Sinking my teeth into a tender morsel of Kobe beef has been on my Japan bucket list for as long as I can remember. And I finally got my chance at Steakland Kobe in Japan.
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Where to Eat Cheap Kobe beef in Kobe
Kobe beef is the most rare and most expensive beef in the world. The odds that you’ve actually had the real thing anywhere else in the world are slim to none. The ubiquitous “Kobe beef sliders,” 3 for $30 at the local pub? Sorry to disappoint you, but most definitely not the real thing.
It’s not just because it was illegal to import Japanese beef into America and other countries for many years, due to concerns around mad cow disease, but also because there’s a very limited supply of Kobe beef produced PERIOD.
Truly, the best place to eat cheap Kobe beef and trust that it’s actually Kobe beef is at its source, in Kobe, Japan. You can find Kobe beef in other cities in Japan and around the world now, but it won’t be as affordable as it is in Kobe.
*Check this list of restaurants to make sure what you’re getting is authentic.
KOBE BEEF IN OSAKA | Most people land at Osaka Airport and then make their way over to Kobe using public transit. If you don’t want to make the extra trip, there are affordable options for Kobe beef in Osaka too! Check menus here.
What’s the Difference between Wagyu and Kobe Beef
Wagyu is often marketed as Kobe beef and they’ve essentially come to mean almost the exact same thing in everyday vernacular. But they are NOT the same.
Where wagyu is basically any cattle raised in Japan or raised in the Japanese style, Kobe beef is strictly regulated. Each must be from the Tajima-gyu strain, have fine marbling throughout, high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, and meet very rigorous standards to be considered Kobe beef.
In fact, there are just 3-4000 head of cattle designated as Kobe beef in all of Japan each year. It’s the rarity as much as the quality that contributes to the high price of Kobe beef around the world.
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Steakland Kobe | The Experience
Address: Japan, 〒650-1112 Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Kitanagasadori, 1 Chome−9−17 三宮興業ビル ６階 | 〒650-1112 兵庫県神戸市中央区北長狭通１丁目９−17 三宮興業ビル ６階
I spent a fair bit of time researching all the restaurants where we could indulge our meat fantasies, and narrowed it down to Steakland Kobe or Wakkoqu.
In the end, Wakkoqu’s $150 price tag deterred me, and we ended up at the much more reasonable, but still excellently reviewed Steakland. Sure, it probably wasn’t the best Kobe beef in Kobe, but it would do for our purposes.
Steakland Kobe is a few floors full of teppanyaki style seating, set up so that everyone can have a view of what the chef is up to.
After some debate, and more than a little confusion while we tried to find out exactly which part of the cow each meal came with, I settled on Steakland Kobe’s Lunch Set, and X ordered the more expensive Sirloin Lunch Set. The idea being that we would try each other’s steaks to compare, and save a bit of cash in the process.
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At Steakland, the Kobe steaks appeared long before someone to cook them did, so we spent some time staring at their juicy redness, dreaming about how delicious they would be, before we actually got to eat them. Even raw, the beef looked different than anything I’ve seen before, with a pinkish cast and threads of fat throughout.
Our chef finally appeared, shyly introduced himself, cleaned the hot plate, then grilled some sliced garlic to crispy perfection, followed by bean sprouts, shimeji mushrooms and green pumpkin.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCkg_rlu7T_/
We were asked if we wanted our steak rare, or medium rare – with no higher choice offered. The chef at Steakland Kobe then sliced, diced and carefully prepared each morsel of meat with absolute precision to the exact level of doneness.
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Steakland Kobe Menu Prices
There’s a huge number of Kobe beef restaurants in Kobe, all with varying service and cost levels. They sky is really the limit when it comes to the price of Kobe beef.
However, Steakland Kobe is solidly on the tourist radar for good reason. Sure, it might not be the best Kobe beef restaurant in the city, but it offers one of the best value Kobe beef sets in the country. Our meal in total, including beer was 12,800 Yen, and included a mid-range cut, one of the most expensive steaks on the menu, soup, salad and coffee.
Check out their full menu on their website.
We arrived around 12:30 on a Saturday and though we found a line outside the restaurant, we were seated quickly (about 15 minutes). There was no issue with bringing our stroller or the baby into the restaurant.
Getting to Sannomiya in Kobe
Steakland Kobe is a short walk away from Kobe’s Sannomiya Station. However, there are many, many other Kobe beef restaurants in the immediate area if you don’t want to go to Steakland.
If you’re landing at Kansai airport in the morning, I recommend hopping on the direct limousine bus to Kobe, before checking out Osaka or Kyoto. That’s what we did and it worked out perfectly.
The bus stop is a 10 minute walk away from all the beef restaurants in Kobe, and there’s plenty to see and do in the area. As an added bonus, you’ll find that lunch menus for Kobe beef in Kobe are much more affordable than dinner menus, for practically the exact same thing.
The bus ride takes approximately 80 minutes and costs 1950 Yen per person. Tickets can be purchased at a machine outside the airport terminal. From Terminal 3 where we landed, the bus departed on the hour at :05 and :55.
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After filling your belly, you can walk off your meal by heading over to the nearby Ikuta Shrine – it’s one of the oldest shrines in the country, and one of the top things to do in Kobe. It’s just a few minutes away.
Steakland Kobe: FAQs
1. Where is Steakland Kobe located?
You’ll find Steakland Kobe near Sannomiya Station in Kobe, nestled amongst a ton of other affordable Kobe beef restaurants. The address is: Japan, 〒650-1112 Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo Ward, Kitanagasadori, 1 Chome−9−17 三宮興業ビル ６階.
2. What are the opening times and days for Steakland Kobe?
Steakland Kobe is open from 11:00 – 22:00, with the last order at 21:00.
3. Can I make reservations at Steakland Kobe?
It is possible to make reservations at Steakland Kobe, by calling +81783322900, however it might be best to have your hotel call due to the language barrier.
4. How much does it cost to eat at Kobe beef at Steakland?
Steakland sells its Kobe beef in set menus, ranging from ￥3,500 at lunch for the cheapest cut to ¥13,800 for the most expensive set at dinner.
Are you a meat-eater? Have you ever eaten a life-changing steak? Where was it? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
Hi Shelley, thanks for the detailed and mouth-watering post! I can’t wait to go to Japan when it opens up again and try out Steakland.
I’m also dying to get back to Japan to sink my teeth into some more Kobe beef! It’s unlike any other beef in the world. Damn COVID.
Hi Shelley, thanks for the detailed and mouth-watering post! I can’t wait to go to Japan when it opens up again and try out Steakland.
I’m also dying to get back to Japan to sink my teeth into some more Kobe beef! It’s unlike any other beef in the world. Damn COVID.
This post had my most absolutely watering. I’ve never tried Kobe beef but this post definitely makes me want to!
It’s definitely worth trying. In fact, I ate it again the 2nd time I visited the area with my parents! We’re so close from Korea, it’d be a shame not to…especially since it’s soooo much more expensive in other parts of the world.
This post had my most absolutely watering. I’ve never tried Kobe beef but this post definitely makes me want to!
It’s definitely worth trying. In fact, I ate it again the 2nd time I visited the area with my parents! We’re so close from Korea, it’d be a shame not to…especially since it’s soooo much more expensive in other parts of the world.
While not a huge fan of just eating meat as a center point of the dish, I can see where having Kobe beef in Kobe would be one of those experiences that you recall years and years down the road. Looking at the portions, I think my hubby would probably be disappointed having paid a bunch of money to still be hungry. But maybe thats where an order of bear would do the trick.
The portions are definitely a little smaller than what we’re used to in North America, but the steak was so rich, satisfying and beyond any other meat I’ve tasted that it was enough.
While not a huge fan of just eating meat as a center point of the dish, I can see where having Kobe beef in Kobe would be one of those experiences that you recall years and years down the road. Looking at the portions, I think my hubby would probably be disappointed having paid a bunch of money to still be hungry. But maybe thats where an order of bear would do the trick.
The portions are definitely a little smaller than what we’re used to in North America, but the steak was so rich, satisfying and beyond any other meat I’ve tasted that it was enough.
The same as what you did, I also visited Kobe to taste the famous beef.
However, recently I have seen posts that there are few restaurants in Osaka who claims to offer Kobe beef as well.
Yes, Osaka has them too, but I found them to much less and a lot more expensive than the ones in Kobe!
The same as what you did, I also visited Kobe to taste the famous beef.
However, recently I have seen posts that there are few restaurants in Osaka who claims to offer Kobe beef as well.
Yes, Osaka has them too, but I found them to much less and a lot more expensive than the ones in Kobe!
I haven’t eaten a ton of steaks. In the 1.5 years I dated my (now ex) Canadian boyfriend who loved steaks, I ate more steaks than throughout the rest of my life! I’m no expert but I loved fillet mignon and sirloin cuts. Anyway, I found it amusing to learn that you sat there staring at a few raw steaks waiting for a chef to come cook them.^^ Nice write up.
My fave is definitely filet mignon as well. I prefer a soft cut without too much threadiness. Haha…us Canadians do love our steaks! But it helps that it’s so cheap and good there. 🙂
I haven’t eaten a ton of steaks. In the 1.5 years I dated my (now ex) Canadian boyfriend who loved steaks, I ate more steaks than throughout the rest of my life! I’m no expert but I loved fillet mignon and sirloin cuts. Anyway, I found it amusing to learn that you sat there staring at a few raw steaks waiting for a chef to come cook them.^^ Nice write up.
My fave is definitely filet mignon as well. I prefer a soft cut without too much threadiness. Haha…us Canadians do love our steaks! But it helps that it’s so cheap and good there. 🙂
Omg… that looks super delicious.. Made my mouth watery. will definitely give it a try in coming few days..
It was beyond amazing! Are u headed to japan soon? Not sure if u can get Kobe beef in korea… it’s def be A LOT more expensive I think!
Omg… that looks super delicious.. Made my mouth watery. will definitely give it a try in coming few days..
It was beyond amazing! Are u headed to japan soon? Not sure if u can get Kobe beef in korea… it’s def be A LOT more expensive I think!
First thing I must say is, DAMN I’m hungry now!
It’s killing me. haha We went to Osaka, and made the trip out to Kobe but ended out steering away from the Kobe Beef because of the price…
But definitely something I will splurge on next time.
Now is that price RIGHT?
1280 Yen for your meal?
That’s like $13…
Is that the real price or a mistake? Maybe 12800?
Yes you are right! 12,800 for both my hubby and me. I get so confused with yen. ? It’s def worth splurging for at least once, especially since it’s sooo much more expensive anywhere else.
First thing I must say is, DAMN I’m hungry now!
It’s killing me. haha We went to Osaka, and made the trip out to Kobe but ended out steering away from the Kobe Beef because of the price…
But definitely something I will splurge on next time.
Now is that price RIGHT?
1280 Yen for your meal?
That’s like $13…
Is that the real price or a mistake? Maybe 12800?
Yes you are right! 12,800 for both my hubby and me. I get so confused with yen. ? It’s def worth splurging for at least once, especially since it’s sooo much more expensive anywhere else.
I enjoy eating meat in Korean restaurants. However, my budget is just $10-50! I hope I can get a sponsored restaurant review so I can try the Kobe Beef! Hahaha!
Haha wouldn’t it be great to get a meal like that sponsored! But I think u can actually get a lunch set for under $50 at steakland… I think mine was about $45!
I enjoy eating meat in Korean restaurants. However, my budget is just $10-50! I hope I can get a sponsored restaurant review so I can try the Kobe Beef! Hahaha!
Haha wouldn’t it be great to get a meal like that sponsored! But I think u can actually get a lunch set for under $50 at steakland… I think mine was about $45!
My family loves meat so I was laughing at your first sentence:-). So, how much was Steakland’s Beef? That 150$ price tag is indeed too steep. It’s one uber expensive treat. I have to check this Kobe Beef just to satisfy my curiousity:-)
I talk about the price later on in the post…it really depends on which cut u choose. STeakland is def one of the most affordable and well worth it I’d say! It’s so different than any other meat I’ve tried…
My family loves meat so I was laughing at your first sentence:-). So, how much was Steakland’s Beef? That 150$ price tag is indeed too steep. It’s one uber expensive treat. I have to check this Kobe Beef just to satisfy my curiousity:-)
I talk about the price later on in the post…it really depends on which cut u choose. STeakland is def one of the most affordable and well worth it I’d say! It’s so different than any other meat I’ve tried…
I can understand your need to try it! This is something I dream of trying to. Moving to Korea has allowed me to try raw beef, but this is next on my eating bucket list for sure! Well written post and nice photos too 🙂
Thanks! Kobe is def the best place to check it off your bucket list. The taste is just so difficult to describe adequately with words! Have u tried sannakji yet?
I can understand your need to try it! This is something I dream of trying to. Moving to Korea has allowed me to try raw beef, but this is next on my eating bucket list for sure! Well written post and nice photos too 🙂
Thanks! Kobe is def the best place to check it off your bucket list. The taste is just so difficult to describe adequately with words! Have u tried sannakji yet?
i like a good steak, but a kobe steak is a seriously expensive option when in Japan!
We found a place that was super affordable! It wasn’t the best cut, but still super delicious and gave us a taste of the Kobe Beef experience for under $30! Same as what I would’ve paid in Canada. 🙂
i like a good steak, but a kobe steak is a seriously expensive option when in Japan!
We found a place that was super affordable! It wasn’t the best cut, but still super delicious and gave us a taste of the Kobe Beef experience for under $30! Same as what I would’ve paid in Canada. 🙂
I am a vegetarian but I do remember how good a good steak can be, so I might even try it in Kobe! Cultural research, right? So did your sister-in-law (I think that’s who she is) try it?
Lol…yes my sis-in-law, the vegan, was all over that steak. Cultural research indeed… :p
I am a vegetarian but I do remember how good a good steak can be, so I might even try it in Kobe! Cultural research, right? So did your sister-in-law (I think that’s who she is) try it?
Lol…yes my sis-in-law, the vegan, was all over that steak. Cultural research indeed… :p
Why oh why you have to post this! I love some good steak few times a year but ly heard stories about Kobe beef and I really really want to try :p
Oh you definitely should! It was really worth the extra trip…if you love steak, you’ll really enjoy the Kobe Beef..it was like no other steak I’ve ever had. 🙂
Sadly it will still take a year or so till we will be in Japan. For now I have to settle for the standard steaks here 🙁
Haha I’m sure the standard steaks there, are still much better than what you get in most of Asia. Unless of course, you’re willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money. Sigh…
Oh yeah that is true, at least compared to the steaks I had in China. Sometimes I couldnt even tell if it is really a steak :p
Why oh why you have to post this! I love some good steak few times a year but ly heard stories about Kobe beef and I really really want to try :p
Oh you definitely should! It was really worth the extra trip…if you love steak, you’ll really enjoy the Kobe Beef..it was like no other steak I’ve ever had. 🙂
Sadly it will still take a year or so till we will be in Japan. For now I have to settle for the standard steaks here 🙁
Haha I’m sure the standard steaks there, are still much better than what you get in most of Asia. Unless of course, you’re willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money. Sigh…
Oh yeah that is true, at least compared to the steaks I had in China. Sometimes I couldnt even tell if it is really a steak :p
Poor Bora! 🙁
Lol Bora wasn’t always a vegan, and before she turned, her favourite meal was steak! You’ll have to ask her if she resisted in person…I don’t want to be the person responsible for “outing” her. Hahahaha :p
Poor Bora! 🙁
Lol Bora wasn’t always a vegan, and before she turned, her favourite meal was steak! You’ll have to ask her if she resisted in person…I don’t want to be the person responsible for “outing” her. Hahahaha :p
That is some mouthwatering meat right there!
Mouthwatering, melt-in-your mouth amazing. So delicious! 😀
That is some mouthwatering meat right there!
Mouthwatering, melt-in-your mouth amazing. So delicious! 😀
Looks good!
Not even in the same category as other steaks I’ve had. 🙂
Looks good!
Not even in the same category as other steaks I’ve had. 🙂