Benihana’s used to be my favorite place for years, but I stopped going 4-5 years back because the food was starting to taste bland and the servers and chefs never smiled or engaged anymore. It’s the same coming back, except the fried rice was better than before but way over salted. Sakuras in Redwood City or castle sushi in Newark is a much better choice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Tess Robins
Always have a good time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris
Even after having gone to benihana a couple times over the years, our chef Bryan managed to keep things fresh and exciting, mixing old favorites with some new tricks. Despite a schedule mixup on our part we were still able to be accommodated, and we had a wonderful time, with great food and company.
Drunk patrons talking loudly and swearing seated. Our food was good and the Chef's service was outstanding. Unfortunately we couldn't enjoy it because of the obnoxious patrons. Please seat these type of patrons at the back of the restaurant where they don't disturb guest with children. Thank You
Laurence P.
Used to eat there twice a week when i worked at Google/YouTube great food service and staff
Chloe C.
This Benihana is great! I was shocked that it was so packed at 12:00pm on a Saturday. Glad we made a reservation. The food was soooo freaking good. I got steak but got to try the shrimp too (woo!). No more throwing pieces of meat into diners' mouths these days. Sad :( But they did the other stuff like the onion on fire and they had a train whistle and catching egg shells in the hat. Our chef was so fun and interactive. The only thing I wasn't excited to watch was how much butter there was in everything. Sheesh. It was A LOT. Obviously everything tasted great though. Anyway, great service, food, and ambiance. Also would recommend bringing some cash because they have a required valet.
Jennifer C.
I haven't come in 15 years so I was super excited but then I paid an arm and a leg but a horrible chef. Sorry, but he didn't say a word and mumbled. He didn't even do all the tricks I saw at other tables. We felt very robbed of the experience and left very dissatisfied. You can't really complain or request since they already started cooking. Service staff was excellent but busy. Waited a while for more water. Ambiance was Smokey as expected but lots of energy and fun in the air.
Juan D.
I can't believe how great the experience was this time. I've been coming to this Benihana's for a long time and I'm used to the same service. First we stopped off at the bar and had a couple drinks with friends. The bartender and staff there were great. This time our cook was James and this dude was on fire. He did some things that I had not seen before and cooked everything to perfection. This dude definitely knows his stuff and is accommodating to your needs. And above all he's friendly and he's got a great attitude. I had the filet mignon and lobster tail. I have never had ordered medium rare, and had it perfectly cooked to perfection. So much so, that I didn't dare dip it in any sauces! Next time you make reservations, ask for James and tip him well. Thank you James, hope to see you guys soon.
Ruben Espinoza
Everything was excellent, the food and drinks were the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cielo A.
I'm leaving this review because I feel it is necessary to let customers who are new to this location know the quality of service from this waiter, her name is Irma she's a Hispanic older women. The food is exceptional as well as the cooks it's just when you come to these kinds of restaurants you expect to be greeted with a welcoming waiter however we waited about 20 minutes before she even came to our table a other waiter took our order because he saw how long we had been waiting, she gets to our table with such a sour attitude gets our drinks and doesn't return besides the end when we were about finished with our food to refill my drink and bring a water, the entire time she was just walking around talking doing everything besides her job. Then we're waiting once again for her to come and bring the bill she's very passive aggressive when she collected the bill and dropped the cards in the check on the table and walked away. Overall I was very disappointed in the service we come to this location me and my husband almost every other week and the food is great. Just avoid her if possible.
This used to be my favorite place to spend my birthday every year. It was tradition for 20+ years. However, over the last few years it's taken a decline. The food is great but the experience is rushed and the restaurant is dirty and old. The bathrooms were disgusting. I would much rather come for lunch and sit in the bar area because the food is great...everything else is just old and crowded. I almost feel like they are just turning people over. One party in, rush, one party out...the chefs are reading from a script. We went in March and our waitress was horrible. It took forever to get drinks or services to our large group. It was packed. It's just not the same experience
Terri S.
Hello me and my family went in to eat here on March 23 rd for me and my grandsons birthday! And our server who's name was Tony was just absolutely amazing he made me and my family feel so welcome and then there was our chef Saul again another amazing man they both made us feel so very special and important thru our experience with you all ,,,, when ever I come back in there I will definitely make sure to look for them !!! And anyone else that wants an amazing experience should go see them when they go in there !! I promise you won't regret it
Elizabeth L.
This review is specifically for our chef, James. I haven't enjoyed dining here in a long time. Nothing bad against previous dining experiences, but this time James went beyond my family's expectations. He was pleasant, welcoming, and relatable as a parent. My father in law was also pleased which is very rare. And my mother in law unexpectedly asked for more noodles while James was wrapping up and he accommodated her last minute request. James, we thank for a great birthday dinner for my nephew and we'll make sure to find you on our next visit.
Junior T.
Sergio great cook food amazing had a great experience there should get promoted overall great experience great food good time
Angel P.
Just wanted to make sure Sergio, our chef for the night receives the recognition he deserves. He did an outstanding job. Very great chef food was great and the service was also amazing. There was a table next to us that a had a chef that seemed to be more quiet. So Sergio definitely stood out when he had continuous conversations with us. Had a great night, i truly hope her gets a promotion some time soon
Benihana’s used to be my favorite place for years, but I stopped going 4-5 years back because the food was starting to taste bland and the servers and chefs never smiled or engaged anymore. It’s the same coming back, except the fried rice was better than before but way over salted. Sakuras in Redwood City or castle sushi in Newark is a much better choice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Always have a good time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Even after having gone to benihana a couple times over the years, our chef Bryan managed to keep things fresh and exciting, mixing old favorites with some new tricks. Despite a schedule mixup on our part we were still able to be accommodated, and we had a wonderful time, with great food and company.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Fried Rice, Green Tea Ice Cream, Teppanyaki, Salad, Soup, Garlic Butter, Roll, Seafood, Hibachi Steak
Drunk patrons talking loudly and swearing seated. Our food was good and the Chef's service was outstanding. Unfortunately we couldn't enjoy it because of the obnoxious patrons. Please seat these type of patrons at the back of the restaurant where they don't disturb guest with children. Thank You
Used to eat there twice a week when i worked at Google/YouTube great food service and staff
This Benihana is great! I was shocked that it was so packed at 12:00pm on a Saturday. Glad we made a reservation. The food was soooo freaking good. I got steak but got to try the shrimp too (woo!). No more throwing pieces of meat into diners' mouths these days. Sad :( But they did the other stuff like the onion on fire and they had a train whistle and catching egg shells in the hat. Our chef was so fun and interactive. The only thing I wasn't excited to watch was how much butter there was in everything. Sheesh. It was A LOT. Obviously everything tasted great though. Anyway, great service, food, and ambiance. Also would recommend bringing some cash because they have a required valet.
I haven't come in 15 years so I was super excited but then I paid an arm and a leg but a horrible chef. Sorry, but he didn't say a word and mumbled. He didn't even do all the tricks I saw at other tables. We felt very robbed of the experience and left very dissatisfied. You can't really complain or request since they already started cooking. Service staff was excellent but busy. Waited a while for more water. Ambiance was Smokey as expected but lots of energy and fun in the air.
I can't believe how great the experience was this time. I've been coming to this Benihana's for a long time and I'm used to the same service. First we stopped off at the bar and had a couple drinks with friends. The bartender and staff there were great. This time our cook was James and this dude was on fire. He did some things that I had not seen before and cooked everything to perfection. This dude definitely knows his stuff and is accommodating to your needs. And above all he's friendly and he's got a great attitude. I had the filet mignon and lobster tail. I have never had ordered medium rare, and had it perfectly cooked to perfection. So much so, that I didn't dare dip it in any sauces! Next time you make reservations, ask for James and tip him well. Thank you James, hope to see you guys soon.
Everything was excellent, the food and drinks were the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm leaving this review because I feel it is necessary to let customers who are new to this location know the quality of service from this waiter, her name is Irma she's a Hispanic older women. The food is exceptional as well as the cooks it's just when you come to these kinds of restaurants you expect to be greeted with a welcoming waiter however we waited about 20 minutes before she even came to our table a other waiter took our order because he saw how long we had been waiting, she gets to our table with such a sour attitude gets our drinks and doesn't return besides the end when we were about finished with our food to refill my drink and bring a water, the entire time she was just walking around talking doing everything besides her job. Then we're waiting once again for her to come and bring the bill she's very passive aggressive when she collected the bill and dropped the cards in the check on the table and walked away. Overall I was very disappointed in the service we come to this location me and my husband almost every other week and the food is great. Just avoid her if possible.
Restaurantji Recommends
This used to be my favorite place to spend my birthday every year. It was tradition for 20+ years. However, over the last few years it's taken a decline. The food is great but the experience is rushed and the restaurant is dirty and old. The bathrooms were disgusting. I would much rather come for lunch and sit in the bar area because the food is great...everything else is just old and crowded. I almost feel like they are just turning people over. One party in, rush, one party out...the chefs are reading from a script. We went in March and our waitress was horrible. It took forever to get drinks or services to our large group. It was packed. It's just not the same experience
Hello me and my family went in to eat here on March 23 rd for me and my grandsons birthday! And our server who's name was Tony was just absolutely amazing he made me and my family feel so welcome and then there was our chef Saul again another amazing man they both made us feel so very special and important thru our experience with you all ,,,, when ever I come back in there I will definitely make sure to look for them !!! And anyone else that wants an amazing experience should go see them when they go in there !! I promise you won't regret it
This review is specifically for our chef, James. I haven't enjoyed dining here in a long time. Nothing bad against previous dining experiences, but this time James went beyond my family's expectations. He was pleasant, welcoming, and relatable as a parent. My father in law was also pleased which is very rare. And my mother in law unexpectedly asked for more noodles while James was wrapping up and he accommodated her last minute request. James, we thank for a great birthday dinner for my nephew and we'll make sure to find you on our next visit.
Sergio great cook food amazing had a great experience there should get promoted overall great experience great food good time
Just wanted to make sure Sergio, our chef for the night receives the recognition he deserves. He did an outstanding job. Very great chef food was great and the service was also amazing. There was a table next to us that a had a chef that seemed to be more quiet. So Sergio definitely stood out when he had continuous conversations with us. Had a great night, i truly hope her gets a promotion some time soon