Are you a foodie looking for the ultimate dining experience in Osaka?
Look no further than Kobe beef, the world-renowned delicacy that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
But where can you find the best Kobe beef in Osaka?
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.
Fear not, as we have scoured the internet and compiled a list of some of the best places to indulge in this mouth-watering dish.
From teppanyaki-style counters to private rooms, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other.
Where To Eat Kobe Beef In Osaka?
1. Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M
Located in Osaka, Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M is a popular yakiniku restaurant that serves high-quality Matsusaka Wagyu at a reasonable price. The restaurant buys whole cows, not by parts, which allows them to provide Wagyu dishes in various cuts of meat at a very reasonable price compared to other restaurants in Osaka. The restaurant offers private rooms for up to 20 people and has English-speaking staff who can help you order dishes even if you don’t understand Japanese.
2. Steak Sakura Namba Honten
If you’re looking for delicious Kobe beef, Steak Sakura Namba Honten is the place to go. This steak shop prides itself on its world-class selection of Kobe beef and has craftsmen who visit ranches regularly to bring you the best of the best. Located conveniently near Namba Station, this steak shop is perfect for a quick yet scrumptious lunch or a lovely dinner catch-up with friends.
3. Kobe Steak Ishida
Kobe Steak Ishida is located in the new landmark building in Umeda, Osaka “Links Umeda.” The restaurant offers the finest quality and most luxurious Kobe Beef, A5 rank Kobe Beef. Guests can enjoy their meal at teppanyaki-style counter seating in front of chefs or in private rooms seating 5-6 guests. Perfect for anniversary or birthday celebrations, Kobe Steak Ishida is the place to go if you want to relax in extravagance and savor the finest Kobe Beef in Osaka.
4. Steak Aoyama
Run by the same family for the last 50 years, Steak Aoyama is known for its reasonably-priced Kobe beef sets and lovely conversation. The English-speaking owners of Aoyama will treat you like a long-lost child or grandchild, making it a must-visit spot for those looking for a warm and welcoming dining experience.
What Is Kobe Beef And Why Is It So Special?
Kobe beef is a highly prized and exclusive type of beef that comes from the Tajima-ushi breed of wagyu cattle, which are raised in Japan’s Hyogo prefecture. The meat is known for its exceptional flavor, marbling, and texture, which is buttery, smooth, and melts in your mouth. The fat content in Kobe beef is so high that a 100g portion is more than enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Authentic Kobe beef is incredibly rare and makes up only 0.06% of all beef consumed in Japan. Due to strict regulations on weight limits and fat ratios, only a limited number of farms are certified to produce genuine Kobe beef. Contrary to popular belief, the cows are not massaged, fed beer or played classical music all year round. However, beer is traditionally used in the summer months to stimulate their appetite when they can’t keep up with their scheduled intake.
What makes Kobe beef so special is the meticulous care and attention that goes into raising and preparing it. The wagyu cattle are raised on a limited number of farms and are fed a special diet that includes high-quality grains and grasses. The cows are also treated with great care and attention to ensure they are stress-free and healthy.
Kobe beef is often considered the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine due to its rarity, exquisite flavor, and luxurious texture. However, it’s important to note that not all Wagyu beef is Kobe beef. Wagyu simply means Japanese cow, and any cow raised in Japan can be considered Wagyu. Kobe beef is a small subset of Wagyu beef and only the best cows become Kobe beef.
The History Of Kobe Beef In Osaka
Kobe Beef is a delicacy that has been enjoyed in Japan for many years, and Osaka is no exception. The history of Kobe Beef in Osaka dates back to the Meiji era, which began in 1868. During this time, Japan opened up to the rest of the world and foreigners passing through the biggest cities demanded meat. Their own eating habits notwithstanding, Japanese producers began raising animals — meat animals — to meet the need of foreign diners.
Vegetarianism was ended, and producers raised beef animals for the Japanese market as well. Yokohama was one of those emerging centers of trade between Japan and the rest of the world during the Meiji era, and it was full of foreigners who wanted to eat beef. Cattle were raised in the southern parts of Japan, and when foreigners tried this Japanese Kuroge Washu beef from the south and noticed the natural marbling and delicious umami taste, they were impressed.
Since the beef was being shipped via the port of Kobe, that name became associated with this unique beef, even though the beef in fact came from all over the south of Japan and just made a final pitstop in Kobe. The popularity of Kobe Beef grew rapidly, and it became a highly sought-after delicacy not just in Japan but also around the world.
Today, there are many restaurants in Osaka that specialize in Kobe Beef. These restaurants offer a range of different cuts and cooking styles, from teppanyaki-style counter seating to private rooms seating 5-6 guests. Many of these restaurants have been around for years and are run by families who have a passion for Kobe Beef.
Despite its popularity, Kobe Beef remains a rare and expensive delicacy due to its strict regulations and high demand. However, for those who are willing to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, Kobe Beef is definitely worth trying when visiting Osaka.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Kobe Beef Restaurant
When choosing a Kobe beef restaurant in Osaka, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you have the best dining experience possible.
Firstly, consider the quality of the beef being served. Look for restaurants that source their Kobe beef from reputable farms and use only the highest quality cuts. Additionally, check if the restaurant has a Kobe Beef Certificate of Authenticity, which ensures that the beef has passed strict qualifications mandated by the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association.
Another important factor to consider is the restaurant’s atmosphere. Some Kobe beef restaurants in Osaka offer private rooms for a more intimate dining experience, while others have teppanyaki-style counter seating where guests can watch as their meals are prepared right in front of them. Choose a restaurant that offers an atmosphere that suits your preferences and occasion.
The price is also an important consideration when choosing a Kobe beef restaurant. While some restaurants may offer more affordable options, others may have a higher price point due to the quality of their beef and dining experience. Consider your budget and choose a restaurant that offers value for money.
Lastly, check if the restaurant has English-speaking staff who can help you with ordering dishes and understanding the menu. This is especially important if you don’t speak Japanese and want to ensure that you are ordering the best dishes and cuts of Kobe beef available.
By considering these factors, you can choose a Kobe beef restaurant in Osaka that will offer the best dining experience possible.
Top Kobe Beef Restaurants In Osaka: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re a meat lover, you cannot leave Osaka without trying Kobe beef. Kobe beef is a premium brand of wagyu (Japanese black beef) known for its rich aroma, taste, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that comes from the marbling. Here is a comprehensive guide to the top Kobe beef restaurants in Osaka that you must visit:
1. Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M: This popular yakiniku restaurant in Osaka serves high-quality Matsusaka Wagyu at a reasonable price. The restaurant buys whole cows, not by parts, which allows them to provide Wagyu dishes in various cuts of meat at a very reasonable price compared to other restaurants in Osaka.
2. Steak Sakura Namba Honten: This steak shop prides itself on its world-class selection of Kobe beef and has craftsmen who visit ranches regularly to bring you the best of the best. Located conveniently near Namba Station, this steak shop is perfect for a quick yet scrumptious lunch or a lovely dinner catch-up with friends.
3. Kobe Steak Ishida: Located in the new landmark building in Umeda, Osaka “Links Umeda,” Kobe Steak Ishida offers the finest quality and most luxurious Kobe Beef, A5 rank Kobe Beef. Guests can enjoy their meal at teppanyaki-style counter seating in front of chefs or in private rooms seating 5-6 guests.
4. Steak Aoyama: Run by the same family for the last 50 years, Steak Aoyama is known for its reasonably-priced Kobe beef sets and lovely conversation. The English-speaking owners of Aoyama will treat you like a long-lost child or grandchild, making it a must-visit spot for those looking for a warm and welcoming dining experience.
Tips For Enjoying Kobe Beef To The Fullest
Kobe beef is a delicacy that is not to be missed when visiting Osaka. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Kobe beef to the fullest:
1. Make reservations: The best Kobe beef restaurants have a very low capacity, often fewer than a dozen customers at a time. It’s important to make reservations if possible, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak hours.
2. Timing is everything: Most Kobe beef restaurants will be closed from 3pm to 5pm every day, and will not take reservations for that time. It’s important to plan your meal accordingly and perhaps grab an early lunch before working off the calories before an early dinner.
3. Consider your budget: The actual cost of Kobe beef in Kobe can range hugely, from just a taste of the leftover bits for ~$10USD, to a multi-course meal of the best cuts of beef for $250USD+ per person. It’s important to consider your budget and perhaps opt for a more affordable Kobe beef experience.
4. Try different cuts: Kobe beef is known for its intense marbling and unique tenderness. When dining at a Kobe beef restaurant, it’s worth trying different cuts of meat to fully appreciate the flavor and texture.
5. Pair with the right condiments: When eating Matsusaka Wagyu, it’s recommended to eat them with soy sauce or salt which they have purchased from all over Japan. Pairing the right condiments with your Kobe beef can enhance the flavor and overall dining experience.
6. Don’t forget the sides: While Kobe beef is the star of the show, don’t forget to try some of the delicious side dishes and rice that are often served alongside it. Not only will it balance out the richness of the meat, but it will also be easier on your digestive system and wallet.
By following these tips, you can fully enjoy the delicious taste and unique experience of dining on Kobe beef in Osaka.
Other Must-try Dishes In Osaka’s Food Scene
Apart from Kobe beef, Osaka has a plethora of other must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. One such dish is the savory Japanese pancake called okonomiyaki, which was invented before World War II and continues to have country-wide popularity. Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a kind of savory pancake made from a mixed batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, other vegetables, and meat or seafood. It’s grilled and topped with a thick savory-sweet sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of seaweed called aonori. You can customize your okonomiyaki with whatever fillings you wish, making it an exciting dish to try.
Another must-try dish in Osaka is yakiniku, the Japanese style of grilling beef. Yakiniku restaurants offer a variety of Japanese beef cuts that are sliced into bite-sized pieces and grilled over charcoal. The meat is often served with just a few light seasonings like high-quality salt, sesame oil, shoyu, and sometimes a dab of sweet wasabi. Apart from Kobe wagyu beef, there’s also Matsuzaka beef, which some consider superior to Kobe beef, and there are varying levels of Japanese wagyu beef as well. You can also try horumon bbq, which includes the random bits of meat like stomach and esophagus.
For those who love street food, Namba Station is the place to be. There are many restaurants and eateries inside the station itself, and even more within the large shopping complex just outside. Kuromon Ichiba Market is another must-visit spot where you can try sashimi, seafood rice, roasted scallops, Kobe beef, oden (stew), rice balls, soft-serve ice-cream, Japanese daifuku (stuffed rice cake), and more.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, head to the riverside stalls where locals love to grab a bite and a drink or two. Try typical yatai dishes like yakitori, oden, tempura, mentaiko (concentrated pollack roe), and Hakata ramen. These stalls offer an authentic experience of Osaka’s food scene that you don’t want to miss.
