Kobé Japanese Steakhouse - Alafaya — Restaurant in Alafaya

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I recently dined at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and I must say that the experience was amazing , thanks to our incredible host, Tee From the moment we were seated at the table, Tee's warm and welcoming demeanor set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Tee's culinary skills are truly remarkable. He performed a dazzling array of tricks with the food, turning the cooking process into an entertaining spectacle. From the iconic onion volcano to the egg spinning and flipping, each move was executed with precision and flair. T's expertise in handling the grill was evident, and his ability to engage the audience made the experience even more enjoyable.

What stood out the most was Tee's attention to detail and commitment to providing outstanding service. He took the time to ensure that each guest's preferences and dietary restrictions were accommodated. Whether it was adjusting the spice level or preparing a special dish, Tee's willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed. His friendly and attentive nature made everyone feel special and well-cared for throughout the meal.

The food itself was of exceptional quality. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the seafood was fresh and flavorful. Each dish was prepared with great care, showcasing Tee's talent and passion for Japanese cuisine. The portions were generous, and the presentation was beautiful, adding to the overall dining experience.

Tee's charisma and enthusiasm were infectious. He had a great sense of humor and kept us entertained with his witty remarks and engaging conversation. It was clear that he takes pride in his work and genuinely enjoys interacting with guests. Tee's energy and passion created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere that made our visit truly memorable.

In addition to the fantastic food and entertainment, Tee's professionalism was impeccable. He maintained a high level of cleanliness and safety throughout the cooking process, which was reassuring. His ability to manage the grill and interact with guests simultaneously was impressive and demonstrated his skill and experience as a chef and host.

Overall, Tee made our dining experience at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse extraordinary. His amazing tricks with the food, coupled with his outstanding service, created a delightful and memorable evening. If you're looking for a place to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine with an added touch of entertainment, I highly recommend visiting Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and requesting Tee as your host. You won't be...

I hate to leave this review because I used to really enjoy Kobe, especially this location on Alafaya. During my college years at UCF, I frequented it weekly with friends. However, my recent visit on Friday, June 6, 2025, for my sister’s birthday was a letdown.

We made 8:30 PM reservations due to my children’s Jiu Jitsu schedule and arrived on time at 8:27 PM. Our party of five was seated about 15 minutes later with another group of five.

When placing our order, I informed the server of my son’s egg allergy and requested his rice be cooked in the back to avoid cross-contamination and to not disrupt the hibachi experience for others—a standard accommodation at most hibachi restaurants. The server assured us this wouldn’t be a problem.

The chef, identified as “Chef One” on his uniform, arrived but struggled with communication and had little of the usual showmanship you expect at hibachi-style dinners. He attempted some tricks, like flipping the spatula and an egg, but dropped both.

Unfortunately, despite confirming the allergy earlier, the chef forgot and began mixing eggs with the rice. After realizing the mistake by reviewing the order sheet—something he did frequently—he requested a separate rice dish from the back, which thankfully arrived just in time.

The biggest issue of the night was the portion sizes. Being seated at the end of the table, I received only two pieces of broccoli and some onions for my vegetables. I’ve included pictures for reference.

The food that I did receive was good, and I still tipped over 20%, with a total bill of about $264 for five people. However, the main appeal of hibachi is the entertainment and experience. Without it, it’s hard to justify $52 per person for minimal portions.

I’ll likely take a break from Kobe for now but may return if I hear things...

A Symphony of Flavor and Fire at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Kobe Japanese Steakhouse offers more than a meal; it's an immersive experience where culinary artistry intertwines with theatrical flair. The ambiance sets the stage, a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and a lively, inviting atmosphere.

Our culinary overture began with a delicate broth, a seemingly simple composition of onion and scallions that resonated with surprising depth. Each spoonful was a clean, comforting melody, the subtle sweetness of the onions harmonizing with the piquant bite of the scallions.

But the true performance unfolded tableside. Our chef, Hieu, commanded our attention with the precision of a master craftsman and the charisma of a seasoned showman. With deft strokes and captivating flourishes, he transformed our table into a culinary stage. The steak, cooked to perfection, was a concerto of texture and taste, each bite a juicy crescendo that melted on the tongue. The accompanying vegetables, grilled with equal finesse, retained their vibrant colors and crispness while imbued with a smoky char. Hieu's performance was a captivating ballet of culinary skill and showmanship, complete with flaming onion volcanoes and gravity-defying shrimp flips.

Adding to the symphony of the evening, the attentive bar staff crafted a delightful scorpion bowl for two, a potent potion of tropical flavors that further elevated the festive mood.

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse is a feast for all the senses. The ambiance is captivating, the food is exceptional, and the entertainment is unforgettable. It's a place where dinner transforms into a celebration, a memory to be cherished long after the final curtain...