Benihana - San Diego Claim this business

Heidy Amaroon Google

3 months ago

I came with my family and we waited a few minutes after checking in to get seated. Then our server took our orders like 10 minutes later. The dragonfruit bowl thing was super good. Then our appetizers would trickle in little by little. It seemed like we spent most of our time there just waiting for things. At least I got free edamame because they accidentally brought it over. The two other parties at the same table as us kept asking the server too when the chef would arrive because we were sitting there for so long. And once the chef did arrive, it was an hour after we had sent our order. Our server and the chef were both nice though, maybe they were just busy so everything took a while, but waiting that long still just sucked. This was my first time at Benihana and I can't really say my experience was good. Our chef, although nice, didn't seem enthusiastic to be there or put on a show. He cracked a few jokes, did little tricks. But there was a big contrast when we'd hear laughter from other tables, and the other chefs putting on an enthusiastic show for their guests. I didn't like a lot of the food I ordered. I was just a little disappointed in my experience. But maybe they were just super busy idk. I got free ice cream too because they accidentally brought that over too.

Esther Doerr-Olsonon Google

3 months ago

We went for my birthday last week and it was PACKED! We waited 30 mins for our table but it would have been much longer if some ladies didn't get upset with the wait and leave giving us our table much sooner! We waited about an hour for our chef to come but the waitress kept our drinks filled, brought out apps, and gave us complimentary edamame for the wait! They were so short staffed, I felt bad for all of the staff because people were pissed and its not their fault! Our chef, AVELINO arrived and he made the wait worth it!!! He's such a character! He was absolutely hilarious, kind and accommodating! He was cracking jokes and everyone at the table was having an amazing time! The food was spectacular! My steak was cooked perfectly!! I will ask for him next time if possible! One kid at our table was having such a good time because of him, he made sure she was having fun and liked her food! Best chef experience I've ever had had at a Benihana and I've been many times! Our waitress was killing it even though she was overwhelmed, she's amazing at her job! Hire more staff to support the ones there now please!!!

T Jacksonon Google

4 months ago

So we have been eating at Benihana for over 30 years. First time at this Mission Valley location. So glad we got there promptly before our 6 pm reservation time. I couldn’t believe it.. we arrived at 5:45 pm. Greeted immediately . Got seated at 6:03 pm . Ordered our food before 6:15 pm , photos taken and salads and soup served before 6:30 pm. Guys , our chef was amazing /. We had Chris ( Go Dodgers) and he was so fun and our food was delicious. Well seasoned and prepared perfectly and quickly. I could not believe that our entire table had all of our food and he was cleaning the hibachi grill before 6:54 pm . Thank goodness no one at our table had food sensitivities because he could cook everything at once. Well done Benihana. Best Benihana experience in 30 years. Our table had a nice group of diners and we had good conversation. Hats off to the servers who kept checking on us throughout the meal. The managers Barry and Carlos were so busy but spared a few moments to listen to our feedback. We will definitely return as we visit our daughter at SDSU frequently. Thank you

John Domingoon Google

2 months ago

Been awhile since we have been back. We went there to celebrate my Mom's 82nd Birthday and she had a blast. The service from our server Edgar was great, and our Chef Ray Ray was entertaining and cooked a great meal for us! Definitely coming back!

DeAndre Owenson Google

2 months ago

Went here on my birthday for the first time ever and everything lived up to the hype. Food was good, service was good as well, and the atmosphere was good. It wasn’t too loud of anything. Definitely would come back :)