Kobe Japanese Steak House was established in 1978 by Canadian restaurateurs Hy Aisenstat and Rod Gardiner, who aimed to recreate a charming 300-year-old Japanese country inn along the Palm Springs area’s well-known Restaurant Row in Rancho Mirage. The concept featured highly trained teppan chefs preparing the finest ingredients in a warm and lively setting, and over 35 years, Kobe has offered excellent food and entertainment to millions of guests.

Over the years, Kobe has thrived with remarkably little change. Indeed, its consistent quality and service have become a trademark for Kobe in Rancho Mirage. The building itself has matured well, settling into its role as a Japanese country inn from a different era. When it opened, Kobe was home to authentic Japanese antiques imported from Japan and valued at over $300,000 in 1978. While unscrupulous guests have stolen some of these items, many remain in the same place as they were on day one, and other items have been added.

What sets Kobe apart from most other outstanding restaurants is the people. Many of our current staff have been with Kobe for many years, and it is through their admirable hard work and loyalty that Kobe has stayed successful for so long. Of course, there is also Kobe’s loyal customer base, including locals who visit regularly and “snow birds” who travel from less friendly climates to visit Kobe during the busy winter season. An extensive list of celebrity visitors would be quite lengthy, but a few notable names include local icons Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore, former President Gerald Ford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, if you ask the General Manager, the celebrities keep coming back mainly because Kobe remains so popular. Kobe’s long-term success is built almost entirely on families and friends who come together to enjoy great food in a relaxed setting that encourages conversation, laughter, and cherished memories.