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# Benihana – Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant in Philadelphia, PA
Benihana is a renowned Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant located at 508 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA. Known for its teppanyaki dining experience, Benihana offers a unique blend of culinary artistry and entertainment, where skilled chefs prepare meals right at the table. The restaurant has a rich history and a loyal customer base, though recent reviews indicate a mix of experiences. Highlights from customer feedback include the quality of food, the theatrical cooking style, and the ambiance, but concerns about service and pricing have emerged as notable points of contention.

## History
### The story of Benihana
Founded in 1964 by Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, Benihana was established with a vision to bring the authentic flavors of Japan to America. Aoki's passion for food and hospitality led him to create a dining experience that combined traditional Japanese cooking with a theatrical presentation. The concept of teppanyaki, where chefs cook in front of guests, was revolutionary at the time and quickly gained popularity, making Benihana a household name in the restaurant industry.

### Milestones and growth
- 1964: Benihana opens its first location in New York City.
- 1970s: Rapid expansion across the United States, with multiple locations opening.
- 1980s: Introduction of sushi and other Japanese dishes to the menu.
- 1990s: Benihana becomes a publicly traded company, further increasing its reach.
- 2000s: Expansion into international markets, establishing locations in several countries.

### Cultural and local influence
Benihana has significantly influenced the perception of Japanese cuisine in America. By introducing teppanyaki dining, it has created a social dining experience that encourages interaction among guests. The restaurant's success has inspired numerous imitators and has played a crucial role in popularizing sushi and hibachi-style cooking across the nation.

### Continuing the tradition
Today, Benihana continues to uphold its founding principles of quality food and exceptional service. The restaurant remains committed to providing an entertaining dining experience while adapting to changing consumer preferences and trends in the culinary world. The legacy of Hiroaki Aoki lives on through the ongoing dedication to excellence in both food and hospitality.

## Community
### Community involvement
Benihana actively engages with the local community through various initiatives and partnerships. The restaurant often participates in charity events, fundraisers, and local festivals, showcasing its commitment to giving back. By collaborating with schools and organizations, Benihana fosters a sense of community and supports local causes.

### Community notion about the place
The community's perception of Benihana is mixed, with many appreciating its unique dining experience and quality food. However, recent reviews indicate that some locals have concerns about service quality and pricing, which may affect their overall impression of the restaurant. The establishment is often viewed as a place for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, due to its festive atmosphere.

### Events and gatherings
Benihana is a popular venue for events and gatherings, accommodating large parties and celebrations. The restaurant offers customizable packages for birthdays, corporate events, and other special occasions, allowing guests to enjoy a memorable dining experience. The interactive cooking style adds an element of fun, making it a favored choice for group celebrations.

## Offerings
### What Benihana offers
Benihana provides a diverse menu featuring a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki-style entrees. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods to deliver authentic flavors. Guests can choose from a range of options, including steak, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, catering to different dietary preferences.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Benihana is characterized by its theatrical cooking style, where chefs prepare meals in front of guests on a hibachi grill. This interactive approach not only entertains but also allows diners to enjoy freshly cooked food. The menu includes signature dishes such as hibachi steak, shrimp, and chicken, along with a selection of sushi rolls and appetizers.

### Events and packages
Benihana offers various event packages tailored to different occasions, from intimate dinners to large celebrations. Guests can choose from set menus that include appetizers, main courses, and desserts, providing a comprehensive dining experience. The restaurant also accommodates special requests, such as dietary restrictions or allergies, ensuring that all guests have a memorable experience.

### Facilities and features
- Teppanyaki grills for interactive cooking
- Private dining rooms for special events
- Full bar with a selection of sake and cocktails
- Takeout and catering services available
- Family-friendly atmosphere

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Benihana reveal a range of experiences, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the restaurant. While many guests praise the quality of food and the entertaining cooking style, others express dissatisfaction with service and pricing. The overall sentiment suggests that while the dining experience can be enjoyable, consistency in service and value remains a concern.

### Compliments and strengths
- High-quality food with authentic flavors
- Entertaining teppanyaki cooking experience
- Friendly and accommodating staff in some instances
- Ability to cater to large groups and special events

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- Mixed reviews on service quality, with some guests reporting long wait times and disorganization
- Higher prices compared to similar establishments, leading to concerns about value
- Cleanliness issues reported by some patrons, particularly in common areas

### Summary evaluation
In summary, Benihana offers a unique dining experience that combines quality food with theatrical cooking. However, inconsistencies in service and pricing may deter some guests from returning. While many appreciate the ambiance and food quality, others feel that the overall experience does not justify the cost.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Benihana is located in Plymouth Meeting, a suburb of Philadelphia, PA, at 508 W Germantown Pike. This area is known for its shopping and dining options, making it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors. Nearby attractions include the Plymouth Meeting Mall, which offers a variety of retail stores and entertainment options, as well as scenic parks and recreational areas for outdoor activities. The restaurant's location provides easy access to major highways, facilitating travel from surrounding areas.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Benihana serve** Benihana specializes in Japanese cuisine, particularly teppanyaki and sushi.
**Is Benihana suitable for large groups** Yes, Benihana can accommodate large parties and offers customizable event packages.
**Are reservations recommended at Benihana** Yes, especially for peak dining times and special occasions.
**Does Benihana offer takeout** Yes, Benihana provides takeout and catering services for guests.
**What are the operating hours of Benihana** Operating hours may vary; check the official website for current hours.

## Visit Benihana Today
Experience the unique blend of culinary artistry and entertainment at Benihana, located in Plymouth Meeting, PA. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, this Japanese steakhouse offers a memorable dining experience for all occasions. Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a night out, Benihana's interactive cooking style and diverse menu are sure to impress. Join the community of satisfied diners and discover why Benihana remains a beloved destination for Japanese cuisine.

506650bd-6db5-428d-b679-d0c7d615e35c

Went here for a birthday dinner. I've been to this location a few times before, but it's been a few years--and wow, things have definitely changed. If you know Benihana, you expect a little show: the shrimp toss, the onion volcano, the heart-shaped fried rice that "beats." None of that happened this time. The chef just cooked and that was it. Also, if you're sitting right in front of the grill, watch out--when they scrape it clean, little bits of char can fly your way. The food was still good, but prices have gone way up. They charge extra for flavored butter, bottled water, and drinks are crazy expensive (a glass of wine costs about the same as a bottle). Entrées are easily $20 more than I remember. Service wasn't great either. Our waitress wasn't very friendly--at one point she dropped a water glass on the table pretty hard. They also crammed in extra people at the table so it felt tight. We never got the salads that usually come before the chef starts cooking, and the espresso martini we ordered never showed up. When we asked about sushi rolls, the waitress didn't seem to know much about that menu either. Overall, the food was decent but the experience wasn't. Between the missing Benihana "show," poor service, and higher prices, it just wasn't worth it. Probably won't be coming back to this location.

78ca5825-fa11-4f78-a0e3-8f9991eb61b7

Zero stars. Unacceptable experience. We had a 7:15 PM reservation and weren't seated until 9:15 PM -- two hours late with no apology, update, or accommodation. We had small children who were hungry and ended up leaving before we were even seated. While waiting, we spent $300 at the bar. Once finally seated, we ordered $125 worth of drinks, then waited another 30 minutes with no chef or food in sight. At that point, we left. The manager's response? Remove one ginger ale from the bill and still charge us $125 for undrunk drinks with no meal. Completely unacceptable. This was during our friend's wedding weekend, and the staff and manager were unprofessional, cold, and completely unhelpful. Avoid this location -- it's poorly managed and customer service is non-existent. The place was also dirty, floor felt soggy and sticky. -I did contact both the manager and main Benihana no response from either.

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Things got off to a rocky start because a massive group of girls from 7-10 years old walked in right behind us. We had reservations for two but apparently the group had priority. That was fine with us because the 35 minute wait gave us a chance to appreciate the noise and the truly nasty carpet that literally sticky to our feet. After several inquiries, we were finally brought to a table, along with two other small parties. From this point things got better, with only a couple small hiccups. Our waitress was fairly new and had some trouble answering some of our questions. She also tended to forget when we asked her for drink refills. It's been awhile since we've had good Japanese food, and the food here did not disappoint. My dinner started with the prickly pear margarita, which was one of the most delicious margaritas I've had in a long time. I would've ordered a second one, but nobody asked if I wanted one. I then ordered the steak yakasoba and my wife had the hibachi salmon. The cook got my yakasoba order mixed up with someone else's order at our table, but he was able to straighten things out without too much drama. For dessert we ordered the banana tempora a-la-mode which we both thought was okay, but tbh we liked the ice cream more than the fried banana. Altogether we were there for 3 1/2 hours, and our experience was mostly enjoyable. The food is truly delicious, but they absolutely need to figure out how to keep the place clean. In addition to the sticky carpet, the bathrooms (both men & women) were a mess and had sticky floors too.

864e59ba-bbf6-420e-88a2-9df8ff7786a5

I love hibachi, I love it even more with a big crowd. Our chef Hi put on a great show and the food was delicious. I made a request to have no lemon in my food and they were happy to oblige. Everything was clean, service was great. The manager stopped by several times to ask how everything was several times. Here's why I have to give this such a low rating, the prices. I've been to many hibachi restaurants and never were any of them as high priced as here. Yes everything was good but the same meal at other options is 1/2 the price. Our reservation was for 2 pm. I expected lunch portion options but they are not offered either. There's also an upcharge if you want fried rice instead of white. I was asked if I wanted a refill on my Diet Pepsi. Typically soda refills are free but here they are not. I found that out when the bill came. Although I really enjoyed the experience, I don't think I'll be returning to Benihana. There are too many others that provide the same great experience at a much lower price point.

463e8f45-8783-49ff-8a6d-91d3f7d81df4

Little confused on where we requested to be seated...at a table. Food was definitely overpriced. Ordered the most basic chardonnay, but stated out, then up charged it seems for next level. Once seated, order put in. Food delivered, but no napkins or silverware. Guess they expected me to eat with my hands and my wife with chopsticks for rice. Had to ask for this. Asked for Sirachia, but brought tabasco. Went up the the bar and got Sirachia for myself.

b076010c-e4fa-4354-9a7f-15279ce773f9

I used to love it here back before covid. However, it has gone so down hill!!! The wait staff is pretty good but tonight was just miserable. We sat at the bar versus doing the teppanyaki table and the food was terrible. It took so long to get out a hibachi shrimp order and two fried rice sides! When the shrimp finally came out it was undercooked and when we asked the manager (Eric) if they could put it back in the grill he flat out said no because we had already tasted a piece. We ate NONE of it and still had to pay $40+. I think we'll make the trip over to Cherry Hill moving forward even if it's over an hour away.

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We celebrated my sister's birthday here, they were able to accommodate 11 of us. The service was super, and the food was good. They were able to do separate checks for some, but for a large party it's normally one check. They were able to do 4 checks for our party. The manager came by to welcome and thank us for choosing them to celebrate at, which was nice. The chef did a good job and they sung and made my Sis feel special. It's a bit on the expensive side. There are so many other habachi style establishments near me for 1/2 the cost and you get the same good service. They can accommodate allergies by cooking your food on a separate grill if applicable. It was clean and the restrooms were clean.

622fcbd0-396d-48b9-9da3-ae258cdd467a

The celebration of my number one rolled over to Saturday at the awesome Benihana. The food was delicious. The service was excellent and the area and staff were very friendly and patience with our large group. They seated us in a very quiet spacious area.

9579d0c0-1fb3-47ee-83ae-6eb1260016b9

First off, this place has gone DOWNHILL. The place is disorganized and staff are not given clear directions to work their area. We had reservation for 7:30 at the lounge and didn't get seated until around 8. Then we waited another 15-20 min to order. Then the drinks didn't come until 10 min after - the soups came 20 min later - they forgot the salads but we didn't even care about those at that point. The entrees themselves were subpar - hubby barely ate his - his shrimp didn't taste fresh. The chicken and filet textures were off.

c9676f86-2fc7-42e1-938d-9bc022294139

Service was very find and funny. We went on a Wednesday night and did not need a reservation, there was plenty of space. We sat in the lounge area, so we didn't get the food made in front of us, nice there were two options. We did the meal for $50 where you get a soup or salad, an appetizer like a sushi roll or dumplings, a main course, and a dessert. It was a lot of food, so it was worth it! Our chef came by to see how we liked our food and was very kind.

Discover Benihana in Plymouth Meeting, PA—an exciting Japanese restaurant offering delicious sushi and hibachi. Book your unforgettable dining experience today.

Benihana Restaurant in Plymouth Meeting, PA | Sushi & Hibachi

Plymouth Meeting

Benihana

Pennsylvania

Explore the full menu at Benihana in Plymouth Meeting. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 508 W Germantown Pike.

Benihana Menu – Food & Drinks in Plymouth Meeting

Learn about Benihana, a premier restaurant located at 508 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Experience Japanese cuisine, vibrant atmosphere & exceptional service.

About Benihana in Plymouth Meeting

Opening hours for Benihana, Plymouth Meeting. Find opening hours for Benihana, Plymouth Meeting on 508 W Germantown Pike.

Benihana Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

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