I travel a great deal abroad and across the US and for that reason I sometimes overlook the great dining options in my own neighborhood. Yona located in Arlington, Virginia is a fantastic small Japanese restaurant with authentic and innovative cuisine.

It is on a side street with a great ambience and small enough to receive great food and service.

Whether I tried the sushi, the noodles or steamed buns it was all fresh, tasty and well prepared.

The sushi is my favorite item on the menu because it is so fresh and made to order. Whether I tried the shrimp tempura, spicy tuna or salmon it has all been fantastic. The sushi just melts in my mouth, the rice is soft and well made.

Yona is a great place to go for a neighborhood dinner because you can relax, enjoy the food and ambience. At times I forget the dining jewels in my own neighborhood because I am traveling outside the city and country so often.