Insider Pages Reviews for Benihana

4 Stars: It's OK but it used to be better (by Lauren M.)

Lauren M. — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:00 GMT

I used to think Benihana's was really fun when the servers were allowed to really be creative and juggle food (and knives)

But I think a customer complained when something was dropped and now the "show" is toned down and not as entertaining.

We never went to Benihanas for the food (which is pretty average)
but for the party. It's still fun, but it used to be better.

5 Stars: Great place to eat (by TheSexxxyOne)

TheSexxxyOne — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I just recently eat here for the first time a few days ago. The service was great and the food was outstanding. I liked the atmosphere and the food so much I ate lunch at the one in Carlsbad a few days later. I will recommend this restaurant to all my friends.

4 Stars: Expensive (by Emily C.)

Emily C. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:47:00 GMT

It is expensive but everybody should experience this cooking show at least once. I love how the chef handle the egg with his spatula. Food is not that great for the money. Not kid friendly restaurant.

4 Stars: Dinner and a Show (by Melissa S.)

Melissa S. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:34:00 GMT

Its just so much fun and the food is delicious. They have imported Japanese beers and of course SAKE!!!. I lived in Japan 3 years and this definitely brings me back.

4 Stars: dinner and a show (by chelseafeilen)

chelseafeilen — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The sushi bar is kind of small, but good food. The drinks are a little expensive. If you're a party of less than 8 then you'll probably be sharing the table with strangers. It's a fun show if you've never been. The chefs are nice and they entertain you with their cooking. The food is good. I'd recommend getting the fried rice with your meal because it's fun to watch them prepare it for you. The chef balances an egg on his spatula and then tosses it into his hat, and they make a volcano out of stacked onion slices. Fun times. I'd say come here for a special occasion. Warning- This is a restaurant that sings to you for your birthday :)

5 Stars: Patricia (by Patricia W.)

Patricia W. — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:34:00 GMT

Whenever we have a special occasion we head to Benihana's. Not only great Japanese food but excellent entertainment in watching the chef's prepare your meal before your eyes. Their knife work is unbelievable!

5 Stars: A Dining Experience (by Brian G.)

Brian G. — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 14:22:00 GMT

Benihana is definately an "Experience" rather than just a dinner. If your party is small you will be seated with other guests, but It's really not bad at all.. just make some new friends :-D. I went there for lunch so it wasn't too busy, the cook was quite amazing and I had a blast. Make sure you tell them it's your birthday for a free picture of the experience.

4 Stars: Benihana (by Tina P.)

Tina P. — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 18:07:00 GMT

Benihana is a teppanyaki style restaurant located in Hotel Circle. This is a great restaurant if you are looking for something different. The food is amazing, and although the portions may seem small, there are so many courses and a few minutes in between courses that you will probably be full before your last course. I would recommend paying the extra few dollars to get fried rice instead of steamed rice. However, I would not recommend this restaurant if you are looking for an intimate setting or want a quiet relaxing dinner. The restaurant is noisy and smaller groups will usually be seated with other smaller parties (the teppanyaki tables seat 6-8 people.)

PROS: Great food, unique experience
CONS: Parking lot fills up quickly, after that valet only

5 Stars: Awesome place (by Gary K.)

Gary K. — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 11:27:00 GMT

Benihana's is awesome, hands down. The group seating is nice, especially for a large group of friends. The show that the chef puts on is very entertaining, especially for the first time. The valet service as well as waiters/waitresses are all very top notch. Prices kind of high, but it pays for the atmosphere.

5 Stars: Great (by Charles Y.)

Charles Y. — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 01:43:00 GMT

Great service, great waiters, great chefs. Awesome food as well. An excellent place to go to with your friends, family, and kids. You will not be bored.

5 Stars: Absolutely Amazing... (by Paula C.)

Paula C. — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 20:33:00 GMT

'Teppanyaki' is the name of a Traditional Japanese-style hibachi steakhouse. That is the premise behind Benihana. At Benihana they prepare and serve your meal by a Chef who performs for you and your guests, right at your table.

The performance, the sights, the smells...this restaurant is wonderful. They also have a Sushi Bar, which is also to die for. Everything is fresh and everyone is so helpful and nice. I would recommend this to any of my friends.

PROS: The Experience is magnificent.
CONS: The prices are a little high.

5 Stars: great (by Allison B.)

Allison B. — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 20:47:00 GMT

Some people might be put off by the group seatings (often more than one party to a table) but in the end, Benihana has great food and is a great way to meet new people. The waiters preform the classic antics and throw in some new ones to entertain the kids. There is, however, often a long wait so reservations are definately recommended. Be prepared for a long commitment, but a brilliant night out.