Benihana - San Diego, CA

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   vip
   1.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   This was the worst dining experience we have ever had. It took over 30 minutes past our reservation to be seated. And then another hour and 45 minutes for the chef to get to our table. The food was subpar and the place was way too over crowded.

   Report
2. MS

   MikeS

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   overall1food2service2ambience1

   Very dated and tired restaurant. Way over priced for poor quality and depressing vibe. It’s time to refresh or pack it up.

   Report
3. ML

   MichelleL

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall1food3service4ambience2

   We made a reservation at 7:15pm and we were informed when we arrived that once we sit down that we wouldn’t have a chef coming to our grill for 2 1/2 hour’s because they were under staffed.

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   We were seated for almost an hour, before being told that there were 7 tables before ours and only 5 cooks, and it would be approximately 2 more hours before a cook would be available.. We left and went to Shoguns and got right in and had a fabulous dinner, despite Benihana wasting two hours of my birthday evening..

   Report
5. MR

   MarcyR

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   When we were informed that we would have to wait 2 hours for a chef, we decided to stay and wait it out. Our waitress was beyond helpful, informative, service excellent bringing us our drinks, soup, salad, appetizers all in a timely manner. She kept us informed as to our wait time. She was so engaging and when she came to us and told us we would have a chef to our table in 5 minutes we were thrilled. We did not have to wait the 2 hours and more like a little over an hour and because of her service it went by quickly. We found out our Chef who had already worked a full day decided to serve one last table which was ours, we were so grateful and he had to be one of the best Chef's you had - he was that good. He gave us his all and we are so appreciate. Thank you to the Chef and the waitress who served our table.

   Report
6. NN

   NadjaN

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall3food4service3ambience1

   Unfortunately waiting time for a chef was about 2 hours what made the stay unorganised. We got a free sushi roll for apology

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food5service4ambience5

   Food and drinks were amazing. They were short staffed, so it took a long time to get service and the food courses to thr table. But our waitress did hee best and the experience was still great.

   Report
8. GH

   GordonH

   San Diego

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   Staff seemed disorganized and service was lacking, also the decor was dated and worn. But the chef and food were good.

   Report
9. B

   Britt

   San Francisco

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall2food3service1ambience2

   Our chef didn’t start cooking until seventy minutes after reservation time

   Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 1 day ago

   Dear Britt 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
10. CV

    CatarinaV

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience4

    Everything was amazing, food was delicious, but unfortunately the server didn’t tell us there was a happy hour going on. Because of that my friends and I spent 3 hours having drinks that were not on the happy hour while we could had enjoyed it paying less. It was really disappointing

    Report
11. F

    Felicia

    San Diego

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing place for a birthday. All the workers were nice, happy and full of energy. The food was perfect, and you get so much to eat. We all left there happy and full.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 1 day ago

    Dear Felicia Thank you for celebrating your special occasion with the Benihana team!

    Report
12. v

    veronicaikeda

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Such amazing quality of food! Is truly a dinner and a show and the drinks were excellent! Brad was our chef and he was quite funny as well, our waitress(whose name I can’t remember) but was so incredibly attentive and sweet. We would definitely go back.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 2 days ago

    Dear veronicaikeda Your feedback is appreciated. We are pleased to hear we were able to create a great memory for you!

    Report
13. T

    Tireguy99

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful dining experience. Food was really good as was the service.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 2 days ago

    Dear Tireguy99 We are happy you enjoyed the experience! Come back soon!

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Got a call 30 min before our reservation time stating there would be a 2 hour wait!! How is that even possible? Cook got our order wrong, even after repeating it back to is correctly. Food was in seasoned and mediocre. We love Beni but this experience was HORRIBLE. We won’t be back for awhile.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 2 days ago

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

    Report
15. CH

    CarrieH

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience2

    We arrived for our reservation on time and was told immediately we would be seated at our table on time but there would be a 2 hour wait until the chef even arrived at our table to start preparing our food. The hostess said we could order drink and appetizers while we waited. That was very upsetting telling us we could spend more money while we we waited 2 hours for someone to come cook our food. We ended up walking out and went to eat somewhere else. This has happened twice in the past with this restaurant so it’s not something new. They should not offer reservations if they can not keep up. I will not be going back anymore in the future.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear CarrieH On behalf of our team here at Benihana, we would like to sincerely apologize for your recent visit with us. With your feedback, we look forward to improving the guest experience and would like to thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website

    Report
16. CB

    ClaraB

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Didn’t get to eat since there was a 90min or more wait for food due to staff shortage. They could have called folks that had reservations to let them know that they were short handed. Drove a ways to turn around and try to find another place to eat. Disappointed in management.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear ClaraB 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
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service3ambience2

    We had the worst dining experience. We made a reservation and it turned out they were short staffed. When we checked in they informed us it would be at least an hour wait until our chef would start preparing our food. We agreed to still be sat. As soon as we were sat, the server informed us it was going to be 2 hours until a chef could get to us. We decided to just eat at the sushi kitchen as we were informed it would only take about 25 mins to get our food. It took about 45 mins for our food to come. Our server was not around at all. When our food finally came it was cold and the veggies were extremely soggy. No mushrooms were included it was just zucchini and onion. My husband upgraded to the chicken fried rice which I saw them pull out of a rice cooker that half the time the lid was up. It looked like it was 3 days old and my husband said it was horrible. My husband had to ask for the ice cream that came with his meal. He asked for vanilla and was brought rainbow sherbet. We were going out for a nice birthday meal for myself and a homecoming dinner for my husband as he has been deployed out of the country for months. They staff did not sing happy birthday to me but I watched them sing to about 5 other people while we were there dining. My husbands meal also came with green tea that was never brought either. Overall it was a HORRIBLE dining experience and we will not being eating at Benihana San Diego ever again. I wasted $40 on a babysitter for my children for the night and the it was a sad birthday and homecoming dinner to say the least.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Guest 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
18. NK

    NickK

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Do not go to this location until they get things under control!! Was supposed to be my birthday dinner with the family. We checked in and were seated as usual. Our drink orders were taken. Server comes back and says, "Oh did they tell you when you checked in that we're short on chefs this evening and it's actually an hour 1.5 to 2-hour wait now? We were starving and left. Manager apologized and said it's more like a 2.5 hour wait. I understand staff shortages, but why even take reservations? Why not contact those who have reservations and warn them of the wait? Why wait until seated and then spring the news on the customer? Poorly handled all-around!

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear NickK 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
19. AB

    AdrianaB

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food5service1ambience1

    We sat at a table for 30 minutes before our order was taken, then waited an additional 1.5 hours for the chef to come to our table and begin cooking. Once finished with our meal, it took the server another 20 minutes to take the dessert order, another 15 for him to bring single scoops of ice cream, and then another 35 minutes before the checks finally came. All told, we were at the restaurant 3.5 hours. Yes, we did complain several times, but were just apologized to and not offered any explanation, nor was the problem rectified. Will never return to this location again.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear AdrianaB We apologize for your recent visit. To better assist you, please contact our team via the Contact Us page on our website.

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Came for my birthday: we had a reservation from 5:15 pm. Got there on time and seated: the server comes by, takes our drink orders and food and THEN comes back after giving us soup and salad and says “by the way we are short staffed and it’s a 1.5-2hr wait for your chef” what!??? So we are like no, that’s crazy we can’t stay. They then tried to charge us for our uncooked meals we never got because we ate the soup and salad! Insane. We had two small kids with us, that were super excited! They should have at least had the respect to tell us before seating us! Or called us since we had a reservation.. it was so disrespectful!!! I understand staffing shortages, but they handled this in the WORST way.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Guest 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
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    We love this place ! Piña 🍍 damn boy u make us laugh the entire time and you earned it a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, thank you so much.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Guest We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the dining experience!

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    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!

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 4 days ago

    Dear Guest We appreciate you dining with Benihana, thank you for the kind words!

    Report
23. LM

    LizzM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food4service2ambience1

    They stuck us in the back in some little tiny room with four tables in it and the AC on blast the servers forget about you back there our chef was good that was the only selling point

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear LizzM On behalf of our team here at Benihana, we sincerely apologize for your experience and 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 so that we can further address this matter. 

    Report
24. BV

    BeverlyV

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days 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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 4 days ago

    Dear BeverlyV Your feedback is appreciated. We will be sure to share your kind words with the team.

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days 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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 4 days ago

    Dear Guest We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the dining experience!

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    So unorganized. Lost our reservation. Had to settle for 1hr and half wait. Excuse was unexpected graduation traffic.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 1 day ago

    Dear Guest On behalf of our team here at Benihana, we sincerely apologize for your experience and 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 so that we can further address this matter. 

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days 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

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Guest On behalf of our team here at Benihana, we would like to sincerely apologize for your recent visit with us. With your feedback, we look forward to improving the guest experience and would like to thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website

    Report
28. D

    Donna

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We had a 3:00 pm reservation. Waited 45 minutes to get seated and then was told chef was running late & would be another hour. We left without eating.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 1 day ago

    Dear Donna 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
29. N

    Nydiah

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Wait was too long. Food was a bit burnt.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Nydiah We apologize for your recent visit. To better assist you, please contact our team via the Contact Us page on our website.

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always such a pleasant experience love the cooks and all staff is friendly make reservations before u go other then that’s I alway enjoy

    Report
31. DG

    DebbieG

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear DebbieG On behalf of our team here at Benihana, we would like to sincerely apologize for your recent visit with us. With your feedback, we look forward to improving the guest experience and would like to thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. If you would like to get in touch with our team, please do so via the Contact Us page on our website

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 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
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 4 days ago

    Dear Guest We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the dining experience!

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    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 .

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 5 days ago

    Dear Guest We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the dining experience!

    Report
35. B

    Butterflygal

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

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

    Report
36. SM

    SuziM

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

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

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 5 days ago

    Dear SuziM Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We are happy to hear that you had a great experience.

    Report
37. U

    Unsatisfied

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    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

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 3 days ago

    Dear Unsatisfied 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
38. i

    iluvnobu

    Hawaii

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    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!

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 4 days ago

    Dear iluvnobu Thank you for celebrating your special occasion with the Benihana team!

    Report
39. DA

    DANETTEM

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    My birthday

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 5 days ago

    Dear DANETTEM Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the special occasion!

    Report
40. CS

    CristalS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    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.

    Benihana - San Diego, CAResponded 5 days ago

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

    Report