Julia Tries 33 Of The Most Popular Menu Items At Kona Grill | Delish

Julia is trying the most popular sushi, cocktails, entrees, and desserts at Kona Grill.
HOST: Julia Smith
PRODUCER: Julia Smith
EDITOR: Zach Lennon-Simon
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Chelsea Lupkin
GRAPHICS: Sarah Ceniceros
ANIMATION: Vineet Sawant
POST-PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR: Philip Swift
#JULIATRIESEVERYTHING #KONAGRILL
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[@erikapauley7391]

This has been the most honest episode in this series. Don’t think I’ll be trying this place out anytime soon

[@MsRose00]

I was just going to say…Julia seems like she was critiquing more in this episode and I am here for it.

[@Hernandezl31]

You won't be trying this restaurant? It seemed like it was great bt what she said!

[@savannahellis8888]

@@Hernandezl31 right!?!? Thats what i was thinking! That i need to find one of these near me!! Lol

[@kerryhill4790]

It's actually a really great place

[@ilznidiotic]

She was really pretty positive about everything but the beef dishes.

[@ThatsRank]

I’m so impressed with the evolution of this series, Julia. Been watching you for years, and your comfort and playfulness in front of the camera is always a joy. Keep up the great work!

[@crazycamal2186]

You guys should do a “Julia’s meal” at each restaurant like build your perfect meal of what you tried appetizer meal and dessert with drink

[@Harmonikdiskorde]

This is the concept of the British podcast, Off Menu! Julia would be a fantastic guest on that show.

[@tomtik101]

This would be a really cool follow-up to the series now that it's in its last season

[@leoleeangel]

This restaurant looks and sounds like they don't know who they are. So they tried their hands at all food genres and kinda came up short on all of them.

[@bunnini]

In Mandarin, lychee is pronounced as "li-zhi" hence "lee-chee" while as in Cantonese, lychee is pronounced as "lai-zi" which is translated into "lie-chee". Both are correct and ok to use, the pronunciation derives from the two different languages! Much love 😚❤️

[@creamysauce5351]

Love it. Thank you!

[@natelan69420]

Awesome. Thanks. And makes sense why UK uses the Hong Kong version.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

Literally nobody cares. Pronounce it how ever you like.

[@PastelBat]

That's really cool! It reminds me of how the words "tea" and "chai" evolved ^_^

[@askme4703]

She was brutally honest in this episode. I’ll be in no hurry to eat here 😂

[@natelan69420]

It actually seemed like she was holding back a fair bit. She was *respectfully* honest. Brutal honesty would've been her saying this place sucks.

[@Christine_1075]

Yes she was I’ll pass😂

[@fucktard710]

Don’t get this comment at all, what video were you watching?

[@liagate4]

@@natelan69420 yes but for Julia it was brutally honest

[@nntflow7058]

Only ate appetizer there. LOL.

[@christianmcintire9864]

For numerous reasons, this seem like peak Julia. Great episode.

[@erinbell7224]

100%

[@lbednaz]

With a Mom intent, I have to say Julia's hair and nails were perfection today! She's always beautiful but outstanding today!

[@erinbell7224]

Nails on point!!!!

[@leilaniluke1807]

Nails, distracting, in a good way.

[@harpy2602]

I appreciate the increased honesty in this episode vs other/older episodes which were clearly editorialized and overly positive.

[@igetallthemailaha]

Agreed. A refreshing change, especially after the Margaritaville video. Keep inspiring, Julia!

[@E.P.91]

@jess yes, I've been to two Margaritavilles and it was disappointing each time. I could rationalize the quality if it wasn't so expensive

[@novapoe4708]

More honesty like this! Love it!

[@amandamae1838]

Today is my last day at Kona Grill in Scottsdale, and there are a couple of things that you said that kinda made me laugh. You mentioned that the fries reminded you of McDonald's, and that would be because they are McDonald's fries, just more seasoned. It also amused me that your fav appetizer was the seabass sliders, as at least in my experience, guests don't care too much for it. There is not always a live DJ. At my location, we only have a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. Again, at least at my location, we don't do unlimited Kona Mosas. They are 3 dollars each, and only from open to 2 pm on the weekends. Kitchen and Sushi also over-plated your food. Normally, they are served with much less garnish, almost half-hearted at times compared to what you were served. Overall, check what revies say before going to the restaurant. There may be a lot of 5-star reviews, but more often than not, if a review mentions a server by name, it's not an honest review. My manager has on occasion, given guests 10 dollars off their check, in exchange for posting a review with the server name in it, to improve online presence.

[@mollyrae0918]

w o w. behind the scenes info i didn’t know i needed

[@karabeaulieu9455]

Joe’s Crab Shack please! Love this show❤️

[@natelan69420]

Spoiler alert... That place also sucks.

[@mom2ladybugs]

They closed all the Joe's Crab Shacks here except for the Riverwalk location. I miss them!

[@michellebowbin1237]

I’ve never had a good meal at Kona Grill, appreciate your honesty while still trying to keep it respectful

[@BoomerLoveforGenZ]

I would check the Yelp reviews for your local Kona Grill before visiting. In Gilbert, AZ NOTHING looked the same as served here. Lots of one-star reviews too. Julia was given far better prepared and better quality dishes then reality for the rest of us.

[@timrios1590]

I have been to Kona Grill Gilbert dozens of time and all the dishes looked the exact same as it did on this video. Not sure of what you have experienced but Kona Grill is one of my top 5 restaurants in Phoenix for sushi. Excellent.

[@scarypoppins4491]

@@timrios1590 It's almost as if you two had two different experiences at two different locations!

[@nurturetheearth]

Jersey does it better! LOL

[@missruthie81]

I love her brutal honesty!!

[@javiervigil2511]

You'd be surprised how many people, young and old are getting into the old fashion. One of my favorite cocktails👍🍸

[@tinkpix425]

Same... can't beat a classic cocktail. 👌

[@thebubby67833]

I use to watch these incessantly when my eating disorder was really bad I feel like now I can truly appreciate them which is nice

[@biancabianca296]

Congratulations on your recovery journey @silver BLUE❣️

[@nenaj1]

💕

[@caitlinmcgrath4377]

SAME GIRL IM SO PROUD OF YOU !

[@luluazael3736]

Me too!!

[@BelleHoney]

Me too

[@cinemaocd1752]

You know a restaurant is trying it when they start in Arizona with a Hawaiian theme...I can't believe how thick they cut their jalepeno...when you get it in sushi its usually razor thin which makes it more manageable physically as well as spice. Since they vary so much from pepper to pepper, it seems insane to put such a massive chunk on every piece...

[@joychamoun5351]

"I'll let you decide what that means" hahaha I love the honesty

[@bluerox8601]

You know how the food is when the salad is the favorite 😂

[@natelan69420]

That salad did look bomb, though. But everything else looked gross.

[@JB-vd8bi]

@@natelan69420 I didn't think it looked gross just really generic

[@heatheraggus7501]

She also really liked the board one dish came on 😂

[@TheNinnyfee]

At least how the meat dishes are. The sea bass seemed to be good, too.

[@madeleinetwocock4293]

julia's hair truly looking like a golden waterfall :')) SO stunning

[@drskelebone]

I would love a series that's "Julia eats at a chain, describes food, and then June makes it from scratch, but it's 10000 times better." I love synergy. :D

[@JuliaSmith711]

oooh....

[@thank9stars]

@@JuliaSmith711 don't even

[@truelytristan]

@@thank9stars what are u doing not cooking for delish!

[@hannahelizabeth4799]

“Not sponsored, but thank you” is the quote of the century

[@angie2017]

Another adorable meal with Juila. I just love her nails. That french dip had me about to drive to Jersey!

[@thatmetalchiick]

Literally my fave series ever. Wish we had a Kona Grill.

[@maryreynolds5310]

Im glad I chose to watch you.. love how you explain the ingredients in all the dishes and how the flavors mix and match. I will definitely keep my eye open for ya to watch your video's 😉 Thank you!

[@jmleigh3]

Love watching Julia try all the things!!

[@drskelebone]

I'm not used to seeing Julia in a place that has other people. I've always assumed they let her in early, secret her away to the "Secret Dining Room," and tell everyone to stay away from her. I guess I've assumed that's Julia's super power. Best isolated table ever. :)

[@JuliaSmith711]

haha sometimes we go in a bit earlier since sound can be an issue! otherwise we're there with everyone else, tucked away

[@nadinehoogenboezem4798]

THIS LOOKS GORGEOUS!!! I love you two!!

[@seanhershey3390]

the kinda Sushi looked great...Julia honestly has a great pallet & descriptors...always a pleasure

[@b1k2q34]

Palate

[@Shm11xx]

Former employee here and the food is amazing IMO! I was ready to dislike this until you tried the Macadamia nut chicken 😂 literally best dish on the menu!!

[@kristinerobb5109]

I like the non "commercial" places! I never heard of this place before & found out we have 2 in MN. I'd like to see some more of these types of places as I love watching your reviews!

[@Theonlybassy]

Julia’s energy was definitely needed today!

[@jasonmarcum1221]

that macadamia nut chicken looked amazing

[@rogercollins3]

That Poke and sea bass looked amazeballs! I love you Julia! Keep up the great work!

[@kimpritchard4322]

Strangely enough, the variety made me search for a Kona Grill near me. I'm intrigued by the macadamia nut chicken.

[@domjobs18]

Yes a new video with Julia!!!!! So been waiting for this!!

[@courtneyt1046]

Ugh i adore you. Thank you and Chelsea for your videos and not giving up on it. Xoxo

[@katschat93]

When I lived in Miami we always went to kona grill for happy hour. Their avocado rolls were my favourite!! Since I don’t eat sushi, but I’m glad Julia is always so honest with her reviews 💕

[@hannahcomia]

Yo 5 minute crew!!! (literally look forward to these so much thank you for eating popular menu items Julia)

[@emsyhp2821]

also the poke nachos are sooooooo good julia would simply have the time of her life, love a fan who loves Yard House

[@heatheraggus7501]

"you don't have to have a lot of flavour"...a real quote from this episode. 🤣🤣🤣

[@haninmahmudjaradat761]

I missed you so much ☺ happy to see again. I have trouble getting my self to eat i don't have appetite and lost a lot of weight which is not good. So i watch your videos over and over again and it helps and gives me a little appetite which help a lot. Thank you very much its means a lot to me

[@eshan125]

The fact that in the second round you prefer the salad over the burger and others, says a lot about the food!

[@blueviolets2106]

I got the burger and sushi. The burger was honestly bad. It had no taste despite all the meat and toppings and I’m pretty sure it made me a little sick. If I go again, I’d stick with the sushi

[@baekksong3970]

this episode was refreshingly honest

[@emsyhp2821]

the next episode simply MUST be at Yard House if you really love me you'd make Julia eat the best poke nachos of all time.

[@liasohl7314]

YARD HOUSE YES

[@nicholasrooksby3327]

@@liasohl7314 Yard House?

[@lisaskrine4544]

I always look forward to new episodes of this show ❤️❤️❤️

[@shortcake5472]

Oh how I look forward to these. Love you both!!!!!

[@freddyfriend5462]

Julia is the queen of all eaters.

[@danielahuyke2732]

I'm loving this honest Julia tbh, so refreshing!

[@missexxconde5363]

A lot of people are talking about how they won’t be trying out this restaurant but after watching this video it made me want to go here! Julia, this was an amazing review, keep it up!!

[@haleegrothouse2898]

I love the honesty in this episode

[@Ivy-fj5hm]

Julia should try everything everywhere, I'll always watch!

[@nicholasrooksby3327]

Julia’s energy needed today!

[@faithshapiro3962]

We love you Julia and the delish squad!

[@melaneymattson3733]

I love your shows Julia. And your nails look exceptionally beautiful today!!

[@silverlimosine]

I needed this today. 😻

[@a.phillips6892]

You are my favorite restaurant reviewer Julia. Your descriptions are excellent, and very helpful when trying a new restaurant for the first time. I know exactly what to order after watching this! Bravo!💯🤗

[@krisnj3248]

Omg I used to go there all the time!! My fav spot when i come back to visit!! Love ur videos

[@dejabluek8297]

I’ve been thinking about the lychee cups lately! Thanks for the throwback, Julia!

[@viviansmith8982]

It’s the “I’m a professional” for me! 😂 lol love it

[@carapowell1254]

Please release these more often!!!

[@lordofthetweets]

As a former Kona Grill employee, most of the food is super lame and flavorless 😂 Your favorites are literally the only good things on the menu

[@peggyphelps8526]

This episode was my favorite. Relatable, cute and hilarious. (Elevated grandma) She's gonna be so mad at you... "She's dead, so..."

[@chiarai9391]

my fav comfort vids

[@lizaabeyratne5983]

Queen's back! 🥺❤️😍✨🥰

[@marshmallowk]

I love her honesty I’m not that big a fan of Kona Grill 😬Julia’s nails though!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@laurabarnett3703]

I think they are beautiful but does not play well on food videos

[@Kathleenhm]

@@laurabarnett3703 how so? She's eating, not cooking. Although I have no issue with cooking videos with long hair or long nails.

[@laurabarnett3703]

@@Kathleenhm It’s the colors with holding the food. It’s unappealing

[@Kathleenhm]

@@laurabarnett3703 I see

[@emilyj9119]

I LOVE the lemon penne pasta it’s amazing

[@crystalnewman1700]

Due to diet restrictions I cannot eat any of this 😂 but I LOVE these videos

[@b1k2q34]

So you basically cannot eat anything?

[@jessicanolan5811]

Julia "I say leeeechee." Right after "I like this lychi drink!" Love Julia and this series, glad they're back!

[@nunuhuda5093]

I love how you dress Julia. Always so colorful and fun but still very pretty

[@rmannayr2129]

YAY JULIA IS BACK AGAIN!

[@luluoche6263]

I was literally checking the channel this morning for “Julia tries …..”

[@brendalamson2493]

Nice to wake up too. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@renee6164]

She is the Friend you want to go out with & just have soo much Fun & Enjoy!!!! Luv Ya!!!!

[@haleyannnicole3475]

You should go to Five Guys!!!! I literally use your videos to decide what I want to order at restaurants 🤣 fav is Texas Roadhouse!! Or chili’s!!

[@au_barb]

She's done Chili's

[@sageerasultana714]

I am never this early which means I really missed Julia ☺️ Sitting with my burger and fries let's go 😁

[@robertandersen7077]

Hey ladies, First I want you to know that i love your videos. Your Great... I have to tell you that halfway through though this video I goggled the Kona Grill and it's only 35 miles from me and Ill be visiting it soon. Thanks for showing this place. Can't wait to check it out. thanks again and continued success.

[@melisarozaaslan5572]

Favorite thing to watch while eating!

[@himemiya]

julia nailing the pronunciation for "sake" until the sake flight lmaooo

[@JuliaSmith711]

☹️ shame

[@alexanderschwarm7755]

Your videos are always a joy to watch

[@renee6164]

I have tried other’s on ur channel- but- Always turn to her’s!!!! So honestly Lovly Baby!!!😘

[@DougiePlaysSoccer]

Haven’t seen this series in a while, glad to see our spicy blond back! 🥃

[@wolfman3295]

Thank you for this Julia. A Kona Grill opened in a new shopping center near me a couple of years ago so I have been curious about it but I am NOT a Sushi person and can't eat anything spice at all and I would only try four items on the menu: French Dip, Lemon Garlic Penne, Seabass Sliders and the Ribeye Meatballs but again no spice so I may try those to go since I will not eat in a restaurant for quite a while.

[@darrenkwalsh]

Just stumbled across these videos. Awesome job in your mass consumption. Look forward to seeing more!

[@jmason61]

Incredible how these videos make a viewer INCREDIBLY hungry... I'd kill for the fish sliders right now....

[@kiki_2643]

Julia videos make me happy

[@velocity6]

really good honest reviews. she's a natural.

[@futurecyber01]

I live in Arizona and yes kona Grill is the best and thanks to julia I see what else they have :)

[@lolbyegio]

I wannnnt more of these episodes!!!! 😄

[@loveyourselfplease6842]

I was taught that there is not 1 classic flavor of pad Thai but there are the most popular which is usually sweet & spicy however they can also be sour, nutty & really funky with strong fish sauce & seafood flakes.

[@kikitothecity4113]

Love Julia!

[@reneec.5187]

There are a few places you can try next, they’re in NJ - Bahama Breeze, Miller Ale House, Houlihans

[@f.stewie6429]

I really appreciated this review. It didn't seem like this place was amazing but you weren't harsh at all. You can tell a lot about a restaurant by how good their burgers are. 🤔 You should go to Charthouse next. It's fancy but their blue cheese butter with the NY Strip is the best steak I've ever had in a restaurant. 😋😋😋

[@Patrick22557]

Looks good. Can't wait to eat there.

[@tamarathejudeochristianmedium]

I wanted to know how the homemade chips are? That sea bass looked heavenly 🥺

[@chloedenlinger3217]

Please more Julia eats everything videos!!!

[@yvonneanitakramer7536]

Wow there are so many restaurant chains in the US 🤯 ❗❗❗

[@BandGeekMan06]

The waiter at 28:42! 👌🏻 He got us! 😂🤣

[@milaqueen2338]

I recently went here and it was not impressive! Thanks for the great review !😉🧡

[@konjkonj123]

Fun fact! It’s the webbing between the seeds of spicy chilis that make them well, spicy.