Phenomenal chicken-only yakitori tasting menu, intimate & fun vibe. Upscale Japanese fare.
KONO offers a refined Japanese dining experience centered around a unique chicken-only yakitori tasting menu. While lauded by many as a phenomenal and intimate upscale option, some diners find the chicken dishes solid but not extraordinary. The restaurant boasts a fun vibe and excellent service, though it's worth noting that the 'cochin' dish has been removed due to past complaints.
This Japanese restaurant specializes in a chicken-only yakitori tasting menu, which is frequently described as phenomenal and expertly prepared, utilizing all parts of the chicken. While most reviews are glowing, one diner found the chicken dishes to be solid but not extraordinary. There was a report that the 'cochin' dish was discontinued due to multiple customer complaints of food poisoning.
"The chicken-only yakitori tasting menu is highly recommended and frequently described as phenomenal. The restaurant is celebrated for its expert preparation of various chicken parts."
Overall, customers have a very positive sentiment, frequently praising the unique chicken yakitori tasting menu and the restaurant's fun, intimate atmosphere. While service is generally excellent, a few diners have found the chicken dishes to be good but not exceptionally memorable.
Important Note
One commenter reported that the 'cochin' dish has been removed due to multiple past customer complaints of food poisoning. Another reviewer found the chicken dishes, while good, to be not exceptional for a specialist restaurant.
"While appreciating Family Meal's flexibility, this commenter states Kono offers by far the best experience among the three options."
Positive"This commenter highlights Kono as a chef's counter yakitori place, arguably the best in NYC. They note that most of the cooking isn't visible from the counter, so it's not a showy presentation."
Positive"This commenter recommends Kono and also notes that One White Street had just lost its star."
Positive"This commenter prefers Kono for a special experience, expressing a personal bias as they love yakitori. They view 'farm to table' as a less exciting celebratory meal option."
Positive"Kono is mentioned as a favorite omakase spot in NYC, although it's noted as not being a typical omakase experience."
Positive"Kono was suggested for a Yakitori omakase experience."
Neutral"The commenter suggests Kono as an upscale option for skewers. They also mention cheaper, casual Chinese-style skewer carts in Brooklyn Chinatown or Flushing as an alternative."
Positive"This restaurant is mentioned as one of the best yakitori places in NYC, though the commenter has not personally visited it. It is noted to be around the same price point as other top yakitori options."
Positive"A commenter found Kono to be too 'slick' and felt the food was overly engineered for a potential Michelin star, enjoying the meal but lacking the desire to return."
Neutral"Kono is recommended for its focus on perfectly executed chicken yakitori, noting its contemporary yet cozy ambiance and intimate feel, though drinks could push the total cost over $500."
Positive"The user recommends Kono for yakitori omakase, providing a link to their website."
Positive"This commenter recommended Yakitori Kono, a restaurant without stars that offers a high-end yakitori omakase experience."
Positive"The commenter suggests Kono for those seeking a unique dining experience."
Positive"The user praises Kono as a unique and intimate dining experience, highlighting it as one of their favorite NYC dining experiences even after three years."
Positive"Kono is recommended as an upscale yakitori restaurant that prepares every part of the chicken."
Positive"This user recommends Kono as an upscale yakitori restaurant that prepares every part of the chicken."
Positive"Kono is described as the commenter's favorite upscale Japanese dining experience in NY, though it does not focus on steak."
Positive"Contrary to the original poster's experience, this user noted that Chef Kono personally interacted with every dining party at the conclusion of their meal during their visit."
Positive"A user reported that the 'cochin' dish is no longer served at Kono, allegedly due to multiple past complaints from customers experiencing food poisoning."
Negative"The Original Poster rated their dining experience at Kono 7/10, highlighting excellent service but finding the various chicken dishes, despite being solid, to be "nothing special" and not living up to expectations for a specialist restaurant."
Neutral
