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We used to come to Benihana quite a bit back in the day for my husband's birthday. He would always get those birthday coupons, and apparently Benihana remembered us because... welp, he got another one! So off we go! Walking back into Benihana was definitely a little trip down memory lane. And honestly? It hasn't changed all that much over the years. Same concept, same hibachi experience, and pretty much the same good food. We went in the afternoon, so it wasn't crowded--which was nice because we didn't have to wait around. BUT... I will say, part of the fun of Benihana is watching the other tables, hearing people celebrate, and feeling that little birthday-party energy throughout the restaurant. Since it was so quiet, some of that excitement was missing. Our chef was entertaining and kept things fun at our table. The food was good, and I really had no complaints. Our waitress was attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. Overall, everything went well. Nothing over-the-top or wildly different from what we remembered, but it was nice to return to a place that has been part of our birthday tradition over the years. The birthday coupon brought us back, but the memories made the trip worth it. And yes... if another birthday coupon shows up next year, I'm sure we'll be having this same conversation again.
Went for the $15.99 Power Lunch. Got the steak protein which was an uncharted but I wanted to treat myself. The tableside show was fun as always. A little truncated due to the 45 minute or less guarantee. Food was alright. A little less than what I expected portion wise but I was here for the show so it didnt bother me. Wait time was quick. Didn't wait more than 10 minutes and got sat with another party. Only thing that bothered me was the lady in the other party was a pescatarian and she saw the chef handle her shrimp after he handled our steak without wiping anything down. Allegedly its allowed because of the 45 minute policy. She brought it up and the resto tried to make things right.
The food was good :) steak and the shrimp were delicious. The chicken a little dry. The salmon tasted very fresh and was very good. The "sign up for a free appetizer" did not work at all and now I'm signed up and I don't think they remembered to add the points to my account so I would skip that entirely. They seemed very understaffed & like our waitress had a few tables all very far apart from each other. . It was about 1.5 between sitting and ending the meal so it's not a quick meal but it was fine since it was with family. Overall it was a good experience due to our cook and the company we had - everyone at the table was very friendly. The restaurant wasn't quiet due to the shows but it was still very nice where we were seated, just loud in general.
We came in last night to enjoy some great food and atmosphere at Benihana's. Our reservation was for 7:15pm and were seated immediately. One of the best features besides the food and entertainment is the birthday coupon you receive! The food was amazing with ordering the Splash n Meadow which is the steak and colossal shrimp which is always good. Our server was Denisse and she was amazing, providing excellent customer service and being so professional. You definitely want to sit in her section! Looking forward to returning again for another great meal.
One of horrendous experience I've had in my life. I give one star for the chef who entertained us and the food was at least good. Otherwise this place deserves ZERO star. We made a reservation a month ago for 6:30pm and wasn't seated until 7:10pm. We were finally able to eat around 7:45pm. Where we were seated, in the back room with no window, with boxes stashed with a trash of energy drink can I found food bits from the last round and the table oily. I understand the placement but the cleanliness and tidiness has to be corrected. As I started eating the rice, I found something in my rice which was a black, gooey wax thing. The server didn't even apologize, he just brought the new one. I also found our server not too kind when the ventilation is extremely loud in the room how he talks is smaller volume than a mosquito can. There was an elderly in our group but no one also could hear him. You must hate your job but it's none of our business. The restroom was dirty with all toilet paper on the floor. Can't any of the host/hostess clean while they are chitchatting and waiting for the table? Extremely bad management.
So on Wednesday Oct 21.2026 we decide to take our son for his 21birthday to Benihana's our reservation was for 7:15. when we got there they notify us that they were short staff if we wanted to sit for 30 min on the side table . We thought not a big deal we waited so they finally came over to to take us to finally eat and experience to what we thought a food show , Waiter came sit us down brought water came over took our order but forgot to ask if we wanted any drinks soda , hard liquor something we told him we haven't had any drinks he said we will bring menu again but he never did ok we continue to wait another 30 min passed so the chef finally showed up intruduce himself started preparing doing his trucks but completely forgot that some of the people were alllergic to seafood ok not a big deal let's switch the plates no he forgot some of the ingridients in his cart 2 portions of rice and chicken and some other stuff so he kept going to go look for his assistant do they can get him the items . by this time we were all over it . not hungry any more from all the smoke , out eyes were itchy and burning . the worse experience of my life in a restaurant setting .they need better ventilation on top of that our clothes were all filled with smoke and by the time we got to the car the car started to smelll like smoke . So if you go to Benihanas make sure to take a mask and some googles you will need them . We mention to the manager all of the issues on that night but she seem like she didn't really care but gave us 30 dollars off on a check that total 390 dollars .This place really sucks !! Wayne our server was great very apologetic but it was out of his control all of the VS this chan of restaurants have ... good luck !!!
We came for the power lunch. We checked in with the hostess who told us to have a seat in the lounge area. ( we did not make reservations) we waited for around 10 minutes which is ok they were probably waiting on more people to come in to sit us at our table. Nice seated we were promptly greeted by our waitress who took our drink order. For the power lunch you get a starter ( soup or salad) fried rice (which is cooked in the kitchen in the back) and your choice of protein (we got the filet mignon) steak comes with mushrooms. You also get veggies onions and zucchini. If you are use to the "show" at Benihanas you will not be getting that however our 5 year old thought it was so much fun and now wants to be a chef. Services was attentive and the cook was very nice. We will be back.
We came for happy hour and sat in the self seating lounge area. It took about 15 minutes for someone to come by to greet us and drop off menus. While sitting near the sushi bar, I noticed multiple rolls sitting on the counter for a long period of time before being served, which stood out to me. For food, we ordered the Taste of Benihana which includes a starter, appetizer, and entree for $39. The deal is available every day for bar/lounge seating only. I also ordered a burger from the happy hour menu and I was told it would take about 30 minutes. After an hour went by, it never came. When we asked for the check, the server realized the burger had been missed. At that point, I didn't want it anymore but we were still charged for it. The server said they put a patty on the grill so it would be fresh. We had to wait another 5/10 mins even though we were ready to leave. The overall cleanliness of the restaurant could be better, the lounge area didn't feel maintained and the bathrooms were also out of toilet paper.
We had such an amazing experience at Benihana! Chef Precious was incredibly patient, engaging and worked so hard to make our meal fun and memorable. She made everyone at the table feel included especially my six-year-old son, who had the best time watching the cooking show and interacting with her. Our server, Rudy, was just as wonderful and attentive, friendly always making sure we had everything we needed. The combination of Chef Precious and Rudy made for such a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Thank you both for making this such a special experience for our family.
I recently visited Benihana for a birthday celebration and wanted to share my experience to help others plan ahead. The service was truly a highlight--everyone was warm, attentive, and made the experience feel special, which I really appreciated. I did visit using the birthday offer, and while I was excited about it, I wish there had been a bit more clarity around what was included. Some items I thought were standard ended up being considered add-ons, which changed the overall expectation of the "birthday treat." It wasn't a bad experience at all, just a little different from what I anticipated. I also think it would be helpful if guests were given a bit more space when it comes to selecting gratuity, as it can feel a little pressured in the moment. Overall, I still enjoyed the atmosphere and the kindness of the staff. I would definitely recommend coming here for the experience--just be mindful of the details of any promotions so you can fully enjoy your visit without surprises.
Always coming to this benihana since its relative closer distance to DTLA, and it is far more an dining experience than just food, so always enjoy chef's demo and interactions and of course the fire exhibition! :) Service is good but really really slow, it took us over an hour to get our first real food items, so can definitely use some improvement. Our chef was very friendly and directly to the point, my rice was really delayed for some reason as well But overall, the ambiance is more live food performance with a round table set up. Been to many benihana over the years, definitely always a good experience and good to stop by here for special occasions! Also sign up for friends with benefits, they are actually a great loyalty program that worth the value
We came here on Thanksgiving and were greeted by a warm and welcome host that elevated our dinning experience. The waitstaff were attentive, polite, abd friendly. Our chef was entertaining, engaging, and cooked our food to perfection. The food was full of flavors, delicious, and well seasoned. We had a great dinning experience and will be back!
It was our first time here and let's say this place left an impression on us. We placed a reservation for 7 they texted me at 6:37 if I was on my way. When we got there they made us wait which I direct you to the early text. When we finally sat down they took our order they try and up sell you on everything. Water, butter for the food so we didn't know what to order or how it worked and we did say that. Our chef didn't arrive until 7:45 and it was loud in our area and he didn't have a loud voice. He cooked our meal and did his whole hoopla and the kids really enjoyed it. Oh I must add we only had 5 ppl at our table. We felt the chef didn't show much enthusiasm like the other chefs. We ate our food paid and left. Overall it was an ok experience that honestly I could have never attended and I would have been fine. Maybe our experience was average but I won't be visiting a Benihana's anytime soon.
2 years ago
Opened on time. Very nice and clean. Food is delicious. Service was on point and was seated fast. ii I I read more
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Lee C.
Kimia, Please take a moment to contact Guest Relations via…
2 years ago
We came for a birthday the host sat us fast Chef Derrick was amazing very funny and entertaining he food was amazing also read more
3 years ago
Joseph was an amazing server! He made us feel very welcome. we had a great time and everything was delicious! read more
1 year ago
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Lee C.
Thank you, Jim H.! We're thrilled to hear that Sely and Chef Sara…
I came to celebrate my birthday. We sit around the grill and the chef Carlos cooks everything. Nobody gave out the dipping sauces, even after cooking the vegetables and steak. The food has more flavor when dipped. Finally we got it , but it was much later. He cooked the chicken fried rice with huge chicken breasts cut up. My big cup of rice had ONE bite of chicken. Same for BF. Everybody else must've had a lot of chicken in their portions since we didn't. They serve the vegetables first. It was zucchini and onions. The mushrooms were finally served last after everything else was cooked and served and eaten. read more
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Lee C.
Dari, Thank you for leaving us positive feedback, come back soon!
2 years ago
Carlos was amazing!!!!!entertaining hilarious and the food was 5 star good!....I recommend to start with prickly pear margarita and las vegas rolls and finish it with hibachi salmon thats comes with the garlic noodles with avocado tartar sauce. Sorry for that half eaten food pic it looked too good read more
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Lee C.
Thanks for the awesome review, Ripken! We're thrilled to hear you…
2 years ago
amazing service from kevin and hector! i definitely recommend. food was amazing and service read more
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Lee C.
Hi Kimberly, thank you for dining with us and for sharing such a kind…
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Vanessa, we're truly sorry to hear about your experience. This isn't…
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Angel, thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear…
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Thanks for your awesome feedback, Magali! We’re thrilled to hear you…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Ashley, we're thrilled to hear you had a wonderful dining experience!…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thank you, Melissa! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great…
2 years ago
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Thanks for the awesome feedback, Guillermo! We're thrilled to hear…
2 years ago
my family and i lovvvvveeeeeeeee the experience andrew was awesome and kelonnie our cook omg his energy was beautiful loving heart warming and you can taste the love in his food we are coming back and miriam was beautiful and so dope the energy in this restaurant speaks volume so if you're interested in eating here plzzzzzzz do thank you loves for the experience natalie hightower read more
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Lee C.
We are thrilled to hear about your wonderful experience, Natalie!…
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Thank you, Melissa! We're thrilled to hear you had a fantastic…
3 years ago
Came to celebrate a friends birthday and I loved it. Our server, Aaron, was great. Food was delicious also! I will definitely be coming back! read more
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Lee C.
Hi Martha! Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing to…
3 years ago
2 years ago
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Lee C.
Thanks for the fantastic review, Julia! We're thrilled to hear that…
4 years ago
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Lee C.
Stewart, on behalf of our team here at Benihana, we would like to…
1 year ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Dear Mia, we're delighted to hear that Chef Sara made your…
4 years ago
This was the worse birthday ever we waited 45 min for a wing appetizer. It took an hour and a half until the chef came out. The floors were filthy and never was swept while we ate. Plus our chef over cook all the food and his personality. I would not recommend this place. I ask for the manager and he wouldn't want to talk to me. read more
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Lee C.
Dear J, we would like to offer our sincere apologies for the long…
2 years ago
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Happy belated birthday, Arlington! We're thrilled to hear Chef…
4 years ago
We had a reservation for 7:30pm, they didn't seat us until 8pm. Once seated, we waited 40minutes for our chef. Turns out he had gone to the wrong table where he was already cooking for another party! To top it off the grill wasn't working. It's now 9:10pm and they moved all of us to another table. The chef didn't even try whatsoever to put on a show. Worst experience ever! Everything was a disaster! It took 4 people to figure out that the grill wasn't working. It was my first time bringing my daughter and she didn't even get to see "the show". read more
Business owner information
Lee C.
Sarah, on behalf of Benihana, we would like to offer our sincere…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Aubri, we’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic experience! It’s…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thanks for the awesome feedback, Monique! We're thrilled to hear you…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thanks for the awesome feedback, Jackeline! We're thrilled to hear…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Jocelynee, I’m truly sorry to hear about your experience. It’s…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thanks, Jonathanne! We're thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic…
1 year ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Hi Melanie L., thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled…
3 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
The DYNAMIC DUO - Sara and Saquita are by far thee best chef and server team!!! Highly recommended for this location. If you can make a reservation, PLEASE ASK for this duo... you will not be disappointed. This is my second time with Sara, and she's amazing. Great energy, very friendly, and prepares food like it's her own. Extremely flavorful and definitely made to order. Saquita was very attentive, friendly, and truly exhibits customer service. Her energy teamed with Sara IS A WHOLE VIBE! read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thank you, Lesley! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and…
2 years ago
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Thank you, Christine! We're thrilled to hear that Miriam made your…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Lee C.
Hi Jason, we’re sorry to hear about your experience. It’s…
2 years ago
great service, drinks come fast food is great. good vibe love the onion soup. Jovanni was really cool. read more
More info about Benihana
8801 Apollo Way
Downey, CA 90242
Directions
(562) 372-9210
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Visit Website
https://www.benihana.com
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Ask the Community - Benihana
What is the squealing sound at the bar... constant squealing? wind whistling? it's annoying asf It's not bar noise, ambient or otherwise
Loud. People laugh. A bit noisy.
How much is the price per person?
You will order what you want do that price us going to vary. You are probably looking on the high side like 20-25 dollars but for the adventure and the show and don't forget the food. Money well worth it
Is the food prepared at the table when you choose outdoor seating? Or is the food just brought to you prepared?
No, the food is not teppanyaki style if choosing outdoor seating.
Is it possible to have the chili shrimp roll made with no rice?
What's the usual cost for 2 people?
It depends on what you order. For the best budget Beni experience come in during lunch...lunch…
Review Highlights - Benihana
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