Tabelog ratingMoriguchi (もりぐち) is more than just an okonomiyaki joint; it's a high-level teppanyaki restaurant in Kobe's Nada ward that has earned a spot in the Tabelog Top 100 for its craft. The main event is the grill, where the chefs demonstrate confident control over the heat to produce dishes with consistently perfect texture and seasoning.
The showpiece that draws diners from across the region is the wagyu cheek with a mountain of salt and green onion (和牛ねぎ塩つらみ). Guests are encouraged to grill it lightly themselves, creating a memorable ritual. Other consistently praised dishes include the thin-grilled ago-suji usuyaki (アゴすじ うす焼き), made with beef jaw tendon, and the classic tonpeiyaki. Beyond the signature items, reviewers rave about the quality of the teppan-grilled seafood, especially scallops, oysters, sea urchin, and fresh Akashi octopus. Many regulars consider it a place where anything you order is guaranteed to be good.
The restaurant's popularity means it has its challenges. It can be noisy and cramped, and a strict two-hour seating limit is enforced with staggered entry times, which can make the meal feel rushed. Popular dishes often sell out, so an early reservation is wise. A few reviewers have noted occasional cleanliness issues, such as the smell of a dirty cleaning cloth.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying ¥1,500–¥1,650 for the signature wagyu cheek, ¥900–¥1,045 for the ago-suji usuyaki, and around ¥1,200 for tonpeiyaki. While a typical dinner costs between ¥3,000 and ¥3,999, ordering multiple premium items can easily push the bill to ¥6,000–¥8,000 per person. Despite this, it's widely considered excellent value for the quality of ingredients and cooking.
- Reservations: Essential. Book by phone, ideally a few days in advance. Some popular items like salt-seasoned tongue (塩タン) may need to be pre-ordered.
- Getting There: A 3-minute walk from JR Rokkomichi Station.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted.
- Seating: A 2-hour time limit per table is strictly enforced.
- Atmosphere: Can be lively, noisy, and crowded.
- Smoking: Smoking is permitted throughout the restaurant.
- Age Restrictions: As a smoking-permitted venue, entry may be restricted for guests under 20.
- Parking: Not available.
