Kobe Beef Kiyama — Restaurant in Kobe

We went here after reaching Kobe. At first, we were slightly skeptical because we were early, we didn’t have a reservation and the restaurant was a tad bit empty. But soon enough we were ushered to our table, and they took out beef portion examples and explained all the cuts to us. After making our selection, and a sake selection, the entire bottle of sake was brought out to show us what we were drinking before pouring it in a sake glass that then overflowed into a lacquer cup.

First up was the salad which was amazingly good with crunchy garlic bits and thinly sliced vegetables, then came the heavenly consommé made out of Kobe beef - it was light, so tasty and was filled with bits of fried tallow. Finally the steaks came out, with an accompanying platter of sauces; salt, beef sauce, onion sauce, slow cooked garlic and fresh wasabi.

The rare beef of the day was so tender and rich, you couldn’t even taste the spiciness of the wasabi as the fat just mellows it completely! The tender cut was meatier, beefier but superbly delicious. The plate was accompanied by rice.

Service was excellent! From the person who explained the menu to us in English, to the servers to the cashier, all were polite, accommodating and so lovely! Definitely recommended for a Kobe beef...

I came here excited to try Kobe beef for the first time, expecting a relaxed, memorable evening. Instead, the whole experience felt like we were on a timer, and the rush completely ruined the atmosphere.

All three cuts of beef arrived at the same time, with no explanation. Within seconds, my first bite was the most expensive cut—the sirloin—which threw off the entire tasting order we had agreed on. We asked them to keep the other two cuts warm, but by the time we ate them, they’d lost the freshness and delicate flavors that make Kobe beef special. A hot plate is no substitute for freshly cooked meat.

What made things worse was the constant pressure from the staff. Plates were taken away while we were still eating, courses came too quickly, and by the end, it felt like we were being stared at until we paid. The whole meal lasted barely an hour and a half—at this price, anywhere else in the world would have given us a calm, unhurried experience.

No apology, no explanation, no small gesture to make up for it—nothing. For a place charging this much, the lack of care and respect for the diner...

Dining at Kobe Beef Kiyama was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were welcomed with warm smiles and impeccable hospitality. The atmosphere was elegant yet inviting, setting the perfect tone for an extraordinary meal.

The highlight of the evening was, without a doubt, the Kobe beef—a true masterpiece. Each bite melted in the mouth, showcasing the rich marbling and exquisite flavor that this world-renowned delicacy is famous for. The chef’s skill in preparing the meat to perfection was evident, bringing out its natural juiciness and tenderness.

Special recognition must be given to W. Rin, whose attentive and friendly service elevated the experience even further. She demonstrated an impressive knowledge of the menu, offered excellent recommendations, and ensured that every detail of our meal was flawless.

If you are a fan of high-quality beef and top-notch service, Kobe Beef Kiyama is an absolute must-visit. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an exceptional...