Benihana - San Mateo

I have eaten at Benihana three times and have enjoyed my meals. Today was a real disappointment. Either their Wagyu steak was old or I believe there was a steak switch. Someone else got my Wagyu and I got a very fatty--I mean very fatty meat. It did not melt in my mouth. And I had a Wagyu burger 🍔 the last time I was in Benihana. That meal came from the kitchen not cooked in front of me. It was delicious. Also. I have had excellent Wagyu in Las Vegas, so Wagyu steak is not new to me. But I think the chef thought differently.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

Mouhammad was the best server I have ever had at a Benihana and made our great experience even better.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely unacceptable experience at Benihana.

We had a confirmed 7:30 PM reservation and arrived on time, only to be told that the restaurant had overbooked through OpenTable and we would need to wait an additional 30+ minutes. That completely defeats the purpose of making a reservation.

What was even more frustrating was the complete lack of professionalism from the host. There was no sincere apology, no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, and no attempt to offer any solution or accommodation. It felt like our time simply didn’t matter.

Overbooking is one thing—how you handle it is what defines your service. In this case, it was handled extremely poorly.

If you value your time or are planning around a schedule, I would strongly recommend avoiding this location. Reservations here clearly don’t mean anything.

Awesome setvice !! Parker is amazing! Outstanding attentiveness. Drinks are always delicious. All-around excellent customer service. We only come back when he’s working!

Thanks Parker for being consistently fantastic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came to celebrate my husband’s birthday and had a wonderful experience. The service Mouhammad provided and the meal Brian prepared were both outstanding.

My daughter has a gluten allergy and they took extra precautions to ensure her meal was safe. Her miso soup was specially prepared to meet her needs and delivered on a separate tray. When preparing the chicken fried rice, Brian used gluten-free soy sauce and seasoned it first to avoid cross contamination. He also used plain butter instead of garlic butter to be extra cautious.

It meant so much to use to be able to celebrate my husband while enjoying a completely stress-free meal for our daughter.

We are incredibly grateful for the extra care and attention and it gives us great confidence to return to your restaurant again.

The Shaffer’s ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: California Roll†, Chicken Fried Rice

What a step up from other Benihana’s of my past! Well done!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, nice staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got the Benihana trio. They tried to upsell from steamed rice to fried rice by just asking if that’s what you want. It’s a $9 extra charge. No thanks. Meal is supposed to include steamed rice as well as a dessert and green tea. None of that came out. The check came and I asked about those items and the waiter asked, “Oh did you want that?” It’s on the menu as part of the meal why do I need to ask for it? It’s already a somewhat expensive place, which is expected. Bring out all the items you put on the menu as included. Stop being cheap.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Mouhammed and Javier were awesome!! Excellent service and the chefs were so entertaining!! Made my mom’s birthday extra special!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mouhammed and the cook provided great customer service. Thanks again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Smaller portions than i remember them being

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Chef Brian and Server Mouhammad, were hospitable. They made our experience unforgettable. Very pleased thank you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kayla was excellent

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a birthday dinner for my daughter and was great. Our first time at the San Mateo location and everything was perfect. Great food, service, and the show!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food great service Armando made sure our baby was enjoying the show.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5