In a city with its fair share of fantastic steak joints, finding one that truly stands out is a challenge. But with the recent arrival of Kobe Steakhouse, the competition has just got a lot tougher.

How does Kobe stand out?

What truly sets Kobe Steakhouse apart is its prestigious status as one of the few British members of the Kobe Beef Association in Japan. This isn’t just a title – it’s an official authorisation to sell authentic Kobe beef sourced directly from Tajima cattle (a specific type of Japanese Black Cow known for its superior meat). The restaurant proudly displays its official certificate at the entrance, a reassuring sign that you are getting the genuine article. This commitment to sourcing is a huge part of the restaurant’s appeal, transforming a meal into a truly premium experience.

The restaurant’s interior is a tasteful blend of classic formality, with Japanese-inspired details tastefully dotted around. It feels both classy and traditional, with an atmosphere that is also relaxed enough for any occasion.

The staff were initially polite and professional, which built up a sense of occasion for the meal. However, as I started to talk to the staff, their formality melted away, revealing a warm and friendly service. This approach felt intentional, giving diners the freedom to choose the kind of experience they wanted – whether it is a formal, quiet dinner or a more relaxed evening. It is a clever touch that I really appreciated. The restaurant was absolutely dead with only myself inside. Speaking with the waitress, she explained that I was the first customer to arrive all day.

Where’s the beef?

The waitress allowed me to oggle a selection of their steaks. Pictured below is a monstrous 4.5kg tomahawk steak (right), alongside Japanese A5+ Wagyu and Kobe, which have such prominent marbling you can barely see the flesh. Steaks from Argentina, Australia, Chile, and England were also available, all with a fantastic BMS (Beef Marbling Score) of 7-9 – You don’t get much better than this!

3 course lunch time meal deal

Naturally, this level of quality comes at a price. The main reason I hadn’t visited Kobe Steakhouse sooner was its cost, which firmly places it in the ‘special occasion’ or ‘rare treat’ category for most diners. With some plates of imported Japanese wagyu reaching a staggering £400, the menu can feel a little out of reach.

However, I found a brilliant way to sample the high-end experience without the inevitable splurge, with their lunchtime three-course set menu for £28. This incredible deal was the perfect excuse to finally visit and tick off this exclusive restaurant, without breaking the bank.

Starters

The waitress recommended the ‘Tiger Prawns Tempura’ served with Shiso and citrus mayonnaise.

This beautifully presented dish really took me by surprise with an incredibly soft, almost fluffy batter, that I had never experienced on a prawn before. The prawns were short but incredibly meaty, with a wonderful juiciness as I bit in. These were simply marvellous!

Mains

The main course options included rump and ribeye steaks, cod, chicken, and cauliflower (v). Although ribeye is my favourite cut, it came with an additional £9.50 charge. As it was an extra 75g compared to the rump steak, I simply couldn’t resist paying it.

The steak was a thing of absolute beauty. Served with homemade triple-cooked chips and a vibrant chimichurri sauce. The minimalist plating ensured all focus was on the meat. This is a steak that demands attention and is truly proud of what it is and where it is from. No sauce needed!

Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the steak had a lovely crispy char on the outside and a beautiful pink centre. My knife glided through with almost no effort at all. The flavour was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was so rich and buttery that I found myself closing my eyes to truly savour each mouthful. This was next-level stuff.

Dessert

I finished my meal with a slice of raspberry cheesecake. The dessert was a delicate pink colour, decorated with swirls of raspberry coulis and topped with fresh raspberries and sliced strawberries. While the creamy, soft filling was delicious, I was a little disappointed by the thin crust at the bottom.

Simply incredible!

Kobe Steakhouse has firmly established itself as a top contender in Cambridge’s competitive dining scene. While its à la carte prices might feel a little out of reach for many, the lunchtime set menu offers a genuine opportunity to experience its exceptional, next-level cuisine without the premium price tag. With its unique teppanyaki-style experience, impeccable sourcing, and a standout ribeye steak, Kobe Steakhouse is an essential visit for any fan of steak or quality cuisine in general.

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