TLDR
High-energy hibachi theater where dinner is the show. Iconic spot for interactive group dining in the heart of the theater district.
Instagram Posts References
The reviewer visited Benihana's Midtown location to try their new 'Wagyu of the World' menu. The experience included hibachi-style preparation of various wagyu cuts, including Japanese A5, Australian New York strip, and American ribeye. The meal also featured wagyu fried rice, signature onion soup, salad with ginger dressing, and shrimp tempura. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the spicy tuna crispy rice and the shrimp tempura, though the latter was not included in the main meal. They also ordered the Blue Ocean Punch Bowl and Cucumber Lychee Blossom Martini, both of which were crowd favorites. The chef's hibachi skills, including the onion tower and fried rice preparation, were noted as entertaining. The Japanese A5 Wagyu was described as rich, buttery, tender, and melting in the mouth, enhanced by a special sauce. The post also promotes Benihana's 'Friends with Benefits' loyalty program, which offers a complimentary appetizer and points for dining rewards.
The post features a hibachi-style steak dish from Benihana, presented with fried rice, noodles, and grilled shrimp. This highlights Benihana's signature Japanese teppanyaki experience, where meals are cooked tableside.
Willa Moore reviews Benihana, a Japanese hibachi restaurant in Midtown, New York City, known for its lively entertainment and less so for its food, suggesting it as a fun spot for groups.
Details
Renowned for its theatrical tableside hibachi cooking, this iconic destination serves as a lively venue for group dining [1]. While the culinary offerings are often viewed as secondary to the entertaining performance of the chefs, specific premium additions like Japanese A5 Wagyu have received high praise for their rich and tender quality [2]. Despite some critiques regarding the seasoning of traditional staples, the restaurant remains a popular choice for those seeking an interactive experience in the heart of Midtown [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Japanese-inspired teppanyaki and hibachi staples [3], [4]. While classic items like the Benihana Onion Soup, salad, and Hibachi Chicken have been criticized for lacking flavor or being overly salty [1], more recent dining experiences highlight the Wagyu Fried Rice, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, and Japanese A5 Wagyu as standout, high-quality selections [2].
The Japanese A5 Wagyu is highly recommended for its rich, buttery texture, while the Wagyu Fried Rice and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice are also noted as excellent choices [2].
Feedback remains mixed; many patrons visit primarily for the nostalgic and entertaining tableside performance, while others find the food quality inconsistent [1]. Recent experiences with premium menu additions have been met with enthusiasm, particularly regarding the quality of the Wagyu offerings [2].
Caveats
The primary drawback is that the food quality is often secondary to the show, with some core menu items described as bland or aggressively salty [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BENIHANA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any
"A user recalls Benihana, particularly the location near Rockefeller Center, as a trendy spot in the mid-sixties that was popular with celebrities and served as a singles bar. They note its historical significance and contrast its past popularity with its current perception as a franchise."
NeutralFrom post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any
"A brief, negative reaction to Benihana."
NegativeFrom post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any
"This comment highlights Benihana as a place where 'dinner is the show'."
PositiveFrom post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any
"This is a suggestion for Benihana, noting that the dinner is the show."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations
"This user recommended Benihana, noting its convenience to the theater district and its status as the original franchise location. They also mentioned it as a hibachi option."
Positive