Taryn R.
Yelp
We visited Benihana with a reservation for 8:30 pm, arriving early at 8:15 pm, hoping that with one adult and four children, we might get seated a bit sooner. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and we were not seated until after 9:00 pm. As any parent can imagine, waiting with four kids, especially at dinner time, is less than ideal, and the experience started off on a frustrating note.
Thankfully, our server was the saving grace of the night. He was phenomenal, showing an impressive level of attentiveness and kindness despite the chaotic environment. He was quick with drinks and made sure we were comfortable, managing to salvage any hope this restaurant had of redeeming itself. His stellar service was the one bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming visit.
However, the long wait continued once we were seated. It took almost 45 minutes for the chef to come to the grill. By this time, keeping four children entertained and patient became a struggle. When you come to Benihana, you expect the entire experience, from seating to the entertaining cooking show, to move smoothly and timely--especially for a family-friendly restaurant.
By the time the meal was fully prepared and we were finished, it was close to 11 pm, a far cry from what we anticipated for a dinner outing. While the food itself was good--typical of what you'd expect from Benihana, which is largely known for its hibachi-style cooking and showmanship--it wasn't enough to make up for the exhausting wait. The novelty of the experience wore off quickly with all the delays, and with four kids in tow, it became more of a test of patience than an enjoyable night out.
Overall, while the food met expectations and the server was outstanding, the long wait times, especially for families with children, made the experience feel overrated. It's one thing to wait a bit longer at a busy restaurant, but the delays from seating to the chef's arrival to the completion of the meal turned what should have been a fun, interactive dinner into a frustrating marathon. We left disappointed and will not be returning.
For anyone considering a visit, the experience may be enjoyable if you are patient and perhaps without children. But for families or anyone hoping for a timely meal, I'd suggest looking elsewhere for a smoother dining experience.