Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [312]
Toritetsu (327-5529; 1-16-12 Nakayamate-dōri, Chūō-ku; dinner per person from around ¥3000; 5pm-midnight; JR Kōbe line, Hankyū Kōbe line or Hanshin Main line to Sannomiya) Almost opposite the Daiichi Grand Hotel on Higashimon-gai, this bustling yakitori restaurant is a good place to eat, drink and watch the chefs labour over their grills. The sign says ‘yakitori’ in English and there is some English on the menu.
Wakkoqu (262-2838; 3F Shin Kōbe Oriental Ave shopping mall, 1-1 Kitano-chō, Chūō-ku; lunch/dinner from ¥3234/8250; 11.45am-10.30pm; Seishin-Yamate subway line to Shin-Kōbe) If you’re a carnivore, you’ll want to try some of Kōbe’s famous beef, and this is a good place to do it. The steaks here are among the best we’ve had anywhere. It’s on the 3rd floor of the Avenue shopping centre at the base of the Crowne Plaza Kōbe hotel, just outside the elevator bank on the south side. There is a small sign reading ‘Steak Wakkaqu’.
Mouriya (391-4603; 2-1-17 Yamate-dōri, Chūō-ku; lunch/dinner around ¥4800/10,000; lunch & dinner, closed first Mon of the month; JR Kōbe line or Hanshin Main line to Motomachi) This downtown Kōbe beef specialist isn’t as elegant as Wakkoqu, and the trimmings aren’t quite as good, but it’s very easy to enter and casual. There’s an English menu and the staff speaks a bit of English. If you want to experience a real juicy steak, we recommend the sirloin here.
International
Ganso Gyōza-en (331-4096; 2-8-11 Sakaemachi-dōri, Chūō-ku; 6 gyōza ¥420; 11.45am-3pm, 5-8.30pm, closed Mon; JR Kōbe line or Hanshin Main line to Motomachi) This is the best spot in Nankinmachi for gyōza. They make both fried dumplings (yaki gyōza) and steamed dumplings (sui gyōza). Use the vinegar, soy sauce and miso on the table to make a dipping sauce. It’s next to a small parking lot – look for the red-and-white awning and English sign.
Modernark Pharm (391-3060; 3-11-15 Kitanagasa-dōri, Chūō-ku; lunch & dinner from ¥850; 11.30am-10.30pm, to 10pm Sun, closed irregularly; JR Kōbe line to Motomachi) This interesting little restaurant serves tasty sets of Japanese and Western dishes, including burritos and rice dishes. There are some veggie choices here. Look for the plants. English menu.
Sona Rupa (322-0252; 2-2-9 Yamate-dōri, Chūō-ku; lunch/dinner from ¥850/3500; 11.30am-2.30pm & 5.30-10pm, closed Wed; JR Kōbe line, Hankyū Kōbe line or Hanshin Main line to Sannomiya) We like this small Indian restaurant for its crispy naan bread, tasty curries and tranquil atmosphere. It’s on the 3rd floor, with a sign at street level. English menu.
Court Lodge (222-5504; 1-23-16 Nakayamate-dōri, Chūō-ku; meals ¥1000-2000; 11am-10.30pm; JR Kōbe line, Hankyū Kōbe line or Hanshin Main line to Sannomiya). If you feel like eating right in the heart of Kitano, this Sri Lankan place serves tasty set meals and delicious Ceylon tea.
Nailey’s Café (231-2008; 2-8-12 Kanō-chō, Chūō-ku; coffee from ¥430, lunch/dinner from ¥1050/1200; 11.30am-midnight, to 2am Fri & Sat, closed Tue lunch; Seishin-Yamate subway line to Shin-Kōbe) This hip little cafe serves espresso, light lunches and dinners. The menu here is Europe influenced and includes such things as pizza, pasta and salads. This is a good spot for an evening drink. English menu.
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DRINKING
Kōbe has a large foreign community and a number of bars that see mixed Japanese and foreign crowds. For Japanese-style drinking establishments, try the izakaya in the neighbourhood between the JR tracks and Ikuta-jinja. Also bear in mind that a lot of Kōbe’s nightlife is centred around the city’s many cafes, most of which transform into bars come evening.
New Munchen Club (335-0170; 47 Akashi-chō, Chūō-ku; 11am-11pm; JR Kōbe line to Motomachi) A decent German-style pub that draws its share of foreign residents. It’s got a picture menu for food. It can be a little smoky, but the beer is good and it’s easy to enter. It’s close to Daimaru department store, on the basement floor.
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