If you’re looking for a flavorful and entertaining meal on Maui, look no further than Kobe Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar.
Located a block off Front Street at the corner of Luakini and Dickenson Street, this Lahaina institution is a perennial pick for the best Japanese restaurant on the Valley Isle. Delicious teppanyaki (AKA “hibachi”), authentic sushi, a wonderful ambiance, entertaining chefs, and friendly service are just a few of the reasons island locals and tourists alike flock to Kobe.
If you haven’t had teppanyaki-style cooking before, you’re in for a treat. Both the young and young at heart will be delighted watching as your knife-wielding chef slices, dices, and grills your meal right in front of you. From traditional teppanyaki flavors like steak, seafood, and chicken to local choices like opakapaka and Pacific salmon, the menu is extensive. Can’t decide? Pick a combo.
Kobe also has vegetarian options, including tofu steak and the vegetarian dinner featuring farm-fresh veggies including mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and bean sprouts.
Believe us when we say: You will not leave Kobe hungry! In addition to generous portions, all Kobe entrees come with hot tea, teppan shrimp appetizer, shabu-shabu soup, hibachi veggies, or your choice of steamed or fried rice. (There’s an extra fee for the fried rice, but it’s well worth it.) Exotic seasoning and homemade sauces expertly accent and enhance the flavors. Our favorite? The house special ginger sauce.
While Kobe is best known for specializing in the Japanese art of teppanyaki cooking, it’s also a local favorite for fresh and flavorful sushi. “Uncle Oku” keeps busy in the sunken sushi bar creating a delightful assortment of sushi rolls and specials.
When we say the fish is fresh, we mean it: Nearly 95 percent of Kobe’s fish is locally sourced directly from Hawaiian vendors while the remaining ingredients are exotic imports from Japan. In fact, many locals swear by Kobe as the best sushi on Maui’s west side.
The food at Kobe is exceptional, but your chef just might steal the show. (Don’t blink or you’ll miss the mesmerizing “flaming onion volcano” trick!) We were also welcomed warmly by our host, and never felt rushed during our meal.
A few of our favorite menu favorites included the following:
The Opakapaka Dinner
We can’t think of a better way to enjoy Japanese teppanyaki in Maui than with Hawaii’s premium snapper. The clean, delicate, sweet flavors of the fish come shining through when prepared hibachi-style.
Steak & Lobster Dinner
Why choose between steak and lobster when you can have both? Sweet succulent lobster and tender juicy steak are a satisfying combination—especially partnered with Kobe’s smorgasbord of sides.
Garlic Fried Rice
While the plain steamed rice is tasty, this seasoned rice is a flavor extravaganza.
Miso Butterfish
One of Uncle Oku’s specialties, the miso butterfish might just be the best thing you eat while you’re on Maui.
The Dynamite
You may have had a Dynamite roll before, but you haven’t had one made by Uncle Oku. The only downside of the deliciousness? You’ll never want one made by anyone else! (Pick from scallop, shrimp, or combo.)
Combining the style, grace, and decor of its Japanese influences with the “aloha” spirit of Hawaii, a visit to Kobe Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Maui vacation.
Insider Tips:
-Traveling with a group? Kobe will work with you to design a group meal catered to your taste and budget.
-Parking is available behind the restaurant, but it can fill up quickly. There are plenty of pay-to-park lots in the area, as well as street parking options on nearby Front Street.
-If you have a food allergy or other dietary restriction, just let your server and chef know. They will be pleased to accommodate you, and will cook your food separate from everyone else’s to ensure safety. They’ve even got gluten-free soy sauce.
-Kobe offers a variety of nightly specials to be sure to check the website before you go to find out what’s on tap for the evening.