Live From Table Our waitress came and took our stinker orders AND food orders and has since disappeared. Another table directly across from us was seated, ordered and already have their drinks. A total of ten minutes have passed and we have finally received our drinks, Let's hope this is not a reflection of things to come. Our appetizers of onion soup quickly arrived after we received our drinks. Apparently the waitress has noticed her indiscretion. Salads then came out next. I am sure that she has noticed the problem. The onion soup is more hearty than before. It's a different stock then fish or chicken normally. Salad was salad. Nothing special. Even though there was a slow start our waitress has woken up and been taken care of the table like she should have initially. The veggie appetizer of zucchini and onions was under cooked. Still crunchy, not raw. Just not cooked enough. Shrimp appetizer was over cooked. I was served part of my main entree, Lobster, and although the shells were on the hibachi, they remained there. Didn't even use them. Waste of presentation opportunity. Steaks. Won't even go there. Usually I order mine rare so I was okay but the chef completely cut down the steaks BEFORE they were done cooking! It might cook them faster by but the juices are just running onto the hibachi. To no surprise the other steaks are cooked to hell and not a lot of flavor beyond just steak. For the prices they are asking, they aren't delivering. Gonna be a while until we are back to this location. read more

Don't go there the worst be aware. Be careful when you go for the happy they charger for full price. And why you ask them to change that they said they delayed your credit card but they didn't double charge you I got four charge extra on my credit card a bunch of thief read more

Service was definitely much better this time around. We were seated as soon as we got to the restaurant. The manager came to take our drink orders as it was busy! I'm glad he was helping out the waiters. Our waiter Alejandro, came took our orders. He was definitely on it, came multiple times to see if we needed anything. Our chef was great, food was excellent as usual. The husb and I usually get the filet mignon and chicken, with fried rice and white rice. I eat the white rice with the filet mignon. We will definitely be back. This location shows great improvement. read more

Honestly the service was ok the best person was the guy who cooked in front of you but the rest of the food was just bad. It was cold and it wasn't very good. The seating and the plates were nice and it wasn't loud in there it was quite calming. I probably wouldn't eat there again because the food just wasn't good enough. Being served cold shrimp and stale fried shrimp was just uncomfortable. read more

Benihana - Monterey - Lunch Boat, Shrimp - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

Gave it another shot because that fried rice just calls to you! I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. No overbooked reservations and VERY pleasant staff! Of course the food was delicious because those chefs know what they're doing. I have to say, we were excited to see that some changes have been made to make the experience more enjoyable. Extra kudos for always having a super clean dining room. read more

1st time going to Benihana in Monterrey, CA and did not disappointed, the food was amazing, the chef who cooked for us was super friendly and very skilled, my family and I had a great time. I'm coming back for Mother's Day!! The Ambiance was friendly and inviting as well. Ada Torres read more

Great ambiance, clean & had an amazing birthday song with a complimentary picture. Service was great and staff was nice. High prices (in comparison to Sapporo's, which is our normal spot) & the food was a little bit too salty. read more

Great place to have a birthday celebration for parties smaller than 8. The food is standard hibachi fare, and it's good. The service, especially if you tell them in advance that it's your birthday, is exceptional and includes a Polaroid photo of your party and a free dessert! read more

Terrible experience. Came right when they opened on a Sunday. We were the only people there, somehow still took them 15 minutes to seat us. Placed our drink order and waited another 20 minutes for our drinks. Still the only people in the restaurant. The guy at the host counter made it seem like we were intruding on his Sunday afternoon. After 35 minutes of being in the restaurant without even a glass of water we left. Will not return. read more

Overall my kids had fun, but we are big Benihana fans and this location let me down. They seem super short staffed and stressed. From the minute you walk in the host is cold and irritable. Then the poor waitresses was trying to juggle a full house and multiple tables at once. It felt like the busing staff wanted pulling their weight. Our chef was good, food was fine and as expected, but zero show! Like zero! He seemed rushed. Huge bummer. Wouldn't return to this location unfortunately. I hope corporate steps in and helps revamp it. read more

Fun family place. 1st time was amazing the soup is to die for. 2nd time our chef was boring and not like the rest. But food was good. Our order was wrong also but definitely good food read more

Same issues that I've seen throughout the reviews... they seem to be understaffed or mismanaged. A reservation time seems to simply mean a suggestion for them. We weren't seated until 30 minutes after our reservation. Then when we were seated, we just sat and sat and sat. Finally someone came to help us and she was kind and sweet, but I have three kids that were very hungry. We ordered them chicken strips and they never even arrived. The cook seemed stressed and hurried, so we did not receive anything even close to a "show." We won't be back. read more

I love how they entertain the guest and the food and everyone should put 5 stars! -Gabriel read more

Thus was our first time here we came for my husband's birthday and it was an awesome experience. The food was amazing! We had the filet mignon and chicken and salmon they were both grilled perfectly. Our chef Pedro was the best. Thank you to the staff for the great service and atmosphere. Perfect birthday dinner and night out. We will be back ! read more

Super touristy spot and not well run. Everyone seems overwhelmed and disaffected. But...If the kid loves Benihana you take them to Benihana when you promised even if the closest one is subpar. read more

All 3 stars are for the delicious, yummy and full portions of food. The chicken fried rice was very appetizing! Everything else was cooked to perfection and well seasoned. Of course, we loved the "show," but wish they had new "moves." The down side was the closeness of the seating around the grill, but even worse was the service. Our drinks ran out before the cook started cooking and weren't filled until after he was done and we HAD to ask. I guess it's okay these days for wait staff not to do there job, but still want a tip. Not sure if we will be back or not. read more

I don't even know where to start honestly, so, we'll start right from the beginning. I called the restaurant and made reservations for 6:30pm, upon arrival there was an elderly lady who literally did NOT know what was going on or, how to tend to the front of the restaurant. Given, she was older I completely understand however, during a dinner rush I would have someone at the front who is able to handle a multitude of occurrences to not be overwhelmed all at once. She meant well and was very nice. The person that took our order was nice enough and, even gave us an extra minute or so to make our selections, we were actually trying to stall as the people we were sat with had a son and their daughter in law coming for the gentleman's birthday dinner and the staff was trying to rush them so, we stalled as much as we could to allow time for them to get there. This was my guest's first time to Benihana and I had talked it up that the show is great and fun however, what we received was no "show" nor a performance, we were met with a very very boring cook and, demeanor was that of someone who didn't want to be there, why come to work then? The other table was also celebrating a birthday and their cook was amazing and, gave the SHOW! Our table cook was boring and not attentive. The preparation of the food was HORRENDOUS, I have NEVER had such badly prepared food from Benihana, the cooks attitude definitely was portrayed through his cooking. It was very bland and SALTY! None of the other flavors came through at all, very disappointing. I was very disappointed in the chef, the food and my guest's first time and experience at this specific Benihana. read more

Maybe this is because it's post-COVID but service was bad. First off, we arrived early and it looked like they forgot we were there and had to remind them of our reservation time. After we sat down, it took about 45min before anyone noticed us and then offered us water. Next, about an hour of sitting, our server came by and asked if we had ordered?!? Now, after ordering the wait begins before we see any food...very disappointing service with a hungry family of 5 with 3 kids. Good thing my kids are good sports, but a very hangry mommy and daddy. I've got very little patience at this moment Update: the food was really and our chef was very friendly and entertaining. I at least owe a star back! read more

Had a beautiful and entertaining dinner here! The drinks were phenomenal and the food was to die for. This little Gem is hidden next to the pier so you can take a nice stroll after dinner. Parking around the corner was super cheap and they even had an attendant watching the vehicles. We will be going back again. read more

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Highly recommended this restaurant everyone is super humble definitely going to come back Juan and jr have great amazing service read more

Seen some recent bad reviews about this place and after making a trip in to eat I was not disappointed food was great as always w benihana, but service was superior! they were very busy and still did a great job place was clean so we're restrooms overall nothing to complain about! unless you're some weirdo like recent posters who obviously can't understand what the scamdemocrats and scamdemic has put businesses like this thru for the past year, it's amazing they're still up and operating so leaving a bad review for a place of service after all that says more about you than that businesses you uninformed moron! read more

The food was delicious and I don't want to give the wrong idea about the food. The 3 stars is mostly Becuase we had a reservation for 7:30 and didn't get seated until 8. Considering the uptick in COVID cases I was shocked that we were forced to sit with 2 other couples who were not in out party and no we were t socially distanced. They were so busy and I know it's not the fault of the cooks/wait staff, however management needs to staff the restaurant better or figure out what to do on a busy Friday night. Pedro was great and the food was delicious. read more

Benihana - Monterey - Hibachi with Pedro - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

We made a reservation for an early dinner at 5:00 and arrived a little early to check in about 4:50. At 5:15, the hostess came out and told us that despite our reservation, they didn't have a chef and that while she could seat us, it would be at least a half hour until we got service. Apparently, they had an issue at lunch that resulted in not having staff. I understand that there can be issues, but they had our phone number. They could have called us and told us or even told us when we checked in -- instead we sat for 25 minutes until at last they come out to tell us that our early dinner with little kids isn't happening. read more

This review is about dinner this last Friday night. It was my wife, myself and my mother-in-law. We had reservations for 6 PM and were seated shortly there after. The Chef was friendly, knowledgeable and active. Although he was not very talkative he did put on a good show. The three dinners were all prepared correctly, they were hot, and they had a good amount to each dish. We ordered drinks from the bar and they too were all correct. I don't know the name of one of the managers or assistant managers but he was really hustling and is a great foreperson for the restaurant and for Benihana's. I've been coming to this restaurant for about 20 years. The interior could use a refresh and the outside of this whole complex has always looked pretty beat. If you come to Benihana's and you don't want salt and or butter and you want to bring your dog and you want to sit outside or you expect an amazing meal to be served to go style this is not the place for you. Make a reservation, show up on time with your complete party, order your Long Island Ice-T or Mai Tai and sit down and enjoy the show. Some of these restaurants are just barely hanging on, this place no doubt is one of them. Give this place a try or come back if it's been a while. read more

The service started out slow. I understand it's beyond busy but a little friendlier would have been appreciated. My daughter asked for a large apple juice and got a dinky kiddie cup, and no refills for any of us. My scallops were as dry as cardboard. My daughter asked for her steak to be medium and got well done. My husband realized that the cook had sliced all the steaks before cooking them for their liking. That's how meat dries out and looses its flavor. I understand that it's a weekend and the restaurant is going to be busy. However, it seemed to me that you wanted to flip tables so fast that services were sloppy. You charge $50 and up per plate, at least you can slow down so the quality doesn't go out the window. Sorry guys, not coming back. And it's a shame, my family loved coming here. read more

We just happened to walk by on our way to another restaurant when we saw the Benihana sign. We decided- let's go! So happy we did. We experienced the "show" and a delicious meal thanks to Chef- Geronimo and Server- Nick. We enjoyed tender filet mignon and juicy shrimp prepared perfectly and in a fun manner in front of us. The meals included soup, salad, appetizer and ice cream. Total bill for two was $84 w/o tip (no alcohol). Not bad for Monterey. The front desk staff ladies were kind and accommodating as we had no reservation. We enjoyed the company of a family from Sweden at our table. The staff worked hard as a team to ensure the guests' satisfaction. We highly recommend Monterey Benihana. read more

Great experience, food tasted great! Workers were very nice and accommodating when we could not decide if we wanted to eat on the grill. A little expensive but the experience is worth it. read more

My first time at Benihana! My boyfriend's family brought me here - the serving style was fun and interesting. Our chef performed a lot of free throws with his spatula, and the resulting fried rice as well as scallops and veggies all tasted wonderfully seared and fresh! If anything I'd say that I wish the portion sizes were a bit larger, but it was still a unique experience and quite delicious. There was also someone's birthday at some point, and it was so cool to watch all the chefs go out and start drumming and singing! I noticed from other reviews that this particular location isn't as good as other locations apparently, but being a first-timer I didn't go in with any specific expectations and thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience here. read more

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Birthday dinner ends with a drummer and group singing happy birthday while you get to blow out a candle on the complimentary scoop of ice cream. To top it off they take a group picture and give you a print in a little paper frame. Fun and yummy. I recommend upgrading the steam rice that comes with the meal. GET THE CHICKEN RICE!! We got here late for our reservation but I called ahead and they held my table. Place was packed. read more

Benihana - Monterey - Sparkling Sake and grape Ramune (POP drink). Lemon lime tastes like Bubblegum. - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

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This is one of the reviews that I write where I greatly deviate from the average rating. This location of Benihana ranks with one of the top Japanese steakhouses that I have been to. Some conditions, though: my family went at lunchtime and we got the tofu/vegetarian lunch option. The show/chef was great. For a lunch portion, the serving size was huge. The tofu was cooked quite well and was nicely seasoned by the time it was done. I'm not sure if it is this location only or not, but there was a wonderful sauce with horseradish in it...just the right amount. I think the chef refilled me twice on it. You have to ask for it special from the server (not the chef) but they also have a great hot sauce here. Given the excellent value at lunchtime (less than $15 for tofu lunch!) and the great sauces, my family will be back many more times. read more

Drove four hours to come have dinner for child's birthday party was turned away at the door an hour and 15 minutes before it was posted to close was told by person working that they closed early due to being tired. Even asked if we could order food to go and was told now they turned the kitchen off. read more

Place was packed as usually but they were able to fit us in quick even without a reservation. Awesome meal as always read more

Benihana - Monterey - Dinner! - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

I can't figure out why anyone would give Benihana in Monterey anything less than 5 stars! This place is so amazing and delicious! The wait staff and chef are phenomenal and the food is so fantastic. Great experience, great food and great service! read more

What can I say, it's a well known chain and probably more popular for the experience than the food. You can expect good food and service here but if you're in it for the food there's probably better options. I will say that their Chef's Table offer is an awesome deal. You must register online for this deal. Once you do, when your birthday is near you will get an email notification with a $30 birthday certificate that can be redeemed with a purchase of a full price adult teppan entree. Be sure to read the restrictions carefully and bring a PRINTED copy of the certificate. Birthdays are about the only time I go here, but it's a fun experience and you'll definitely leave happy and full. read more

Benihana - Monterey - Surf and turf (filet mignon and shrimp) - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

Always fun and entertaining. Food is good but over priced. Your paying for the entertainment. Make reservations because they were extremely busy. read more

This place was a quick stop for sushi takeout, however I decided to sit down and have some coffee. This place has good potential. Service is good and chef made fresh sushi. I think it was good. Overall I think food is pricey compared to other seafood places on Fishermans wharf. But it's worth a try. read more

Benihana - Monterey - Japanese Near Me - Monterey, California

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Old school restaurant. Great food and lots of it. Junior is a terrific server and the chef did a fantastic job. A fun place for kids or a group to sit together and get a good meal. read more

Seated quickly, food was yummy. Entertaining -was great for the kids! Excellent service, attentive.

The cook had no show at all and burned most of the food. Forgot to bring rice or celebrate birthday we informed everyone of. Spoke to manager who took $25 off but whole meal should have been free. Avoid here until it improves. read more

Absolutely terrible service. I made a reservation for a large party of 11 for my young daughters birthday. From start to finish the service was a mess. I understand that as a busy restaurant they have a policy of not seating people until a full party is there. With a party of 11 we had 10 of our people there, while the other parked the car (the parking lot is very small and was full). As we had 5 children in our party who had been waiting I had hoped when I told them this they would let us sit, they still did not. But no huge deal. Once seated, we were split into two tables due to the size of our party. Totally fine. However, one of our tables had started being serviced, and it was a table of four adults as opposed to the table full of children, one of whom it was their birthday as the staff and chef were very aware of. We watched from behind as they got cooked for, served their food, and ate it all while we had not even received a chef. Finally I asked what was going on. They were frazzled and said that they would fix it. They did send a chef over, however he was clearly thrown into it and did not interact with us at all, skipped many of the tricks typically done, and which we saw being performed for other tables. Our food was correct, I will give that, but the whole atmosphere of a "show" was absent. When you go to Benihana you accept that outrageous prices for the cost of a fun atmosphere and show. This is why my daughter wanted her birthday there, but it was not received. My childrens chicken tenders were dry and over cooked which is not what you expect for $18 chicken tenders. Beyond that, we were told once we were all done eating that they had forgotten some of our food and were cooking it the - we asked to take it to go as we were finished, but never received the food. My daughter received zero of the special attention you'd expect for a birthday at this restaurant which was a disappointment to her. When I expressed my displeasure, I was offered gift cards for next time which I politely declined stating I did not come all that often and do now wish to come again, I instead requested a discount on that nights meal. After saying she would see what she could do she said she would give me a $100 discount (our bill was approx $500) but we had to pay gratuity which was $66. I have no issue paying a tip, however when I am being told I have to pay it when I have said that all of our service was unpleasant that didn't sit well with me. So we essentially got a $34 discount on a $500 bill for an experience that was not pleasant in the slightest. We protested this however, with all of the children and party waiting we did not want to make any further scene and said we would email regarding the matter. Upon further review of our receipts we see we got charged for items we did not order as well. Overall a very unpleasant experience. read more