Kobe Japanese Steakhouse - Tampa

Reviews

• Jeff L.

  star star star star star 5 June 2026

  We ate at Kobe and had the best experience with Ichiban cooking for us!  The food was delicious and my three kids had a fantastic time!  
  Tuyen was very gracious host as well!  
  Our family loves this place!  
  Thanks

• Adam O.

  star star star star_border star_border 3 June 2026

  I went here for my cousin's birthday and had the hibachi experience.
  The food was great, 8/10. Our server was fantastic and personal, even after accidentally spilling a drink. Stuff happens, it's all good. He was also assigned tables at the other end of the restaurant, busy night.
  The cook was nice, a little less energetic than others around us, but still complimentary and happy.
  
  I ordered a Sprite, and the first one came with the glass not completely clean, as I could taste and smell a sort-of cleaner smell on the glass. It may have been from the ice or the glass, but I asked for another and it was much better.
  
  Unfortunately, the cleanliness of our area, weather it be the fault of the busy evening or the bussers, was not up to par and very noticeable on my corner of the table. The vent hood above us, presumably from (hopefully) earlier that night's cooking, had wet grease on the outer edge, enough to drip down on one of our menus. This was prior to the cook coming and starting up the grill, so it couldn't have been from steam or anything from our session (it had a brownish color).
  Our menus seemed a couple years old and a little worn, as well as slightly grimey on a few pages. Not too bad, but cleaning the menus (even a quick wipe down) could definitely help overall customer appreciation and customers wouldn't notice or even be looking for more issues.
  The edge of our hibachi table, around the wood trim, had small little splotches of grease from before we sat down.
  
  I pulled both the server and manager aside afterwards and spoke with them about it, mentioned how I saw these issues and suggested minor wipe downs of the tables and the steam hood in between parties. Both (especially our server) were very receptive and listened to my complaints. The server assured me he'd speak with his manager about the bussers focusing more on cleaning. The manager took my information and gave me a $30 credit towards the next time we come in.
  
  All in all, I enjoyed the experience, but cleanliness is a very important aspect. I understand most of this review is negative, but it was just the things I noticed and were on my mind. I'd still be interested to return, but they could definitely improve.
  We spent $140 on four people (including their automatically calculated 18% service fee, basically the tip).
  Remember guys, if the menus aren't clean, you can expect other things aren't as well.
  
  I also posted this review on Google's review system.

• Taylor P.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 2 June 2026

  Worst hibachi experience we've ever had... My boyfriend loves hibachi - so much that we go once a week at another local place in Soho. We traveled out of town a couple months ago and went to Kobe in Orlando and had a fabulous dinner, so we decided to try this one here in Tampa. By far the biggest mistake leaving our regular spot. This place is so unorganized!! The server was especially slow and unorganized. Cocktails took a while to get to the table and they were poured into warm glasses that obviously just came straight out of the dishwasher. We both ordered filet mignon and chicken - I asked for double salad instead of soup and before any of us got our soups or salad the chef came over to start cooking our meals. Someone spoke up at the table telling the chef we had not yet received our soups or salads so he walked away. Soups came out and I still received a soup, after asking for no soup and then I got one salad. I just decided to deal with it since my request was ignored but the woman next to me actually spoke up about it and the person presenting the soups and salads said "oh, the server never told me." Moving on with dinner the chef came out, he had no energy like the other chefs around us did. When he first came out he tossed his utensils around for a couple moments and then proceeded to quietly (and pretty slowly) cook the dinner. Everyone at the table was so disengaged and not enjoying their experience. They brought out random appetizers towards the end of meal with a quick "I am sorry" for the entire table but we were never sure exactly why, nor did a manager ever come by and say anything to us. As the meals were finishing up, close to closing time - a half uniformed server walked by and saw some of the left over appetizers and asked us if we were going to finish them, as we said no, he proceeded to EAT THE LEFT OVER FOOD OFF THE TABLE IN FRONT OF US.
  Absolutely disgusting!!!
  We WILL NOT return here.

• Aubrey F.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  Great food and service!
  
  I ordered a glass of Plum Wine at the bar. Very good. Came with a cherry. Wish it would have actually come with a plum like some places do.
  
  For my entree, I ordered the filet mignon and shrimp. It comes with fried rice, noodles, vegetables, and mushrooms. Everything was cooked to perfection. Our chef was great and entertaining. Our waitress was very attentive and funny.

• Landee F.

  star star star star star 31 May 2026

  I've been to Kobe's a million times in my life and can't believe I've never reviewed it. I went over the weekend for a birthday party after not going for quite a long time, but once I was there, I immediately remembered why I love this hibachi place so much. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodated a party of 12 like it was nothing. I was blown away at our service because large parties are always a challenge to manage, and yet Kobe's staff made it seem like a breeze. We had multiple people waiting on us which was incredible, but I'd love to give a shout out specifically to Ichiban as he did a phenomenal performance and had us laughing the entire time! I also adored our waitress named Tuyen because she was so unbelievably kind and attentive that she had everyone at the table in love!
  
  Another reason I love Kobe's is for the consistent food. No matter when I go, no matter what I get, it's always delicious. I love rolling out the door after the insane portions they give you..what more can a girl ask for?! Thank you Kobe's for making big parties a pleasurable experience!!