Benihana

We went to Benihana to celebrate a family member’s birthday. We had a 6:15 reservation, but weren’t seated until 7:25. When we inquired about how much longer we would have to wait, we were repeatedly told they could not predict how long other diners were take. In an established restaurant with a set process, this is implausible. Clearly management is allowing too many reservations. while we waited for our table, several family members went to the bar. One was given a chipped glass with a crack down the side. When she asked for a new drink (due to a concern that there was glass in the one she was given), she was told it would be several minutes because they had to serve others. Although Benihana advertises they have a gluten free menu, one member of our party with celiac disease was told she could not have any hibachi because of the risk of cross contamination and could only order sushi. Although the menu states that a salad could be made with oil and vinegar and that tamari was available, she was served a salad with no dressing and her sushi with no tamari. When the chef arrived, he said this was not true and he could prepare gluten free hibachi before cooking anything else as the restaurant has gluten free butter and tamari. Of course, this chef as part of his “entertainment” routine launched into a series of anti-Asian racist jokes and continued even though he made several comments about how we seemed uncomfortable with them, so we chose to took his assurances with a grain of salt. On the whole, this was not the fun birthday experience we were looking for and we will not be back. I will also recommend to everyone I know that they not eat at Benihana.

Gerzom was a fantastic chef! He made sure my wife’s gluten allergy was taken care of and showed her multiple times which sauces he was using. The waitress was also great, but unfortunately I did not get her name.

I highly recommend Benihana's if you want a fun place to go with family and friends. Don't expect a quiet intimate experience. Hard to hear or talk to people other than the ones right next to you. There were lots of people, lots of energy, good food and service. It is quite the show to watch your food being prepared right in front of you. My only criticism is that my granddaughter has serious gluten issues and there didn't seem a choice for her.