HomeDesert InsiderAuthenticity in Desert Roots: Kobe Japanese Steak House

Authenticity in Desert Roots: Kobe Japanese Steak House

Kobe Japanese Steak House stands as a testament to culinary excellence and unwavering hospitality. Founded in 1978 by visionary Canadian restaurateurs Hy Aisenstat and Rod Gardiner, Kobe pays homage to a quaint, 300-year-old Japanese countryside inn. The allure lies in its unique blend of highly skilled teppan chefs crafting delectable dishes using the finest ingredients, all within an ambiance that seamlessly weaves warmth and entertainment together. For four decades, Kobe has been a revered destination, welcoming and
delighting well over a million guests!

Embracing the passage of time while retaining its essence, Kobe has remained remarkably consistent, a hallmark of quality that distinguishes it in Rancho Mirage. In the late 1980s, Kobe transitioned ownership to Hideo Yamada of Osaka, Japan, one of its early investors. Later, in the 2000s, the Tom Lu Corporation took the reins. The physical edifice, echoing its origins as a Japanese country inn, has gracefully aged, adorned with authentic antiques sourced from Japan. Although some relics were regrettably purloined by unscrupulous guests, many of these treasured artifacts endure, occupying the same spaces they did on the inaugural day, while new additions seamlessly blend with the old.

However, what truly sets Kobe apart in the realm of exceptional dining establishments is its people. A tribute to the establishment’s enduring spirit, many among our current staff were recruited within the first five formative years! Their unwavering dedication and loyalty have been instrumental in Kobe’s sustained success. Beyond the devoted team, Kobe boasts a loyal patronage comprising locals who frequent its halls regularly and seasonal visitors, affectionately termed “snowbirds,” the visitors from colder climates during the desert’s peak winter season.

While a complete list of luminaries who have graced Kobe’s tables would be extensive, a handful of notable visitors, including Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, former President Gerald Ford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, stand testament to its universal appeal. However, the crux lies in the fact that these luminaries returned time after time due to Kobe’s excellence and timeless allure.

Visit Kobe Japanese Steak House at: 69-838 Hwy 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

For reservations, call: 760-324-1717