Genti Osier (French)

Ijincan Club Part II 1 F, Kitano, Kobe / 078-231-2815 / Yen 12000 / 7.5 pickles / ¥¥¥

Fine French Dining in Kitano

Genti Osier is not related to Tokyo's No. 1 French Restaurant L'Osier, but seems to have borrowed from it. Dining at Genti Osier is a rather solemn affair, in a quiet and homely ambience where you feel comfortable.

The food is first rate. You may order a la carte, but most people opt for one of the set menus, priced at Yen 6000, 8000, 10000 and 12000 (surprise menu). All include an amuse geule, appetizer, fish course, meat course, cheese and dessert, but the more expensive menus include the 'finer things' like foie gras. Some of the starters were excellent, but we were a bit disappointed with the main course. Oddly it seems a common phenomenon among Kansai's fine dining spots that the main courses usually can't keep up in quality and especially creativity with the appetizers.

The wine list focuses on French wines, which we find a pity, since the best value is usually found among the new world selection. The service is professional and friendly.

One drawback at Genti Osier are the chairs (or stools), that are utterly uncomfortable and seem out of place in an otherwise up market and recommendable establishment.

Food: 7.5 Service: 8 Ambience: 7 Total: 7.5 pickles

Bilingual menu French/Japanese.

Click for Osier's homepage

Brasserie Pierrot (French)

La Myuro Bldg. B1F 19-13 Ishibane cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo/0798-71-1088/11:30am-14:30pm/17:30-22:00pm/Yen 5000-10000(credit cards OK)/7 pickels /¥¥

Accessible French in Shukugawa/Kurakuen

The chef of Brasserie Pierrot is a protege of the Chef of the extravagant Chez Ino in Ginza. Pierrot achieved some success by being among the first l area restaurants to introduce a pre-fix menu. Dinners start from 3000 yen (appetizer, main, coffe/tea) but, because the portions are humble, we recommend the 4500 yen course with appetizer, small soup, pasta, main course, dessert, and coffee/tea. Big eaters might still be waiting for the grand finale when the check comes. We tried grilled langoustine, pie of foie gras and porcini mushrooms, pasta pepperoncino, duck with Japanese poireau, roasted lamb, chocolate soufflee with vanilla ice cream and creme brulee. Everything exceeded our expectations. Pierrot also has a reasonably priced selection of mostly French and Italian wines. Service there is always personable. Unfortunately their English speaking waitress is leaving to have a baby. We hope she returns soon - all the daily specials are in Japanese. (Menu in Japanese/French.)

Food: 7 Service: 7 Ambience: 7 Total: 7 Pickels

HOW TO GET THERE: From Iwazono Tunnel, go straight. It's on your right after you pass the third big crossings for 50 meters. You can see French flags hoisted. If you're coming from Hankyu Kurakuen Stn, take the big street that goes toward Ashiya. Turn right at the second traffic light (second big crossing). After you pass the next big crossing and go for about 50 m, it's on your right.

Brasserie Tooth Tooth

Dai-ya108 bldg. 3F, 108 Ito-cho Chuo-ku, Kobe/078-332-3052/11:00am-12:00pm/Yen 2000-5000/6 pickels /¥

A new lunch destination in Kobe Daimaru Area (Kyoryu-chi).

In an airy 3d floor loft with floor to ceiling windows atop a boxy yellow building in the east end of Kobe Kyoryu-chi can be found "Bistro Tooth Tooth." This stylish French brasserie offers an affordable pre-fix lunch \1200-\1800 and dinner menu (\2500-4500). In the evening, one may also order typical a la carte brasserie fare such as minestrone au pistou, navarin d'agneau, asparagus et courgettes, and salade au saumon cru. There is nothing exquisite about Tooth Tooth, and but for the name it is rather straightforward, yet it is a sensible refuge for weary shoppers (despite being more than a few paces out of the shopping district proper). Although the spacious balcony was closed during our winter visit, it looks like an excellent venue for a breezy summy night party - which Tooth Tooth will arrange for \3000 pp. The menu is in Japanese/French.

Food: 5 Service: 6 Ambience: 6 Total: 6 Pickels

HOW TO GET THERE: From Kobe Daimaru, take "Nakamachi dori" (a fashion street where you can see shops like GAP, Emporio Armani, Prada & Paul Stuart) and walk east toward the city hall (Flower Road) direction for 5 or 6 blocks. You'll see a big yellow/brown building on your right in the corner. There's a post office across the street on your left side. Click here to find a map on their site