Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Benihana – San Francisco
Benihana - San Francisco
Photo from Benihana
Benihana at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 169 of the guests
#1710 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#147 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
666
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Chef entertainment
- Attentive staff
- Family friendly
Frequently criticized
- Expensive dining
- Uneven food
- Long waits
The Japanese restaurant Benihana in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown neighborhood offers a truly engaging dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable meal.
Known for its great wine list, this spot ensures you have the perfect pairing for your teppanyaki. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, Benihana provides table service and a lively setting.
Overview: Introducting Benihana
Benihana offers an engaging dining experience, often highlighted by the entertaining chef and interactive cooking. Many appreciate the lively atmosphere, especially for families and celebrations.
However, some find the overall food quality to be inconsistent, with dishes occasionally falling short of expectations. While the service can be exceptional, there are instances where guests encounter significant wait times or less attentive staff.
The ambiance, though generally fun, sometimes suffers from issues like noise levels or dated decor. Value is a mixed bag, with some finding it overpriced despite generous portions.
Good
6.9
out of 10
666
Reviews
64.7%
Satisfaction
201
negative
34
neutral
431
positive
Benihana holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 6.9, placing it in the good category. This is largely driven by strong performance in Food (7.5) and Service (6.9), which receive considerable positive feedback.
However, Customer Satisfaction stands at 64.7%, indicating a mixed experience for many diners, despite the generally positive sentiment from 431 positive remarks out of 666 total comments. The Ambience (6.6) also contributes positively, though it’s more of an average performer.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.8), which customers frequently find lacking. This divergence between a good overall score and mixed satisfaction suggests that while some aspects shine, the perceived cost can significantly impact the overall dining impression, as reflected in 201 negative comments.
What people like
- Engaging chef show
- Attentive service
- Kid-friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent food quality
- Significant wait times
Benihana earns a Recommendation Score of 7.1, suggesting it’s a place worth considering, particularly if you prioritize an interactive dining experience. It shines when the chef is engaging and the service is on point, creating memorable moments, especially for groups or families.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and a higher price tag. If you’re seeking a lively show and don’t mind the cost, it could be a good fit.
For those primarily focused on culinary excellence or strict budgeting, you might find it a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Benihana
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally had a fantastic time, with a score of 7.5, placing it firmly in the good category. Customer satisfaction also looks good at 72.3%. Many raved about the amazing food, fresh flavors, and perfect preparation, often highlighting the quality of meat.
Out of 177 remarks, a solid 128 were glowing about their meals. However, not every dish hit the mark. Around 40 comments pointed out some issues, with complaints about overcooked steak, food being too salty, or even cold food.
Some felt the low quality food was a letdown, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency and execution.
Food
177
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
40
negative
9
neutral
128
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Perfectly cooked meat
- Engaging chef performance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cooking
- Overly salty dishes
- Cold food served
Often praised
- foodOur biggest highlights while visiting Japantown with two young kids on a Friday afternoon during Spring break. Our picky kids liked most of the food and the main chef put on a great show. Recommend picking selections from the hibachi menu for the best Benihana experience.
- FoodThe Food was superb
- birthday dinnerhe made my birthday dinner so wonderful!!
- chefFrancisco was a show stopping chef
- drinksthe drinks he made for us was a 10/10 !
- meatThe meat was very good
- Benihana tornadoHe had a little piece of the show we had never seen (Benihana tornado)
- California roll specialexcellent value of the $3 California roll special
- Eric's cookingEric’s cooking was the best I’ve had
- Hibachi experiencewonderful Hibachi experience
Frequently criticized
- foodThe person taking orders appeared confused, and another waiter was seen reprimanding our main waiter for incorrect order-taking. The food was very sub par, which was particularly disappointing given the $50 per person cost. I would never recommend this restaurant and will not be returning.
- dessertwaiting for someone's dessert
- food qualityfood was equal to your local Chinese take away
- steakasked for a rare steak and got one medium done
- HibachiMy experience at this restaurant was far from satisfactory, and I feel anything more than 1 star would be generous. I have lived in San Francisco for 10 years and have had far better Hibachi in Northeastern Ohio, which is saying a lot. I would never return to this establishment.
- Salmonsalty Salmon
- Wagyu fried riceThe worst wagyu fried rice I've ever had!!!
- beef fried ricebeef fried rice, about $22, which barely has any steak
- bowl of riceOne bowl of rice with 3 very small pieces of wyagu for $20.
- chickenChicken was overcooked and tough
If you're looking for a generally good dining experience with some truly delicious highlights, especially the grilled items, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that a few guests encountered issues like overcooked or overly salty dishes, so manage your expectations for perfect consistency.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a lot going for it! With 230 positive opinions out of 349, many guests rave about the kind and attentive service, amazing service, and the entertaining chef show. Being seated immediately is also a big plus, contributing to a 65.9% customer satisfaction rate.
However, there's definitely room for improvement, as reflected by a score of 6.9. About 114 negative opinions highlight issues like long wait times, horrible service, and feeling that the place is understaffed. Some also mentioned a problematic server attitude, which can really dampen the experience.
Service
349
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
114
negative
5
neutral
230
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Entertaining chef show
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor customer service
- Understaffed issues
Often praised
- serviceMy birthday experience at this restaurant was amazing! Lee, Salman, and Francisco provided exceptional service, and we had so much fun. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, contributing to a memorable celebration.
- chefThe food was really good, and the staff were very understanding. Our chef, Salman, did a good job keeping the kids entertained, which was a highlight. The service and food both received a 5-star rating, and the atmosphere was also rated highly.
- ServiceThe Service was superb
- cookThe service was excellent, with Lee being a great server. Shawn was a great cook, ensuring the meal was delicious. Thank you for a wonderful time!
- serverIt was a busy place, and I feel like our server was having a bad day. But she did turn around and made the visit good. We didn't get to sit at the fun seats, but still enjoyed the food.
- wait timeThe atmosphere was lively, though a bit loud, but still conducive to conversation. We had no wait time, and there was plenty of paid street parking available.
- SalmanOur server, Howe, was friendly. Billy was also great at keeping us entertained, and Salman was cool too. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service and food also received perfect scores of 5.
- experiencehe really cared about our experience and wanted to earn our business
- HazelHazel was HUSTLING but still managed to provide us wonderful service
- staffThe service was exceptional, with Khine being very kind and attentive. From the host to the teppan chef, everyone was outstanding. The food was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service. We were three and ordered one meal each.
- wait timewere told it was a 40 minute wait. What's the point of the reservation then?
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was positive, largely due to the excellent service provided by Khine. She was very pleasant and even apologized when it took a little time for the chef to come to the table due to not enough staff for lunch. Khine was consistently attentive, always on top of refills and dessert.
- waiting timewait 45mins after your reservation to get seated
- managerincompetent, rude manager tell you that he’ll kick you out
- reservationwhat’s the point of making a reservation if you’re still waiting almost an hour later?
- waiterNot a single waiter in the floor for more than 20 minutes.
- customer servicecustomer service from the barternder was POOR!
- wait1-hour wait before the chef came to our table
- chefthe chef didn’t show up to cook for us until 6:45pm
If you're looking for an entertaining chef show and attentive staff, this place can be a real hit. Just be prepared for potential long waits and service hiccups, especially during busy times.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here often hits the mark, with many guests praising the lively atmosphere and engaging theatrics from the chefs, making for a truly fun and memorable experience, especially for special occasions. Based on 69 positive opinions out of 120 total, it seems the restaurant successfully creates a vibrant setting, contributing to a decent overall score of 6.6. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 57.5%.
Some diners found the noise level to be quite high, making conversation difficult, and a few mentioned their clothes reek of the grill. Issues like uncomfortable indoor temperature and a less-than-inviting lobby also popped up in 35 negative comments, suggesting theres room for improvement.
Ambience
120
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
35
negative
16
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, lively atmosphere
- Engaging chef theatrics
- Great for special occasions
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Lingering grill smell
- Uncomfortable indoor temperature
Often praised
- atmosphereShe was quick with refills, checked in often to see if we were enjoying our meal, and had such a warm, welcoming attitude that made the evening even more enjoyable. The service truly matched the quality of the food and the fun atmosphere.
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere was superb
- experienceprovided a fun, warm and welcoming experience
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- parkingThe atmosphere was lively, though a bit loud, but still conducive to conversation. We had no wait time, and there was plenty of paid street parking available.
- showshow fun and interactive
- Kid-friendlinessAlways great for the kids
- amazing timehad such an amazing time
- birthdayHe was not only hella funny but also cooked my steak to perfection. My friend enjoyed her 21st birthday more than any birthday she’s had before! It was a 10/10 experience and absolutely worth it.
- chef's showMe gustó el show que hace el chef. Muy divertido.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere and chef are nothing like home
- noise levelso noisy the instructions were unable to hear
- ACno AC Inside
- benchesHowever, the atmosphere has been a noticeable issue for at least the past five years, reflected in a low atmosphere score of 2. The front lobby, which is the first impression, features a couple of old, tired benches with rips in the upholstery. While the food remains a highlight, the deteriorating state of the ambiance is a recurring concern.
- chair backsStarting with the downsides, it was very cold outside, but the indoor temperature was too hot. The water in the restroom was uncomfortably hot, and the chair backs were slightly sticky. However, aside from these points, the overall cleanliness was acceptable.
- clothes reekyour clothes reek of a bbq grilling experience
- dining areaThe show was also fun. However, I would have preferred the dining area to be a bit cleaner and tidier, and there was a strong smell of food throughout the space.
- experiencethe whole experience felt chaotic and unprofessional
- fire volcanothe most pathetic fire volcano i have ever seen
- front doorright outside the restaurant front door
If youre looking for a lively, entertaining meal with a show, this place delivers on the fun. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy environment and a lingering grill smell on your clothes. Its a great spot for a celebratory, energetic outing, but maybe not for a quiet, intimate dinner.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at a low 3.8 and customer satisfaction is only 20%, a few guests did find some silver linings. Some appreciated reasonable prices and fair prices for certain dishes, noting generous portions. The availability of reward points also got a positive nod from 4 positive remarks out of 20 total.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 12 negative remarks, points to significant concerns. Many felt it was poor value and overpriced, especially for dinner, citing high prices per person and an expensive bowl of rice. The added service fee and price difference for similar items also raised eyebrows.
Value
20
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices (some)
- Earn reward points
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- High dinner prices
- Unexpected service fee
Often praised
- pricesShe was attentive and friendly 😊. The food was good, with generous portions and reasonable prices 👍.
- priceOur server, Erin, was an absolute wonder and truly talented with doing fun tricks. The food was absolutely delicious and worth the somewhat high price. I was too distracted by the theatrics to take any photos, but trust me, it looked and tasted delicious.
- reward pointsThe atmosphere was lively, with lots of birthday parties happening. For those who prefer a different experience, there's an option for dinner at bar tables without the cooking show, and they also offer reward points. It's worth noting that the mall's outer courtyard was closed for renovations during my visit in August 2025.
Frequently criticized
- priceOver priced
- billA big disappointment when the $$$ bill arrived
- dinner priceThe prices are relatively high; lunch is around $40 per person before tax, which is slightly more affordable. Dinner, however, is quite expensive, averaging around $60 to $80 per person after tax. Now onto the positives.
- expensive bowl of riceExpensive bowl of rice….
- price differencehuge price difference between the chicken fried rice, around $8, and the beef fried rice, about $22
- price per personit is $50 a person
- pricesHowever, aside from these points, the overall cleanliness was acceptable. The prices are relatively high; lunch is around $40 per person before tax, which is slightly more affordable. Dinner, however, is quite expensive, averaging around $60 to $80 per person after tax.
- pricingThe manager eventually brought the rice, claiming it had to be re-prepared, which felt like a poor excuse to avoid accountability for forgetting our order and their horrible service. The pricing is also out of line; there's a significant price difference between the chicken fried rice (around $8) and the beef fried rice (about $22), which contained barely any steak. We paid $72 for two beers and two tiny fried rices with almost no steak, leaving us hungry, angry, and completely let down.
- service feecharged me a 30 dollar service fee
- valuepoor value. $160 USD for 2 adults 2kids
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many found the overall value disappointing. Be prepared for potentially high prices, especially at dinner, and keep an eye out for extra fees.
How are the prices at Benihana?
You’re looking at roughly 64 per person – reported by 169 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, prices aren’t all clustered around this average. We see a good spread, with many guests opting for both more budget-friendly and more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 169 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available. It seems to offer options for different budgets while maintaining a good standard.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Benihana
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Bad Service, Long Wait, Watered Down Drinks
My first time here was a bad experience. The customer service was bad, and our server was also bad. We had to wait to get our table cleaned, and then the food took forever.
We arrived at 7: 15 PM and didn't get our food until 9: 30 PM. To make matters worse, our drinks were watered down. I see why the reviews are 4.
0; they should be 3. 0. Our food should have been discounted given the poor service.
- customer service1
- server1
- wait get our table clean2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Understaffed Service, Subpar Food
We chose to eat at the bar due to a long wait for tables. Unfortunately, the service seemed severely understaffed. The person taking orders appeared confused, and another waiter was seen reprimanding our main waiter for incorrect order-taking.
The food was very sub par, which was particularly disappointing given the $50 per person cost. I would never recommend this restaurant and will not be returning.
- wait for tables2
- service1
- taking orders2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience: Poor Food, Service, and Value
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We faced a 1-hour wait to be seated, followed by another hour for the chef to come out. The food quality was comparable to a local Chinese takeaway, which was a significant letdown considering the $160 USD bill for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Additionally, our clothes reeked of a BBQ grilling experience. Overall, it was a total waste of time and money.
- Vegetarian options5
- Atmosphere2
- Noise level6
- food quality2
- service1
- value1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Reservation pointless, long wait
We made reservations for 8: 15 pm and checked in on time. However, we had to wait until around 9: 00 pm to inquire about our table. We were informed that there were still four parties ahead of us.
It's disappointing when making a reservation doesn't seem to reduce the waiting time, leading to an almost hour-long wait. This was a very disappointing experience.
- reservation2
- waiting time1
- experience2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Superb Meat, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the quality of the meat was superb and the chef's skills were evident, the customer service was very poor. We had to wait 2-3 hours even with a reservation.
The food was also a bit too salty and peppery for my taste. It would have been better if the chef had asked about our preferences beforehand.
- quality of meat9
- chef7
- customer service2
- wait time1
- food3
What Benihana offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Benihana in San Francisco accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Benihana in Japantown is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll find various options such as a paid parking lot, paid parking garage, and paid street parking, with usually plenty of parking available.
What kind of dining experience and beverage options can you expect at Benihana?
At Benihana, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. They offer a wide range of beverages including a great wine list, beer selection, hard liquor, and cocktails. Happy hour drinks and food are also available, along with late-night food and vegetarian options.
What is Benihana's overall rating and what drives it?
Benihana has an overall score of 6.9, indicating a good experience. This is primarily supported by strong Food (7.5) and Service (6.9) scores, with Ambience (6.6) also contributing positively. However, Value (3.8) is a notable area for improvement.
What makes the dining experience at Benihana stand out?
Customers frequently highlight the entertaining chef performances and the interactive, fun atmosphere, making it a popular choice for celebrations and families with kids. The attentive service also receives praise.
What are the main concerns customers have about Benihana?
The most common concerns revolve around the perceived high price point and inconsistent food quality, with some dishes being described as subpar. Additionally, long wait times, even with reservations, are a recurring issue.