If you’re looking for dinner and a show in Lincoln, California, Kobe Teppanyaki & Sushi is the place to be. Located at 131 Ferrari Ranch Road, this Japanese restaurant serves up more than just food—it’s an experience. Whether you’re into fresh sushi rolls or the fiery theatrics of teppanyaki cooking, this spot has something for everyone.
Teppanyaki: Dinner With a Side of Drama
At Kobe Teppanyaki, the chefs are more than just cooks—they’re performers. Picture this: you’re seated around a massive grill with a group of strangers (who might become your new best friends by the end of the meal). Your chef arrives with a twinkle in their eye and a spatula in hand, ready to flip shrimp tails into their hat or set an onion volcano ablaze. It’s part cooking, part comedy show, and all-around entertaining.
The teppanyaki menu is loaded with options. You can keep it classic with chicken or steak or go big with lobster tail or scallops. Feeling indecisive? Try a combo plate that lets you mix and match proteins. Every teppanyaki meal includes soup, salad, fried rice, and veggies. By the time the chef’s done flipping knives and cracking jokes, you’ll be stuffed—and grinning.
Sushi That Speaks for Itself
Not in the mood for theatrics? No worries—Kobe’s sushi menu is just as impressive as its teppanyaki tables. There’s plenty to choose from, from simple nigiri to elaborate specialty rolls.
Popular picks include the Shaggy Dog Roll, stuffed with tempura shrimp and topped with spicy crab meat, and the Lincoln Roll, which features shrimp tempura, spicy crabmeat, cucumber, asparagus, honey mayo, and eel sauce. If you’re into bold flavors, try the Volcano Roll, loaded with crabmeat and scallops, before being torched to perfection.
For those who prefer straightforward sushi, Kobe also serves fresh sashimi that melts in your mouth. And if you’re new to sushi? Start with a classic California roll or one of their bento boxes that includes a little of everything.
The Atmosphere: A Tale of Two Sides
Kobe Teppanyaki & Sushi has two personalities—and both are worth experiencing. On one side of the restaurant is the bustling energy of the teppanyaki tables. It’s noisy (in a good way), filled with laughter and spatulas clanging against grills. This is where you go for group dinners or celebrations like birthdays—just be ready to share your space with other diners.
On the other side is a quieter dining area where sushi lovers can enjoy their meal without all the fanfare. It’s perfect for date nights or casual lunches when you just want good food without the show.
Some diners have pointed out that Kobe’s ambiance could use a little sprucing up. The parking lot might have some litter here and there (cigarette butts seem to be repeat offenders), and the tables show signs of wear. But honestly? Once your food arrives, those minor details tend to fade into the background.
Service: A Mixed Plate
The service at Kobe gets mixed reviews depending on who you ask—or when you visit. Many customers rave about friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure everyone’s having a good time. Others mention slower service during busy hours or timing issues regarding teppanyaki meals (like fried rice cooling down before your steak is ready).
One thing to note: gratuity is often included in your bill (usually around 20%), so don’t let that catch you off guard when it’s time to pay.
Lunch Specials Worth Checking Out
If you’re looking for a midday meal that won’t break the bank, Kobe has great lunch specials available Monday through Saturday starting at 11:00 AM. Their bento boxes are especially popular—they come packed with miso soup, salad, rice, a California roll, and your choice of protein, like beef teriyaki or chicken katsu. It’s easy to sample multiple dishes without committing to one thing.
When to Go
Kobe Teppanyaki & Sushi is open seven days a week:
- Monday through Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM; 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Make reservations if you plan to visit during peak hours (especially on weekends). The teppanyaki tables fill up fast! Also, remember that while they officially close at 9:30 PM most nights (10 PM on weekends), some diners have reported being turned away closer to closing time—so don’t cut it too close.
Why Visit Kobe?
Kobe Teppanyaki & Sushi isn’t just about eating—it’s about enjoying yourself while doing it. Whether you’re catching flying shrimp tails at a teppanyaki table or savoring a perfectly crafted sushi roll in the quieter dining area, there’s something here for everyone.
So if you’re in Lincoln or nearby towns like Rocklin or Roseville—it’s worth stopping by for some flame-kissed fun or fresh fish rolled just right. Just bring your appetite (and maybe your camera for those onion volcanoes).
Sources: kobeteppanyakilincoln.com, yelp.com
Header Image Source: Ahtziri Lagarde on Unsplash
