Tabelog ratingAkari (アカリ) is a stylish 'hideout' restaurant in Kobe that has earned a reputation for its inventive and consistently well-executed Japanese-Western fusion cuisine. The heart of the restaurant is the lively first-floor counter, where diners can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The menu is broad, encouraging guests to assemble a meal from various small and medium plates, paired with selections from a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Guests praise the overall quality, noting that almost anything you order is bound to be good. Recurring favourites include the rich onion gratin soup, various gratins, and Saga beef tartare. However, the two dishes that define the Akari experience for many are the signature beef katsu sandwich (ビフカツサンド) and the comforting hot pot rice dishes (donabe), especially the garlic rice or conger eel versions. The friendly owner and staff are also frequently commended for their attentive service and helpful wine suggestions.
Some reviewers note downsides. Service can be slow on busy nights, with dishes arriving staggered and occasional forgotten orders. The first-floor counter can feel chilly when the door opens in colder months, and portions can run small, meaning the final bill can add up as you order more plates. Dinner typically costs between ¥8,000 and ¥9,999 per person. Reviewers recently paid around ¥500 for the onion gratin soup, ¥1,400 for a donabe eel rice, and ¥2,000 for the Saga beef tartare. Despite this, most consider it strong value for the quality of the ingredients and cooking.
- Reservations: Booking in advance is recommended, especially for dinner on busy nights.
- Seating: The first floor has counter seats around the open kitchen. The second floor has about six tables, better suited for groups and families.
- Getting There: Akari is a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station, Exit 4 of Kenchomae Subway Station, or the East Exit of Hankyu Hanakuma Station.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and electronic money are accepted. QR code payments are not.
- Children: Children are welcome and are usually seated at the tables on the second floor. High chairs are available.
- Language: The menu is in Japanese. Staff may not speak English, but are generally helpful.
- Smoking: The seating areas are non-smoking. A designated smoking area is available on the second floor.
- Parking: The restaurant does not have its own parking, but there are paid public parking lots nearby.
