Kona – Japanese
Kona captures the sun-drenched essence of the Pacific, inviting guests into a space where the aroma of sizzling rib eye mingles with the tropical sweetness of coconut prawns. The kitchen balances island soul with refined technique, turning out everything from crispy ahi poke wontons and savory loco moco to delicate macadamia-crusted fish that tastes of the salt and the sea. Each plate offers a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and relaxed coastal elegance, making every meal feel like a soulful escape to the islands.
Del Monte Center, Monterey, California 93940 https://www.konamonterey.comRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, low-cholesterol, aip, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at Kona
Dairy-Free at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including 1-Pound Rib Eye, Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including 1-Pound Rib Eye. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 8 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Macadamia Crusted Fresh Fish, Kona Shave Ice Island Style and Ahi Poke Wontons. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 1 high-protein-tagged dish on its current menu, including Crab Rangoon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Spam Entree. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Spam Entree. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 2 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Kona
Kona in Monterey has 3 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kona Shave Ice Island Style, Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Kona
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Crab Rangoon | 17 g | 18.4 g |
| Cappuccino | 12 g | 8 g |
| Mocha | 54.1 g | 4 g |
| Hoisin Glazed Salmon | 0.9 g | 3.4 g |
| BBQ Babyback Ribs | 18.6 g | 2 g |
| Spam Entree | 2.3 g | 0.8 g |
| Espresso | 1.3 g | 0.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the outstanding food quality, specifically highlighting the fresh ingredients and perfectly seasoned dishes that define the menu. Celebrated for its knowledgeable service and comfortable, inviting setting, guests frequently praise the seamless experience and professional staff. Reviewers consistently recommend the spot to friends, noting that the combination of high-quality flavors and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a premier choice for a return visit.
Menu
Appetizers
- Crab Rangoon: Crispy wontons filled with crab and cream cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ahi Poke Wontons: Fresh ahi tuna poke served on crispy wonton chips Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Coconut Prawns: Prawns breaded with coconut and fried Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Kona Bacon Cheeseburger: Premium beef patty, bacon, cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- Loco Moco: Hawaiian specialty with rice, hamburger patty, gravy, and egg Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Spam Entree: Hawaiian style prepared spam Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Macadamia Crusted Fresh Fish: Freshly caught fish with macadamia nut crust Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- 1-Pound Rib Eye: Black Angus premium choice beef Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner
- Miso Glazed Seabass: Seabass with a savory miso glaze Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- BBQ Babyback Ribs: Slow cooked ribs with BBQ sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seabass Tacos: Fresh seabass in soft taco shells Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hoisin Glazed Salmon: Fresh salmon with hoisin glaze Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Kona Shave Ice Island Style: Shaved ice with ice cream and island cream (sweetened condensed milk) Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Mocha
Frequently Asked Questions about Kona
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- The menu features keto, low-carb, and gluten-free options like the 1-Pound Rib Eye and Spam Entree, while shave ice is vegetarian.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews mention no specific concerns, instead highlighting outstanding food quality, fresh ingredients, knowledgeable service, and a comfortable atmosphere.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- The restaurant is located in Monterey, California, as indicated by the official website address provided in the data.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners rave about the outstanding food quality, fresh ingredients, and knowledgeable service, frequently recommending the restaurant for its relaxed atmosphere.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This restaurant offers a casual dining experience characterized by a relaxed coastal atmosphere, comfortable setting, and moderate pricing.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided restaurant data does not include specific operating hours or current status to confirm if it is currently open.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Kona by visiting their website at https://www.konamonterey.com for more information.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not specify the total number of reviews for Kona.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Kona specializes in Japanese cuisine featuring Pacific-inspired dishes like ahi poke wontons, miso glazed seabass, and macadamia-crusted fresh fish.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Ahi Poke Wontons, Coconut Prawns, Macadamia Crusted Fresh Fish, Miso Glazed Seabass, and the 1-Pound Rib Eye.
- Is Kona dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Kona has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including 1-Pound Rib Eye, Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass.
- What can I eat at Kona on a dairy-free diet?
- 1-Pound Rib Eye, Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass carry the dairy-free tag, out of 3 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Kona have vegan options?
- Yes. 2 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Seabass Tacos and Miso Glazed Seabass.
- Is Kona gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Kona?
- Crab Rangoon, at roughly 18.4g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Kona
- Toribashi — Japanese
- Pacific Bowls & Rolls — Japanese
- Dametra Fresh Mediterranean — Mediterranean
- Fieldwork Brewing Company — American
- Perfectly Pressed Monterey — American
- MidiCi - Wood Fired Pizza — Italian
- Revival Ice Cream — American
- Alvarado Street Brewery — American
- Captain + Stoker — American
- Crepes Of Brittany — French
- The Sandbar and Grill — American
- Del Monte Cafe — American
