
YUJI
Japanese · San Francisco · $$$
Japanese · Chinatown, New York, NY · $
After nearly two decades of honing his skills in Japan and New York City, chef Atsushi “ATS” Kono presents the craft of Japanese yakitori at his namesake restaurant, KONO. KONO's discreet locale within Chinatown's Canal Arcade echoes the hidden streets and alleyways of Tokyo – inside, guests will be treated to a special evening of smoke and fire as they watch chef Kono prepare a multi-course, kappo-style yakitori omakase rooted in tradition and seasonality. Guests can expect to enjoy various cuts (and specialty cuts) of organic Amish chicken. About Our Chef Chef Kono grew up in Saitama, Japan, where he worked as a cook in his family’s restaurant and fish store. Upon graduating from the Musashino Culinary School of Japan, Kono made his way through several fine dining establishments (most notably, Kyoryori Suzuyoshi, renowned for its traditional Kyoto-style cuisine). In 2006, Kono immigrated to the United States to work at Yakitori Torishin in New York City. During his tenure as Executive Chef and Manager, the restaurant earned and maintained a coveted Michelin star and a three-star review from The New York Times. Most recently, Kono helmed the Chikarashi Isso yakitori pop-up at Hotel 50 Bowery, which operated from October 2020 to July 2021.
“Our first experience at a yakitori restaurant of this level. food was amazing we had a spot at the end of the counter so we could see the chef preparing the dishes. chairs spaced well enough apart so felt private. service was very attentive explaining the dishes and answering questions. A unique experience. they played loud hip hop music but wasn't intrusive it gave the room great energy. I would return for sure. Careful with the Sake pairing we learned a lot about Sake but felt it the next day”
“Absolutely delicious! Wonderful variety of flavors and textures. Lovely atmosphere. Incredible value. Felt like I was transported back to Japan! A hidden gem.”
“Before I start my review I just want to add a tidbit about actually finding Kono. It's in a dimly lit, long, but narrow corridor, similar to streets you might find in Japan. If you think you found it you're probably right. It took me a minute to venture down this little alley. Let's start with the atmosphere, it was a small venue but despite that you could easily have your own conversations. If you're sitting on the side like myself, you're in for the pleasure of watching them prepare all the food over the charcoal grill. Who doesn't love dinner and a show. All of the food was fantastic and midway through you can even order some Alla carte items that may have not been on the chefs selection for that experience. Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. I really appreciated they also took the time to explain each cut and which seasoning or none may go with it. All of the staff were not only friendly but just very professional and helpful. The hostess at the front was also extremely kind and friendly. I would totally recommend this spot for a date, taking a client, or even just solo dining. Truly a hidden gem, I'm shocked this flew under my radar for so long.”
“A special meal celebrating my husband’s birthday and the Kono team really made it extra special. The food was so so good and so were the drinks. The service was incredible to every single detail from a warm call to confirm the occasion and food restrictions to friendly welcome to the waiters cleaning the table and explaining smoothly. Truly amazing! The chefs were so friendly and professional. Highly recommended if you are looking for a unique experience.”
“Kono was a wonderful yakitori omakase experience. Chef Kono is a true master at his craft and everything we ate was incredibly delicious and perfectly prepared. His use of temperatures, textures, and binchotan coal cooking techniques highlighted every part of the chicken as he intended it to. We shared a pairing and added the Osetra caviar supplement, which was absolutely the right thing to do. We normally pass on more caviar, but thought it would take the tonkatsu thigh nugget to a new level, which it did. The pairing consisted mostly of sake and our server was very heavy handed with the pours in two separate glasses, which also consisted of periodic refills. Our favorite non-skewer bites were the monaka chicken thigh and liver with truffle which was so perfectly balanced, the nugget, and the ridiculous slider that was basically everything umami exploding with every bite. We did add-ons of gizzard and heart artery and we were given a bonus dessert of smoky brown sugar panna cotta for our special occasion. Our experience lasted 2.5 hours and was perfectly paced although I'm not sure we could have eaten another bite. Japanese whiskey options were impressive but we opted to pass. Service was great and the setting speaks for itself. A+ meal at Kono.”
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