Kobe Japanese Steakhouse @ 57: A Legacy Of Name, Family & Flavour

For nearly six decades, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse has been a fixture on Vancouver’s Alberni Street, delighting generations of diners with its signature teppanyaki experience—equal parts performance and plate. Now in its third generation of family leadership, Kobe continues to thrive under the direction of Dylan Bruser, whose grandfather founded the restaurant in 1968.

“I take great pride in being the third generation to lead Kobe,” says Bruser. “My father is the person I look up to most, and I watched him successfully run Kobe for years. I’m always striving to create better experiences for our guests to honour our family’s legacy, as well as Vancouver’s restaurant history.”

This spring, the restaurant launched its Art of Teppanyaki set menu, a curated selection of Kobe’s most popular dishes offered at a more accessible price point. “The menu was created to showcase some of the amazing dishes our menu has to offer, especially for new diners,” Bruser explains. “We hope guests leave with a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind teppanyaki—it’s a dining experience unlike any other.”

That theatrical quality is part of what makes Kobe so iconic. Chefs prepare dishes right before your eyes with flair and personality. “We consistently invest in our chefs’ training,” says Bruser. “Each chef brings their own personality to the performance, and that helps them form genuine connections with guests. We’re a big family at Kobe, and we try to bring our guests into that family vibe.”

That same family spirit is why many team members have stayed for 20, even 30 years—an extraordinary feat in the hospitality industry. “We’ve cultivated an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated,” Bruser says. “The culture we’ve built prioritizes mutual respect, shared success, and meaningful connections—not just with guests, but with each other.”

As Alberni Street has transformed into one of Vancouver’s most glamorous dining destinations, Kobe has managed to remain a beloved landmark. “There used to be parking lots on either side of the restaurant,” Bruser recalls. “Now, Alberni is full of luxury retailers and cafes. We’ve stayed true to our identity while refreshing the space to appeal to both loyal guests and new generations.”

Looking ahead, Bruser hopes to expand the brand and keep the Kobe tradition alive for decades to come. “We’re so grateful for the love and support over the last 57 years,” he says. “And we’re just getting started.” —Vita Daily