Daiei: Casual Kobe Beef Teppanyaki

Daiei (大栄) offers a chance to enjoy premium Kobe beef in a setting that feels more like a bustling local favourite than a formal steakhouse. For decades, this family-run teppanyaki restaurant has been serving top-tier beef to regulars and visitors, building a reputation for quality without pretence. The main draw is the A5-grade beef, cooked on the teppan in front of you, with many guests singling out the 200g Kobe sirloin steak, praised for its tenderness and rich, fatty sweetness when served medium-rare.

Beyond the simple steaks, reviewers consistently recommend the more theatrical dishes, like sushi topped with slices of beef and uni (sea urchin), or a generous roast beef salad. For a satisfying finish, the garlic fried rice or the rich oxtail curry are popular choices, though note that they can often only be ordered alongside a steak. Most guests find the prices to be excellent value; a typical dinner costs between ¥8,000 and ¥12,000. Reviewers recently paid around ¥10,000–¥12,000 for a 200g Kobe sirloin, ¥9,300 for a 150g Tajima fillet, and ¥5,300 for a 150g Kyushu A5 sirloin.

While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a few guests have noted occasional service hiccups, such as a brusque staff member or missed orders. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, which can mean it gets lively and noisy, especially earlier in the evening. It's a popular spot, so be sure to book ahead and arrive on time.

• Getting There: Daiei is a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Ojikoen Station in the Nada district of Kobe.
• Reservations: Booking is strongly recommended as the restaurant is often full and may turn away walk-ins or late arrivals. Note that reservations cannot be made from overseas.
• Payment: VISA and Mastercard are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
• Seating: There are 30 seats in total, with a mix of counter seats and tables.
• Children: Children are welcome, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Language: English and Chinese menus are available, and some staff may speak basic English.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid parking lots are available nearby.