Benihana Las Vegas Review

An Entertaining Culinary Experience

Benihana has been a Las Vegas institution since 1973, offering a unique combination of Japanese teppanyaki cooking and theatrical entertainment. Located conveniently near the Convention Center and Strip, this restaurant delivers a consistently engaging dining experience that has made it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by traditional Japanese decor with modern touches. The main dining area features large teppanyaki grills surrounded by seating for 8-10 guests, creating an intimate communal dining experience. The lighting is warm, and the space maintains a lively but not overwhelming noise level, even when the chefs are performing their impressive knife skills and cooking theatrics.

Food Quality and Presentation

Benihana's menu focuses on high-quality proteins prepared tableside. The Hibachi steak remains a standout – tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to exact specifications. The seafood options, particularly the shrimp and scallops, are fresh and expertly prepared. Vegetarian options are available but somewhat limited compared to the protein-focused main offerings. The famous fried rice, prepared with dramatic flair at your table, is consistently delicious and worth ordering as a side.

Service Experience

Service is generally efficient and friendly, though during peak hours there can be slight delays. The teppanyaki chefs are the real stars – highly trained entertainers who engage guests while demonstrating impressive culinary skills. They remember special occasions and often incorporate birthday or anniversary celebrations into their performance.

Value Considerations

While not inexpensive, Benihana offers good value considering the entertainment component. The combination dinners provide the best value, including soup, salad, vegetables, rice, and your choice of protein. Expect to spend $40-60 per person before drinks, which puts it in the moderate to high price range for Las Vegas dining.

Special Features

What sets Benihana apart is the complete experience – it's dinner and a show. The onion volcano, flying shrimp catch, and other chef performances make this particularly appealing for families and celebration dinners. The restaurant also offers private dining rooms for special events.

Recommendations

For Families: Ideal for children who will be mesmerized by the cooking表演. The kids' menu offers smaller portions at reduced prices.
For Couples: Request seating at a smaller table for a more intimate experience. The early dinner seating tends to be less crowded.
For Business Dining: Excellent for entertaining clients who appreciate interactive dining experiences. The private rooms work well for business meetings.
For Solo Diners: The communal seating makes this surprisingly comfortable for solo travelers looking to socialize.

Practical Information

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:00 PM-10:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 4:00 PM-11:00 PM
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends
Parking: Complimentary valet and self-parking available
Dress Code: Casual but neat attire