Kon Asian Bistro in Portland, Maine

Kon Asian Bistro pulls crowds with its glitzy lounge setup, theatrical hibachi grills, and a full menu of Japanese and Chinese cooking. The sushi bar draws regulars who want to watch the work up close. It's the place to go when you want dinner to feel like an event, not just a meal.

• Hibachi chefs who entertain while they cook
• Fresh sushi and thoughtful rolls at the bar
• Upscale room that feels special for a night out
• Sesame balls and desserts hard to find elsewhere

Start with creative sushi rolls from the bar. The hibachi entrees come cooked table-side and are worth the theater. Don't skip the sesame balls for dessert, which one guest noted aren't easy to find around town. The hibachi itself is more about the experience than kitchen perfection, but when the fish and vegetables are fresh, they shine.

Glitzy and lively, with the energy of the hibachi stations carrying through the room. Expect chatter and clinking plates, especially when the kitchen is in full swing.

Hibachi performances are the draw here, and most guests leave talking about their chef's skills and personality. The sushi rolls are creative, and the Japanese and Chinese entrees round out a menu that doesn't try to do any one thing perfectly but does most things well. Service is friendly when it's on; just know that a large party puts real pressure on one server.

Lunch: Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner: Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm | Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm | Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Closed: Never (open daily, lunch and dinner every day)

Reservations are essential, especially for hibachi. The "Most Booked" tag on OpenTable is earned. Weekends fill weeks in advance; holiday nights (New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve) book out completely. The restaurant explicitly asks you to specify "dining room or Hibachi" when you reserve. Hibachi tables have longer turnaround times during peak service - one party waited nearly an hour for the chef to start cooking after being seated - so manage expectations if you're on a tight timeline. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6 pm) are easier to access same-day. Walk-ins are unlikely to succeed on weekends; call (207) 874-0000 or book on OpenTable. The staff is accommodating with dietary restrictions.

Guests praise the skill and charm of the hibachi chefs and the thoughtful presentation of each plate. One recent visitor called it "a great dining experience which hasn't been consistent in the greater Portland area." Service is usually attentive, though larger groups sometimes stretch the staff thin.

1140 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102 sits in the Bayside neighborhood, a mixed-use stretch of Portland with retail, light industry, and food. It's accessible, not boutique.

• Walk from downtown Portland: 15–20 min, flat terrain
• Drive from Dock Square (Old Port / historic district): 5 min, 1.5 miles
• Drive from Cape Elizabeth lighthouses and beaches: 15 min
• Drive from Freeport (shopping and dining district): 20 min
• Drive from Brunswick (Bowdoin College, downtown dining, L.L.Bean headquarters): 25 min
• **Drive from Midcoast (Camden, Rockland, Belfast): 45 min to 1 hour
• Parking: Private lot - ample, free, on-site. This is not a valet-or-street-parking situation.

Brighton Ave itself is straightforward driving access. The restaurant is visible from the street and easy to find. No major transit, but plenty of free parking makes it practical for groups coming from the suburbs.

Do I need a reservation? Yes, especially for hibachi. Book on OpenTable or call (207) 874-0000. Weekends, holidays, and hibachi tables book weeks ahead. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6 pm) have more availability.

What's the difference between the dining room and hibachi? The dining room is quieter, for sushi and wok/grill orders. Hibachi tables are open-kitchen chef-cooked at your table - loud, interactive, theatrical. Specify your choice when you reserve.

Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely. Kids' hibachi plates are on the menu ($12.99–$20.49), and families consistently praise it as a fun outing. The hibachi chefs are trained to engage kids.

How loud is it? The hibachi room is "energetic" at night; conversations across the table can be hard. The dining room is moderate. If you're sensitive to noise, request a regular table away from hibachi, or book an early seating.

Is there parking? Yes, private lot on-site, free, ample. Not an issue.

Are vegetarian/vegan options available? Yes. Vegetable hibachi ($12.99 lunch, $17.99 dinner), vegetable spring rolls, edamame, seaweed salad, veggie sushi rolls, and many wok dishes can be made vegetarian. Tell your server upfront.

What if the food takes a long time? Hibachi tables include a wait before the chef starts cooking, sometimes 30–45 minutes during peak service. If you're in a hurry, order from the sushi bar or wok menu instead.

What about dress code? Casual. This is not a formal space.