Kona: Kyoto-Style Teppan Cooking

Kona (京祇園ねぎ焼 粉) is a theatre of one, centered on a gleaming iron griddle. In the lively Katamachi district of Kanazawa, a single chef puts on a masterclass in teppan cooking, drawing crowds for his Kyoto-style specialities. The restaurant has been recognized multiple times by the prestigious Tabelog 100 guide for its craft.

The performance is as much a draw as the food. With rapid, precise spatula work, the chef prepares the two signature dishes that guests praise above all else. The first is the negiyaki, a savoury pancake where the star is not cabbage but a generous amount of sweet, finely chopped Kujo green onions. The second is the dashi-maki, a rolled omelette so full of dashi stock it bursts when cut. Other popular iron-plate dishes include tororo-yaki (grated yam pancake) and various grilled meats and seafood.

Diners consistently praise the quality and spectacle, calling it a highlight of their trip to Kanazawa. The main drawback is the restaurant's popularity; it's small and almost always full. Some guests have also noted an unspoken two-hour seating limit during busy periods, so it's wise to order key dishes early. Reviewers report a typical dinner spend of ¥4,000–¥4,999. Recent guest orders include a mixed negiyaki for around ¥1,300 and the dashi-maki omelette for about ¥850, which most consider excellent value for the skill involved.

• Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins are frequently turned away. You can book by phone.
• Getting There: Located in the Katamachi district, about a 15-minute walk from Nomachi Station.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Menu: While the restaurant lists an English menu as available, many recent visitors found the menu was in Japanese only. However, they report that ordering by pointing to photos is easy and effective.
• Seating: 40 seats, including counter seats with a view of the teppan, tables, and a tatami area. No private rooms.
• Service Charge: Be aware that a service fee may be added to your bill.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid coin-operated parking is available nearby.