Yakitori Kona

For those in Georgia seeking a taste of authentic Japanese street fare and perfectly crafted cocktails in a vibrant setting, Yakitori Kona in Atlanta’s charming Virginia-Highland neighborhood is a must-visit destination. This intimate izakaya cocktail bar, the newest creation from renowned restaurateur Alex Kinjo (of MF Sushi and Kinjo Room fame), brings a fresh and exciting culinary concept to the heart of Atlanta. Yakitori Kona goes beyond the typical Japanese restaurant, specializing in traditional grilled skewers, known as yakitori, alongside a delightful array of sushi and inventive beverages.

Yakitori Kona has quickly become a local favorite, lauded for its tender and tasty skewers, particularly the "American Steak skewers," and its "amazing" fried gyoza and "Umami wings." Customers consistently highlight the quality of the food and the overall "great environment." Beyond the delicious cuisine, the restaurant is celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and engaging beverage program. Patrons highly recommend asking for a "special drink" from the skilled bartenders, such as Sebastian, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience. The combination of savory skewers and expertly mixed cocktails makes Yakitori Kona an ideal spot for a fun night out or a casual dinner.

The attention to detail extends to the ambiance, with "wooden origami hanging in the windows" contributing to the unique and cozy atmosphere. Despite occasional busy periods, the friendly staff and the promise of delicious food ensure a satisfying visit. Yakitori Kona aims to offer a "5-star experience," blending traditional Japanese street food with a modern, intimate izakaya feel, truly making it a shining gem for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts throughout Georgia.

Yakitori Kona is conveniently located at 1004 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA. This address places it squarely in the beloved Virginia-Highland neighborhood, a historic and vibrant area known for its charming bungalows, tree-lined streets, and a lively collection of independent shops, bars, and restaurants. For residents across Georgia, Virginia-Highland offers a distinct community feel that's both accessible and highly desirable.

The restaurant's position on Virginia Avenue NE provides excellent visibility and ease of access. While Virginia-Highland is a very walkable neighborhood, especially for those living nearby, parking can sometimes be a consideration. However, Yakitori Kona understands this and offers convenient solutions. Patrons can utilize valet parking, which is available on the side of the building, making arrivals and departures significantly smoother, particularly during peak hours. This amenity is a valuable benefit for those driving from other parts of Atlanta or wider Georgia.

For those relying on public transportation, various MARTA bus routes serve the Virginia-Highland area, connecting it to other key parts of the city. The neighborhood's pleasant sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly layout also encourage strolling, allowing diners to enjoy the charm of the area before or after their meal. The restaurant's intimate setting and central location in this popular district contribute to its allure as a go-to spot for authentic Japanese flavors in Georgia.

Yakitori Kona offers a specialized yet diverse range of services, focusing on traditional Japanese grilled skewers (yakitori) and complementary dishes and beverages to create a dynamic dining experience for its Georgia patrons:

• Authentic Yakitori Skewers: The primary focus of Yakitori Kona is its expertly grilled yakitori. The menu features a variety of skewers including dark meat chicken, white meat with scallion, chicken skin, chicken heart, chicken tender, as well as seafood options like head-on shrimp, eel, and lobster. Specialty items like A5 Wagyu and blistered tomatoes are also available.

• Sushi and Sushi Appetizers: While yakitori is the star, Yakitori Kona also offers a selection of sushi rolls and appetizers. Options include popular choices like Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon and Eel Roll, Crispy Tuna/Salmon, and Fresh Hamachi Roll. Sushi appetizers such as Yellow Tail Crudo and Tuna Tataki are also available.

• Small Plates and Appetizers (Izakaya Style): Complementing the skewers are a variety of small plates designed for sharing, consistent with an izakaya concept. These include fried gyoza (with rotating fillings), Umami wings, Shishito peppers, Seaweed salad, and Takoyaki.

• Kona Boxes & Bowls: For a more complete meal, particularly popular during lunch, Yakitori Kona offers "Kona Boxes." These include options like Chicken, Steak, Eel, and Surf and Turf, all served with rice, miso soup, a small salad, and two skewers.

• Craft Cocktails and Japanese Beverages: The restaurant boasts a robust beverage program, featuring inventive "craft cocktails," a selection of Japanese whiskey, various sakes (including hot sake), shochu, and local beers. Reviewers highly recommend asking the bartenders for special drinks.

• Dine-In Service: Yakitori Kona provides a cozy and inviting dine-in atmosphere, suitable for various occasions, from a casual weeknight dinner to a lively night out with friends or family. They offer table service, bar seating, and outdoor tables.

• Takeout and Online Ordering: For convenience, Yakitori Kona offers takeout services. Their menu is available online, and orders can be placed for pickup, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes at home.

• No Reservations Required: Unlike some higher-end Japanese establishments, Yakitori Kona generally operates on a walk-in basis, making it easier for spontaneous visits.

Yakitori Kona distinguishes itself in the Atlanta, Georgia, dining scene through several key features and highlights that enhance the overall experience for its patrons:

• Authentic Yakitori and High-Quality Skewers: The star attraction is undoubtedly the yakitori. Customers rave about the "very tender and tasty meat" of their skewers, specifically highlighting options like the "American Steak skewers." The focus on authentic grilling methods ensures a flavorful and traditional experience.

• Inventive Craft Cocktails: Beyond the food, Yakitori Kona is equally celebrated for its "craft cocktails." Patrons highly recommend asking for "special drinks" from the bartenders (like Sebastian), emphasizing the creativity and skill behind their beverage program. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking unique drink options.

• Unique and Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant cultivates a "great environment" with a distinct "vibe." Elements like "wooden origami hanging in the windows" contribute to a clean, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing space, creating an intimate izakaya feel that is perfect for a relaxed yet lively night out.

• Versatile Dining Options: Yakitori Kona is recommended for a variety of occasions, including "a night out" with friends, indicating its suitability for social gatherings. Its menu also caters to diverse preferences, from small plates for sharing to more substantial Kona Boxes for individual meals.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: While service might sometimes start slow, reviews highlight that once it picks up, the staff is attentive and contributes positively to the "good experience." The personal touch of staff members can enhance the overall enjoyment.

• Convenient Valet Parking: A significant highlight for a popular Atlanta neighborhood like Virginia-Highland is the availability of "valet parking on the side of the building." This convenient service greatly improves accessibility for diners arriving by car.

• Creative Appetizers: Beyond skewers, the "Umami wings" and fried gyoza are noted as standout appetizers, demonstrating the menu's broader appeal and attention to flavor across all categories.

• Sushi Offerings: For those who enjoy sushi alongside their grilled items, Yakitori Kona also offers a selection of sushi rolls and appetizers, including a "beginning salmon box," allowing for a more diverse Japanese dining experience.

Yakitori Kona is known for offering engaging specials that provide excellent value and encourage repeat visits for locals in Georgia. Based on available public information, here are some notable promotions:

• Tuesday Skewer Special: A highly attractive promotion mentioned by customers is the "buy two and get two free" skewers deal on Tuesdays. This is a fantastic way to sample a wider variety of their authentic yakitori at a reduced cost, making it an ideal mid-week dining option.

• Wednesday Half-Price Bottles of Wine: On Wednesdays, Yakitori Kona offers "Half Off Bottles of Wine." This promotion makes it an excellent choice for wine lovers looking to enjoy a more upscale experience without the full price tag, perfectly complementing their diverse menu.

• Friday $8 Cocktails: Kick off your weekend right with Yakitori Kona's Friday special: "$8 Cocktails." This is a great opportunity to explore their "craft cocktails" program at a more accessible price point, making it a popular choice for a pre-weekend outing.

• Sunday Half-Off Sushi Appetizers: For sushi enthusiasts, Sundays at Yakitori Kona offer "1/2 Off Sushi Appetizers." This provides a wonderful opportunity to try their various sushi rolls and appetizers at a discount.

• Thursday $8 Hot Sake Carafe: On Thursdays, enjoy a cozy evening with "$8 Hot Sake Carafe." This special offers a traditional Japanese beverage at an inviting price, perfect for pairing with their skewers.

• Yakitori Tasting Menus: While not a daily discount, Yakitori Kona offers "Yakitori Tasting" menus for $55 (6 skewers, rice, salad) and a "Premium" version for $75 (sushi appetizer, 6 skewers, rice, salad, dessert), with an option to add Wagyu tasting. These curated experiences offer a comprehensive taste of their offerings at a set price, providing value and convenience.

It's always recommended for Georgia patrons to confirm these specials directly with the restaurant, as promotions can sometimes change.

To confirm any current promotions or special offers, Georgia patrons are encouraged to:

• Visit their official website,

  www.yakitorikona.com

  .

• Call the restaurant directly at (404) 343-1653 or +1 404-343-1653.

For residents across Georgia interested in experiencing the authentic Japanese skewers and vibrant atmosphere of Yakitori Kona in Atlanta, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 1004 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA

• Phone: (404) 343-1653

• Mobile Phone: +1 404-343-1653

Yakitori Kona is open Tuesday through Sunday, generally for dinner service, with varied closing times (typically until 12 AM or 1 AM). It is closed on Mondays. You can use these phone numbers to inquire about their menu, current operating hours, specific daily specials like their Tuesday skewer deal or Wednesday wine offer, or to get details on valet parking. While they generally don't accept reservations, calling ahead for larger groups or to inquire about wait times during peak hours might be helpful. Their team is dedicated to providing a good experience, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

For residents throughout Georgia, Yakitori Kona in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood presents an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing dining option. Its location in one of Atlanta's most charming and walkable areas makes it easily accessible, with the added convenience of valet parking. This combination ensures that whether you're a local in Virginia-Highland or traveling from further afield in the state, a visit to Yakitori Kona is straightforward and enjoyable.

The primary reason for Yakitori Kona's suitability for Georgia locals lies in its unique and high-quality culinary offerings. Specializing in authentic Japanese yakitori, the restaurant provides "very tender and tasty" skewers, from various cuts of chicken to steak and seafood, prepared with precision. This focus on a beloved Japanese street food, combined with excellent appetizers like "Umami wings," offers a distinct and satisfying experience not always found in other Japanese establishments. This makes it a perfect spot for those craving specific, expertly grilled Japanese fare.

Furthermore, Yakitori Kona's vibrant "great environment" and extensive "craft cocktails" menu create a lively and engaging atmosphere. The recommendations for "special drinks" from skilled bartenders add a personalized touch to the beverage program, enhancing the overall "good experience." The attractive daily promotions, such as "buy two and get two free" skewers on Tuesdays or "Half Off Bottles of Wine" on Wednesdays, provide fantastic value, making high-quality dining more accessible for regular visits. For Georgians seeking an authentic, flavorful, and fun Japanese izakaya experience with a strong emphasis on skewers and inventive drinks in a welcoming neighborhood setting, Yakitori Kona is undoubtedly a top choice that consistently delivers a memorable night out.

Yakitori Kona

1004 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA