You’re walking through Mountain View Village, probably just finished hitting up Lululemon or snagging something at Anthropologie, and there it is. The big patio. The blue lights. Kona Grill Riverton sits like the flashy anchor of this massive outdoor mall.
People have feelings about this place. Strong ones. Some folks swear by the late-night sushi vibe, while others grumble about the price of a ribeye in a suburban shopping center. Honestly, if you go in expecting a quiet, hushed "fine dining" experience, you're gonna be disappointed. This place is loud. It’s high-energy. It’s basically a club that happens to serve really good macadamia nut chicken.
Is it worth the hype? It depends on when you go and what you're actually ordering.
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The Happy Hour Strategy at Kona Grill Riverton
Look, if you're paying full price for every single roll and cocktail here on a Saturday night, you're doing it wrong. The real ones know that the Kona Grill Riverton happy hour is the only reason to fight for a parking spot in this part of town.
They have this $3, $6, and $9 menu that is actually kind of a steal. We're talking $6 margaritas and $9 specialty sushi rolls. Most places in the Salt Lake Valley are charging $18+ for a decent roll these days, so hitting this between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on a weekday is the ultimate move.
And if you’re a night owl? They do it again starting at 9:00 PM.
- The $3 Tier: Edamame (traditional or "angry" with a spicy kick) and chicken satay.
- The $6 Tier: KG sliders, chicken fried rice, and those weirdly addictive loaded fries.
- The $9 Tier: This is where the sushi happens. You can usually snag a Spicy Tuna or a California roll without nuking your bank account.
The vibe on the patio during happy hour is elite. They’ve got fire pits and enough heaters to make a Utah January feel like October. It's the best spot in Riverton for people-watching while you nurse a drink.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
I’ve eaten through enough of this menu to tell you that "America's Favorite Grill" is a bold claim, but they do a few things exceptionally well.
The Macadamia Nut Chicken is the local legend for a reason. It’s got this shoyu cream sauce and a pineapple-papaya marmalade that sounds like it would be too sweet, but it just works. It comes with whipped potatoes and sweet chili green beans. It’s a massive plate of food. Most people can’t finish it.
If you're feeling fancy, the Big Island Ribeye is solid, though at nearly fifty bucks, it’s a commitment. It’s served with "island butter" and garlic fingerlings.
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The Sushi Situation
Kona isn't a traditional Japanese omakase spot. Don't go there looking for rare cuts of fatty tuna flown in this morning from Tsukiji. Go there for the "fun" rolls.
- The Picasso: This is probably their most famous roll. Spicy yellowtail, avocado, jalapeño, and sriracha. It’s got a bite.
- Fire Dragon Roll: They literally finish this tableside with a torch. It’s theater. It’s shrimp tempura and eel. Is it a bit much? Maybe. Is it delicious? Absolutely.
- Coconut Shrimp Roll: If you like things sweet and crunchy, this is the one. It uses soy paper instead of seaweed, which is great if you aren't a fan of the "ocean" taste of nori.
Avoid the basic stuff like the Miso Soup if you're looking for value; $10 for a small bowl of broth is a bit of a stretch when you can get a whole plate of sliders for less during happy hour.
The Reality of the Service and Vibe
Let’s be real for a second. The reviews for Kona Grill Riverton are all over the place. Why? Because the service can be hit or miss when the mall is slammed.
On a Friday night when there’s a local DJ playing and every table is full of teenagers on prom dates and parents taking a break from errands, the kitchen can get backed up. I’ve seen people wait 20 minutes for a refill. But if you go on a random Tuesday at 3:00 PM? You’ll be treated like royalty.
The interior is "polished casual." Think dark wood, blue LEDs, and a giant fish tank. It’s definitely a "date night" spot, but it’s also surprisingly kid-friendly. They have family meals that feed 2 to 6 people, which is a lifesaver if you're local and just don't want to cook.
Is it Overpriced?
This is the big debate on Reddit and Yelp. Some people call it a "scam for non-foodies." That’s a bit harsh.
Yes, the prices are higher than your average chain like Chili's or Outback. You’re paying for the location in Mountain View Village. You’re paying for the ambiance. If you order the Wagyu Steak Fried Rice, you’re going to pay a premium.
But honestly, the quality of the fish and the steaks is objectively higher than most mall-adjacent spots. You just have to know how to navigate the menu. Stick to the signature items and the happy hour deals, and you’ll leave feeling like you got your money’s worth.
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Quick Details You Need:
- Location: 13253 S Teal Ridge Way, Riverton, UT 84096.
- Best Time: Weekdays 2 PM - 6 PM (Happy Hour).
- Must Try: Macadamia Nut Chicken or the Picasso Roll.
- Phone: (385) 317-7744.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to Kona Grill in Riverton, do yourself a favor and make a reservation via Resy. Even on weeknights, this place can fill up unexpectedly.
If it's a nice day, specifically ask for a table on the patio. The indoor acoustics are a bit "industrial," meaning it gets loud fast. Outside, you get the fresh air and a slightly more relaxed pace.
Also, keep an eye out for their limited-time offers. In 2026, they've been doing these "Endless Holidays" and "Taste of Kona" 3-course deals for around $39. That’s probably the best way to try a little bit of everything—an appetizer, a main, and a dessert—without seeing a three-digit bill at the end.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Calendar: If it's Monday, go anytime. They usually run happy hour specials all day.
- Download Resy: Don't be the person standing by the host stand for 45 minutes while people with reservations breeze past you.
- Join the Krave Club: If you're going to eat here more than once a year, sign up for their loyalty program. They send out decent birthday rewards and occasional "buy one, get one" sushi deals that actually make the pricing much more reasonable.
- Plan Your Parking: Mountain View Village is huge. Aim for the spots near the Cinemark if the main lot is full; it's a short walk and much less stressful.