As one of today’s worldwide premier Asian-themed restaurants, Benihana is a perfect place for a romantic dinner for two, a night out on the town with your friends, or even a family dinner. Their impressive teppanyaki chefs will entertain you with their impressive knife and cooking skills while you dine on authentic Japanese cuisine with an American flair. They only use the highest quality ingredients such as fresh vegetables, lean meats, and seafood. Their ingenious concept of hibachi style communal dining originated in the early 1960’s and quickly caught on worldwide. They still hold the global record for the longest running dinner show.
With their impressive menu of sushi, hibachi, teppanyaki and sake, Benihana has something for everyone. They offer both a family style hibachi setting as well as lounge seating for a more intimate meal. They have over 64 teppanyaki locations worldwide as well as over 15 franchises. They also own 6 Haru and 27 RA Sushi restaurants. A little-known fact is that their “tiki mug” used for their fancy and exotic cocktails are collector’s items.
| Item | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | ||
| Seaweed Salad | $4.25 | |
| Edamame | $4.25 | |
| Agedashi Tofu | $5.95 | |
| Vegetable Tempura | $6.75 | |
| Beef Sashimi | $8.50 | |
| Sushi Sampler | $8.75 | |
| Sashimi Sampler | $9.75 | |
| Shrimp Tempura | $8.75 | |
| Shrimp Saute | $9.00 | |
| Soft Shell Crab | $11.50 | |
| Tuna Tataki | $11.00 | |
| Miso Soup | $3.00 | |
| Benihana Onion Soup | $3.00 | |
| Side Orders | ||
| Hibachi Chicken Rice | $3.50 | |
| Benihana Salad | $3.00 | |
| Brown Rice | $2.50 | |
| Benihana Sushi Rice | $2.50 | |
| Sushi Entrees | ||
| Served with Benihana salad and miso soup. | ||
| Sushi Combination | $16.00 | |
| Sushi Combination Deluxe | $22.75 | |
| Sashimi Combination with Rice | $23.75 | |
| Sushi/Sashimi Combination with Rice | $26.75 | |
| Sashimi/Nigiri | ||
| Egg | $2.25 | |
| Albacore Tuna | $2.50 | |
| Crab Stick | $2.50 | |
| Halibut | $2.50 | |
| Izumidai - Tilapia | $2.50 | |
| Mackerel | $2.50 | |
| Octopus | $2.50 | |
| Salmon | $2.50 | |
| Shrimp | $2.50 | |
| Smelt Roe | $2.50 | |
| Squid | $2.50 | |
| Surf Clam | $2.50 | |
| Marinated Salmon | $2.75 | |
| Yellowtail | $2.75 | |
| Eel | $3.00 | |
| Salmon Roe | $3.00 | |
| Tuna | $3.00 | |
| Sweet Shrimp with Head | $3.75 | |
| Sea Urchin (Market Price) | $0.00 | |
| Rolls | ||
| Cucumber Roll | $3.50 | |
| Salmon Roll | $5.00 | |
| Yellowtail Roll | $5.00 | |
| California Roll | $5.50 | |
| Tuna Roll | $6.00 | |
| Eel Roll | $7.25 | |
| Shrimp Tempura Roll | $8.00 | |
| Hand Rolls | ||
| Cucumber (Hand Rolls) | $2.75 | |
| Salmon Skin (Hand Rolls) | $3.70 | |
| California (Hand Rolls) | $3.75 | |
| Shrimp Tempura (Hand Rolls) | $4.00 | |
| Philadelphia (Hand Rolls) | $4.00 | |
| Tuna (Hand Rolls) | $4.50 | |
| Eel (Hand Rolls) | $4.50 | |
| Spicy Tuna (Hand Rolls) | $5.25 | |
| Specialty Sushi | ||
| Shrimp Lovers Roll | $11.75 | |
| Alaskan Roll | $11.75 | |
| Boston Roll | $11.75 | |
| Caterpillar Roll | $11.75 | |
| Vegetable Roll | $5.00 | |
| Benihana Roll | $6.00 | |
| Salmon Skin Roll | $6.00 | |
| Spicy Tuna Roll | $7.50 | |
| Philadelphia Roll | $7.00 | |
| Las Vegas Roll (Deep Fried) | $9.00 | |
| Shrimp Crunchy Roll | $9.50 | |
| Dragon Roll | $11.75 | |
| Rainbow Roll | $11.75 | |
| Spider Roll | $11.75 | |
| Sumo Roll (Baked) | $13.50 | |
| Lobster Roll | $19.00 | |
| Entrees | ||
| Noodle and Tofu | ||
| 5 course meals served with Benihana Onion Soup, Benihana Salad, Hibachi Shrimp Appetizer, Hibachi Vegetables, Homemade Dipping Sauces, Steamed Rice, and Japanese Hot Green Tea. | ||
| Seafood Diablo | $22.75 | |
| Spicy Tofu Steak | $16.75 | |
| Yakisoba | $18.75 | |
| Steak and Chicken | ||
| 5 course meals served with Benihana Onion Soup, Benihana Salad, Hibachi Shrimp Appetizer, Hibachi Vegetables, Homemade Dipping Sauces, Steamed Rice, and Japanese Hot Green Tea. | ||
| Filet Mignon | $25.50 | |
| Teriyaki Chicken | $18.75 | |
| Spicy Hibachi Chicken | $19.25 | |
| Hibachi Chicken | $18.75 | |
| Hibachi Steak | $23.25 | |
| Teriyaki Steak | $23.25 | |
| Hibachi Chateaubriand | $33.75 | |
| Imperial Steak | $36.50 | |
| Seafood | ||
| 5 course meals served with Benihana Onion Soup, Benihana Salad, Hibachi Shrimp Appetizer, Hibachi Vegetables, Homemade Dipping Sauces, Steamed Rice, and Japanese Hot Green Tea. | ||
| Hibachi Shrimp | $24.00 | |
| Surf Side | $29.75 | |
| Colossal Shrimp | $25.25 | |
| Hibachi Tuna Steak | $24.75 | |
| Hibachi Salmon with Avocado Tartar Sauce | $24.25 | |
| Hibachi Scallops | $25.75 | |
| Ocean Treasure | $38.00 | |
| Twin Lobster Tails | $40.75 | |
| Specialties | ||
| 6 course meals served with Benihana Onion Soup, Benihana Salad, Hibachi Shrimp Appetizer, Hibachi Vegetables, Homemade Dipping Sauces, Steamed Rice, Japanese Hot Green Tea, and Ice Cream or Sherbet. | ||
| Rocky's Choice | $27.00 | |
| Upgrade Rocky's Choice to Filet Mignon | $3.00 | |
| Benihana Trio | $37.50 | |
| Benihana Special | $37.75 | |
| Benihana Delight | $27.25 | |
| Benihana Excellence | $28.25 | |
| Splash 'N Meadow | $29.75 | |
| Deluxe Treat | $39.50 | |
| Land 'N Sea | $34.50 | |
| Samurai Treat | $33.00 | |
| Hibachi Supreme | $45.75 | |
| Lunch Entrees | ||
| Served with Benihana Salad, Hibachi Vegetable Rice, and Hibachi Vegetables. | ||
| Hibachi Chicken (Lunch) | $10.75 | |
| Filet Mignon (Lunch) | $15.00 | |
| Spicy Hibachi Chicken (Lunch) | $11.00 | |
| Beef Julienne (Lunch) | $13.00 | |
| Hibachi Scallops (Lunch) | $13.25 | |
| Hibachi Shrimp (Lunch) | $12.75 | |
| Yakisoba (Chicken) | $10.50 | |
| Yakisoba (Steak) | $11.00 | |
| Yakisoba (Hibachi Shrimp) | $11.00 | |
| Hibachi Steak (Lunch) | $13.00 | |
| Lunch Duet | $15.50 | |
| Lunch Boat (Chicken) | $11.00 | |
| Lunch Boat (Salmon) | $11.50 | |
| Lunch Boat (Beef Julienne) | $11.75 | |
| Alcohol-Free | ||
| Beverages | ||
| Benihana Lemonade | $3.95 | |
| Freshly Brewed Iced Teas | $3.50 | |
| Ramune | $3.95 | |
| Water | $3.75 | |
| Soda | $2.95 | |
| Frozen Specialties | ||
| Mango Colada | $5.50 | |
| Strawberry Passion Delight | $5.50 | |
| Banana Berry Smoothie | $5.50 | |
| Sake | ||
| Japanese Artisanal Cold Sake | ||
| Mio Sparkling Sake (Bottle) | $15.00 | |
| Dassai 50 "Otter Fest" (Glass) | $10.00 | |
| Dassai 50 "Otter Fest" (Carafe) | $18.00 | |
| Dassai 50 "Otter Fest" (Bottle) | $50.00 | |
| Kikusui "Chrysanthemum Water" (Glass) | $9.00 | |
| Kikusui "Chrysanthemum Water" (Carafe) | $16.00 | |
| Kikusui "Chrysanthemum Water" (Bottle) | $45.00 | |
| Shimizu-No-Mai "Pure Dawn" (Glass) | $11.00 | |
| Shimizu-No-Mai "Pure Dawn" (Carafe) | $20.00 | |
| Shimizu-No-Mai "Pure Dawn" (Bottle) | $56.00 | |
| Rihaku "Wandering Poet" (Glass) | $12.00 | |
| Rihaku "Wandering Poet" (Carafe) | $22.00 | |
| Rihaku "Wandering Poet" (Bottle) | $60.00 | |
| Suigei "Drunken Whale" (Glass) | $9.00 | |
| Suigei "Drunken Whale" (Carafe) | $16.00 | |
| Suigei "Drunken Whale" (Bottle) | $45.00 | |
| Shirakabegura "The White Label" (Glass) | $9.00 | |
| Shirakabegura "The White Label" (Carafe) | $16.00 | |
| Shirakabegura "The White Label" (Bottle) | $45.00 | |
| Premium Cold Sake | ||
| Sho Chiku Bai Ginjo (Glass) | $7.50 | |
| Sho Chiku Bai Ginjo (Bottle) | $15.00 | |
| Hana Fuji Apple Sake (Glass) | $6.50 | |
| Hana Fuji Apple Sake (Carafe) | $12.00 | |
| Hana Fuji Apple Sake (Bottle) | $35.00 | |
| Sho Chiku Bai Nigori (Glass) | $5.50 | |
| Sho Chiku Bai Nigori (Bottle) | $13.00 | |
| Ty Ku Coconut Nigori (Glass) | $8.00 | |
| Ty Ku Coconut Nigori (Bottle) | $16.00 | |
| Japanese Premium Spirits | ||
| Shochu (2 oz.) | $8.00 | |
| Whisky (2 oz.) | $10.50 | |
| Plum Liqueur (2 oz.) | $8.00 | |
| Hot Sake | ||
| Benihana Hot Sake (Carafe) | $9.50 | |
| Wine List | ||
| Sparkling Wine | ||
| Mumm Brut Prestige (Sparking Wine) - Bottle | $12.00 | |
| Domaine Carneros Brut (Sparkling Wine) - Bottle | $48.00 | |
| Rosa Regale (Sparkling Wine) - Bottle | $10.00 | |
| Cantine Maschio (Prosecco) - Bottle | $35.00 | |
| Moet & Chandon Imperial (Champagne) - Bottle | $80.00 | |
| White Wine | ||
| Columbia Crest (Chardonnay) - Glass | $8.00 | |
| Columbia Crest (Chardonnay) - Carafe | $12.00 | |
| Columbia Crest (Chardonnay) - Bottle | $30.00 | |
| Kendall-Jackson (Chardonnay) - Glass | $8.75 | |
| Kendall-Jackson (Chardonnay) - Carafe | $13.00 | |
| Kendall-Jackson (Chardonnay) - Bottle | $33.00 | |
| La Crema (Chardonnay) - Glass | $10.75 | |
| La Crema (Chardonnay) - Carafe | $16.00 | |
| La Crema (Chardonnay) - Bottle | $42.00 | |
| Joel Gott (Sauvignon Blanc) - Glass | $8.50 | |
| Joel Gott (Sauvignon Blanc) - Carafe | $12.75 | |
| Joel Gott (Sauvignon Blanc) - Bottle | $32.00 | |
| Kim Crawford (Sauvignon Blanc) - Glass | $10.50 | |
| Kim Crawford (Sauvignon Blanc) - Carafe | $15.75 | |
| Kim Crawford (Sauvignon Blanc) - Bottle | $40.00 | |
| Coppola 'Bianco' (Pinot Grigio) - Glass | $8.00 | |
| Coppola 'Bianco' (Pinot Grigio) - Carafe | $12.00 | |
| Coppola 'Bianco' (Pinot Grigio) - Bottle | $30.00 | |
| Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) - Glass | $13.25 | |
| Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) - Carafe | $20.00 | |
| Santa Margherita (Pinot Grigio) - Bottle | $52.00 | |
| Beringer (Moscato) - Glass | $7.00 | |
| Beringer (Moscato) - Carafe | $10.50 | |
| Beringer (Moscato) - Bottle | $26.00 | |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle (Riesling) - Glass | $7.50 | |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle (Riesling) - Carafe | $11.25 | |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle (Riesling) - Bottle | $28.00 | |
| Beringer (White Zinfandel) - Glass | $7.00 | |
| Beringer (White Zinfandel) - Carafe | $15.75 | |
| Beringer (White Zinfandel) - Bottle | $26.00 | |
| Red Wine | ||
| Estancia 'Pinnacles Ranches' (Pinot Noir) - Glass | $9.50 | |
| Estancia 'Pinnacles Ranches' (Pinot Noir) - Carafe | $14.25 | |
| Estancia 'Pinnacles Ranches' (Pinot Noir) - Bottle | $36.00 | |
| 'Flor de Campo' by Sanford (Pinor Noir) - Glass | $11.00 | |
| 'Flor de Campo' by Sanford (Pinor Noir) - Carafe | $16.50 | |
| 'Flor de Campo' by Sanford (Pinor Noir) - Bottle | $42.00 | |
| 14 Hands (Merlot) - Glass | $8.00 | |
| 14 Hands (Merlot) - Carafe | $12.00 | |
| 14 Hands (Merlot) - Bottle | $30.00 | |
| Rodney Strong (Merlot) - Glass | $9.50 | |
| Rodney Strong (Merlot) - Carafe | $14.25 | |
| Rodney Strong (Merlot) - Bottle | $36.00 | |
| Hayes Ranch (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Glass | $8.00 | |
| Hayes Ranch (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Carafe | $12.00 | |
| Hayes Ranch (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $30.00 | |
| Louis M. Martini (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Glass | $10.00 | |
| Louis M. Martini (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Carafe | $12.00 | |
| Louis M. Martini (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $38.00 | |
| Simi (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Glass | $13.00 | |
| Simi (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Carafe | $19.50 | |
| Simi (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $50.00 | |
| Beringer 'Knights Valley' (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Glass | $14.00 | |
| Beringer 'Knights Valley' (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Carafe | $21.00 | |
| Beringer 'Knights Valley' (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $54.00 | |
| Don Miguel Gascon (Malbec) - Glass | $9.50 | |
| Don Miguel Gascon (Malbec) - Carafe | $14.25 | |
| Don Miguel Gascon (Malbec) - Bottle | $36.00 | |
| Plum Wine | ||
| Benihana Plum Wine (Glass) | $7.00 | |
| Benihana Plum Wine (Carafe) | $10.50 | |
| Benihana Plum Wine (Bottle) | $26.00 | |
| Reserve List | ||
| Craggy Range 'Te Muna' (Sauvignon Blanc) - Bottle | $45.00 | |
| Chateau Montelena (Chardonnay) - Bottle | $55.00 | |
| Cakebread Cellars (Chardonnay) - Bottle | $65.00 | |
| Sanford (Pinot Noir) - Bottle | $50.00 | |
| Stag's Leap 'Artemis' (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $65.00 | |
| Chimney Rock (Cabernet Sauvignon) - Bottle | $80.00 | |
| Beer | ||
| Japanese Brands | ||
| Sapporo (Large) | $8.50 | |
| Asahi (Large) | $8.50 | |
| Kirin Ichiban (Large) | $8.50 | |
| Sapporo Light | $5.00 | |
| Domestic/Import Beer | ||
| Bud Light | $4.00 | |
| Budweiser | $4.00 | |
| Corona | $5.00 | |
| Heineken | $5.00 | |
| O'douls | $4.00 | |
| Samuel Adams Boston Lager (12 oz.) | $5.50 | |
| Specialty Cocktails | ||
| Benihana Punch | $8.75 | |
| Benihana Punch in Signature Mug | $14.25 | |
| Mai Tai | $8.75 | |
| Benihana Mojito | $8.75 | |
| Coconut Mojito | $9.25 | |
| White Peach Sake Sangria | $8.50 | |
| Tokyo Mule | $9.00 | |
| Haiku Colada | $8.75 | |
| Exotic Mojito | $9.00 | |
| Strawberry Whiskey Smash | $9.25 | |
| Red Plum Sake Sangria | $8.50 | |
| Yuzu Margarita | $11.00 | |
| Blue Ocean Punch Bowl (For 2 or More) | $26.00 | |
| Baby Blue Ocean | $9.00 | |
| Signature Benihana Mug | $7.00 | |
| Signature Martinis | ||
| Beni-Tini | $10.00 | |
| Lychee Blossom | $10.00 | |
| Rising Sun Lemon Drop | $10.00 | |
| Tiki Martini | $10.00 | |
| 1964 Saketini | $10.00 | |
| Kabuki Kids Menu | ||
| Entrees | ||
| California Roll (Kids Price) | $9.50 | |
| Hibachi Chicken (Kids Price) | $10.25 | |
| Hibachi Shrimp (Kids Price) | $10.25 | |
| Hibachi Steak (Kids Price) | $11.00 | |
| Combinations | ||
| Chicken & Shrimp | $13.25 | |
| Chicken & Steak | $13.25 | |
| Steak & Shrimp | $14.00 | |
| Side Orders | ||
| White Noodles | $4.00 | |
| Hibachi Chicken Rice (Kids) | $3.50 | |
| Edamame (Kids) | $4.00 | |
| Children's Drinks | ||
| Banana Berry Blast (Per Child) | $5.25 | |
| Ramune (Per Child) | $3.95 | |
| Benihana Fruit Punch (Per Child) | $3.25 | |
| Benihana Lemonade (Per Child) | $3.25 | |
| Pink Crus h(Per Child) | $3.25 | |
| Milk 2% (Per Child) | $2.75 | |
| Juice (Per Child) | $2.75 | |
| Soda (Per Child) | $2.75 | |
History
Benihana’s was founded in 1954 by Rocky Aoki. He moved to the U.S. from Tokyo, Japan after graduating from college with the dream of opening his own restaurant. Like most successful businessmen, his story has a humble beginning as got his start on the streets of Harlem selling ice cream by the day while putting himself through night school for restaurant management. His innovative idea of serving his treats topped with brilliantly colored Japanese umbrellas helped his little ice cream stand to take off and soon he saved up enough, along with a loan, to open his first restaurant.
Aoki opened America’s premier teppanyaki restaurant in New York City’s West 59th street in 1964. He named it Benihana’s after his parent’s coffee shop in Tokyo, which inspired him to go into business in the first place. Featuring the interior of a quaint and real-life Japanese farmhouse, his top-class chefs would prepare authentic Japanese style cuisine in front of customers seated in tables around a steel grill. Customers were blown away by the impressive theatrical knife skills of the highly skilled chefs and he got rave reviews from legendary critics. He paid off his loans and turned a profit with six months after opening.
Today there are over 70 locations in worldwide boasting over 100 million meals served since it’s humble beginnings on the streets of Harlem. They remain the largest Teppanyaki franchise and have over 7,400 employees worldwide with 15 franchises and in 2007 they celebrated the opening of the 100th store.
Review
Even in today’s competitive food industry, as other teppanyaki restaurants are opening worldwide, Benihana has remained the leader in the industry. They offer a selection of authentic Japanese sake as well as an extensive menu of other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. You can choose from appetizers, a wide selection of hand-crafted specialty sushi rolls, and, of course, the hibachi menu where you can order anything from steak to chicken to seafood. They also offer an extensive lounge menu if you prefer a more quiet and romantic setting.
Their chefs are well known for their top qualify knife skills and will put on a show that you will never forget. The quaint, yet exotic atmosphere will make you feel like you have instantly transported to Tokyo while still giving you that homey, relaxing vibe so you can enjoy your meal.
The prices are reasonable and you get a lot of value for your money. The average appetizer ranges around $8 and the Teppan entrees average around $20 but include five to six courses with items such as soup, hot tea, soup, salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces and steamed rice as well as your well-proportioned entree. The lounge specials range around $20 as well and include menu selections ranging from fish tacos to filet mignon. Both the Teppan and Lounge menus offer affordable lunch menus as well with the average selection ranging from $9-$15.
As with any popular restaurant on a weekend, there may be a little bit of a wait. Most locations have more than adequate seating so the wait time is about average, but once you are seated, the dinner show is well worth the wait. They are well known for their excellent hygiene, vast menu selection, highly skilled and extremely talented chefs, friendly staff and welcoming environment.