Cancel

Open app

Search

Ben Ben Restaurant

4.3 (57 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Order Ben Ben Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

Ben Ben Restaurant Photos

BEN BEN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Ben Ben Restaurant

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Photo 1: Montage of images from Ben Ben Restaurant
Ed U.

I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I have yet to set foot in this restaurant even though I know it's somewhere on University Avenue near Sacramento Street. I'm just nowhere near that part of Berkeley, but I know their food from several GrubHub deliveries over the past couple of years. I'm overdue to share my feedback about Ben Ben as it becomes my convenient go-to for steamed chicken. My first experience was a pleasant discovery. I was looking for something quick for Jamie W and me. I ordered the $16.99 Boiled Chicken with Rice (Photo 4), while Jamie had the $16.99 Kung Pao Chicken (Photo 6). We shared an order of the $14.99 Egg Fried Rice (Photo 2). All the dishes were on point and still quite warm from the restaurant. On a subsequent order when I was alone, I went for the simple $19.99 Plain Boiled Half Chicken (Photo 3). It went great with the cauliflower rice I defrosted for myself. I also ordered the $16.99 Scrambled Eggs with Green Chili Peppers which I found satisfying comfort food even if it was a tad oily (Photo 7). On my most recent order, I ordered another poultry variation, the $12.99 Hand Shredded Salted Chicken, more of an appetizer which I asked them to heat up (Photo 8). Added to that was the $5.99 Spicy Pork Tripe (Photo 5). Chewy good with a kick. Someday I'll make it to the actual place and comment on the ambiance and service. FOOD - 4 stars...they just make comfort dishes the way I usually want them AMBIANCE - n/a...never been SERVICE - n/a...just GrubHub TOTAL - 4 stars...dependable go-to spot RELATED - Exploring Berkeley? Here's a collection of places l've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ARb9hLYSFi

A hot pot dining setup with thinly sliced meats, vegetables, seafood, and dipping sauces on a white table.
James W.

Authentic and affordable unlimited, personal Chinese hot pot spot. They have a lot of great options with delicious soup (recommend their house made pork and chicken broth). Besides accessible toppings behind glass doors, they also have a sauce bar, small side dishes, and a dessert area that also has a few beverages. It wasn't too busy when we visited on a weekday night, but their lunch pricing is very affordable. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, helping clear plates and provide direction! There is plenty of space for multiple parties in a clean environment

Shrimp paste
Mei L.

So I am torn between a three and a four, on one hand, I do like the fact that the hotpot is very homey, like how we used to do it when I was a kid. But on the other hand, some things should not be put in the hotpot. Pro: Self-service Sauce Bar Quality of sliced meat (beef, lamb and pork belly) Personal pots that heat up quickly. Con: Everything is self-served (bowls, water, etc). Some cuts and veggies are not hot pot choices (cubbed steak, iceberg lettuce) Limited choices and no description in the app for phone ordering. For the price ($28 for AYCE) and service, it is nice but there isn't any interior redo from the previous restaurant. The tables (6 top) are a little weird, as some have 6 burners but only 4 chairs. I wish there were other veggies like bok choy, chrysanthemum leaves (crown daisy/tong hao), more mushroom choices, and fishballs with roe. Also, some apps would be nice. I did like the sliced Beef #1, lamb, and pork belly, but there were cuts like cubed beef that were tough after cooking. The veggie plate had thinly sliced lotus root which I liked but I can't stand cooked iceberg lettuce. It is a very Chinese thing, but I rather have many other cooked veggies.

Oxtail Soup(
Shanya G.

Decided to do date night with the hubby and have passed by this place a few times and decided to stop. The food is very good. The service was good as well. The cuts of meat are fresh and tender and once you add in things from the condiment bar you can really make your hot pot as flavorful as you'd like.

Hollie C.

A cool hot pot spot in Berkeley featuring individual mini hot pot, Qing dynasty "Pork Tripes & Chicken soup" base, all-you-can-eat menu with vast variety, a spacious round-table party room with karaoke, and ample free parking right at the door. Good for groups small or big, or by yourself, or with kids. Friendly staffs keep you feel home and cozy, besides already feeling warm & joyous behind the steam of those mini hot pot

Naan bread pieces garnished with herbs are placed on a foil-lined tray, with bowls of soup and other dishes visible in the background.
Ashley C.

I came back and was disappointed to see some changes I felt were negative about my experience. I was sad to see there was no improvement in the meat selection and quality, but also that the oxtail broth changed from a more tomato like broth to a standard beef broth. This is also a very calm restaurant, so if you are looking for a lively atmosphere, this is not it. There was a piano tune on repeat for hours.

Love the lighting outside
Gibran L.

Hotpot Haven! This spot has quickly become a favorite of mine for several reasons. Lots of Variety of Meat/Seafood. The broth option ingredients enhances the flavors. Easy Parking In a busy area. Parking was convenient right outside, making it easy to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle. Great Ambience. The atmosphere is a lovely and cozy, making it ideal for any occasion. The tasteful decor and warm lighting create a welcoming environment for both intimate meals and group gatherings. Great for Singles or Groups: What I appreciate most is its versatility. Whether you're dining alone or with friends, it's perfect for all. The communal dining style encourages togetherness, making it a fantastic choice for celebrations or casual meals. In summary, if you want a delicious hotpot experience that offers variety, convenience, and a great atmosphere, Ben Ben is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and try more of their delicious offerings!

Some poor quality meat - A white tray contains various pieces of raw meat, including slices of beef and other cuts, on a dining table.

See all

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of John G.
514
1114
10364

1 month ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 6
Love this 12
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 4
Love this 9
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Leo B.

Leo B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 2
Photo of Yun C.
474
893
1589

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 2

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Shanya G.
89
25
35

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 2
Photo of Hollie C.
20
23
38

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Leo B.

Leo B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Helen C.

Helen C.

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3
Photo of Satto L.
0
126
110

11 months ago

Great food. Good price. Excellent service. Great spot for AYCE hot pot. Broths are varied and delicious. Highly recommend.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Joyce H.
8
23
1504

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Eva S.
406
615
11921

2 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Helen C.

Helen C.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of P. E.
28
59
85

1 year ago

Too pricy for a lunchtime meal. Was charged over $100 for two people and we didn't even order the more expensive broth

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah L.
208
24
6

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 10
Thanks 5
Love this 9
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of R C.
0
51
0

1 year ago

Good service. Worker explained everything clearly since it was our first time. Meats were decent quality. Price is gooood!

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

The beef rib soup is very delicious. Service is also great. Plenty of parking spots are available.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Helen C.

Helen C.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Helen C.

Helen C.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Great service !! The waiter was super nice. Food was some of the best I've had. 10/10

Business owner information

Photo of Leo B.

Leo B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Great food, great and easy service. Staff were friendly! (though there was slight language barrier)

Business owner information

Photo of Leo B.

Leo B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ben Ben Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ben Ben Restaurant

Is there a minimum person allowed? I can only go on my own so not sure if I can come for it.

I don't think there is a minimum, the pot is an individual pot, not a shared pot.

View All 2 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Chinese 135,346 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Dalian - Da lu noodles ($12.95) - the noodles are good.

Dalian

(487 reviews)

$$

Gourmet Ghetto, North Berkeley

I like this spot and I'm from Dalian…read more The walnut shrimp is good and worth revisiting. My dad (who incidentally is also from Dalian) and I celebrated an early Thanksgiving here, and the staff was courteous and welcoming. I very much enjoyed our visit and the other guests gave the space a mild and peaceful atmosphere. Will be back.

The previous time we came to Da Lian was 20 years ago! Chatted with the waitress about how long…read morethey've been in business and they've had the same owner for about 20 years. Cool to see a restaurant stick around for that long. We got to the restaurant right when it opened for lunch at 11:30 on Sunday. Free street parking on Sunday! I thought everything was solid top to bottom, but here is my ranking in descending order: Braised Eggplant Tofu Clay Pot - I generally like this dish everywhere and they have a good version on this here - seasoned well, tender eggplant, and nice texture on the tofu Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings - non-traditional "salt & pepper" - thick coating of tempura-like batter, very peppery (black pepper), and wings set on a bed of sauteed onions. Sesame Bread with Green Onion - tasty, but unlike other "da bing" I've had. This was on the thin side, meaning you have a lot more crispy outside compared fluffy inside. This was also lighter on the green onion. Classic Shrimp & Chive Dumpling - can't go wrong with dumplings - an order comes with 12 dumplings, each filled with big pieces of shrimp. I liked the texture but it is a little different - looser filling instead of a solid meat/veg ball on the inside. Original Braised Pork Noodle Soup - I liked the flavor of the soup and noodles. There was a ton of meat (diced) but they were on the tough side.

Noodle Dynasty - Lamb and Tomato Lo Mein 番茄羊捞面 ($14.99) - I found the sauce too sweet.

Noodle Dynasty

(450 reviews)

$$

Telegraph Ave

One of the best spots for noodle soup in the Bay Area. I've tried coming here on 3 different…read moreaccounts and the line was always too long to fit my agenda. After the long anticipation, I was able block off my calendar and finally try this place on a Friday night. We had a part of 7 and it was more challenging to find a table to fit all of us. Especially with the wait, I would recommend coming here with parties of 4-5 max. The restaurant was mainly filled with students from the nearby college so it's very lively and packed. Usually when my anticipation is high, my expectations are higher and I'm usually disappointed but this did not disappoint!! The broth was so flavorful and the noodles had the perfect consistency of bounce and chew. The meats were tender and on top of that, the portions are huge and very reasonably priced! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but highly recommend the House Special Beef Rib Noodle Soup if it's your first time.

Came here on a Sunday evening at 7:00pm, the line was long but it moved pretty quick and we got…read moreseated in around 20-30 mins for party of 2. We ordered the beef noodle soup with the 8‑hour broth, the pickled cabbage and fish fillet noodle soup, and a cucumber appetizer. Everything was really tasty, both noodle soups hit the spot with generous portion. The cucumber was refreshing with balanced sesame seasoning. Definitely a place we'd come back to just to try more things on the menu. Highlights for me: The daikon in the beef noodle soup is so soft and flavorful and the portion of noodles they give you. We got the non‑spicy broth with thin noodles, which ended up being super similar to the noodles in the pickled cabbage and fish fillet soup. The pickled cabbage in other bowl gives this extra kick that makes it stand out.

Easterly Berkeley - Beans and preserved vegetables

Easterly Berkeley

(205 reviews)

$$

Downtown Berkeley

Stopped by here for dinner on our way back from Tahoe, and had a good meal…read more The restaurant is huge, with super high ceilings, a second floor and big doors that were open to keep the place fresh. Service was what you've expected from any Chinese restaurants, effective, but not attentive, which is fine by me. Here are the items we ordered: Spicy fried chicken with chillis: 5/5 one of the best ones in the Bay Area! Definitely a must order dish if you're into this dish. Boiled fish soup with Zi su leaves: 4/5 broth is very flavorful. The fish is a bit fishy. It's spicy and numbing and yummy! Steamed egg: 3/5 standard steamed egg, tasted fine but very expensive for what it is. We ordered it since we have people in our party who don't eat spicy food, and this was one of the few options available. Scallion pancakes: 4/5 very crispy, oily ( I'm not complaining), and also a bit spicy. Stinky tofu: 3/5 the tofu itself doesn't have flavor. You need to dip it in the sauce. The sauce was ok. Wouldn't order again. Fried sweet rice flour sticks with peanut powder and brown sugar: 3/5 this tasted like store bought frozen stuff. I can get this for much cheaper and make it at home. Bing fen: 1/5 this is not the real deal. It tasted like jello with brown sugar. The real Bing Fen is supposed to be chewy, and should come with lots of toppings. Definitely won't get this again.

I come here for one item and one item only: the smoked pork fried rice. It's absolutely delicious…read more I'm not sure what seasoning they put in it, but it's perfectly flavored and not too salty. The service here is friendly. They always answer questions about the menu thoroughly and patiently. The ambience is decent and it's a pleasant place to come with a friend or family.

Yin Ji Chang Fen - Berkeley - Pork Liver Congee

Yin Ji Chang Fen - Berkeley

(351 reviews)

$$

Downtown Berkeley

Pros: - those fried buns with condensed milk are one of the…read morebest desserts you can get in Berkeley - the Chinese donut rice roll is unique and tasty - plenty of seating - clean bathroom - quick service Cons: - they basically only have one vegetarian roll and it's not good. The flavor is not enjoyable, even though I like all the vegetables that went into it. That being said, the texture of the rice roll is great - the custard buns have such a gritty filling that it totally eclipses how delicious the bao dough is. The filling flavor and sweetness is good. Idk why they keep sabotaging themselves with these almost-good dishes - they will bring out dishes as they're ready, which meant I was served desserts before savory dishes - you'll need to request a spoon for certain rice roll dishes; the fillings poured out when you tried to eat them

I decided to have dinner with a friend at Yin Ji Chang Fen, as the variety on the menu looked…read moreamazing. It is a small restaurant with indoor seating and I did notice that there were a lot of DoorDash / to go orders going out. As we were one of the few people dining in, we were seated right away and put in our orders. It only took a few minutes for the food to come out hot and fresh. I decided to try the shrimp wonton soup as it looked very comforting for a chilly day. Starting with the broth, it has a nice, richly seasoned chicken flavor. The noodles here are very long but maintain a chew which is perfect for slurping. The greens were a little on the tough side as my personal preference would be for it to be a bit tender to bite into and eat. The soup have a good quantity of both the shrimp and the wontons. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, while the wontons were soft and packed with flavor. Overall, I would love to come here again and try different items on the menu!

China Village - Home made Chowmein

China Village

(1k reviews)

$$

Heading here during Lunar New Year maybe not the best idea, but also so refreshing to see China…read moreVillage full of such a great crowd. This is hands down one of my favorite spots to grab Chinese food on Solano Ave. and in the area. They also now have some special dim sum items if it's been a minute since the last time you've dined here! Did I mention also a full bar? That was a pleasant surprise! China Village was the first meal I had delivered after I came home post-birth, so it will forever have a special place in my heart :) Favorite items? Pork bao buns, Sesame Chicken Breast (always), Homemade Chowmein with any protein, and there's a dish that I've been thinking about since we've ordered it..Shredded Pork Sautéed with Dry Bean Curd. Delicious! The fried rice, the soup(s), the potstickers..there's not one item here I haven't enjoyed. This is a big restaurant and service is fast, or at least what we've experienced. Would love to actually try the Chicken Breast with Honey Glazed Walnuts, the Cauliflower with Shredded Pork, and more from the dim sum menu. Fair pricing. Metered parking on Solano, but may take a few additional minutes to secure.

It is our tradition to place food orders on Christmas Eve, and while our orders are usually timely,…read morewe anticipate a delay on this particular evening. Upon arrival, a substantial queue had formed, and we joined the line to await our turn. Several individuals approached the front desk, informing the staff that they had pre-arranged orders and inquiring about the expected wait time. However, they were met with an unresponsive stare, prompting many to leave. After an hour and a half, we finally received our food, which unfortunately very cold. The person at the front was rude and unresponsive. We will not be going back and do not recommend this place

Noodles Fresh - Jiangxi Noodle Salad ($13.50) - rice noodle with chicken, seafood flavored chili sauce, bok choy, bell pepper, garlic and scallions

Noodles Fresh

(254 reviews)

$$

Downtown Berkeley

I work just down the street at AIMC Acupuncture School, and Noodles Fresh has become a favorite for…read moreme and many of the students and staff. It's one of those spots that keeps us nourished during busy clinic and class days. They have a great lunch special and honestly you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I was stuck on the Dan Dan noodles and the Beef Tendon Stew for a while, but the Chen Pi Beef and the scallion pancakes are also standouts. The tea selection is wonderful too. I even brought my parents here when they were visiting from New York, and they still talk about it. That's saying something considering how many Chinese takeout spots there are in NY--this place is another level: fresh, thoughtful, and truly feels gourmet. What also makes this place special is the community feeling. When we hosted our Lunar New Year celebration at the school, they hung our flyer in their window and even came by with a tray of egg rolls for the event. The owner is so sweet, and I love that Blue Moon is on the menu because it's her favorite. The space is open and inviting but still cozy, and the service is always great--intuitive and warm. Even the younger staff I've seen seem genuinely grateful to work there. We're lucky to have such a lovely neighborhood restaurant nearby.

This place is so lovely, delicious, and affordable! Highly recommend, and it's a family-owned…read morerestaurant. I had been meaning to dine in for a while and only regret not visiting sooner. I enjoyed the Hunan Hot and Sour Soup on a cold, rainy day and it was an incredible meal. The service was excellent!

Ben Ben Restaurant - chinese - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...