I'm writing to share some concerns about the experience my family had during our visit to Benihana on 11/21/2025. We came to celebrate my son's 6th birthday, but unfortunately the experience fell far below expectations. We have spent countless birthdays at Benihana's and it is our kids favorite dinner spot, however our last experience was beyond disappointing. From the start, the service felt rushed and disorganized. Despite having a 7:15 PM reservation, we did not receive our soup until around 8:15 PM—a full 55 minutes later—while our kids were hungry and growing impatient. What affected us most was the mishandling of the birthday celebration. Our waiter gave the birthday cake and song to another guest at the same table, even though it was clearly meant for my son. We had told the waiter at the start we were celebrating our sons 6th birthday, however he gave the ice cream with candles to the other two birthdays at the table and forgot our sons The same person ended up receiving two cakes, while my son got nothing and was left feeling sad and disappointed on his own birthday. The waiter also tossed his chocolate ice cream on a pile of dirty napkins- careless treatment that my son clearly noticed. Additionally, at the end of the meal, we felt pressured to leave a 20% tip as the waiter stood directly in front of us watching as we paid. This made the situation uncomfortable, especially considering the service was not reflective of that value. Overall, the experience was not what we hoped for, especially for such a special occasion. I wanted to bring this to your attention because we normally enjoy Benihana, and this visit was very upsetting for our family. I would appreciate a follow-up or any steps you can take to address this situation. We spent almost $200 for poor service from Raymond (name of the server). For long time customers, I am hoping you will make this right. Thank you for your time. Amit
anne
Wait service MIA could not get second drink. Rice arrive with dessert loud Banga unnecessarily noisy. Even young children scared by noise thé chef made and yet they continued.
janet
We had reservations for 6:30. We were seated at 7:15. No offer of a glass of wine or ?... I was affected by the fumes from the hot oil, coughing. A lot of upselling.
Jesus
I visited this restaurant yesterday for my birthday, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was delicious — every dish was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. I especially want to give a shoutout to the cook, Freddy. He absolutely crushed it in the kitchen. You can tell he puts real care and skill into what he does, and it made the whole meal unforgettable. The service was great, the atmosphere was welcoming, and overall it was the perfect place to celebrate. I'll definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend asking for anything cooked by Freddy — you won't be disappointed!
Adrianna
The person taking care of us was extremely neglectful. I understand people get busy but this kind of treatment was unbearable to the point we had to leave.
Chris
The reservation was made for 7:45 and confirmed. Our party of five was sat two HOURS later. The staff kept pushing and making excuses. It was the absolute worst. When we did sit, the chef at the table openly admitted he was tired after seven customers and a healthy hit of his weed pen. We got very little of what we can to Benihana to see. There is no way there will be a return visit. I know Japantown is difficult on a Saturday night but I expected better. Consider a birthday dinner ruined.
Daniel
Food was ok but the service was painfully slow, it took 1hr 30 min from when we arrived to when our entrees started to be cooked on the grill. Do not eat here unless you have at least 2+ hours to kill.
Churamani Kandel
Not response
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jonetta Boutte
Came here for 1st time customer service bad our server bad we had wait get our table clean then food took forever we got here at 715 pm we got our food at 930 drinks are water down bad experience and will not be back I'm good I see why your reviews are 4.0 should be 3.0 our food should of been discounted poor service
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
FAI US
Try Wagyu! It was good. But others need to study on (for cook).
I'm writing to share some concerns about the experience my family had during our visit to Benihana on 11/21/2025. We came to celebrate my son's 6th birthday, but unfortunately the experience fell far below expectations. We have spent countless birthdays at Benihana's and it is our kids favorite dinner spot, however our last experience was beyond disappointing. From the start, the service felt rushed and disorganized. Despite having a 7:15 PM reservation, we did not receive our soup until around 8:15 PM—a full 55 minutes later—while our kids were hungry and growing impatient. What affected us most was the mishandling of the birthday celebration. Our waiter gave the birthday cake and song to another guest at the same table, even though it was clearly meant for my son. We had told the waiter at the start we were celebrating our sons 6th birthday, however he gave the ice cream with candles to the other two birthdays at the table and forgot our sons The same person ended up receiving two cakes, while my son got nothing and was left feeling sad and disappointed on his own birthday. The waiter also tossed his chocolate ice cream on a pile of dirty napkins- careless treatment that my son clearly noticed. Additionally, at the end of the meal, we felt pressured to leave a 20% tip as the waiter stood directly in front of us watching as we paid. This made the situation uncomfortable, especially considering the service was not reflective of that value. Overall, the experience was not what we hoped for, especially for such a special occasion. I wanted to bring this to your attention because we normally enjoy Benihana, and this visit was very upsetting for our family. I would appreciate a follow-up or any steps you can take to address this situation. We spent almost $200 for poor service from Raymond (name of the server). For long time customers, I am hoping you will make this right. Thank you for your time. Amit
Wait service MIA could not get second drink. Rice arrive with dessert loud Banga unnecessarily noisy. Even young children scared by noise thé chef made and yet they continued.
We had reservations for 6:30. We were seated at 7:15. No offer of a glass of wine or ?... I was affected by the fumes from the hot oil, coughing. A lot of upselling.
I visited this restaurant yesterday for my birthday, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was delicious — every dish was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. I especially want to give a shoutout to the cook, Freddy. He absolutely crushed it in the kitchen. You can tell he puts real care and skill into what he does, and it made the whole meal unforgettable. The service was great, the atmosphere was welcoming, and overall it was the perfect place to celebrate. I'll definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend asking for anything cooked by Freddy — you won't be disappointed!
The person taking care of us was extremely neglectful. I understand people get busy but this kind of treatment was unbearable to the point we had to leave.
The reservation was made for 7:45 and confirmed. Our party of five was sat two HOURS later. The staff kept pushing and making excuses. It was the absolute worst. When we did sit, the chef at the table openly admitted he was tired after seven customers and a healthy hit of his weed pen. We got very little of what we can to Benihana to see. There is no way there will be a return visit. I know Japantown is difficult on a Saturday night but I expected better. Consider a birthday dinner ruined.
Food was ok but the service was painfully slow, it took 1hr 30 min from when we arrived to when our entrees started to be cooked on the grill. Do not eat here unless you have at least 2+ hours to kill.
Not response
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Came here for 1st time customer service bad our server bad we had wait get our table clean then food took forever we got here at 715 pm we got our food at 930 drinks are water down bad experience and will not be back I'm good I see why your reviews are 4.0 should be 3.0 our food should of been discounted poor service
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Try Wagyu! It was good. But others need to study on (for cook).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Benny Hannah always tastes good and it's entertaining and it's a fun atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Marvelous experience
Service very bad and slow
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The didn't do any tricks and the food was bad quality. We had a reservation but it took us over an hour to get seated
Food is so good. Experience eating with the chef is much fun. Aging a little, and new owners maybe not as committed, but still great.
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