Kona Grill - Cincinnati

Review summary

1. S

   Sheri

   Cincinnati

   35 reviews

   4.0

   35 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Arrived on time for reservation. Special request of quiet corner table (due to hearing impairment) immediately acknowledged and honored. Restaurant was not busy and we dined at a leisurely pace. This was a belated birthday dinner and the ambiance (except for the blood-curdling screams of a young child) was lovely. Our server Nathan was top-notch, thoughtful and considerate. He easily offered suggestions for dining choices and was very considerate not to interrupt conversation when approaching the table. We deviated from our standards and tried new dishes: Lettuce Wraps ($22), Wagyu Stir Fried Rice ($29) and Prime Rib ($43). Everything was prepared and presented well, but our selections weren't our favorites by any means. The Lettuce Wraps, especially when using the sesame oil were very spicy. The stir fried rice was "essence" of beef, as there wasn't much in the dish. The prime rib was exactly as described, but not what I consider to be prime rib. Part of the appeal is the "hunk" of meat on the plate, but this looked like a ham steak, at best. It was seasoned well and cooked perfectly, but the appearance was "less-than" in my personal opinion. The mashed potatoes and accompanying au jus and horseradish were delicious. The plate could have used a roll or two. And, I can't forget to mention the iced tea...clear, clean and wonderful. By no means is this a bad review. It all came down to food preferences and personal taste. Will we be back? Absolutely! Will we experiment and try different dishes in the future? Absolutely.
   

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2. G

   Gail

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our girls night was great thanks to the good food and service at Kona Grill. Camdyn was our server and did GREAT. She was available as needed, had a nice pace to our meal and offered good suggestions for wine and food.
   

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3. P

   Phil

   Cincinnati

   26 reviews

   3.0

   26 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Kona has slipped a great deal over the last couple of years. We had a reservation early as we were going to a movie. There were only 2 people in the restaurant when we arrived. We ordered sushi and fried rice along with a beer and glass of wine. The sushi was passable but nothing special and fried rice was good. Wine was overpriced for mediocre selection. All in all would not recommend any longer. Sad to see how far they have fallen in a short period of time.
   

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4. C

   Carol

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 13 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We chose to eat “ outside” even though it was a cold winter night, but it was very comfortable with the heaters and the plastic wall coverings. It was cozy. We were greeted by a wonderful server and she made recommendations. I splurge and get the Seabass a couple times a year and it was wonderful as always. We chose to go early to take advantage of the happy hour drinks and apps as well. everything was excellent 
   

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5. K

   Kathy

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 29 November 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Our appetizers were great, but our dinners took forever, only to have them delivered to us cold. We sent back the kids pizzas because they were sitting out in the window so long that they looked awful, and then our dinners were lukewarm. Won’t be back.
   

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6. J

   Jennifer

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   1.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 28 November 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   The food was very dry and cold and unremarkable. The restaurant had a smell to it that was unpleasant. Our waitress was nice, but the manager was rude. I will not be returning since the food is not worth the value of cost.
   

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7. T

   Tricia

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 28 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was really good. Party had a mix of off the menu and the Thanksgiving specials, from burgers to sushi, to BBQ ribs. Service was fantastic for our big party. One entree was a little late to the table, but nothing terrible. Coffee and desserts followed, again, very good. We sat on the enclosed patio which had heaters and no noise. We did ask if the music could be turned down a little for conversation. No problem, and made dinner that much more enjoyable.
   

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8. m

   mackenzie

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 23 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   AVERY! Was a fantastic server and so sweet and accommodating. Enjoyed our experience!
   

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9. P

   Paris

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 23 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   AMAZING! My daughter enjoyed her 10th birthday dinner
   

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10. D

    Deborah

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    A little loud but you could also view it as lively. Great food and service - they are not short-handed and that is a relief these days. We will definitely be back.
    

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