Pam I.
Yelp
BENIHANA CONROE..I love Japanese restaurants and hibachi cooking, and to my surprise, my recent visit to Benihana, Conroe Texas location, was my FIRST visit to any Benihana restaurant. While I've heard of Benihana, and their great reputation, this was my first time as a customer, since this location is closer to my home.
I went Sunday, with my daughter, to celebrate my birthday. We went shopping first, and I was concerned, because we went mid-afternoon, which can sometimes, be a less desirable time, to visit any restaurant, for good service and food.
WOW! I was happily mistaken!
The host greated is immediately upon arrival, and offered seating in both the lounge, along with the hibachi service. It was important to me to experience their hibachi table service, and we were not disappointed!
Joseph was our server. He was spot on everything. Drinks were brought quickly and refilled often. He took away unnecessary plates, and even offered to-go containers early, for salad and soup, when he sensed our needs, and we were saving room for the main course.
We ordered the Lotus Sushi Roll as an appetizer. My daughter loves crab puffs, and it was a sushi roll, with crab and cream cheese with lotus crisps on top. So incredible!
Next, we both decided on the land and sea specialty dinner.
Our hibachi chef, was Jack. He was awesome! He engaged us, and the family sitting beside us with the young child. He made us laugh, and we were very impressed with his skills, especially since he mentioned that he was one of their newer chefs. I took many photos and videos and also just decided to sit and enjoy his presentation. I've seen other hibachi chef presentations, and although Jake replicated a few of the "traditional" moves, he added his own unique personality style, that made it be and fresh and entertaining.
Entertaining aside, Jack also cooked all of our food to perfection. The steak filet, and scallops were both melt in your mouth tender. We requested noodles instead of rice and he offered a few cooking options, and the udon noodles were a highlight accompaniment. I also noted that he cooked our zucchini perfectly al dente, which is a deal breaker for myself.
The manager, Kelly Martinez, visited our table several times, including to take a photo of my adult daughter and myself, that I will forever treasure. As a preschool teacher myself, it warned my heart to see him spend extra time with the family next to us, to make them, and their young preschool aged daughter feel extra special and valued, as well.
I'll close with a big comment. This was the BEST Japanese hibachi meal and experience, that I've EVER experienced ANYWHERE!
I'm sold on Benihana! Thank you to the entire staff, for making my birthday so very special and memorable!
P.S. The ladies bathroom was spotless.