Kobe beef is a luxurious type of beef from Japan’s Tajima region that is renowned for its distinct flavor, tenderness, and marbled texture. It has been highly sought after by foodies and gourmands worldwide for its singularity and high quality. In the past, it was quite difficult for Americans to find Kobe beef due to the U.S. ban on imported Japanese beef. However, a few restaurants across the country have recently started offering genuine Kobe beef dishes – giving diners the opportunity to try the legendary delicacy in America.

Here is a comprehensive list of US restaurants that serve Kobe beef:

California

  1. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – This Beverly Hills restaurant serves authentic Japanese A5 Kobe beef, the highest grade of Kobe beef.

  2. Alexander’s Steakhouse – Located in Cupertino, Alexander’s Steakhouse serves Wagyu Kobe beef that has been aged to perfection and marinated in a unique set of sauces to allow the flavors of the beef to stand out.

  3. RB Sushi – RB sushi, located in San Diego, serves several different all authentic dishes made from Kobe beef, including the classic Kobe Beef Sashimi, Kobe Beef Carpaccio, and Kobe Beef Takaki.

Florida

  1. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – As its name implies, this Orlando restaurant serves only authentic Kobe beef dishes, including filet mignon, sirloin, and outside skirt steak.

  2. The Daily Creative Food Co.- This popular casual eatery serves a variety of premium burgers, including its “Boeuf à la Kobe,” a Kobe beef patty with melted white cheddar, parmesan crisps, basil aioli, and a brioche bun.

  3. Echo Restaurant – This upscale Miami Beach restaurant serves a variety of Kobe beef dishes, all made with carefully aged, high-quality Kobe beef from Japan.

New York

  1. Gallagher’s Steakhouse – Located in the heart of New York City, Gallagher’s Steakhouse offers several classic dishes and hearty plates made with A4 Grade “Dragon’s Gate” Kobe beef, including filet mignon, sirloin, and ribeye steaks.

  2. STK – Located in Midtown, STK has several signature dishes made with Kobe beef, including its signature Filet Mignon Tenderloin and the Kobe Beef & Blue Cheese Tartare.

Texas

  1. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse – This Dallas steakhouse offers an exclusive menu item called the Tomahawk Kobe which includes a Signature A-5 Japanese Kobe cow, bone-in and seared with sea salt.

  2. Pacific Prime – Located in Austin, Pacific Prime’s menu features an authentic Japanese Kobe beef dish made with marbled beef that is served on hot stones with a variety of sauces and sides.

  3. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Perry’s Steakhouse, located in Houston, has recently added a new offering made from genuine Japanese Kobe Beef from the Tajima region – the Filet Mignon & Fresh Lobster Tail.

Georgia

  1. Smith & Wollensky – This sophisticated Atlanta steakhouse offers several Kobe dishes, including its signature sushi rolls made with Kobe Karubi cuts and its popular Tajima Burger made with Kobe ground beef.

    Types of Kobe Beef
    The different types of Kobe beef are graded on a scale according to their marbling. The highest grade, A5, is reserved only for the very best cuts of Kobe beef, while the inferior grades A3 and A4 are far cheaper and more widely available.

A-5 Grade Japanese Kobe Beef
This grade is the crème de la crème of Kobe beef and is considered to be the absolute best in terms of marbling and texture. It is the most expensive and is highly sought after due to its signature flavor. It is generally found on the menus of top-tier steakhouses and restaurants.

A-4 Grade Japanese Kobe Beef
This grade of Kobe beef is of slightly lesser quality than A5 and is also referred to as “Marble Score 4.” It is not as marbled and tender as the A5 grade but it still offers a distinctive taste and texture. It is considerably more affordable and as a result it is more widely available on restaurant menus.

A-3 Grade Japanese Kobe Beef
The A3 grade of Kobe beef is the lowest grade and is generally considered to be lower quality than the higher grades. It is much less marbled and lacks the flavor and tenderness of the higher grade Kobe beef. It is typically less expensive, making it more economical.

If you’re looking to try the finest Kobe beef in the US, you’re in luck – while it may not be as easy as it is in Japan, there are some truly unique restaurants in the US that specialize in the famous delicacy. From flavorful dishes at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill to exquisite cuts of beef at Alexander’s Steakhouse, you can find some of the highest-grade Kobe beef all across the country.