Benihana Menu Prices & How It Works (2023)

Benihana is a renowned Japanese restaurant chain offering teppanyaki cooking with an immersive and entertaining dining experience. Whether you’re craving hibachi-grilled meats and seafood or sushi this restaurant has become a go-to destination to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Here are the updated menu prices at Benihana in 2023. I also share the best ways to save money and how ordering at Benihana’s works if you’ve never dined there before.

Lunch Entrees

Appetizers

Rolls

Specialty

Sashimi

Nigiri

Specialties

Steak and Chicken

Seafood

Beverages

Ways to Save Money at Benihana

$30 Birthday Certificate at Benihana.

Benihana is known for its hibachi-style dining experience and frequent destination for special celebrations. While it’s not typically associated with budget-friendly dining it doesn’t mean you can’t save a few bucks if you dine there strategically. Here’s a breakdown of different approaches to saving money at Benihana:

1. Promo Code “SAVES”. By spending over $25 on their official online store, you can save $5 using the promo code “SAVES” at checkout. This is a straightforward discount that can be applied to various merchandise or perhaps even a gift card purchase.

Savings: $5 off on $25. This represents a discount of 20%. 

2. Benihana Family Meal. Benihana offers a Family Meal option that starts at $35 for 2 people. This meal includes the Benihana salad, hibachi vegetables, dipping sauces, and hibachi chicken rice. The availability of this offer might vary by location, and you can also choose the family meal for groups of 4 or 6.

Here’s the pricing breakdown for different family meal options:

• Steak & Chicken: $49 for 2 guests, $93 for 4 guests, and $137 for 6 guests
• Chicken & Shrimp: $35 for 2 guests, $65 for 4 guests, and $95 for 6 guests
• Steak & Shrimp: $53 for 2 guests, $97 for 4 guests, $141 for 6 guests

Savings: Depending on the option you choose, you can dine with a group of 6 guests for under $100, saving up to 32% compared to other menu offerings. This is a pretty affordable menu option if you’re dining as a group.

Benihana menu poster.

3. The Chef’s Table Birthday Certificate. By signing up for The Chef’s Table, Benihana’s loyalty program, you can receive a free $30 Birthday Certificate during your birth month. This certificate can be applied towards your dining experience. However, keep in mind that you need to print out the certificate and can only redeem it during dinner hours from Monday to Thursday. This coupon can’t be used for tips or alcohol.

Savings: $30 off your birthday meal.

4. Gift Card Promo. Benihana occasionally offers a gift card promotion where you receive a $60 promo card after spending $200 on gift cards. This essentially provides an additional $60 value when purchasing gift cards for future visits.

Savings: $60 promo card for every $200 spent on gift cards.

5. Senior Discount. Benihana offers a 10% senior discount. This is available to customers who meet the age requirements, and it’s a consistent way for seniors to save on their meals.

Savings: 10% off the total bill for eligible seniors.

6. Coupons and Discount Codes. Benihana also provides coupons and discount codes periodically. These might be available through their website, promotional emails, or other marketing channels. Using these codes can provide instant savings on your dining experience.

Savings: Varies based on the specific coupon or discount code.

While Benihana is often seen as a special occasion dining spot as you can see there are a lot of creative ways to save money on each visit. From promo codes and family meal options to loyalty program benefits and discounts, you can make your experience more affordable without compromising on the unique hibachi dining experience that Benihana offers.

How Does Ordering at Benihana’s Work?

Dinner and a show?

The ordering process at Benihana’s is a significant departure from traditional restaurants and makes the experience all the more memorable. Here’s how ordering works at Benihana if you’ve never been there before.

The Teppanyaki Experience

The heart of Benihana’s ordering system lies in the teppanyaki experience. Customers are seated around a large, flat grill, and a highly trained chef called a “teppanyaki chef” who takes center stage. Then the chef guides you through the ordering and cooking process.

Ordering Process:

1. Seating – Customers are seated around the teppanyaki grill in groups, creating a communal and interactive dining setting.

2. Menu Exploration – The menu offers a variety of choices including seafood, poultry, beef, and vegetarian options. Customers can explore the menu and choose their preferred dishes.

3. Chef Interaction – Unlike conventional restaurants, customers at Benihana’s have the opportunity to interact with their chef directly. After orders are taken, the chef skillfully prepares and cooks the chosen dishes right in front of the customers.

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4. Live Cooking Show – The chef’s preparation and cooking process serves as live entertainment. The chef will showcase their knife skills, juggling utensils, creating impressive flaming displays, and engaging with customers throughout the cooking process. You might even have some cooked chicken tossed into your mouth from the spatula of the chef.

5. Customization – Customers can request certain modifications to their dishes, including specific levels of seasoning, cooking preferences, and dietary accommodations. The chef can often accommodate these requests to ensure a personalized dining experience.

The ordering process at Benihana’s is characterized by its integration of entertainment, live cooking show, communal dining, and direct interaction with skilled chefs. This unique approach sets it apart from traditional restaurants and contributes to the restaurant’s reputation for offering a meal with a show.

Is Benihana Considered a Fancy Restaurant?

Sit back and enjoy the show.

Whether Benihana is considered a fancy restaurant is a matter of personal opinion. But Benihana explicitly states on their website that they pride themselves in offering an “upscale dining experience.” Benihana has a dress code to maintain this experience for other guests. In general, flip-flops, active wear / gym clothing, bathing suits, and tank tops are not appropriate attire at the restaurant.

Oh yeah, costumes also are not acceptable for guests under the age of 9. I just thought that rule was kind of funny, but I’m sure there’s a specific reason behind the rule. In general, Benihana doesn’t want the dress of one party to detract from other diners overall experience.

However, it’s worth noting that while the restaurant chain offers upscale dining, I wouldn’t call it “fancy.” After all, children are welcome. This is also a relaxed atmosphere where groups of families and friends can gather to enjoy a memorable night out. There is no need for men to get dressed up in a suit or women to wear a dress.

How many locations does Benihana Have? Where are they located?

Time to get fired up.

Benihana has a total of 116 locations around the world with most locations concentrated in the United States.

• United States: 79 locations
  • California: 16 locations
  • Florida: 14 locations
  • Texas: 13 locations
  • New York: 12 locations
  • Illinois: 11 locations
• Central & South America: 11 locations
• United Kingdom: 10 locations
• Caribbean: 9 locations

Is Samurai and Benihana the same company?

You can order Benihana online.

Samurai and Benihana are not the same company, but they are related entities under the same parent company called Benihana Inc. Benihana specializes in Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki-style cooking. Samurai offers a different dining concept with broader range of Japanese dishes beyond the teppanyaki grill.

In terms of geographical presence, Benihana, Samurai, and RA Sushi collectively span multiple regions, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. These brands share a commitment to delivering authentic Japanese flavors and culinary experiences in different ways.

The History of Benihana

The history of Benihana begins with Yunosuke Aoki and his wife Katsu. This is a tale of perseverance and entrepreneurship ultimately leads to the creation of an iconic Japanese restaurant.

Yunosuke Aoki’s Coffee Shop Ambitions

In the wake of World War II, Yunosuke Aoki envisioned a new venture that would stand out from the crowd of Tokyo’s post-war economic landscape. Aoki and his wife Katsu decided to open a coffee shop that offered premium beverages. This experience opening a coffee shop would set the foundation for Benihana’s future success.

The Quest for Authenticity

One of the early signs of Yunosuke Aoki’s commitment to quality was his willingness to go to great lengths to procure premium ingredients for his coffee shop. To set his establishment apart, he embarked on a 20-mile bicycle journey to obtain real sugar. This commitment to using the finest ingredients was a testament to his dedication to delivering an exceptional experience to his customers.

Rocky Aoki’s Vision Takes Shape

Building upon his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, Yunosuke Aoki’s son, took the legacy to the next level. Rocky’s ambition led him to America where he saw an opportunity to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine in a captivating and innovative way. Armed with seed money and driven by a vision, Rocky secured a loan and in 1964, launched the first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the United States on West 56th Street, New York City.

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The Birth of Benihana

The restaurant was aptly named Benihana, paying homage to his parents’ coffee shop in Tokyo. Benihana aimed to recreate an authentic Japanese dining experience, complete with a traditional farmhouse interior design and the unique cooking style of teppanyaki. The restaurant’s defining feature was the steel teppanyaki grills placed directly in front of customers where highly trained chefs showcased their exceptional knife skills and theatrical culinary performances while preparing the food. This combination of skillful craftsmanship and entertainment became a hallmark of the Benihana experience that customers loved.

Clementine Paddleford’s Influence

Benihana’s early years were marked by innovation and quality, but it wasn’t until renowned food critic Clementine Paddleford gave the restaurant a glowing review that it truly gained widespread recognition. Paddleford’s praise propelled Benihana into the spotlight, resulting in a surge in popularity and customers. The restaurant’s success was so remarkable that it managed to cover its initial investment in just six months validating Rocky Aoki’s original vision.

Expanding the Legacy

With the success of the original Benihana, Rocky Aoki wasted no time in expanding his culinary empire. He opened a second Benihana restaurant in New York and a third in Chicago. By 1972, the concept had gained more traction, leading to the establishment of six Benihana locations across the United States. This expansion was fueled by the captivating combination of authentic Japanese cuisine, skilled teppanyaki performances, and a commitment to offering an unforgettable dining experience.

Building Legacy and Continuing to Grow

Rocky Aoki’s passing in 2008 marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through the Benihana brand. Rocky Aoki’s vision of bringing traditional Japanese dining and entertainment to the world lives on in over 70 Benihana restaurants spread across the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The brand’s dedication to excellence and innovation has led to the serving of more than 100 million meals, making Benihana a truly iconic player in the restaurant industry. I hope you’ll have the chance to give it a try soon if you haven’t yet.