Are Benihana's any good?
 

My girlfriend and I really enjoy a good Japanese steakhouse.. Get a little sushi for an appetizer and enjoy the show as they cook your food.

There's a chain I've seen called Benihana. Are these any good? Worth a visit?

Been a couple of times to one in Kissimmee, Orlando and also Schumberg Chicago - it all depends how good a show you get - they do vary - but food has always been good

The food isn't bad, but it's nothing to rave about, either.

I know if I go to one, I'm basically paying for the entertainment (which I do enjoy).

we go at least once a year as a family. it's great if you have a big group (8-10 i think) cause you can have the whole table to yourself. on the other hand, you can make new friends if you sit with others. it's a bit commercial and showy but i always enjoy the food. and i love--absolutely LOVE-- the ginger dressing they put on their salads. yum!

They are not bad, but if you happen to be visiting a metropolitan area with a significant Japanese-American population, chances are you may be able to find an alternative, local restaurant that also prepares food teppanyaki-style

I give'm a B+. I have never had a bad meal nor a really great one but all have been enjoyable and a bargain. Sure itsa part showbiz but the meal is always freshly prepared, tasty and hot. I find it is best to not go at the busy times (ie a line at the door).

MisterNice

I know only 2:

1) In Ft. Lauderdale. Nice restaurant, good food.
2) Near SFO airport. Big, crowded restaurant, food not good.

The food is fairly good but not life-changing. I always feel crowded in a Benihana's, because they place the chairs sooo tightly together. If you go with just a handful of people, you'll be sandwiched into a group with strangers and seated with about eight people in the table space most restaurants would give you as a table for four.

But if watching the chefs is your thing, Benihana's is great for that!

The show part can vary greatly depending on who you get. Inquire at reception if you can wait to be seated at one of the pro's tables.

Food's very good. I mean really...as long as their supplier is providing good quality foodstuffs, what can they really do wrong with this type of set up and cooking formula. Hard to screw up, really.

I enjoy it for the authenticity.

About ten years ago I was in the one in Encino. The chef at our table had a horrible Japanese accent. About two years later (the next time I was in that store) the same chef was now the manager on duty. His English was absolutely flawless, and he sounded like he had been educated in Los Angeles.

I'm not a fan of the food, BTW. It's just average compared to the many great Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles.

Benihana
 

Most of the Benihana's are pretty good, but as mentioned not necessarily great. The Las Vegas one (in the Las Vegas Hilton), used to have a really good show as they would set the shrimp on fire (they no longer do this). If you are celebrating a special occassion, be certain to tell them as they will typically take a photo of everyone in your group. Lunch is a great value (at about half the price of dinner--although the portions are smaller, and not as many extras). The best Benihana I ever went to was in Tokyo, and although the show wasn't the greatest, the food was excellent.

It just depends on the person doing the show/cooking, it can be awsome (food and show) however sometime it can be pretty bad (not so much food, but show) Overall, I'd say give it a try.

You go to Benihana for the show. I've been to a few scattered across the nation (as well as the one here locally). Much of the "entertainment" you get depends on the chef. I for one now try to stay away from Benihana or any other restaurant catered towards those looking for a good show with their meal. Much rather have a nice home cooked meal.

aloha

Detroit-Dearborn
 

Like most of the area, the restaurant isn't particularly in the best of condition. However, the food was great. Particularly, the spyder roll....excellent.