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.

In this elegant restaurant near Shin-Kobe Station, cuts of meat are on offer from 9,000 yen ($80/70€) for sirloin, and prices can go up to almost 15,000 yen ($132/116€) for the finest cuts of meat. The chef prepares the fresh meat in front of your eyes, with perfect seasoning. The lunch menu is recommended as it includes a small piece of Tajima beef as well as the accompaniments such as rice, soup, vegetables, plus dessert and coffee, for a very reasonable 5,380 yen ($47/42€).

Stepping into Wakkoqu, diners are transported to a retro ambiance where the magic of teppanyaki unfolds right before their eyes. The Japanese black course, complete with soup and salad, showcases the authentic Kobe beef, identifiable by its gold cow trophy and chrysanthemum emblem. Presented raw, the staff's recommendation of a medium-rare grill brings out the meat's exquisite flavors, complemented by seasonings like salt, pepper, mustard, and soy sauce.

A steak restaurant standing at the entranceway to Kobe's Kitano district. All of the restaurant's seats encircle a teppanyaki frying plate, and diners can watch as Kobe beef, a top class variety of Tajima beef, is skillfully prepared by a chef right in front of their eyes. Served piping hot and juicy, diners can enjoy their beef however they like, including with natural coarse salt, black pepper, mustard, or a special Japanese sauce.

Wakkoqu Kitanozaka is another teppanyaki-style restaurant where each dish is prepared in front of you and the grilling of the meat is considered an art. Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant serves high grade Kobe beef with a special black sauce made to a secret recipe. Also on the menu are a variety of other grilled delicacies such as abalone, seasonal seafood, and fresh vegetables.

Located next to the mall in Shin-Kobe, Wakkoqu is a place to sample cuts of Kobe beef if you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience, but it comes at a price – the finest cuts can cost up to 15,000 yen. It’s a teppanyaki restaurant where the beef is cooked on an iron plate in front of customers (think Benihana!). Chefs are on hand to advise on sauces and suitable wine pairings.

According to my friend Eriko (a Kobe native), Wakkoqu is among the best Wagyu restaurants in Kobe—and I can’t disagree with her. I personally love visiting the “city” location (as opposed to the one near Shin-Kobe Station), though both offer amazing Teppanyaki meals. Do note that unlike Misono (which only appears phone reservations), you can reserve seats at Wakkoqu online.

If you want a more traditional Kobe Beef meal and have a budget that allows for it, make sure to check out Wakkoqu, one of the most prominent establishments serving Kobe beef in Kobe. Their lunch will set you back between 4,000-6,000 yen, and at dinnertime course meals are available from 12,000 yen. Reservations are available through their English language website.

Sure, the spelling warrants a tilt of the head and a squint, but Wakkoqu is actually a symphony of culinary artistry and casual elegance. As you step inside, the cozy yet refined atmosphere welcomes you like an executive. Their Kobe beef offerings are a testament to the chef’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients as.

Our memory of an enjoyable lunch at the Wakkoqu Kobe beef restaurant in spring of 2016 was still fresh in our mind. After visiting Himeji Castle, we decided to have lunch at the Wakkoqu again before exploring Kobe’s Kitano-cho area near there.

There are many excellent local restaurants to choose from, including Wakkoqu, Meriken Hatoba, and Kokubu. Just check that your date is not vegetarian first!

Wakkoqu (11:45am-9pm; closed Tuesdays) – a pricier teppanyaki restaurant that also offers different cuts of beef and a cooking show.