Kobe Steakhouse in St Pete

Published on 7/11/22: Who enjoys teppanyaki and a good flaming onion volcano?! Did you know that Kobe Steakhouse is owned/operated by a family spanning Orlando and the Tampa Bay Area? I’m talking brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews you name it. Well, they opened a St Pete location in the last couple years and our teppanyaki loving family is grateful.

Teppanyaki vs Hibachi

I write “teppanyaki” here, though our family typically says “let’s go get hibachi tonight”. I consider myself fairly well cultured, have enjoyed authentic teppanyaki in Japan, though I’m still guilty of saying “hibachi” in casual conversation. Anyone else? The difference between the two is at bottom of post.

Kobe Steakhouse Family Business

Doi Tan Nguyen started the Kobe Steakhouse concept in 1984 in Orlando with his son Chau. Then, after his father passed, Chau took over the business with his sister and uncle in 1996. Our family enjoys Kobe Steakhouse and other apparently agree. Google Reviewers (1300+) give the St Pete location a solid 4.5/5 stars.

We very much enjoy teppanyaki, though there are very few options within close proximity to Downtown St Pete. I’m talking about the restaurants where you sit around the grill while the chef prepares. Not just prepares, but also entertains with onion volcanos, egg tosses and sometimes even opportunities to catch a flying shrimp! Who knows what I’m talking about?! My wife and I both have fond memories of these dinners growing up (ie birthdays) and are glad to share with Colt. It’s even where he wanted to go for his birthday dinner this year.

Yes, I might be straying a bit from my typical local posts…

I know some may say I’m stretching ‘support local’ here, given the Nguyen family now essentially has a chain, but that can also been seen as a credit to their success. Still family operated to this day.

As to the difference between hibachi and teppanyaki. Hibachi grills are technically small, portable grills made from cast iron. They have an open-grate design and commonly use charcoal as their heating source. Where-as teppanyaki uses an iron griddle with a flat, solid surface to prepare food in restaurants in front of guests. Without the grates, chefs can prepare items such as rice, eggs and veggies.

Google Reviews: 1330 reviews with a 4.5/5 average

Address: 2773 66th St N, St. Petersburg

Phone: 727-273-001

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