Welcome to Kobe Kitano Nosta: Where Food Dreams Come True!
Alright, foodies, gather ’round because I must introduce you to a shiny new gem in the heart of Kobe called “Kobe Kitano Nosta”! It’s opening its doors on November 8th—mark your calendars or just write it on your hand like I do when I forget things. This is a gourmet hotspot where ANYONE can satiate their cravings and perhaps, indulge in a bit of decadence.
Located about a 10-minute stroll from Sannomiya Station, this place used to be the Kitano Elementary School—so you might say it has gone from teaching geometry to teaching the art of gastronomy! It has transformed from a learning hub to a fab food complex focusing on the culinary sensations of Kobe—because who needs algebra when you’ve got pancakes, chocolate, and sake?
Step Inside: A Whimsical Wonder of White
As you step inside the building, brace yourself for an open space themed in white—it’s like walking into a bridal shop without the awkwardness of being asked, “When are you getting married?” Within it lies a trio of treats, with six stores including a café and a bakery ready to tantalize your tastebuds. An exciting sweet shop called NOSTA SWEETS will open its doors in January 2025, which gives you ample reason to come back, like an old friend who just can’t let go.
Chocolate Lovers, Rejoice! Meet “LE CHOCOLAT DE H”!
Right from the entrance, you’ll encounter a little slice of heaven called LE CHOCOLAT DE H, helmed by world-renowned pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi—fear not, he’s not angling for your car keys, just your chocolate preference! This is their first store in Kansai, and guess what? The man himself was there to greet guests. If that doesn’t scream exclusivity, I don’t know what does.
“We want people in Kobe to enjoy the special chocolate we make by roasting cacao beans grown in our own farm in Peru…”
You heard it right! This isn’t just chocolate; it’s chocolate that’s practically got its own passport. Look out for the “Awaji Island sea salt caramel” and “Tamba black sesame praline”—and if you don’t buy them, I’ll have to question your decision-making skills.
Café Culture: The NOSTA Café
The centerpiece here is the sensational NOSTA Café, where you can plop down on one of the 64 seats inside, or embrace the outdoors with 34 seats on the terrace. The menu isn’t just a list of items; it’s a love letter to food! Try the NOSTA pancake sandwich for just 418 yen (that’s practically a steal in the culinary world), or the luxurious “Cafe Mocha Ash” for a hefty 1,188 yen, which sounds swanky enough to make anyone poetic.
Bread Ahoy: Discover “Mariage de Farine”!
Next up—bread! And not just any bread, but creations by Tomohiko Nakanishi, who snagged 3rd place in a world bread competition. This isn’t a bakery; it’s a bread cathedral! From croissants that take three days to make, to loafs that could probably sing at the opera, you’ll feel like you’ve just walked into the bread aisle of a gourmet fairytale.
Caffeine Fix: The Kobe Kitano Roastery
Don’t even think about leaving without a cup of joe from the Kobe Kitano Roastery. With Japan’s top roasters brewing magic, the Barrel Aged Blend is the drink of the hour and comes beautifully paired with a hot petit taiyaki—because who says carbs shouldn’t come with carbs?
Raise Your Glass: Nada Gogo SAKE VILLAGE
If your tastes lean toward liquid happiness, then you must pay a visit to the Nada Gogo SAKE VILLAGE. This place is a love letter to sake, with around 90 varieties that could make even the most seasoned alcoholic giggle with glee. Sample their standout “Nada no Nama Ippon” if you’re feeling adventurous—just don’t blame us when you get carried away!
Living it Up: Kitano Grill & Bar
If upscale dining that doesn’t involve you pretending to know how to use a fork is your thing, head up to the Kitano Grill & Bar on the second floor. Here, indulge in the “KITANO Lunch Course”, a full-scale meal that, if you even try to finish alone, warrants a mention in your will!
Stella Hall: A Slice of History
Finally, we get a glimpse into the past with the STELLA HALL, the former gym now turned rental space. It’s not just a place for events; it’s a slice of history where you might just bump into a former gym teacher reminiscing about dubious workout regimes.
Wrapping it Up
If that wasn’t enough excitement, look out for the delightful “BE KOBE” monument lurking in the parking lot; it’s practically begging you to stop for a photo. So, gather your friends, pack your appetite, and get ready to explore the fabulous food landscape of Kobe Kitano Nosta. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes your taste buds do a happy dance while your diet shakes its head in despair!
See you on November 8th! Bring a fork… and maybe two or three elastic waistbands!
Excitement is brewing in the Kobe Kitano area, where the highly anticipated “Kobe Kitano Nosta” is set to unveil its doors on November 8th. We had the exclusive opportunity to sneak a peek inside the gourmet complex, which is centered around the rich culinary culture of Kobe, just before its grand opening. The opening ceremony is scheduled to commence at 10:30 AM on November 8th, featuring first-come-first-served gifts and a selection of unique original goods available for purchase.
Located a mere 10-minute stroll north of Sannomiya Station along Tor Road, the building occupies the former site of Kitano Elementary School, which had previously operated as “Kitano Kobo Town” until last year. This transformation has given rise to a vibrant gourmet haven dedicated to showcasing the diverse flavors of Kobe’s famed cuisine.
Upon entering the establishment, visitors will immediately notice the spacious interior adorned in a refreshing white theme. Six distinct shops, including a cafe and a bakery, will occupy the expansive first floor, with the sweets shop “NOSTA SWEETS” set to open its doors in January 2025.
[LE CHOCOLAT DE H Kobe Kitano Nosta store]
Directly at the entrance, guests will find “LE CHOCOLAT DE H Kobe Kitano Nosta,” a chocolatier led by the internationally acclaimed pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi. This marks the shop’s inaugural presence in the Kansai region, and on our visit, Chef Tsujiguchi was present to greet patrons. He enthusiastically expressed his desire for the people of Kobe to indulge in the exceptional chocolate crafted from cacao beans cultivated on their own Peruvian farm, roasted and processed in their onsite facility. In addition to their unique offerings, they plan to host chocolate seminars, providing visitors with deeper insights into the world of cacao.
The back of the shop features a stunning display of chocolate bonbons that resemble jewels. Exclusive creations like “Awaji Island sea salt caramel” and “Tamba black sesame praline” are available only at this location, making for a truly unique shopping experience.
【RAISE CAFE】
The heart of the complex, NOSTA CAFE, boasts ample seating with 64 spots indoors and 34 on the terrace, allowing patrons to soak in the atmosphere. The cafe’s showcase is filled with confections crafted by its talented pastry chef, while the barista expertly prepares individual orders at the counter. Menu highlights include “NOSTA pancake sandwich” starting at 418 yen, “NY cheesecake” for 484 yen, and “pudding” priced at 385 yen (all prices include tax).
In collaboration with Chef Tsujiguchi, the cafe also offers the special drink “Cafe Mocha Ash,” priced at 1,188 yen. This unique beverage omits sweeteners like sugar, relying solely on the rich flavors of chocolate and milk from “Le Chocolat de Ash,” paired with coffee sourced from the adjacent “Kobe Kitano Roastery.” The drink presents a soft and fluffy profile, characterized by a decadent chocolate and coffee blend that flows under a layer of fresh cream—sure to delight discerning palates.
After savoring the flavors at NOSTA CAFE, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread from the adjacent bakery beckoned.
[Mariage de Farine Kobe Kitano Nosta store]
This bakery is helmed by Tomohiko Nakanishi, renowned for securing 3rd place at the World Bread Competition. It is a celebrated addition to Kobe, previously famous through outlets in Mie Prefecture’s VISON and Aqua Ignis Awajishima. Chef Nakanishi takes great care in his craft, utilizing a blend of four wheat varieties sourced from Hokkaido and Mie Prefectures. His signature “croissants” are a labor of love, taking three days to produce. The meticulous preparation involves slow fermentation, shaping, and steam-baking, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to a fluffy, chewy interior, with a delectable buttery richness.
[Kobe Kitano Roastery]
After indulging in the bakery’s delights, guests can quench their thirst at the “Kobe Kitano Roastery,” located towards the back of the complex. This establishment marks the first Kobe location for the roastery, which has become a sister venue to the esteemed “Shinsaibashi Roastery.” This facility boasts the renowned craftsmanship of Japan’s top roasters and baristas, having been awarded the No. 1 title at the Japan Coffee Roasting Championship (JCRC2023 Champion). A strikingly large roasting machine, imported from America and valued at 24 million yen, takes center stage in the shop.
The shop’s standout offering is the “Barrel Aged Blend,” priced at 900 yen. This unique coffee is made from Kobe beans that have been aged in barrels formerly used for whiskey production at Rokkosan Distillery, infusing a light roast with rich whiskey notes. Patrons can enjoy this exquisite blend alongside a piping hot petit taiyaki.
[Nada Gogo SAKE VILLAGE]
Across the street, the “Nada Gogo SAKE VILLAGE” beckons sake enthusiasts. The shop features an impressive selection of sake from 20 different breweries in the Nada Gogo region, which is a source of pride for Hyogo Prefecture. Within the store, the unmistakable scent of sake barrels creates an atmosphere steeped in tradition. For the current season, the featured drink is “Nada no Nama Ippon,” a seasonal offering produced from autumn to winter. The store is home to around 90 distinct types of sake, inviting visitors to experience the diversity of flavors reminiscent of a tour through a traditional sake brewery.
【Kitano Grill & Bar】
Ascending the stairs at the back of the building, diners will discover the elegant “Kitano Grill & Bar” located on the second floor. Upon entry, guests are welcomed by a sophisticated bar lounge featuring a selection of renowned sake to the left and an extensive wine cellar enveloping the right side with a panoramic view. The restaurant accommodates 64 diners in the main dining area, 36 in a semi-private room, and an intimate setting for 4 to 8 guests. Patrons can enjoy the thrilling live action of chefs at work in the open kitchen.
The lunch menu, crafted from fresh ingredients sourced from five different regions of Hyogo—including exquisite Kobe beef—features the “KITANO Lunch Course,” priced at 4,700 yen (tax included), offering an enticing array consisting of an appetizer, soup, choice of pasta, main dish, bread, dessert, and an after-meal beverage.
【STELLA HALL (former Kitano Elementary School Lecture Hall)】
On the third floor, formerly a gymnasium, a modern architectural ambiance has been preserved and transformed into a versatile rental space known as “STELLA HALL.” Available for various purposes including events, training sessions, and student experiences, it starts at an affordable rate of 2,200 yen per hour.
Lastly, we stumbled upon the impressive “BE KOBE” monument located in the parking lot at the rear of the building. This striking landmark serves as a vibrant welcome for visitors disembarking from tour buses, promising to become a favored photo opportunity for those eager to capture their experience in this iconic city.