Kobe, Hyogo, Japan｜Shio-no Kaze

Extraordinary Izakaya Experience near Okura Hotel! During my recent visit to Kobe, Japan, I had the pleasure of discovering an extraordinary izakaya restaurant located just a 15-minute drive from the Okura Hotel. The hotel staff graciously assisted in making our reservation, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the restaurant staff who ushered us into a private room that had been thoughtfully prepared for our group. The attention to detail and personalized service immediately made us feel welcome and valued as guests. The menu at this izakaya offered a tantalizing array of dishes, encompassing a wide range of flavors and cooking styles. We decided to embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the diverse offerings from deep-fried delicacies to raw and half-cooked items, grilled specialties, and even braised fish head. Each dish was crafted with precision and skill, showcasing the chef's passion for creating truly remarkable flavors. One particular highlight of the evening was the exceptional selection of sake. The chef, with his extensive knowledge and expertise, personally curated a 1.8-liter bottle that perfectly complemented our meal. Savoring this sake added an additional layer of enjoyment to our dining experience, enhancing the flavors and elevating our overall satisfaction. Among the myriad of dishes we savored, a few stood out as exceptional. The soft cheese served with a tantalizing sauce was a delightful surprise, providing a harmonious combination of creamy and savory notes. The bacon mochi cheese roll was a revelation, with its unique blend of flavors and textures that left us craving for more. The braised fish head with burdock root was a true testament to the chef's culinary prowess, transforming humble ingredients into a rich and flavorful masterpiece. The sashimi, showcasing impeccable freshness, treated our palates to the pure essence of the sea. Additionally, the special beef cuts sourced from a local butcher were of unparalleled quality, and the beef tataki with ponzu sauce offered a perfect balance of tanginess and umami. Even the tempura, executed flawlessly, boasted a light and crispy coating that pleased our taste buds. What made this izakaya experience truly remarkable was not only the exceptional cuisine but also the convenience of being able to speak English to a staff named Jason, as well as the super accommodating chef that took one of our groups garlic fried rice order even tho it was not on the menu. The hospitality from the team truly allowed us to embark on this culinary adventure with ease. In conclusion, this izakaya restaurant near Okura Hotel in Kobe, Japan, delivered an extraordinary dining experience. The thoughtfully prepared private room, attentive service, and, most importantly, the exquisite range of dishes made for an unforgettable evening. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler exploring Kobe, I highly recommend taking a short drive to this hidden gem. Indulge in the culinary delights and immerse yourself in the expertly crafted flavors that await you. Your taste buds will thank you for the extraordinary experience.

No English available, but good food, cheap beer, and be very patient staff willing to put up with my faulting Japanese.

It was very delicious. It was a seafood izakaya, and the local vegetable dishes were so delicious that I ended up ordering only vegetables. I thought that the flavor and sweetness of the ingredients were used effectively. Next time, I would like to try more recommended seafood dishes. The kitchen seems to be only in front of the counter, but they were efficiently cooking a lot of food. There were 4-5 seats at the counter and back-to-back tables, and there were two private rooms near the entrance. It's a long and narrow store in the back. There seems to be a table seat on the second floor that is large enough to include the kitchen. I would like to visit you again on my next business trip.