If you are in an establishment that serves either Kobe beef or Wagyu beef, you should prepare yourself for a fine dining experience to remember. Both kinds of beef are rare, though Kobe beef (a specific type of Wagyu) is especially hard to find in the USA. In fact, it is only served at eight restaurants in the entire country. While many restaurants have menus that describe a Kobe beef option, they are actually just serving you an expensive type of beef and calling it Kobe. Since it is so difficult to find a fine dining restaurant that offers Kobe or Wagyu, we have decided to help out. Check out some of the best restaurants serving the beef that you desire below. For more practical tips and fine dining options check out the rest of the Eva-Marie Berry blog.
Best Kobe Beef Places in the USA
As previously mentioned, there are not thousands or even hundreds of restaurants that serve real Kobe beef to choose from. However, we have done our research and know exactly where to find the few that do. Listed below are the only eight restaurants in the U.S. that offer authentic Kobe beef.
- 212 Steakhouse Restaurant: Located in New York City, New York, 212 Steakhouse Restaurant offers a world-renowned fine dining experience to its patrons. There are the very first as well as only restaurant on the entire east coast that offers Kobe Beef as well as other Wagyu option.
- Alexander’s Steakhouse: With locations in Cupertino, CA and San Francisco, CA, Alexanders has pioneered Kobe Beef in the state of California. It offers a classic American menu with touches of Japanese influence and quality.
- Bazaar Meat by José Andrés Restaurant: This is a fine dining experience that you are not soon to forget. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bazaar Meat offers playful dishes, unique ingredients, and succulent Kobe beef.
- Jean Georges Steakhouse, Aria Resort, and Casino: Also in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jean Georges Steakhouse is well known for offering the highest quality meats and seafood.
- Nick & Sam’s Restaurant: Located in Dallas, Texas, Nick & Sam’s Restaurant is well known for being the only restaurant in Texas to serve Kobe beef as well as their extensive wine list.
- Wynn Las Vegas’ SW Steakhouse Restaurant: Another choice for Kobe beef in Las Vegas, Nevada, Wynn offers exquisite seafood, beef, and lamb options.
- Teppanyaki Ginza Onodera: This is the only restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii that serves Kobe beef. They are also well known for their incredible seafood offerings and high quality.
What is the Difference Between Wagyu and Kobe?
Wagyu is a Japanese word that can be loosely translated into “Japanese cattle.” This term can be used to refer to any cattle that are bred in Japan or in a Japanese style. Though there are certain standards that can be attributed to raising cattle in the Japanese style, they pale in comparison to the strict standards set for any piece of Wagyu to be considered Kobe beef. Kobe beef is comprised of a special Wagyu which is called Tajima-Gyu and raised specifically in the Hyogo prefecture of Japan. The capital city of Hyogo is Kobe (hence the name “Kobe” beef).