(619) 298-4666

477 Camino Del Rio So.
San Diego, CA 92108 32.7613 -117.1602

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Neighborhoods: University Heights, Western, Eastern San Diego

BENIHANA.COM

Price:

$$

Last updated 10.14.11

Category:

Restaurants, Banquet Rooms, Lounges

Restaurant Special Features:

Family Style Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining, Carry Out

Cuisine:

Japanese

Other Locations:

What People Are Saying About Benihana

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Benihana started out as a tiny four-table restaurant in New York City's theater district before becoming an international chain. Diners sit around large tables where chefs ostentatiously chop, slice, stir-fry and grill. Entree options are simple--shrimp, chicken, steak and scallops--and preparation is uniform. Every entree comes with a similar stock of sides: rice, onion soup, shrimp appetizer, iceberg lettuce drizzled with dressing, sauteed vegetables and green tea.

ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “liked the atmosphere and the food so much I ate lunch at the one in Carlsbad a few days later.”
  2. “used to think Benihana's was really fun when the servers were allowed to really be creative and juggle food (and knives)”
atmosphere
100.0% positive
  1. “the group seating is nice, especially for a large group of friends.”
  2. “i liked the atmosphere and the food so much i ate lunch at the one in carlsbad a few days later.”
drinks
0.0% positive
  1. “the sushi bar is kind of small, but good food.”
  2. “The drinks are a little expensive.”
  3. “the drinks are a little expensive.”
food quality
92.8600025177002% positive
  1. “used to think Benihana's was really fun when the servers were allowed to really be creative and juggle food (and knives)”
  2. “not only great japanese food but excellent entertainment in 's prepare your meal before your eyes.”
  3. “liked the atmosphere and the food so much I ate lunch at the one in Carlsbad a few days later.”
  4. “the cook was quite amazing”
  5. “awesome food as well.”
  6. “Some people might be put off by the group seatings (often more than one party to a table) but in the end, Benihana has great food and is a g.”
  7. “The service was great and the food was outstanding.”
  8. “the food is good.”
  9. “Awesome food as well.”
  10. “benihana has great food and is a great way.”
  11. “Not only great Japanese food but excellent entertainment in watching the chef's p.”
  12. “the sushi bar is kind of small, but good food.”
  13. “food is not that great for the money.”
  14. “The food is good.”
  15. “the food was outstanding”
  16. “i liked the atmosphere and the food so much i ate lunch at the one in carlsbad a few days later.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “benihana 's is awesome, hands down.”
  2. “i will recommend this restaurant to all my friends.”
  3. “awesome place”
  4. “This is a great restaurant if you are looking for something different.”
  5. “an excellent place to go to with your friends, family, and kids.”
  6. “great place”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “Great service, great waiters, great chefs.”
  2. “used to think Benihana's was really fun when the servers were allowed to really be creative and juggle food (and knives)”
  3. “Some people might be put off by the group seatings (often more than one party to a table) but in the end, Benihana has great food and is a g.”
  4. “great service, great waiters, great chefs.”
  5. “the chefs are nice”
  6. “The service was great and the food was outstanding.”
  7. “the service was great”
  8. “not kid friendly restaurant.”
value
0.0% positive
  1. “The drinks are a little expensive.”
  2. “the drinks are a little expensive.”
  3. “food is not that great for the money.”
3 Star Rating: Average

05/02/11

Used to be better...new management

by ciscodan at Citysearch

I have been going to Benihana for over 20 years. I generally eat at the San Diego location, but I stay at the Hilton Waikiki a lot, so a visit to this inside-resort location is almost a must.

The problem with this location...besides the fact that all the prices are about 20% more, the menu is about half of the normal menu, and the cooks lack the normal talent the other locations have, is the food just isn't the same as a normal Benihana.

I am sure that if you are at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, you will make your way to this Benihana. You can still have a good, expensive time, it just wont be like the other locations around the world.

1 Star Rating: Poor

02/18/10

BAD SERVICE

by lourd at Citysearch

went with my kids..dressed up casual..and waited for almost an hour to be served while we saw our next table being served ASAP..white people and the other table also.. asean but dressed up well.They gave us trainee cook while the others are having fun. so we ended up looking at the other table. HAHAHA

my son calls BENIHANA a racist restaurant. We could have leave but i waited because they always say that they r coming...spend $110 just to be judge by some ignorant server.. so make sure to wear tuxedos if u want teh BEST SERVICE. very strong on discrimination.

  • Pros: GOOD FOOD
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/31/08

Great place to eat

by TheSexxxyOne at Citysearch

I just recently eat here for the first time a few days ago. The service was great and the food was outstanding. I liked the atmosphere and the food so much I ate lunch at the one in Carlsbad a few days later. I will recommend this restaurant to all my friends.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/08/07

dinner and a show

by chelseafeilen at Citysearch

The sushi bar is kind of small, but good food. The drinks are a little expensive. If you're a party of less than 8 then you'll probably be sharing the table with strangers. It's a fun show if you've never been. The chefs are nice and they entertain you with their cooking. The food is good. I'd recommend getting the fried rice with your meal because it's fun to watch them prepare it for you. The chef balances an egg on his spatula and then tosses it into his hat, and they make a volcano out of stacked onion slices. Fun times. I'd say come here for a special occasion. Warning- This is a restaurant that sings to you for your birthday :)

The Details on Benihana

Place Categories:

  • good japanese food
  • great place
  • recommended restaurant
  • amazing cook
  • awesome benihana
  • not great food
  • outstanding food
  • great service
  • really fun benihana
  • nice chefs
  • excellent place
  • recommend restaurant
  • not great japanese food
  • liked atmosphere
  • nice group seating
  • excellent entertainment
  • expensive drinks
  • great waiters

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