Tabelog ratingCiccia (チッチャ) is a lively Italian restaurant in Kobe that has earned a loyal following and a spot in the prestigious Tabelog Top 100 list for its generous, ingredient-forward cooking. The heart of the experience is the long counter overlooking the open kitchen, where the focus is on hearty portions and expertly crafted dishes, particularly the house-made pasta.
Guests consistently praise the pasta, with hand-rolled shapes like tayarin and seasonal variations featuring porcini or Genovese sauce earning special mention. Other signature dishes that appear in review after review are the bountiful seasonal vegetable bagna cauda and a rich truffle-polenta topped with a soft egg. The menu also extends to wood-fired pizzas and wagyu mains, with the tiramisu being a standout dessert. The well-curated, Italian-focused wine list and helpful staff pairings are also frequently commended.
While the food receives near-universal acclaim, some diners note that the service pace can be slow, leading to long meal times. A few have experienced inconsistent front-of-house service, and the intimate open-kitchen setting means that the heat and sounds of a busy service are part of the atmosphere. Most dishes are portioned for sharing, which some solo diners found challenging.
Dinner typically costs between ¥8,000 and ¥9,999 per person, though this can rise with wine. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥2,400–¥2,800 for the bagna cauda, ¥2,200 for a Margherita pizza, and ¥3,800–¥4,800 for the truffle polenta. Pastas commonly ranged from ¥2,500 to ¥4,500. Most agree that Ciccia offers excellent value, with a quality and portion size that would cost significantly more in Tokyo.
- Reservations: Essential. The small venue fills up quickly, so book well in advance. Note that reservations are for groups of two or more only.
- Getting There: Located in the Kanocho district, a 7-minute walk from Hankyu/JR Sannomiya Station.
- Seating: The restaurant has 15 seats, mostly at the counter. Bookings on weekdays before 8:00 PM have a 2-hour time limit.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Fees: There is a seating charge of ¥500 per person.
- Language: While English menus have been provided on occasion, consistent language support is not guaranteed.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking, but there is a designated smoking area at the entrance.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
