Kono

Kono is not just a restaurant; it's a truly unique and immersive Japanese dining experience. Located in the vibrant Bowery neighborhood, this intimate and cozy spot offers an exclusive yakitori omakase menu that focuses solely on chicken. The concept is refreshingly simple yet executed with a level of precision and artistry that has garnered praise from diners. With only 12 to 14 chairs, the atmosphere is incredibly personal and intimate, making you feel like a guest at a private dinner party hosted by a master chef. The culinary journey here is about celebrating every part of the chicken, transformed into surprising and delicious dishes right before your eyes.

What makes Kono so special is its dedication to creating a complete experience. The service is described by patrons as "excellent" and "suitable for Michelin," highlighting the staff's professionalism and warmth. The chef, with his "huge smile," is an integral part of the experience, engaging with guests and ensuring every dish is a memorable one. The meal is a multi-course journey that takes you through a variety of flavors and textures, with each dish being a pleasant surprise. Kono is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to fully appreciate the high-level artistry of the food and the thoughtful attention to detail.

Kono is located at 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA. Nestled in a bustling part of the city, its discreet location adds to the feeling of it being a hidden gem. The restaurant's intimate size means that it’s an exclusive spot that requires careful planning to visit. The area is well-served by public transportation, making it easily accessible for anyone in the city. Its location allows you to experience the vibrant energy of the Bowery before stepping into the peaceful and focused world of Kono.

Given the intimate nature of the space, a significant highlight is the need for reservations. Kono is designed for a specific, seated dining experience, so reservations are required. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your spot for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening. The restaurant does have a restroom, which is wheelchair accessible, showing a commitment to accommodating all guests. The compact yet thoughtfully designed space ensures that every seat in the house offers a great view of the chef in action, making you feel connected to the culinary process.

Kono is focused on providing a singular, highly curated dining experience centered around its exclusive yakitori omakase menu.

• Dine-in: The only service offered is an intimate dine-in experience. There is no takeout or delivery, as the meal is designed to be enjoyed fresh at the counter.

• Reservations Required: Due to the limited seating, reservations are mandatory. This ensures that every guest receives the full, uninterrupted attention of the chef and staff.

• Dinner Service: Kono serves dinner exclusively, with a focus on providing a complete and luxurious evening meal.

• Table Service: The experience includes professional and attentive table service, which contributes to the overall high-level feel of the restaurant.

Kono's features are what truly make it stand out as a top-tier Japanese dining destination in New York.

• Exclusively Yakitori: Kono specializes in an omakase-style menu that is centered exclusively on chicken. This singular focus allows the chefs to masterfully prepare each piece to perfection, highlighting a variety of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight you.

• Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: With only a handful of seats, the restaurant offers an incredibly personal and engaging dining experience. You get to witness the chef's artistry up close and personal, creating a lasting memory.

• High-Level Service: The staff is noted for being very nice and providing service that feels "suitable for Michelin." This level of hospitality, combined with the chef’s personal touch, makes the two-hour meal feel effortless and special.

• Spectacular Beverage Program: Kono boasts a superb selection of Japanese whiskies, sake, and wine. The menu includes rare finds like Hibiki 30 Year and Yamazaki 25 Year, as well as unique cocktails and a very generous sake pairing option. This makes it an ideal spot for enthusiasts of fine spirits.

• Unique Culinary Creativity: Every dish is described as "surprising," from skewers made with chicken skin to cocktails that incorporate chicken. This creative approach keeps the meal exciting and highlights the chef's innovative spirit.

• Unique Musical Ambiance: One of the more delightful and unexpected highlights is the owner’s control of the music, featuring "Brooklyn music" that is "very rare to find in restaurants of this style." This personal touch adds to the trendy and cool vibe of the place.

For reservations and inquiries about your dining experience, please contact us.

Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: (646) 524-6838

Choosing Kono is an excellent decision for anyone in New York seeking a truly special and memorable dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The most compelling reason to visit is the exclusivity of the yakitori omakase. Instead of a typical à la carte menu, you are in the hands of a skilled chef who will guide you through a pre-selected sequence of courses. This "Don't Think. Just Eat" approach allows you to fully trust the chef and enjoy the journey, discovering new flavors and textures that you might not have ordered otherwise. The entire meal is a performance, with each skewer grilled to perfection and served with impeccable timing.

The intimate setting is another major draw. The small number of chairs means you get a front-row seat to the culinary action. This is the kind of place where you can build a rapport with the chef and staff, making the experience feel personal and unique. It's an ideal spot for a romantic date or a very special solo dining experience where you can indulge in a moment of quiet contemplation and exquisite food. The level of service, which a customer said was "suitable for Michelin," makes you feel valued and well taken care of. The thoughtful details, from the music choices to the a la carte beverage list with its impressive selection of Japanese whiskies, all contribute to a feeling of being in a very special place.

The beverage program at Kono is a significant highlight. For connoisseurs of Japanese whisky, the selection is unparalleled, featuring rare and sought-after bottles like Hibiki 21 Year and various offerings from Ichiro's Malt & Grain. The cocktails and sake pairings are also crafted with the same level of care as the food, with the sake pairing being "generous" enough to consider sharing. This adds a layer of sophistication and depth to the meal that few other restaurants can match. Kono is a place that delivers on its promise of an "amazing" and "high-level" Japanese experience. For a New Yorker who has tried everything and is looking for a unique culinary adventure, Kono is a spectacular and highly recommended choice.

Kono

46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA