TLDR
Upscale yakitori omakase featuring whole-animal butchery in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting. A unique, high-end twist on traditional chicken skewers.
Eater reports on Kono, a Chinatown yakitori omakase restaurant from chef Atsushi Kono, highlighting its chicken-focused tasting menu and unique dining experience.
Details
Located in a hidden speakeasy-style space in Chinatown, this destination offers a 16-course, kappo-style chicken yakitori tasting menu [1]. Chefs perform precise butchery and grilling right before guests, creating a unique and intimate omakase experience that focuses on every part of the chicken [1]. While widely considered one of the best yakitori experiences in the city, the elevated price point remains a point of contention for some diners [2], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on a sophisticated, nose-to-tail chicken tasting menu, featuring dishes like chicken oysters, belly with fresh herbs, and duck meatballs [1]. Customers highly recommend the skewers, particularly the chicken tail with umeboshi and shiso [6], though some reviewers prefer the traditional style of other local establishments [5].
Caveats
The cost can be high, with drinks potentially pushing the total price over $500 per person [2]. Some diners find the experience 'over-engineered' or 'silly' for the price of what they classify as simple street food [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KONO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurants That Focus On Nose To Tailfull Animal
"Mentions hearing that the chef is performing full butchery during the dining set."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants That Focus On Nose To Tailfull Animal
"Explains that Kono reduces waste by repurposing trim into items like meatball skewers and chicken soup."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants That Focus On Nose To Tailfull Animal
"The author mentions Kono as a Yakitori joint that serves many parts of the animal, though notes there is likely still some waste."
NeutralFrom post: Birthday Dinner For Gf For 400 Budget Any Recs
"An awesome Yakitori restaurant that feels special, priced at $185 per person."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive