Kono was one of the best yakitori experiences I've had. The restaurant is dark and intimate, with the spotlight focused on the yakitori grill, so your attention naturally goes to the chef preparing every skewer. They started us off with a complimentary drink (you can choose alcoholic or non-alcoholic), followed by crispy chicken skin chips. I absolutely loved these. They were light, perfectly crispy, and had a slightly sweet glaze that made them addictive. They even came back around to offer seconds, which was such a nice touch. Every course was unique and beautifully prepared. You can tell a lot of thought went into each dish. My favorite was the oyster. It was huge, incredibly juicy, and packed with flavor. It was one of the best oysters I've had. I also enjoyed trying all the different cuts of chicken. It's a great way to experience parts you normally wouldn't order, and every skewer was cooked perfectly. The meal ended with a delicious matcha ice cream and grilled mochi, and complimentary crème brûlée in a tare mini jar. Super cute! Overall, Kono delivers an amazing dining experience with outstanding food, thoughtful service, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you're looking for an authentic yakitori omakase, I highly recommend it. I would definitely come back again. read more

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As someone that grew up in Chinatown, I still remember all the Shanghai and Malaysian restaurants that used to be in the "tunnel." It's amazing what it has now become with all the high end Asian cuisines. I've walked by Kono many times and never knew what was behind those doors, wow. The space is elegant and beautiful. You would never know it's located in Chinatown. As you'd expect, you're here for the yakitori experience. These skewers are beautifully cooked and every bit delicious. I will say that not every dish or piece was a hit but the general experience was amazing and delicious. For instance, the uni chawanmushi didn't need the smoke. In fact, it overpowered all the other ingredients. I also ordered the chicken oysters and gizzards. Both were a bit underseasoned. That said the tsukune was probably the best I've ever had. And the chicken broth at the end was next level. Service was attentive but slightly unorganized. I say this because I had to ask for water and they forgot we had sparkling. But otherwise, everyone was friendly and we appreciate the recommendation for the spice powder. I would highly recommend Kono. We'll be back. read more

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The place is still good for the most part. I've dined here around five to six times now. Each time I walked away thinking they were the best at what they do. This time though was an incredible let down and I will not go back. Long story short, they served spoiled chicken. It was beyond bad as it smelled sour. Even under benefit of the doubt trying it, it was spat out because it was obviously spoiled. The cut was returned. After which the chef never came out to apologize or to remedy the mistake. We were served some sorbet "compliments of the chef". Chicken if served spoiled or improperly handled can cause death. Of all people the people making a living out of serving chicken should know. I spent 800 bucks for dinner for two. One of the most disappointing experiences of dining in NY. Especially since it was ine of my go to restaurants. read more

Husband and I had a fantastic dinner at Kono. The menu is preset with the opportunity for add-ons which we didn't need, as there was plenty of food (although we did add caviar to the katsu fried chicken). Excellent service. My favorite dishes were the chicken oyster and the chicken liver pate with summer truffles on rice crackers. The menu that I posted doesn't list all of the dishes, such as the chef's selection of the yakitori. read more

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How many different ways can you eat a chicken? If you go to Kono, you're about to find out that it's probably more than you imagined. The chef, a veteran of a rival yakitori spot, is a master of his craft. He manages to cultivate an incredible feel to the restaurant, with the diners sitting around him as he cooks chicken as if he was putting on a theatrical performance. So how's the food? In short, very good. While you are mainly eating chicken, there's a surprising depth to the menu. Personal highlight for me was the tsukune dipped in raw egg yolk. It's incredibly rich and satisfying. Amongst the high-end yakitori spots, Kono might just be the best (I still have one to go to to formally make that conclusion). It's a memorable meal, and this would be great for a special occasion. read more

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Waited three years to come here and was SUPER excited when we got the reservation! My partner has known about this place for the longest and we finally decided to come in to celebrate his birthday this year! The hospitality on its own was just some of the best. From the hostess, sommelier, servers and CHEF HIMSELF were so kind and sociable. I genuinely wanted to give them all a hug. As for the food there wasn't a part of the chicken i doubt to taste like I wasn't going to enjoy it. I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE COURSE! Even the Al La Carte portion my boyfriend decided on the neck, gizzard skin, feet and kidney! All very different yet super duper delicious! After that everything i have more of an appreciation for truffle as well. That last course was so outstanding!!! The dining room is super stunning and clear. The table surrounding the chef was the perfect ambiance. I wouldn't have left if i needed to. Already dreaming and planning our next visit for the new season! Thank you wonderful Kono Team! read more

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Food 4.5/5.0 Service 4.5/5.0 Value 3.0/5.0 Decor 4.5/5.0 Overall 4.5/5.0 Exceptional experience. Vibe was good, not too many people. Felt like a great spot in Tokyo. The dishes were excellent. Would absolutely good back. read more

This establishment isn't even a restaurant. It's an experience. Although pricey, I have been 5 or 6 times in the last 3 months with multiple different friends and I am returning in 4 days with another friend. However much it costs, the price is entirely worth it. The service is nothing short of exceptional and the food is some of the best I've had. If given the opportunity, do not pass up the chance to come here. read more

Kono in NYC is an intimate 14-seat yakitori omakase experience led by chef Atsushi "ATS" Kono, offering a masterfully curated 16-course menu that showcases every part of the chicken with precision and flair. From tender thigh skewers to perfectly charred tsukune and adventurous cuts like gizzard and tail, each bite is grilled over binchotan charcoal and deeply satisfying. Also please please add the additional chicken heart and other parts! extremely worth it. The ambiance is sleek and understated, ideal for focused dining, though a bit dim for social groups. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. It's a must-visit for yakitori purists and culinary explorers alike!!! read more

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Amazing intimate omakase yakitori meal. Great for celebrations! You get to sit in a long table in front of the chef and the whole meal course takes about 2.5 hours! Everything was amazing and depending on what they have they have some seasonal stuff so menu changes sometimes! Service was top notch here and you get the option to enhance some of the courses with truffle but that's extra. read more

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10/10 experience for everything. They use all parts of the chicken to create a memorable dining experience. The meats were so tender and juicy - no parts overcooked - and the spices they recommend with each dish elevated its taste! I didn't have a problem with the ventilation - sat right next to it and had a very clear view of how they were cooking the yakitori. I recommend sitting at the bar bc that's part of the whole experience, and the people there were so nice! They saw that I was having trouble getting a good angle of how they were cooking it and helped me film a better video. The only complaint I have is the black truffle ice cream they serve at the end. Not a big fan of the truffle taste and the ice cream was very overpowering with the truffle taste haha We had trouble finding the place as well! You have to turn into a fancy looking hallway from the Chinatown street! read more

Kono was top tier yakitori and basically as close to a fine dining yakitori experience as you can get comparing to my other favorite Torien, which aims more traditional Japanese experience. The restaurant is set in a elegant, unassuming room with the focus being entirely on the counter and kitchen which you can only really see from the sides. The staff warmly greeted everyone and were very efficient. They knew every detail of each dish and drink options. The yakitori itself was superb. I found them to be an excellent balance of char, juice, tenderness, and flavor (missed some pictures). The appetizers included a slider with egg that was the perfect stimulant. Afterwards got to talk to chef Kono a bit. Overall fantastic yakitori. In NYC you can't go wrong with any of the top places, comes down to more personal taste. read more

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One of the best yakitori I've had even within Japan and easily top two meals I've had in New York from multiple trips! The chicken was so well cooked - perfectly thin crispy skin and juicy throughout. Portions were generous and I left super full even without any add ons. They have all sorts of cuts of meats and organs but were gracious enough to substitute those out for me since I'm not a fan. I also highly recommend getting the potato skewer add on if you can - it was so buttery and delicious. Overall very worth the visit and am looking forward to returning the next time I'm in NY. read more

Gorgeous plates and absolutely delicious morsels of food . Dining at kono is part restaurant part theatre and you have front row seats! I love this spot and give it top marks but my family will likely drop a star or two and let me explain why. At kono you are served basically all parts of the chicken and for some folks they may not be so comfortable crunching on cartilage or some funky chicken organs. So .. if you aren't super adventurous and don't love all parts of the humble chicken then this place is not for you . Also it's not a crazy filling place . Be prepared to order a few rounds of beer to wash down the smoky skewers. Bonus for me was the wonderful hip hop soundtrack. Did have rude words but hey you are in nyc .. you are in Chinatown and you are watching chefs play in fire. If it's not your cup of tea head to Le Bernadin or gramercy Tavern ! read more

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It's impossible not to love this place. I've dined here multiple times and every time it's been a phenomenal experience. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. The chefs are fun and clearly passionate. It's amazing to watch them preparing the food so skillfully over the charcoal grill. Every dish is thoughtful and good. I especially love the tsukune, but there's so many great moments that I can't recall what was what anymore. Also love their dessert every time! They offer supplementary skewers as well which are worth it! I love their story and goal of using every part of the chicken so that nothing goes to waste. Classic cuts of meat, the organs, cartilage, tail, skin, and everything in between. They have great drink options too-both alcoholic and non alcoholic. It's beautiful inside. Most of the seating is at the chef counter and they have 1 table for larger groups. Expect the tasting menu to last 2.5-3 hours. Already salivating for my next return visit! read more

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Astounding tasting menu curated by Chef Kono. Overall a wonderful experience, very visceral with superb service. A highly elevated skewer expedition! Had no idea what to expect but left pleasantly surprised. The ambiance is intimate and makes a very cute date experience. Get the added gizzard and caviar. You won't regret it. read more

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My wife and I went to Kono for our anniversary. Upon arrival, Chef Atsushi Kono welcomed us and showed us his masterful grilling skills. The food was incredible, and everything had a delicious binchotan charcoal flavor. The service from manager Luis and his team was impeccable. Luis was even kind enough to give us a great souvenir: a video of the chef in action. We loved it! We had an amazing experience at Kono and highly recommend it. read more

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A Smokin' Hot Yakitori Experience--Literally. If you're looking for an intimate, immersive yakitori experience in NYC, Kono is certainly one to consider--just make sure you pack some eye drops, prepare to smell like a bonfire, and have a solid appreciation for whisky (or, at the very least, a tolerance for limited drink menus). Nestled inside a food hall with all the discretion of a speakeasy that doesn't want to be found, Kono is a bit of a scavenger hunt. There's barely any signage, and once you do manage to locate the place, you can't just waltz in like a regular customer--no, no. You must wait outside until the host decides to let you in, which is odd considering you already have a reservation--standing at the door like you're trying to charm your way past a club bouncer feels unnecessarily awkward. Once inside, you're seated around a U-shaped chef's counter with about 16 other diners, plus a few extra seats in the back for those who prefer a different seating arrangement or didn't opt for the chef's counter. The setup is sleek, and the chef--who is cooking right in the middle of it all--is engaging and personable, which adds a warm touch. You're here for the pre-fixe yakitori menu, which is essentially a reverent exploration of every possible part of a chicken, punctuated by the occasional vegetable dish, presumably to remind us that greenery exists. Now, let's talk about the food. The yakitori? Fantastic. Perfectly grilled, flavorful, and thoughtfully composed. The star of the show for me? The chicken thigh in BBQ sauce--juicy, smoky, and packed with umami. They also offer some Japanese spice mixes that enhance the flavors even more, and trust me, you'll want to sprinkle them generously over pretty much everything. But, and this is a big but, the ventilation situation is a disaster. Look, I love the smell of grilled meat as much as the next carnivore, but when your eyes are watering, your clothes absorb enough smoke to make you a human incense stick, and the heat from the grill feels like you've been seated at the mouth of an active volcano, it's a problem. If you're at one of the seats closest to the action--like I was--be prepared to feel like you're cooking along with the chicken. A better exhaust system would work wonders here. And then there's the drink menu--or should I say, whisky menu. While I respect a strong theme, a bit more variety wouldn't hurt. The wine selection is there, but expanding the non-whisky options would go a long way in making the experience more balanced. One thing I did appreciate is that at the end of the meal, they offer add-ons if you're still hungry or want to try something extra. It's a nice touch, adding a little flexibility to the otherwise structured tasting menu. However, for all its merits, the price point feels a bit high for what it is. The hurdles of entry, the ventilation issues, and the limited drink options would be understandable at a yakitori joint tucked away in the streets of Tokyo, where authenticity is part of the charm. But for a place that clearly wants to be portrayed as fine dining, these oversights feel out of place. Final verdict? The food is great--borderline exceptional--but the service and setup need serious refinement. Between the awkward entry process, the smoky air assault, and the limited drinks, there's room for improvement. But if you can brave the heat, navigate the entry hurdles, and don't mind leaving with a smokier scent than a backyard barbecue, Kono is definitely worth trying because great yakitori deserves recognition, even if it comes with a side of secondhand smoke and mild dehydration. read more

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Having lived in Tokyo several times as expats we felt that we had to visit Kono while in NYC. We were not disappointed. Kono is a classic Yakitori ya that would fit well in Shibuya or Hiroo. Classic minimalist decor with impeccable service. The star here is the yakitori which features Amish chicken and a range of seasonal vegetables. The best way to experience Kono is to order kappo-style omakase, leaving selection to the owner-chef, Kono san. Dining this way is a multi-course excursion that will last for more than two hours. Kono is a magnificent dining experience. read more

This is a very cool place. The secret music room is awesome. The drinks were super tasty. The food itself was interesting. If you don't have a very adventurous palette, this may not be for you. The menu consisted of various different parts of the chicken cooked in many different ways. It's a very cool concept but, be prepared to eat parts of the chicken that you've never heard of. The "oyster" was surprisingly good. And they did have the option to purchase beef - which we did and no regrets! It was delicious. Service was superb. We were here for someone's birthday and they gave the birthday girl extra dessert. Unsure if I would come back but I recommend it. read more

Kono - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

The beat yakitori I ever had and almost the most expensive. If you like skewers of meat, cannot really go wrong assuming that you want to spend the money. Tasting menu only but a classic NYC. Service is great. Two seatings only so book ahead. Ambience is excellent but large parties given a long table is difficult to talk. Overall decor is great. In terms of values, depends on whether you like yakitori. If so, then yes. If not but you are wealth off, also worth a try. Food highlights but the tasting menu does change... Toddy - whiskey and hojicha combo is great Chicken Oyster - always the best part to take for roast chicken and the skewer were perfect Noodles - the noodles with fattier broth is a great finish. Actually want more of that Creme brûlée smoked sugar - also very good but nothing too crazy read more

Next level/elevated Yakitori -- there wasn't a single thing I ate that I didn't like. The servers were great and recommended which seasoning to use for each piece (some didn't need any at all). I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and I like that it's not overly fancy, which made it more comfortable. I would definitely recommend and come back. read more

Kono - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

This was my first omakase-style yakitori experience and it was incredible. Yes, a bit on the pricey side but it's well worth the experience, quality of food and a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. From the apps to the skewers to the dessert - everything was amazing. Standout courses for me were the chicken oyster as well as the burger/slider. The way the chef incorporates the different parts of the chicken for each skewer is super creative. The service was also top notch. Our server was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and Chef Kono was personable - thanking and saying hi to each customer at the end of the meal. Highly highly recommend. read more

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I came here on a date, and the experience was quite unique. The chef uses every part of the chicken to create an innovative take on yakitori. While it is on the pricier side at $175 per person, the quality of the food made it worthwhile. The yakitori was exceptional, and watching the chef prepare each dish right in front of you added a personal touch to the meal. The space is intimate, with only counter seating, and they offer luxurious add-ons like caviar and truffle, paired with an excellent selection of wines. read more

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I visited New York for the first time last month and this was the only restaurant I planned ahead and made a reservation for. Of the several things I ate during my short trip, Kono is one of the more memorable experiences and probably the best yakitori I've had so far. I have not found a stellar yakitori spot in SoCal, so when I found there were several places in NY, I knew I had to try one. I don't know much of the history behind the chef besides the little research and a few videos I've watched, but I was interested based on the ambiance alone. Located in Chinatown, Kono is hidden within an small narrow hall to the right of Joes Shanghai. I was seated promptly at my reservation time and soon had the drink menu and a light chicken stock to start. That broth was incredibly concentrated with real chicken flavor and I knew it was going to be a good meal. I tried taking notes on all the courses: Sesame Tofu, Dashi Jelly golden osetra caviar shiso flower Truffle monaka -Chicken liver mousse pate, miso truffle paste, shaved summer truffle Chicken tail Inner chicken thigh Chicken heart Chicken belly ume and shiso Chicken belly skin Chicken oyster wrapped in skin w/ yuzu kosho Kyoto pepper Chicken katsu Fuji apple tare sauce Chicken tsukune burger mixed with A5 wagyu Chicken Neck Chilled udon braised shiitake fried chicken skin dashi Black sugar creme brulee finished with cedar smoke Head to tail approach and some of the cleanest tasting chicken I've ever had. They offer a couple seasoning powders on the side and the service staff will tell you what is recommended for each skewer. The chef is a true yakitori master as each piece of chicken was dripping with juice and they were all timed perfectly. The small dishes to start were unique and fun, but the star is definitely the yakitori. I prefer a more personable service experience and I found their style of service a bit too professional and rigid. There was a bald man who I assume to be the manager, I thought was too stern and unfriendly. One of the Asian servers made small mistakes and the bald guy made it clear in a condescending manner. Took me a bit out of the experience to be honest. Yakitori Kono was definitely a nice spot to check out and I'm glad I did. The best yakitori I've experienced, but a very pricy dinner. Might be a one time visit, but would still recommend others to try it. I'd be interested to try other yakitori spots next time I get to visit the city. read more

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Came here with my friend, she has been here 4 times. It definitely a hidden gen in NYC, Kono hided inside of ally in Chinatown, have to ring a bell to get in. You can have private booth or bar seat when you make reservation, if you have a large group. Kono provide a 10 yakitori, and 3 appertaziers. If you don't eat organ, they will switch to other meat. We had a chicken broth to kick off the dinner. Then there are 3 cold dishes before yakitori, I can see these are Japanese fusion dishes (will say michilin star vibe). After we had all the yatitori, it come up a A5 wagyu hamburger and cold noodle as ending. Personally I will say kono has the best pudding in the city. The black sugar pudding is creaming and light sweet, also heavy milk taste. Overall, will come back in the future, nice place for dating or small group of friend. read more

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Made a reservation for 2 weeks in advance and got seated promptly. We came here to celebrate someone's birthday. This place can be hard to find but it's in the tunnel more towards Elizabeth. When we got inside, it was very cozy. Counter seats around the kitchen and it was nicely decorated. We got to eating! The menu is here is a full chicken omakase. They use almost every part of the menu. The experience itself was great. Some items were better than the others. My favorites would definitely be the tsukune slider and the chicken oyster. Both were so juicy and flavorful. The other thing that really stood out is the service. Our server was very personable and explained our dishes to us as well as exchanging banter. It was a great touch. The real star is the GM (I unfortunately did not get his name). He was super friendly, helpful with his staff and funny. He even took the time to take turns with each group's phone and record videos of the chef cooking. He also read our reservation notes and asked me who the birthday person was and gave them some desserts on the chef. Lastly, chef Kono was amazing. The items he created were unique and flavorful, and he greeted everyone prior to leaving. This place is pricey but worth the visit at least once for the experience! read more

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Yelp wouldn't let me post all the things I ate because I'm limited to 10 photos but I really enjoyed my dining experience here. The service was immaculate. Loved being greeted by the hostess and she took my bag and my coat as well and we were guided to our seats promptly. The man who I believed was the manager was really great! He helped get content for my experience and was able to capture the chefs in action from a closer viewpoint! The food was amazing. Every part of the chicken was used to provide the yakitori experience! There were definitely parts I've never had before so I was excited to try it! I enjoyed the pacing of the meal and I liked the variety of dishes we got to eat. There were skewered foods, but there was also noodles and the pâté and just a variety of things to eat. I was super full by the end of the meal and was very satisfied. The setting was really intimate and even though I sat next to people I wasn't overpowered by their conversations and I was able to experience my meal with my friend with intent and focus! There were quite a few birthdays celebrated the night I went as well which was really cute to see. Overall great experience! Where I dock a star is the fact that I did feel the food was a bit overpriced! However, I am happy I got to try it and I definitely would recommend this place for people to try in the future! read more

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Kono is incomparable. The most exquisite dinning experience I've had. Worth every penny

Was at this restaurant last December, and I just don't want to spoil it. Its not cheap, but no fine restaurants are. This is an experience that begins from outside the place and doesn't stop until you leave the place. Thats it. Highly recommend. Enjoy! p.s. Just go, and don't spoil it by reading detailed reviews. read more

Kono offers a yakitori tasting menu, which the protein focus is the chicken. Items such as chicken tail, chicken belly, chicken heart, chicken neck, and other prepartions, such as katsu, tsukune burger, and chilled udon with the chicken skin were part of the set. Everything tasted clean and were well-presented. The restaurant gives an intimate space, so it's great for date nights and small get-togethers. Staff were kind and friendly. +yakitori-focused omakase read more

I had come into the city to see a b'way show and decided to book a last-minute dinner reservation at Kono on a whim . What a stunning dining experience! It was like being treated to a cooking show. All the diners are seated at the u-shaped bar table so it creates an intimate experience with the chef who is cooking your food. I made the mistake of ordering the add-on waygu beef because by the time I got the course, I was beyond full. If you are not used to eating weird chicken parts like hearts, knees, tails and such, don't worry and keep an open mind. Everything is cooked to perfection and delicious. The omakase meal is expensive and a test of stamina at 2.5 hours, but it's also a performance art that's entertaining and delicious. read more

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food is excellent, they cooked everything perfectly. with chicken, it's easy to mess up and make things tough/salty/over-seasoned but everything was so good, even the soups were so flavorful. would come back! oh great atmosphere btw :) read more

The ambiance, service, food and authenticity was as it should be with Chef Kono. I've been to several of the places where he was the head chef and it has been consistently amazing. read more

All I can say is wow. I have always wanted to try a yakitori omakase and a food blogger I follow recommended Kono. I was skeptical at first since I hadn't heard much about them but I trusted her opinion so I decided to give them a shot. Reservations opened up 2 weeks prior and I quickly snagged a spot for our trip to NY. This spot is located in a small walkway in Chinatown and we did walk around in a few circles before we finally found it. Just walking in I knew it was going to be a great experience and we definitely were not disappointed. The entire restaurant has a unique and aesthetic vibe. Service was great top to bottom and there was not a single bite we didn't enjoy. From the chicken oysters all the way to the simple potato, we loved every single bite. It was amazing watching Chef Atsushi work the grill and I was even able to get some behind the grill scenes on my phone, courtesy of the awesome manager. At the end of your meal they come by with a special box with extras you can order, we opted for the fertilized egg and it definitely surprised us. Overall, this was one of the best meals we've ever had and we definitely will come back again on our next trip. read more

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Very good omakase yakitori meal although I came away feeling slight underwhelmed by the experience. Service and mood are on point. Everyone throuhgout the meal is attentive to your needs, and the space really puts an exclusive focus on the food. Most of the interior is dark with nothing to catch the eye so you will absolutely be focused on the food that is coming your way. Given Kono is clearly trying for fine dining yakitori I found their presentation to be hit and miss. Some dishes are inventively presented (the chicken skin and caviar comes to mind) with playful playting, but much of it is standard yakitori presentation which really isn't very exciting. Some skewers have some additional compliments but much of them are presented in pretty classic fashion which makes it feel somewhat boring compared to say, Kochi's approach to skewers. Some of the dishes and skewers were very good, some O.k., but nothing stood out as transcendant. Chicken hearts were very good, the Chicken "oyster" probably the best, and personally I found the belly to be too chewy. The chicken pate mini sandwich is the closest they come to something playful like a lot great places to eat but like other bites here the taste was pretty good, not amazing. With the check likely to run you over 300 USD, Kono is not a cheap experience and I personally didn't find it to be a smashing success. But, it's definitely worthy of your attention. read more

It's an experience upon you step in. Welcoming, comfortable, paced well. Bringing yakitori experience to the next level. $165 tasting menu comes with 4 appetizer bites, 9 yakitori, udon, and creme brulee dessert. With some additional parts you can add on. Overall food was pretty good. read more

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WOW. who knew you could elevate chicken on a stick to this level. I've always loved yakitori but this was next level. pricey, yes. but food, flavor, service and atmosphere where all michelin level. one of the best new restaurants of 2023 (nyc). It's an experience you'll remember. like fancy chicken omakase basically =) Food: 10/10 Value: 7/10 Service: 10/10 Vibe: 10/10 read more

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The finest dining experience I've ever had in New York City. The service was outstanding, especially given how intimate the seatings are, and the food was nothing short of life-changing. The cocktails were exquisitely balanced, and truly every aspect of dining was flawless. Chicken has never tasted this good, and I feel lucky to have experienced a night like this! read more

Kono was im-peck-able! If you're looking for an excellent yakitori experience, look no further. Chef Atsushi Kono has spent more than a decade deepening his knowledge and skill set of yakitori and cooking chicken. And his cooking technique of kishu binchotan (a type of white oak charcoal) is remarkable. Tucked away just past Joe's Shanghai, the restaurant has an intimate 14-seat chef's counter for guests where they're treated to a multi-course, kappo-style yakitori omakase at $175/person. The focus of these skewers is chicken, chicken, chicken. We began the evening with non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. This was followed by chicken consommé to start, which was particularly satisfying given the rainy weather outside. Prior to the skewers, my favorite course was Chef Kono's signature monaka (rice cracker sandwich) appetizer that's packed with chicken pâté and shaved black truffle. Literally the best chicken liver sandwich I've had in the city. Chef Kono sources Amish chickens. And he uses the entire chicken, including organs, skin, and bones, for yakitori. No-waste cooking, or mottainai. All the skewers were phenomenal, with standouts being the tsukune, thigh, and oyster. In addition to chicken, you can have the option to upgrade with supplementary courses like A5 wagyu, king crab, and iberico pork. Dinner concludes with mizutaki udon (noodles in chicken broth with green onion), followed by a tasty dessert of Okinawan black sugar creme brulee. Our experience lasted almost 3 hours and yet, time passed so quickly with the magic of watching Chef Kono and his staff and devouring the best yakitori we've had to date. Kono is an absolute must in my book! read more

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