Benihana Review

Regular dining, not hibachi. Waited very long for our food, did not come out how it was ordered. Plate was very sparse, everything was extremely salty. They do very little to accommodate people with food allergies. Drinks were fantastic.

Very expensive bill for avarage food. I'm sure you will have more oriental food options in NYC.

Excellent Chinese restaurant in the middle of Manhattan. Spectacular!

Great time like it used to be and food was delicious.

awful. if I could give no stars, I would, or even negative stars. ever hear of an Asian restaurant that doesn't use soy sauce? neither did I until last night. the food was bland and tasteless, the chefs are not permitted to use any seasoning other than a little salt and a little butter. (extra butter cost $1). the chef cooked one item at a time, the tiny portion of zucchini (no other veggies other than onion) cooked first, then the rice, then the protein.
if you waited for everything to be finished, your vegetables would be cold and even worse than just tasteless. the "show" was a joke. the onion volcano that every hibachi restaurant does, and flipping shrimp tails into his hat was the entire "show". to finish the entire meal took over an hour. when one of my party spoke with the manager, he talked of how they charged for butter because it was so expensive. how about charging $31 for an unseasoned steak? the manager made excuses instead of taking criticism as opportunity. this restaurant lives on its name, not its product.
also, we had a large party, taking two tables, had two chefs, so this was not just one bad chef or one experience. this was on two tables with two separate chefs.
our one table did have a good server. our other table, the server disappeared for 15-20 minutes at a time. he was so absent that the server on our other table took over his duties.
an overpriced, bland meal, a joke of a show. do not waste your time. Japanese is my favorite cuisine, I have been to many hibachi grills. I am willing to try other Benihana locations, but this location was by far the absolute worst restaurant I've been to. not just Japanese. unless you enjoy overspending on bland food and wasting a lot of time, avoid this place.

If you want delicious tasty Japanese food cooked on a grill in front of you with a show, this is the place. This chain is famous, I tried the one in London too, and the food is always excellent. It is quite unique to see the chef making all the preparations and cooking in front of you, try grilled meat + seafood with fried rice. Recommended.

Had some mix ups with the seating since we only wanted to order sushi (weird and inconvenient). Drinks were nice and strong. Fairly reasonably priced. Miso soup was a little fishy and the sushi was okay, nothing special. Apparently it s better known for it s hibachi so maybe try that? All and all, I would not recommend as a good sushi place.

Absolutely luv it,food is great,staff friendly,exciting display

Good time. Pretty gimmicky but the food was delicious

Food is great and the show that comes preparing your food

The wait time!!! Insane. The food is good chefs are fun.. You can be grouped with others if your group isn't large enough. Ventilation system could be better.

Came here for a 2y Anniversary dinner. The steak was of very prime cut. The drinks were nice. But for 2 people and a bill of 150 is not for me to leave hungry. Entertained and all but left hungry. All in all it was a nice experience but would be very hard to see me coming back. It is a nice venue and everyone from staff to cook to servers were very nice. The souvinere cups for $7 were very nice.

Food was good, we got there early before the long line

My friends and I reserved a table online for 8 pm on a Tuesday night through open table and when we came in we were asked to wait at the bar. After 15 minutes I thought to check whether the table was any closer to being ready and I was told that it is being cleaned and it would be another 10 minutes. 10 minutes went by and we received no indication we were any closer to getting our table so I went again to ask. Then I was told it's a busy night and the tables are not free yet. I politely asked if this was normal policy because it's now half an hour after I made the initial booking and then all of a sudden I get a slight change in attitude from the lady at the front desk because I couldn't understand why her explaination that they are busy and 'some servers are slower than others' was supposed to explain why their reservation system wasn't efficient enough. While I understand it is not her fault there was a delay but there was really no need for that. Then I was told it won't be long the table is getting ready. Another 10 minutes went by so by this point we had not been seated for 40 minutes after our initial reservation so we decided to leave. Another lady was at the front desk to whom I explained that we were leaving because of this who said our table is now bussing. Not willing to risk another delay of who knows how long I asked for the reservation to be cancelled. There was no apology or even an offer to re-areange the booking. Then I receive an open table email to say that the restaurant had said we hadn't been seated and if we actually had attended we needed to let them know. When I explained the situation to open table the reply I received was that they were sorry for the confusion and they will work with the restaurant to make sure their records are accurate. This leads me to believe the restaurant said that we did not honour the reservation when we did and they in fact did not. Had they said in the beginning that there is a delay of 40 minutes or something I wouldn't have batted an eyelid but instead this is the experience we had. We were extremely disappointed with this service considering we had heard great things about the restaurant and now it's left a sour taste.

Food and customer service was great, atmosphere was awesome

We went there for my birthday and we really expend a good time. My daughter did a good choice. Happy with the ambience, food and attention.

Overrated. If you've been to other hibachi places then this is nothing overly special however if this is your first time at a hibachi you might be wowed. Casual place for the most part even though a trendy crowd tends to frequent. Reservations are recommended.

Amazing and food is amazing along with the chefs who cook it

I was in this place in 1982 and above all I remember the chef's Cercense skills. Arigato.

This was an awful visit to a restaurant that performed way below expectation and standard. We booked table for 8:30pm, we were on time but were shown to the bar and waited until about 9:15pm before being seated. So clearly either tables were over-booked or they were just giving tables away to anyone. I believe it was the latter.

The people at the bar were fantastic and we tipped them well.

Upstairs, we were all in very close quarters with not-so-nice people. really unpleasant. Our valentines night as husband and wife was simply ruined as far as I'm concerned. It sucked.

We had a guy who was basically just un-entertaining. It was just crap.

I'll take the blame for this. Serves me right.

If you do go, stay away from upstairs. Stick to the bar.

Great place for good food I love the way they cook it s very special I will definitely go back

Hate it .. The fact that they do not have a time frame and I waited over 2 hours !!!!! To be seated is ridiculous.. The whole point of me going was to get the full experience and have my food cooked in front of me. The host were very rude and were no help.. Kept telling me they do not have a time frame.. For a FIRST TIME experience it honestly sucked!!! Food was iite not worth the wait..!!!

Terrible service!! Go somewhere else. You will thank me.

My wife and I along with some family came to Benihana for my birthday. The atmosphere is warm and our chef was very accommodating and had a good sense of humor. The food was prepared with finesse and the restaurant staff was on point. I also like the diversity within the staff and the layout of the restaurant. As someone who reviews restaurants, I would say Benihana's is a must go.

It was ok went here for my husband birthday gave 3 cuz place is nice customer service was good .and the chef was friendly and entertaining.I didn't like the food it had no flavor and most was vegetables really small portion for the price.

No flavor on the steak, u must use the source. Good show during the cooking

Who doesn't enjoy a solid Benihana?? Its the same as you'll find all around the states. Fun for the family and for a girls night out.

Over an hour wait even with a reservation. It seems like they overbooked because many people were waiting for a long time as well. Our party was accomadated and the food was okay, but because of the push back we left well after closing.

Went for a BDAY celebration. The food was not tasty. And, chef took forever to prepare meals. I actually fell asleep. Had to send back my drink 3 times and it got worse each time. Will not return for another experience.

Ordered for pickup. The food was extremely dry and lacking in flavor. Ive had benihana before and never been disappointed, couldn't even finish eating it. Only reason they're getting 2 stars is because the sushi was pretty good. $100 wasted

This is the most desastrous waiting I had to get sitted at a restaurant in my entire life.
I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone and I will discourage anyone that is planning to go there.

Good food good show. To was our chef and he was awesome.

the whole night was magical everything was prefect!!!!

My experience could've been much better. I came for birthday and service was really slow. My boyfriend had a reservation but we still had to wait about 10 minutes. On top of that, when we actually arrived to our table, the time to get greeted was ridiculous. Then to get our drinks.. forget about it. I felt like leaving. Compared to the Hibachi in City Island, the food you can't match it. It didn't taste just as good as it did in City Island. Did not get mixed vegetables or noodles like we did in City Island. The food nor the drinks is worth the prices they charge. The only part I enjoyed was the choo-choo train by the chef and the happy birthday from the server. I would not go again!

Dined at Benihanas today for the lunch entree. Really clean chic atmosphere. is a nice place to experience once, just to say you've been there. I had a delicious Strawberry coolada frozen drink. it was suppose to have alcohol but tasted like juice. I Ordered the filet Mignon lunch entree. Chef was Roy and they don't seem to be having fun.The experience was so rehearsed, the chef are just like la la, like bored. Makes the whole experience awkward that the chefs aren't showing true enthusiasm. They come out bang out the food in a few minutes and bye. the food has no flavor. They give u two side sauces that didn't taste good to me but some of my party enjoyed it. Our waiter was cool, idris, he came out with a orange sorbet for my dads bday and took a picture of the group and gave us a complimentary photo. Very nice staff. Overall experience isn't the best. There is a really cool hibachi place on 125th st, 1280 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027. They are very interactive, the food taste awesome without any sauce, huge portions, friendly chefs and they have awesome fried ice cream for birthdays.

Food is pretty darn good. Very busy. Kinda squashed in against a pillar which inhibited my movement. Tad annoying. Also my sushi didn't seem freshly made, was quite dry but was still pretty good.

Food was good and our chef was really nice and made an extra effort for the kids at the table. Granted it was a cold night but the place was absolutely freezing because of the draughts. People were wearing their winter coats indoors it was that bad. As I was leaving I spoke to the guy at reception. He apologized and said they were aware of the problem.

The cold venue really took away from the whole dining experience which was otherwise positive.

I love hibachi restaurants! This is one of my favorite spots in NYC for this type of food. It s always so fun with friends or family and the food is delicious.

Nothing but love for Benihana's. While there usually is a long wait involved, the food is always worth it. They have solid fried rice and I always love getting the hibachi steak and chicken.

Great selection of Japanese dishes that will for sure meet your expectations.

One of the best places to eat in newyork hands down,a dinner with a show!

It's been better with friendlier attendants. Need to improve the exhaustion of the environment.

Such a la, better look for something better in NYC, which is not difficult. I still wonder why we went there today. Quality of the food is ok and they are fresh. But they are not special and outstanding. The restaurant smells very strong. I know much better Tepaniaki restaurants where it smells less severe and there are much better show chefs!

Some of chefs are so unhappy and they cook without show. Restaurant should solve the smelling problem, after restaurant you have to wash all your clothes. I never come back here.

Poor service, racist comments from the receptionist

Be sure to come for lunch - same great food and fun at a much more affordable price!

One of my favorite places. Great food, great service, great presentation by chefs

Not what I expected, for the price you pay you should get more then 5 small shrimp and 10 cubes of Stake. I will stick to MT. FUJI. I took my family who were visiting from Spain, I wanted them to experience hibachi and presentation fell flat in its face. We had a Hispanic chef who was mumbling what sounded like Japanese and you couldn't hear or understand what he has saying...I told them we were celebrating a birthday, but nothing..no dragon came out to celebrate, no gong, In Mt. Fuji you get a whole celebration....but then again what can you expect from service in NYC. The only reason this place gets two stars is because the seating staff was very accommodating. Kudos to them.

2nd time here for a bday celebration everything was good except for waiting 2 get seated. I ordered a extra dish to go but I end up waiting 40mins after I finished dinner for my order.

Expensive.you get out you smell rotten food I gave them 2 and they don't deserve it

7:45pm reservation 5 minutes late didn't down until 9:23. Host overwhelmed by all the people waiting to be seated asking how much longer. Male manager was very rude. Good was good but the wait not worth it don't go on the weekend unless your prepared to wait.

Food good, but id skip the NYC location. Prices a have a tourist surcharge (not literally) and service a bit slow.

Stopped here for some good food and to experience some entertainment while we ate. Venue didn't disappoint. Very friendly staff with a good selection of food and drink available. Our table chef was very skilled and kept us all entertained throughout. As we were a party of two and the tables seat 8 we were placed with a group of 6 others out celebrating. They were a great bunch, very friendly and engaging to talk to and we chatted a bit while the food was being prepared. All in all it just added to the atmosphere of the venue and was a great way to round off our last night in the city. I would highly recommend giving it a visit.

Thought it be better. Space was tight but food was great.

I ate there for my birthday last year and I truly enjoyed myself, can't wait to it again this year too

I dont understand what is the purpose of reservation, I made a reservation at 7:30 its 8pm they keep saying 10 more minutes

Very long wait and the amount of food you get ain't even worth it for price they charging

Always been a fan of benihanna until i went to this location. Made reservations and still had to wait a hour and half to be seated. When were seated had to wait additional hour to have the chef come and cook. I was very disappointed. I would never come to this one again. Very disappointed

I was told my wait time is 1 hour. A little late but they tried, so thats cool. The problem was the bartender messed up my drink - strike one. The clear soup is "meh," and thats being nice. Salad dressing sucked. I ordered a 7 with 7 and the server had no idea what seagram 7 is even after explaining to her. She brings me a sierra mist. I had to explain to her 7 with 7 is seagram 7 whiskey with 7 up but sierra mist is fine too. My food isnt even here yet and my experience here sucks. I work in a hibachi place too and people always compare us to Benihanas. I came all the way to NYC to make sure I won't be disappointed... however... disappointed is an understatement.... Look for a hibachi place in Romeoville, Illinois if you want a real hibachi experience...

Poor service.
Food just above the average.
Chef's show useless
Long waiting time to both be seated and order.
Supervisor on duty not useful at all.

The level of disgust I have with this place is unreal. I ve been to Benihana s all over but this one was not clean, the service was bad, the food was bad. I ve never sat down at a hibachi style restaurant on a WEDNESDAY AND HAD TO WAIT FOR 1 hour just to receive my soup. Not to mention we were seated DIRECTLY by the kitchen doors. So you could imagine the level of traffic and noise. The waiter then comes to take our order asks me and my lady if we want chicken fried rice we tell him no, he does NOT give us an alternate suggestion. The chef gave us our vegetables first, and it was nothing but onions! The chef was also very sloppy. Sloppily throwing our food on our plates, sauce spilling out the dishes.. just a mess. The chicken was over cooked, and when we finally received our vegetable fried rice it was cold and HARD, AFTER we found out we were receiving white rice instead. When we told him it was cold, he responded by telling us well it s vegetable fried rice. Which has nothing to do with the temperature or texture. I then complained to the manager T at least hoping to receive a sincere apology, or maybe 10% off or a voucher to return.. nope, he suggested we just don t leave a tip if we were dissatisfied. Would never recommend this place to anyone. Not even an enemy.

Great atmosphere, great food and great staff. We went there without a reservation and after about 15 minutes wait immediately got a table. The food selection is mega easy. We got as a chef then Ramon, who was just great. He made a really good mood and was very funny and friendly. You definitely got more than enough for your money, so the price-performance ratio is totally right here. So, when you're in New York, Benihana is a MUST. Especially ask for Ramon, which is great.

Excelent service and I really loved ramone he is the best.

The guy chased me down for my tip, after giving us horrible service. Edwin was the only person that made this place good to our group. And charged us for chicken and rice, that normally comes standard at any other hibachi style restaurant.

Just like all the others - close to Times Square. And fun for groups.

I loved this place the attention at the table is incredibly space is too small

Food is great and seeing the chef do little tricks was very entertaining

Very entertaning. Amazing tricks. Very fun. Great food too. You do have to sit by others if you have a small group. But wonderful service and great food. Our waiter even have us free Icecream.

I don't usually like cupcakes, but boy oh boy it was DELICIOUS! I tried the chocolat base cupcake with coconut cream: wow, super delicious! Not to much cream,