Benihana

I used to love going to Benihana (and other Hibachi places), and have been to the ones in Idianapolis, Las Vegas, Novi, and Troy. A trend that I've notived over the last several years is Benihana is going downhill overall.

On our most recent visit to the one in Troy, our chef wasn't very entertaining, either in conversation (very little except to confirm orders, though I have enjoyed chefs before that made up for not much conversation with some nice flair) or of flair (and I've also enjoyed younger chefs that are still learning flair but are great in conversation). I left the place feeling that the guy was there only for the work visa/basic employment and did not enjoy what he did at all.

The food was pretty much the same as always, except for the quality of steak that we both got was far below what we normally got and what we expected. It's gotten to the point that I'm now looking around to see what the other hibachi places around have to offer, since I won't be back there again.

Pros: Last resort, I could get my hibachi fix here

Cons: Service (and some food) going downhill

Posted 09/05/07

I love the food at this place!! The ginger salad dressing you get with the house salad is unvbelievable!! The portions are very big, so plan on bringing some home. I always get the chicken but the steak isnt that bad. I would suggest the brown fried rice over the white- its just fun to watch them make it and it is very tasty!! Tbhe prices are a little pricey compared to other Japenese restaurants but it is entertaining to watch them cook in front of you. Only problem is sometimes I would like not to sit with strangers at my table.

Pros: food, service, entertaining

Cons: strangers sitting with you, prices

Posted 03/18/07

Such a great place to go with friends or kids. The food is seriously delicious, and it's fun to watch the chefs chop, flip, and grill your food. It keeps kids occupied. The only downside is that it's a little noisy and bright, but the overall feel is festive and fun, and you'll come away full and satisfied.

Pros: Delicious food, fun service

Cons: Sort of expensive, a little noisy

Posted 02/12/07

Food was good, service was good, portions were HUGE, prices are a little higher than other Japanese restaurants that I have been to. Unfortunately I did not try the sushi.

Pros: LOTS of food, Good food quality

Cons: No show by chef

Posted 02/14/05

I dine at Japanese restaurants quite frequently, so when I heard that the Benihana chain was coming to Troy, I was excited. The food I thought had wonderful portions, I've never seen fresh shrimp so
large before, so I was impressed. However, I was dissappointed with the sushi because it seemed too commercialized, which comes with the territory of being a chain restaurant.
I would recommend going on Monday-Thursday, because the restaurant is less crowded, so you have the chance of eating without strangers.

Pros: Good portions, Interesting decor, Good parking

Cons: Bad drink menu, Dissappointing sushi

Posted 02/20/03

They have decent food and if you notice that no matter what you order in the menu they going to cook the samething for everyone in the table. (Got the cheapest dish if you want to go)

Yes, is very entertaining look the cook caught shrimp tails in his hat and pocket. Also, I feel very uncomfortable by middle of people I don't even know.

Pros: Expensive, Crowded, Seat by the strangers

Cons: Cook in front of you, Clean?

Posted 11/13/02