you have no excuses!
Address: 3 Chome-5-14 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 5PM - 12AM, Closed: Monday
Price Range: Courses starting at ¥6000 / A La Carte starting at ¥500 (before tax)
#5 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA - STEAK HOUSE JUJU
Situated in the lively Dotonbori area of Osaka is Steak House Juju! It is the number five Kobe beef restaurant on the list. Steak House Juju is an intimate Teppanyaki style restaurant where you could watch the masterful chefs prepare. They will grill your food on the massive iron plate that is on the countertop from your front row seat.
Check out the entertaining atmosphere generated by the chefs as they create edible art on the roaring hot plate. This can also be a great reason to enjoy a meal at Steak House Juju. Head chef who has been cooking high grade Kobe beef for 35 years carefully selects premium cuts.
If you select one of the course options, which I highly recommend, waves of tasty and vibrant dishes are served up starting with fresh seasonal vegetables and seafood. Then followed by the star of the show, the ‘special selection’ black beef sirloin. The black beef sirloin is the signature dish at Steak House Juju. Chefs sear the sirloin to perfection, pouring all of their passion into the meat. The result is a buttery masterpiece that would make you remember it for the rest of your life.
Due to the size of the restaurant, a reservation is essential. Steak House Juju delivers not only great food based around quality Kobe beef, but a true Osaka night out.
Address: 2-1-7 | B1 Sun Dotonbori Building, Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071
Hours: Monday - Saturday 5PM - 11PM / Closed: Sunday, 1st and 3rd Monday
Price Range: Course starting at ¥9500 / A La Carte starting at ¥500 (tax included)
#4 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA – STEAK & WINE OXON
At number four on our list of the best places to eat Kobe beef in Osaka is Steak & Wine Oxon. It is nestled in the Osaka food and drink mecca – the Dotonbori district.
As soon as you walk into Steak & Wine Oxon, you are struck by its decadent retro design! The romantic interior is based on the luxury ocean liner – the Titanic. It really is like stepping back in time, on board the famous ship and all without the risk of hitting an iceberg and sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
But do not be fooled this place takes their Kobe beef seriously, dishes are served in the authentic teppanyaki style. They have a wide selection of premium cuts including tenderloin, sirloin and chateaubriand. All of the meat on the menu is organically fed and raised. Therefore you can have a morally sound night's sleep after your visit to Steak & Wine Oxon.
Steak & Wine Oxon will give you a luxurious and unique night out in Osaka. With amazing Kobe beef fresh off the teppan, you might even get some live music to help digest the tasty meals.
Address: 2 Chome-3-9 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0086
Hours: (Lunch) Monday - Saturday 11:30AM - 2:00PM / (Dinner) Monday – Saturday 5PM - 11PM / Closed: Sundays and holidays
Price Range: Lunch course starting at ¥3300 / Dinner course starting at ¥15000 (tax included) / A La Carte available
#3 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA - KOBE BEEF STEAK KEN
At number three in the best Kobe beef restaurants in Osaka, is Kobe Beef Steak Ken. This little restaurant located in Shinsaibashi has a warm familiar feel to it, very comforting for guests.
The restaurant is set up in a Japanese style with floor seating and low tables. If you are tall you might want to do some intense stretching before dinner or alternatively sit up at the counter by the teppan.
Kobe Beef Steak Ken is owned and operated by the head chef and his wife. This adds a welcoming charm that is hard to replicate at other restaurants. The same love the duo give to their business also flows into the food they serve.
The trademark dish is a Kobe beef sashimi that has a bold flavor. Despite not being cooked, it dissolves into your mouth and proves the quality of the meat.
Kobe Beef Steak Ken is like eating dinner at your parents house. (If your parents were some of the best chefs in the country). It is for this reason I recommend this place to anyone who visits Osaka.
Address: 2 Chome-3-5 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085
Hours: Monday - Saturday 5PM - 11PM
Price Range: Courses starting at ¥10000 (tax included) / A La Carte and children’s menu also available
#2 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA - STEAKHOUSE KOZAI
Entering the list of Osaka’s best Kobe beef restaurants at number two is Steakhouse Kozai. It is located in the busy Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. This stylish Teppanyaki style restaurant serves only the highest quality Kobe beef.
The chefs take pride in preparing stunning courses, impeccably cooked on the teppan and beautifully presented. The quality of the produce served at Steakhouse Kozai is something that must be experienced. It is characterized by the intense fine marbling and tender buttery texture of the meat. Furthermore, they offer a magnificent selection of wine to pair with your meals. It's great for an occasion when you are trying to impress that special someone this is the place in Osaka.
The trademark dish on the menu is the lobster. You will need to let them know a day in advance so they can acquire the lobster fresh from the market. If you're a fan of lobster I highly recommend this dish because it’s insanely delicious.
Steakhouse Kozai is another cosy Osaka gem, so be sure to make a reservation.
Address: 1 Chome-17-15 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0083
Hours: (Lunch) Monday - Sunday 11:30AM - 2:30PM / (Dinner) Monday - Sunday 5PM - 10PM
Price Range: Lunch course starting at ¥1400 / Dinner course starting at ¥8000 (before tax) / A La Carte and Children’s menu also available
#1 KOBE BEEF RESTAURANT IN OSAKA - STEAK MISONO
* Note: As of February 2024, the store is closed.
Finally, we have reached the summit of our list of the best Kobe beef restaurants in Osaka. The top spot goes to Steak Misono! This Osaka institution is located a minute’s walk from Kitashinchi station in the bustling Umeda district.
Steak Misono has its roots in Kobe, first opening its doors in 1945. It has a legitimate claim to be the original Teppanyaki restaurant in the world. The store in Osaka was opened in 1962, so it is safe to say that the crew at Steak Misono have a rich and decorated history when it comes to serving premium Kobe beef.
The opulent decor has a reminiscent of the Japanese Showa era. Also, the exemplary customer service will make you feel as important as the Emperor himself. Simple cooking techniques, minimal seasoning and only the finest ingredients are the philosophy at Steak Misono. The chefs utilize all 75 years of know how to create a delicate and refined culinary experience that you will never forget.
Steak Misono is not only the premier Kobe beef restaurant in Osaka but quite possibly the world. If you want to enjoy the traditional teppanyaki experience, you cannot miss Steak Misono.
Address: 1-11-19 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-Ku | Star Building 3F, Osaka 530-0002
Hours: (Lunch) Monday - Saturday 11:30AM - 2PM / (Dinner) Monday - Saturday 5PM - 10PM
Price Range: ¥3900 - ¥57000
IN CONCLUSION
It is hard to describe the reverence that Kobe beef is given in Japan, beginning with the careful raising of the cattle, the hand selection of the cuts and delicate preparation of the meat. All the way up to its masterful cooking and elegant presentation. It truly is a remarkable experience that allows you to taste Japanese eating culture in every bite and is worth it!
Therefore, the next time you have a craving for some of the finest red meat in the world, don’t settle. Why not enjoy eating Kobe beef in many styles? You can be entertained by chefs working the hot plate teppanyaki style or chef yourself and do it in yakiniku fashion! Osaka has it all.
Given its proximity to the grazing fields of Kobe and its well deserved notoriety as Japan’s kitchen, there is no better place on planet Earth to eat Kobe beef than right here in Osaka. Now that we've prepared a list of Kobe Beef restaurants for you, it’s about time for you to hit the streets of Osaka! For those looking for a more homely restaurant, check out these Osaka steakhouses.
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