KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE

The letter looks fine; the direction doesn't. KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE holds a B (86/100), but its inspections have been getting worse, not better.

Its most recent inspection on February 4, 2026 cited 2 intermediate and 8 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 32% of Orange County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.8 from 14,692 reviews.

Trend: declining · B (86/100)

Get directions Call (407) 248-1978

Restaurant details

Health grade
B (86/100)
Violations
10 total — 2 intermediate, 8 basic
Address
5605 KIRKMAN RD, Orlando, FL
Cuisine
Japanese
Categories
Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Seafood restaurant, Sushi restaurant, Teppanyaki restaurant
Price
$20–60
Rating
4.8 stars (14692 reviews)
Neighborhood
Florida Center
Seats
214
Phone
(407) 248-1978
Website
Official website
Photo of KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
Photo: Kobé Japanese Steakhouse - Kirkman

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.8 Community-sourced rating 14,692 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

These 23 reviews do not converge on a single verdict. Where the staff comes up, the rating that follows averages 5.0, so it reads as a strength.

More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 22 of 23. The split is 22 positive to 0 negative across 23 rated reviews, with 1 in the middle. What nobody raises here is whether food comes out hot — it goes unmentioned across all 23 reviews.

On the health side, the most recent DBPR inspection returned a B (86/100) with 2 intermediate and 8 basic violations — middling, much like the reviews. That result dates from February 4, 2026. The trend across inspections is decline. On health score it sits safer than 32% of the Orange County restaurants we grade. What the inspector actually wrote up: dishwashing facilities and wiping cloths.

With both signals pointing the same way, there is little to argue about on this listing. The reviews themselves follow, unedited and newest first.

Our own analysis of 23 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 30, 2026

    Wee was the best! He took the extra mile to make our food the best it could be! Super great and thoughtful chef!

  • June 29, 2026

    Wee was a great employee give him a promotion.

  • June 29, 2026

    Very kind staff and great cook wee. Very innovative and kind!

  • June 29, 2026

    Food is excellent as always. Place is small and acoustics are awful. Very hard to hear and speak with people in your party. Was sat with crying small children which was not great.

  • June 29, 2026

    We have eaten here twice in the last week. Once for my grandsons 13th birthday and the second time we had guest in town. Both experiences were outstanding.. I would like to give a huge shout out to everyone that made both of our experiences phenomenal, entertaining and worth the money. The first night we had Vince as our server, Joel as our chef and the manager Tony stopped by to sing happy birthday. That was very nice. Joe was outstanding. He put on a performance that would be very hard to beat and he made the kids feel very special. They were very entertained. And then at the end the manager, Tony stopped by and saying happy birthday to my grandson again The very next night we were back with the friend that’s was visiting from out of town and we had Leah for our server. I did not catch the chef’s name, but the server was very knowledgeable, she checked for allergies and was very attentive to our table. We really enjoyed both nights, highly recommend for special events and also entertainment. We will be back .

  • June 29, 2026

    We had Chef Wee and he was amazing ! Awesome first experience. Food was insanely good. Atmosphere was very comfortable and welcoming. 10/10 recommend this location!

  • June 28, 2026

    Lee is the goat, very good food and awesome tricks

  • June 28, 2026

    The chef, Wee was super funny and hospitable, knew his work and knew how to entertain, would definitely recommend him to anyone coming to kobe

  • June 28, 2026

    Chef Wee was amazing, entertaining and did a wonderful meal. I’ll come back again 100%!!

  • June 28, 2026

    We are regulars to different Kobe restaurants throughout Florida, but tonight's dinner was exceptional thanks to Wee. He was great with his entertainment and his cooking. His attention to detail was amazing.. It was the best we had!

  • June 28, 2026

    Went for my moms birthday dinner and had a great experience, we were sat and taken care of quickly and with care. thank you to the server Juliafor , our chef Michael and the manager Tony for the wonderful service

  • June 28, 2026

    The highlight of the evening was our Chef. We come often and service was fine but Chef Wee was terrific!! Very entertaining, efficient and great cook.

  • June 28, 2026

    Wii was perfect

  • June 28, 2026

    Wee the chef Best so far in 20 years coming to kobe

  • June 28, 2026

    Wei was an excellent chef highly recommend this location

  • June 28, 2026

    Been going here for years. Chef Tam is the best!

  • June 28, 2026

    so fun

  • June 28, 2026

    Great restaurant! Our Chief Tam was Excellent!

  • June 28, 2026

    Chef Tam was was great!

  • June 28, 2026

    Wee was amazing thank you for the amazing lunch you cooked for my birthday girl and myself. Truly appreciated.

  • June 28, 2026

    I come to Kobe Steakhouse all the time, and our chef, Wee, gave us the best experience I’ve had here! He went above and beyond with amazing tricks that I’d never seen before, kept everyone at the table laughing, and had great conversations with all of us. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does and makes sure everyone has a memorable time. The food was absolutely delicious, everything was cooked perfectly, and the steak was especially amazing! We came for lunch, and the service was incredibly fast without sacrificing quality. It was one of the best hibachi experiences I’ve had here. I would definitely request Wee again and highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kobe Steakhouse. As always, another fantastic experience!

  • June 28, 2026

    Had an amazing Bday dinner with my lady. ❤️ Thank you Tony, Hina and Bao for the wonderful experience tonight!!!

  • June 28, 2026

    The manager Tony was so funny and great at selling. Out server Bau was phenomenal and hilarious. We loved him so much, definitely would come here again in the near future. And then our waitress Hina was the dearest ever she was so attentive and so so sweet. Love this place !!! 🥳🤞🤗

Overall Score

71 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 30/40
    Grade B
  • Dietary transparency 20/20
    7 options listed
  • Community rating 19/20
    4.8★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
12 to 10 PM
Tuesday
12 to 10 PM
Wednesday
12 to 10 PM
Thursday
12 to 10 PM
Friday
12 to 10 PM
Saturday
12 to 10 PM
Sunday
12 to 10 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. February 4, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 8 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 16 — Dishwashing facilities; sanitizer test kits; gauges (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 40 — Employee personal belongings
    • 50 — Current license, properly displayed
  2. August 13, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Inspection Completed - No Further Action

    0 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 4 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation

Safer options nearby

Higher-graded restaurants close to KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE, by Florida DBPR grade:

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: February 4, 2026