Benihana - San Diego, CA

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Miami

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Our chef, Edwin, was spectacular! Great personality & he cooked everything to perfection! Our server, Miles, was awesome! Loved his personality! I’ve been to other locations and this was the best experience I’ve had so far. We will definitely be back!

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2. BV

   BeverlyV

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It was great. We had to wait 90 minutes for the next available cook, but with drinks appetizers and ordering our food time went fast.

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   Delicious food, servers and chef were all great but they really should work on not booking so many guests when they don’t seem to have the staff to support it. The guests end up suffering with extremely long wait times, that was the only downfall.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall1food2service1ambience2

   Waited 2 hours for a chef to come to our table. The food was not as good as usual, and the show was not very good at all

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5. N

   Nydiah

   San Diego

   9 reviews

   3.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall3food3service4ambience2

   Wait was too long. Food was a bit burnt.

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6. DG

   DebbieG

   San Diego

   12 reviews

   1.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall1food3service1ambience2

   We waited half an hour to be seated. As the hostess took us to our table, she told us they were having chef shortages so our wait would be 2 hours (at the tepanyaki table). She said we could order drinks. We asked to speak to a manager who told us she was sorry (?!). We suggested that someone could have let us know prior to our arrival or at least upon check in. This was for our daughter's university graduation. We were all very disappointed and left. We won't go back.

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall2food2service1ambience2

   Took 3 hours to get through dinner. 30 minutes for drinks to arrive. A full hour until any food was served. Tempura arrived cold. Server accidentally included tab from couple next to us on our bill and it took at least another 30 minutes to separate the charges and run the credit card. Also, there was a dustpan and broom leaning up against my chair when we arrived. Good thing my 10 year old daughter whose birthday we were celebrating was unfazed. Otherwise it was pretty much a total fail.

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had a wonderful time at Benihana. In fact, this was probably one of our best experiences at Benihana. Aries was a great chef. We also had a friendly waiter who kept our drinks refilled and had a pleasant demeanor. We were celebrating on vacation and will be back to this location again. They were definitely on their A game.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Didn’t get seated at my reservation time. I had to ask about being seated after 15-20 min past. Was waiting for another party I guess that was past 20 min late. Only down side. Service at the table was great. The chef was great .

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10. B

    Butterflygal

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Food excellent however prices could be a bit lower perhaps include the fried rice when your paying 32.00 + drink + Tax & tip. Our waiter was great he sincerely cared about us he felt bad we sat down at 8:00 the chef didn’t start the table until 9:10 pm. It was worth the wait the chef was entertaining and cooked the food to perfection. I feel since we waited over an hour the rice could have been compensated. I would return but will eat lunch that day lol.

    Report
11. SM

    SuziM

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing dinner tonight! Even after Covid the food tasted just like it has always!

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12. U

    Unsatisfied

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We never ate. After 40 minutes we only had our drink order, Server said he would "be right back" to take our food order. !0 more minutes, we walked out. Unacceptable

    Report
13. i

    iluvnobu

    Hawaii

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My first experience at San Diego Benihana. We usually go to Benihana at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. San Diego Benihana was a lot more eventful. The twins and Justin rocked! They made my husband’s birthday an event of a lifetime. My husband is still recovering! What a night!

    Report
14. DA

    DANETTEM

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    My birthday

    Report
15. CS

    CristalS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    It's great for small group celebrations and such. It's fun for the family and the food is very good. Given, there have been times that the scallops have been a bit overcooked. Not great for taking pictures with a nice background, seems that was last thing on their minds. You can get cute souvenir cups with some drinks.

    Report
16. O

    Orben

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    I took my wife to Benihana for her birthday. We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, the waitress who assisted us goofed up the order on some of the guests' orders. And she never did bring us the honey we asked for after dinner. But overall, we had a really good time.

    Report
17. K

    Kimmie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food1service5ambience5

    Food has always been fantastic. This one chef we had today did not do a very good job. I noticed several people at the table not eating their food due to taste

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18. l

    luv2eat

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service3ambience1

    The dining experience was very long as they were short-staffed, but definitely not worth the wait. The meat portion of the entree, chicken and shrimp, was way over cooked and over salted. None of the entrees had much of a flavor.

    Report
19. GL

    GraceL

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience2

    Apparently they were short in chefs and was not told when we arrived and there was going to be 2-3 hour wait time (this is when we were already seated) I won’t be making reservations for Benihana for this location in the future!

    Report
20. MP

    MonicaP

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience3

    The food was delicious and cooked to perfection as always. The chef was funny and very entertaining. They informed us that they were short staffed on chefs and that our chef wouldn’t be arrive for another 45 minutes after we had waited about 10 minutes already. The chef showed up closer to an hour of waiting at our table. It seemed like other tables were also waiting an unreasonably long time for their chefs as well. It made the atmosphere rather depressing because we were all so hungry and losing our patience. It was my mothers first time here and if it weren’t for the food and entertainment after waiting an hour, she would have been much more disappointed than she was.

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food5service5ambience3

    It took to long for the chef go to the tabla about 1:30 that was to long, the service was great but they need staff better but overall was good

    Report
22. AF

    AnaF

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food4service1ambience1

    We had our reservation at 5pm and and we are just leaving. BAD service we waited almost 2 hours for a chef, we are so disappointed 😒 we loved this place for birthday celebrations but not anymore.

    Report
23. LR

    LeticiaR

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    Food was very salty! Service was good!

    Report
24. S

    Shannonr

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food4service1ambience1

    We stood there for 30 minutes at the entrance before anyone said hello. From sitting down to getting back up off the table, it took two hours… They are wildly understaffed and the staff who are there Are overworked. Kevin was our chef and he did excellent… Especially for it being only his third week

    Report
25. AA

    AshleyA

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience3

    My daughter and I go every year for Mother’s Day. It’s a special treat. I do feel the quality has slightly decreased over the years but the prices continue to go up. Our server was great, thank you Miles!

    Report
26. LK

    LucasK

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food great service. Our chef Aries was awesome and entertaining!

    Report
27. M

    Moniquer

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service1ambience1

    We used to frequent Benihanas very often pre-covid but this is our second time back this year. Both of our recent visits have been disappointing, this time more so. Our chef was rude. He was great when he stuck to “his script” but others wise, he was rude. The restaurant was hot, which obviously the stoves are on but I don’t recall ever being so hot in there. We also didn’t get zucchini with any of our meals, they just completely left it out.

    Report
28. FC

    FoodieCriticRia

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Reservation was easy and we were seated on time. Staff were very attentive. Kudos to Jason at Camino Del Rio branch he made Mother's Day special for us. Service was wonderful and friendly, our food was great, ice tea was refilled right away and he even let us try the spicy benihana sauce which we love and will order next time with our meal. He made our desserts beautiful. Benihana please give this guy a raised. He deserve it and other employee should learn from him. We would go back again with our friends. Great job Jason and thank you.

    Report
29. PG

    PatriciaG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food5service4ambience5

    Service was great but in my reservations it said we were celebrating a birthday. The hostess asked and we told her the server asked and we told him as did the chef.. at the end of the meal they didn’t acknowledge the birthday at all. Both server and chef were great but we were disappointed in no birthday celebration.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear PatriciaG On behalf of our team here at Benihana we would like to sincerely apologize for the negative experience you encountered, especially while celebrating a special occasion. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website so we can properly address your concerns.

    Report
30. EW

    EvanW

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Extremely expensive. Food good.

    Report
31. AP

    AlexP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience! Food was top notch and the staff was excellent.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 2 days ago

    Dear AlexP thank you so much for your feedback, we hope to see you back again soon!

    Report
32. GR

    GREGJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    I have been to your establishment many times but never have I had to wait so long for the cook. I was seated on time but the cook did not arrive for 8pm. I will return in the future but not wait 1.5 hours for a cook.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear GREGJ Thank you for sharing your review. We understand your concern. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website. Your feedback helps us to make improvements, and we’re hopeful that you will provide us with an opportunity to serve you again. Arigato.

    Report
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This was a birthday dinner. Prepare for it to take time for your chef. Order a cocktail. The chili shrimp roll appetizer was excellent. Meeting the others at the table was cool. The entertainment from the chef and the food were excellent.

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Came for an early Mother’s Day dinner. It was wonderful!

    Report
35. CH

    CathyH

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Not much flavor in the food. Service was great. It was too loud in the restaurant to hear the chef.

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    I came it to celebrate my mothers birthday. I honestly usually go to shogun but decided because it was a special occasion I would come to Benihana . I will not ever come back again the food was nothing special. Benihana was under staffed and we waited an hr and a half to eat also the bathrooms were disgusting I will never come back.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 6 days ago

    Dear Guest Thank you for sharing your review. We understand your concern. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website. Your feedback helps us to make improvements, and we’re hopeful that you will provide us with an opportunity to serve you again. Arigato.

    Report
37. d

    denniis

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 May 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience3

    So Sad with the experience at Benihanna. This WAS one of my fave’s restaurant. First of all we had a reservation at 6 and we ended up having a chef at 7:40pm the chef was amazing but the wait time kinda gets you in a mood. Food is good, but We noticed that the portions of food aren’t the same, it is ridiculous small and for the price is not worth it. After we had our dinner waitress came with check and didn’t offer any dessert (which is included with the 6 course meal) She left and didn’t came back, we had to ask someone else. And the cherry on top! was that after we paid we noticed that they over charge us on our bill. Restroom were nasty and I wasn’t the only one complaining. We spend over 600dll on food and I believe they should put more effort on cleaning, the service, and all.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 6 days ago

    Dear denniis on behalf of our team here at Benihana, we would like to sincerely apologize for your recent visit with us. If you have not done so already, please contact us via the Contact Us page on our website. We want to thank you for taking the time to share your review with us and welcome you to ‘Copy/Paste’ your review in order to save time. We look forward to following up with you.

    Report
38. RG

    RichardG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great restaurant loved the food and the cook. Thank you for making our Mother's Day special.

    Report
39. CB

    CarolynB

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 6 May 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    There Was no cook we had to wait for an hour

    Report
40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2022

    overall3food5service4ambience4

    not enough chefs on this night, had to wait almost two hours for him to arrive.

    Report