Enjoy Hyogo's Famous Local Cuisine: 18 Popular Restaurants by Area

Photograph:しょーご2020

When it comes to local specialties in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Akashiyaki is a must-try dish. Funamachi is one of the most renowned restaurants for Akashiyaki, and is said to always have a line of eager customers.

Take away is also available, making it a convenient option for a quick bite between sightseeing.

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Funamachi's Akashiyaki, locally known as "Tamagoyaki," features a perfectly cooked, egg-rich batter filled with generously sized pieces of octopus.

While sauces are available, the simple yet exquisite dashi broth is a highlight, making these dumplings delicious even on their own.

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Funamachi is renowned for its Akashiyaki, but its teppan-yaki dishes such as yakisoba and okonomiyaki are also highly popular.

Pictured is the "Tako Buta Omuoba"—thick noodles seasoned with a slightly sweet sauce, generously topped with tender pork and octopus. Each ingredient is said to be outstanding.

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One of the most popular Akashiyaki restaurants in Akashi City, Imanaka is especially loved by locals, perhaps because it is located a bit away from the station and less frequented by tourists.

The warm hospitality of the owner and his wife, known for their cheerful and attentive service, makes every visit a heartwarming experience.

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Imanaka’s signature dish, known as "Tamagoyaki" (Akashiyaki), is celebrated for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These delicate egg dumplings are served with a rich dashi broth made from Rausu kombu kelp. When dipped, the dumplings absorb the flavorful broth and become even more tender—an exquisite treat.

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The classic way to enjoy Akashiyaki is by dipping it in dashi broth, but it's also fun to experiment with different seasonings.

At Imanaka, you'll find rock salt, yuzu chili, and sauce on every table, so you can discover your favorite way to eat. Many reviews mention that the rock salt is especially delicious.

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A well-known Akashiyaki restaurant featuring a distinctive tiled interior. With plenty of seating, guests can enjoy minimal wait times—an added convenience.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Akashi Station, it is easily accessible for tourists exploring the area.

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The set of ten Akashiyaki here is highly praised for its perfect size, delicate texture, and generous pieces of octopus.

The piping hot dashi broth is light and refreshing, making these so delicious that you could easily enjoy thirty pieces on your own.

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The menu at Izumo focuses exclusively on the local specialty, Akashiyaki. However, the drink selection is extensive, ranging from beer to soft drinks.

Beer is said to pair especially well with Akashiyaki, making this spot a perfect choice for a quick drink and a taste of this regional favorite.

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Located within Uonotana Shopping Street, Tako Iso is a popular spot for Akashiyaki. Despite frequent lines, the quick turnover means you can usually be seated without much wait.

The staff are efficient and attentive, creating a pleasant dining experience. This is an ideal place to enjoy Akashi’s local specialty.

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At many restaurants, Akashiyaki is so soft that it can barely be picked up with chopsticks. However, at Tako Iso, their "Tamagoyaki (Tako)" is known for its slightly firmer texture.

The rich, egg-flavored batter, generously sized pieces of octopus, and delicate dashi broth come together to create an exceptional dish.

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One of the highlights of Tako Iso is their unique "Tamagoyaki (Anago)," which features conger eel instead of the usual octopus.

The savory aroma of the anago brings a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from the traditional octopus version, making it so delicious that you'll finish it in no time. You'll want to order both varieties and compare them side by side.

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A long-established Akashiyaki restaurant with a rich history dating back to the Taisho era. Some even say this is the birthplace of Akashiyaki.

While a typical serving of Akashiyaki consists of 10 pieces, here, one set includes 20 pieces—perfect for sharing and sure to satisfy. Ideal for enjoying with friends or a loved one.

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The tamagoyaki (Akashi-yaki) at this restaurant is said to be especially delicious when enjoyed with salt. Since the salt flavor becomes more pronounced as the dish cools, it is recommended to first try it with dashi broth and then switch to salt.

Known for its simple yet exquisite flavor, this specialty is so light and delicious that many say they could eat it endlessly.

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One of the highlights of this restaurant is that you can also order oden. The lightly sweet dashi broth is said to be exceptional.

Pictured is "Tako Ashi"—octopus leg, a local specialty made with Akashi octopus. Its generous size and satisfying texture make it a must-try when visiting Akashi.

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Honke Katsumeshi Tei is renowned for serving delicious "katsumeshi," a local specialty of Kakogawa City. This well-known restaurant has even been featured on television.

The menu offers two options: regular and special, each differing in the quality of beef used. Guests can choose according to their preferences and budget, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

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Katsumeshi is a regional specialty consisting of a breaded beef cutlet served over rice, topped with demi-glace sauce and accompanied by shredded cabbage.

Pictured is the "Regular Katsumeshi." The signature sauce, made by simmering pork and chicken bones for two days, is exceptionally flavorful, and the beef cutlet is said to be especially juicy and rich in umami.

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If you're looking to try something different, the "Beef Cutlet Curry" comes highly recommended.

The curry sauce is fruity yet packed with spices, creating an exceptional flavor. It pairs perfectly with the beef cutlet for a truly satisfying dish.

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When it comes to must-try cuisine in Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City, Western-style dishes are a highlight. Yoshoku no Asahi, established in 1961, is especially renowned for its delicious beef cutlet (bifu katsu).

While lines are common, guests often praise the attentive staff, making the wait comfortable and stress-free.

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The "beef cutlet" here is made with premium Japanese Black Wagyu, renowned for its beautifully marbled meat.

The dish is complemented by a rich demi-glace sauce with a pronounced tomato flavor and perfectly cooked rice on the side, offering exceptional value for the price.

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In addition to their famous beef cutlet, Yoshoku no Asahi offers a variety of Western-style dishes that are equally outstanding, making diners eager to return and try more from the menu.

The Hamburg Steak pictured here is known for its light, fluffy texture and juicy flavor. Many reviews mention that pairing it with demi-glace sauce and egg enhances its deliciousness even further.

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A long-established Western-style restaurant founded in 1936. Enjoy a wide variety of Western dishes, including their signature beef cutlet (bifukatsu).

The retro interior is filled with nostalgic charm, transporting guests back to the early Showa era.

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One of the most highly acclaimed dishes on the menu is the Beef Cutlet.

This tender beef cutlet is cooked to a perfect medium rare and generously topped with a rich demi-glace sauce. The accompanying pasta and vegetables add a delightful touch to the meal.

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The classic, nostalgic appearance of the "Omurice" is sure to capture your attention.

Fluffy eggs wrap around perfectly balanced chicken rice, where the tanginess and sweetness of the ketchup complement each other beautifully. The rich demi-glace sauce is also exceptional, making every bite simply irresistible.

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Grill Ippei Sannomiya is a classic Western-style restaurant, conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Sannomiya Station.

A must-try Kobe specialty here is the beef cutlet, available in two styles: "Old Style" and "Filet Beef Cutlet." For a true taste comparison, it's highly recommended to visit twice and try both versions.

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A must-try when visiting Kobe is the "Old-Style Beef Cutlet." The beef is cooked to perfection, melting in your mouth with every bite.

Generously topped with a rich demi-glace sauce, this hearty dish is both satisfying and full of flavor.

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The limited-quantity "Beef Tongue Stew" is a signature dish featuring tender beef tongue simmered until it can be cut with chopsticks.

The rich, velvety stew coats the beef tongue perfectly, creating a truly memorable and delicious experience with every bite.

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Located just beyond Suidobashi Shopping Street, Daiei is a renowned teppan-yaki restaurant celebrated for its exceptional Kobe beef.

The restaurant is highly popular, attracting numerous celebrities, and reservations can be difficult to secure. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

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The "Kobe Beef Steak" is brought right to your teppan grill by the staff. Expertly prepared to the perfect doneness, the steak is exceptionally tender and melts in your mouth.

A variety of seasonings, including salt, spices, and ponzu sauce, are always available at the table, allowing you to enjoy the steak in many different ways.

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"Garlic Rice" is a special menu item available exclusively to those who order steak.

Lightly seasoned, it makes the perfect finish to your steak meal. For garlic lovers, adding extra garlic prepared for the steak is also highly recommended.

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Established in 1923, Ito Grill is a Western-style restaurant in Kobe with over a century of history. Their charcoal-grilled steaks, cooked right before your eyes, are especially popular.

The restaurant features a stylish interior that reflects the sophisticated atmosphere of Kobe, making it the perfect place to create special memories during your visit.

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The perfectly rare "Kobe Wagyu Steak" is beautifully presented with a stunning cross-section.

Carefully grilled over charcoal, the steak offers a rich, concentrated sweetness and umami, making for a truly luxurious dining experience. The accompanying vegetables are also said to be exceptional.

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"Kobe Beef Stew" is a must-try dish among Kobe’s Western-style cuisine.

Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down since the restaurant’s founding, the tenderness of the beef is truly exceptional.

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A restaurant directly operated by JA Zen-Noh Hyogo, Kobe Plaisir specializes in local cuisine featuring Kobe beef and a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from across Hyogo Prefecture.

The elegant interior and attentive service make it an ideal choice for celebrations, birthdays, and other special occasions.

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At lunchtime, you can enjoy authentic Kobe beef in a casual setting. The signature "Steak Plate" offers premium cuts of beef, served with a variety of condiments such as salt, grated daikon with chili, house sauce, and wasabi.

The set also includes a fresh salad loaded with vegetables and a soup featuring Kobe beef, making for a truly satisfying lunch experience.

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While Kobe Plaisir is renowned for its steaks, the "shabu-shabu" is also highly recommended. The rich flavor of Kobe beef gently infuses into the broth, allowing you to enjoy a light and satisfying meal until the very end.

Even those who find steak too fatty can appreciate the exquisite taste of Kobe beef here.

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A renowned spot for Izushi Soba, a local specialty of Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture. Guests can enjoy exceptional soba noodles served on small plates in a serene, traditional Japanese setting.

The staff are known for their attentive service, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing dining experience. This restaurant is a must-visit when in Toyooka.

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"Izushi Sara Soba" is served in sets of five small plates of soba per person, with additional plates available upon request.

The flat, ni-hachi (2:8 wheat to buckwheat ratio) soba noodles offer a smooth texture and a pronounced buckwheat aroma, perfectly complemented by the subtly sweet dipping sauce.

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A variety of condiments are served, including salt, grated Japanese radish, green onions, egg, and grated yam. With such a wide selection, you can enjoy different flavors with every bite.

It is recommended to first try the soba with just a touch of salt to appreciate its natural sweetness.

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Kinmata is a renowned Izushi soba restaurant serving freshly ground, freshly made, and freshly boiled buckwheat noodles. Enjoy the authentic aroma and smooth texture of soba in a refined setting overlooking a traditional Japanese garden.

If you finish 20 plates, you will receive a commemorative token, making this a memorable stop for anyone looking to create special memories during their trip to Hyogo.

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The menu features only one dish: "Teuchi Sara Soba," a local specialty of Toyooka.

The freshly milled soba noodles are said to offer a robust aroma and a pleasantly firm texture. The dashi, enriched with bonito, and the thick, viscous grated yam (tororo) are both outstanding. Every element—the noodles, the dipping sauce, and the toppings—delivers complete satisfaction.

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The "soba-yu" (hot water in which soba noodles were boiled) served after your meal is said to be especially comforting when mixed with dashi broth.

Adding grated Japanese radish or wasabi creates a different flavor profile, making it the perfect way to finish your meal.

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Kanbee is a well-regarded Izushi soba restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service.

Located near the historic Izushi Castle Ruins and Shinkoro Clock Tower, the area offers a charming, traditional townscape. It's an ideal spot to visit while sightseeing in the area.

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Izushi Sara Soba is renowned for its springy, hand-made noodles. You can enjoy a variety of flavors by adding grated yam or raw egg to the dipping sauce, but many say the noodles are delicious even with just a sprinkle of salt.

The sobayu (hot water used to boil the soba) served after the meal is also exceptional, allowing you to savor the experience right up to the very last sip.

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While "Sara Soba" is the most famous local specialty, the "Karami Oroshi Soba" is also highly recommended.

This dish features firm, springy soba noodles topped with freshly grated spicy Japanese radish, creating a perfect balance of flavors. A sprinkle of salt enhances the taste even further.

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A conveniently located izakaya just a two-minute walk from Himeji Station, where you can savor Himeji Oden—a local specialty of Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.

The menu also features a wide selection of regional dishes and local sake from the Banshu area, making it an ideal stop after visiting Himeji Castle.

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"Himeji Oden" is a local specialty from Himeji, featuring oden served with a drizzle of ginger soy sauce. The refreshing flavor of ginger blended into the savory broth is truly irresistible.

The photo shows Japanese radish, beef tendon, and a boiled egg—each simmered to perfection.

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In addition to Himeji oden, this restaurant offers a wide variety of local specialties.

One standout dish is the "Himeji Specialty Hinepon," a regional favorite featuring chicken served with onions and ponzu sauce. It is especially popular as a perfect pairing with sake from Hyogo, making it an ideal choice to enjoy with local Japanese sake.

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This restaurant offers a wide variety of local specialties, including Himeji Oden, with dishes that highlight the best flavors of each season.

Conveniently located near Himeji Station, it is an ideal stop not only for travelers but also for those on business trips with limited time.

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"Himeji Oden Lunch" is highly recommended for those who want to savor authentic Himeji-style oden. This satisfying set includes five varieties of oden, rice, salad, and a small side dish.

The oden features a light, delicately flavored broth, complemented perfectly by a touch of ginger soy sauce.

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The "7-piece Assorted Kushikatsu Platter" is perfect as a snack to pair with drinks. In addition to classics like pork and quail egg, you can also enjoy unique varieties such as mozzarella cheese and sausage.

Each skewer is generously portioned, and the crispy, golden coating is especially aromatic and irresistible.

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A restaurant located within the Ibonoito Somen Museum, dedicated to the nationally renowned Ibonoito somen noodles. The menu offers a wide variety of seasonal dishes that change throughout the year.

Conveniently close to Himeji, it is an ideal stop for those visiting Himeji Castle.

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The "Sei Gozen" set features somen noodles, served either chilled or warm, accompanied by tempura and sashimi.

The firm, smooth somen noodles offer a refreshing taste and are highly enjoyable. This set is perfect for those who want to sample a variety of dishes in small portions.

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One of the highlights of this restaurant is its creative menu, which redefines the image of traditional somen noodles. Pictured here is the seasonal "Kabocha Soup Somen."

Reminiscent of a creamy pasta, this dish features a rich soup that brings out the natural sweetness of kabocha squash, with generous chunks throughout. It is said to be an exceptional specialty.