TLDR
Upscale yakitori omakase focused on every part of the chicken. Intimate counter seating w/ hip-hop beats.
Eater reports on Kono, a Chinatown yakitori omakase restaurant from chef Atsushi Kono, highlighting its chicken-focused tasting menu and unique dining experience.
Details
Kono offers an upscale, kappo-style yakitori omakase experience in Chinatown, focusing on expertly grilled chicken and vegetables [1]. The 16-course tasting menu showcases various parts of the chicken, prepared with unique techniques and served to a hip-hop soundtrack [1]. While many praise the intimate atmosphere and high-quality ingredients, some find the experience overly engineered and the cost, particularly with drinks, to be quite high [1].
Food Overview
Kono specializes in a chicken-focused yakitori omakase, offering a 16-course tasting menu that utilizes all parts of the chicken and vegetables, expertly grilled over an open flame [1]. Dishes like chicken oysters, chicken belly, and chicken hearts are highlighted, alongside creative items like a chicken liver pate monaka [1]. While many laud the quality and unique preparation, some find the dishes overly engineered and the price point high, with a preference for other yakitori establishments.
Highlights / Recommended
"The chicken oysters, chicken belly, chicken hearts, and chicken liver pate monaka are highlighted as notable dishes within the yakitori omakase menu [1]."
Caveats
Some diners find the restaurant to be excessively expensive, with costs potentially exceeding $500 for drinks alone, and feel the food is overly engineered. Others prefer alternative yakitori establishments, suggesting Kono has an 'insane markup' for what they perceive as simple street food.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KONO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Are The Omakase Places Mostly The Same Or
"The commenter, referencing an Eater article, compares Kono's yakitori omakase to a highly memorable meal at a similar restaurant in Osaka, Japan."
PositiveFrom post: Are The Omakase Places Mostly The Same Or
"The commenter suggests Kono offers a unique yakitori omakase experience, focusing on serving various parts of the chicken prepared using different methods."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Fine Dining Under 200 Not Incl Gratuity
"Kono is listed as a recommendation for fine dining under $200."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Singular Dish Or Entreeapp
"The commenter had a recent memorable bite of the chicken tail skewer (with umeboshi and shiso) from Kono, noting it requires a whole tasting menu to experience."
PositiveFrom post: High End Not Sushi Or European Restaurant
"Kono is described as an omakase where every part of the chicken is served, with an estimated price around $180 per person."
PositiveFrom post: High End Not Sushi Or European Restaurant
"Kono is suggested as a high-end Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori, though the user notes it might exceed the $250 per person budget depending on orders."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter reiterated their dislike for Kono, calling it overpriced 'poor man's street food' and finding the experience 'silly'."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter felt Kono was overpriced and preferred its mentor, Ikeda-san at Torishin."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter found Kono to be okay but preferred Torishin for yakitori, noting Kono's 'insane markup' for simple food."
NeutralFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"The commenter disliked Kono, finding it 'silly' and overpriced for what they considered simple street food fetishized at an extreme markup."
NegativeFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Omakase For Me Eats Raw Fish And Wife Doesnt Eat
"Yakitori is mentioned as a dish available at this restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Which Restaurant
"This user listed KONO as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Honeymoon Trip
"Kono is recommended as a high-end Yakitori omakase experience, where they serve every part of the chicken, making it a great option for a luxurious meal."
PositiveFrom post: Best Cantbemissed Eating Experience In Manhattan
"Kono was simply mentioned as a suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Best Kitchen View Restaurants In Nyc
"Yakitori Kono is highly recommended for its display of grilling and technique right in front of you, offering amazing food and one of the best experiences of the commenter's life, suitable for special occasions."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Recommendations
"Kono offers an atypical omakase experience, focusing on serving every part of the chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Fine Dining Andor Tasting Menu
"Kono is recommended, specifically noting its lack of seafood."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"Kono is mentioned as a good option within Chinatown proper."
PositiveFrom post: One White Street Vs Family Meal At Blue Hill Vs
"While appreciating Family Meal's flexibility, this commenter states Kono offers by far the best experience among the three options."
Positive