Benihana - Saginaw, MI

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1. CR

   ChuckR

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We were seated on time. Food was really good and the overall experience was excellent.

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2. JR

   JustinR

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall2food2service3ambience1

   The food was cold and as soon as the cook was done our server wanted us to pay. We didn’t even get our ice cream. My kids were disappointed to say the least. Definitely a very poor experience.

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3. D

   David

   Detroit

   37 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   37 reviews

   Dined on March 10, 2023

   overall2food2service3ambience2

   Service was decent. Person was new but tried hard. Two orders were wrong. The worst rice I have ever had at any Japanese steakhouse. The chef was slow and everyone’s food came out at too many different times. Having been to several places like this I expect it to not flow perfect but it wasn’t really bad.

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4. MW

   MarkW

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 6, 2023

   overall2food2service1ambience1

   Our chef did no tricks. Our server was doing double duty waiting on 3 tables and working as the bartender. So server was slow on getting drinks and other things we needed. The price was double what we usually spend going to a place like this, and we received half the amount of food. All and all I will never go back to any Benihana every again.

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 4, 2023

   overall3food1service4ambience2

   Birthday meal. Wanted to use my offer they sent but small print said only good Sun-Thurs. fried rice is a much smaller portion than previous and up charged for it Shrimp had not fresh taste. Did not enjoy the food

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6. CH

   ChristinaH

   Detroit

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 26, 2023

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   Took an hour for them to come start our food. We had to remind the waitress to bring our rice. The chef forget multiple peoples protein and had to stop to go get it. Took another hour for the food to cook (meanwhile the table next to us had just as many people and was done in 30 min). The “veggies” are just zucchini and onion. The fried rice is bland. Despite going back multiple times for items, they still forgot 2 peoples food and we had to remind him. My MIL didn’t get what she ordered. We brought it to the managers attention and nothing was done to the bill, we had to bring it to her attention AGAIN. None of us got the green tea that’s supposed to come with our meal. Their yum yum sauce tasted like straight mayonnaise. Do yourself a favor and drive 45 min south to Flint for Sagano’s. It’s 100x better and cheaper.

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Northern MI

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The whole thing experience inside the store was fun and delicious. I do have one complaint that is important to address. The handicap ramp has a very large area that prevented me from using it. There was no way around the ice and snow. I had two people holding onto me so I wouldn’t fall, but it was treacherous for everyone. I cannot use steps without intense pain that worsens in my neck, knees, hips, and feet after climbing a couple stairs. I mentioned the ice and snow covered handicap ramp as soon as I arrived inside. By the time I left, TWO HOURS LATER, nothing has changed. That is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE.

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8. NP

   NicoleP

   Detroit

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 18, 2023

   overall4food3service5ambience4

   This locations food was not as flavorful as other Benihana restaurants I’ve visited. The fried rice was bland, the garlic butter was not the same, the chicken was tough. Those at our table who got filet said it was good. We did have great service from the waitress and the at the table chef was pleasant. He just needed to use more seasoning. The sidewalks were not cleared of the snow which made for a tricky walk into the restaurant. Overall, a decent experience. No one brought home their leftovers, which is telling of the flavor of the food. We would not visit this location again given the overall flavor of the food compared to the price.

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9. HW

   HaleyW

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 18, 2023

   overall3food3service3ambience2

   First time trying Benehanas since it reopened. The portion sizes have been cut, but the prices have been raised. Value and portions sizes that were there before are no longer present. In addition for being a “new” restaurant they didn’t upgrade the hibachi tables from the old one. Essentially it was the old Genjis, but with red chairs. They also state they offer a birthday deal, however it is only good for Monday-Thursday and they don’t make that very clear in the offer.

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10. LV

    LindaV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    The food was good, but over priced for the amount you were given. The 2 shrimp for appetizers are cut into small peices, which wasn't the best. The fried rice is an additional cost, and that's the best part!

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11. s

    serviceneedsimprovement

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3

    I have been to several benihana and this was the worst experience I have had yet. Our waitress refilled our tables drinks after they had been empty for over a half hour, and we had to flag her down. She was only taking care of one other table, and they were next to us. That table was also empty for the majority of our stay. She would disappear for forty five minutes at a time, and come back forgetting everything the chef and our table mates asked for. She took an hour to bring us our bills, and those who paid with a debit card waited for another half hour for her to return. The chef had asked us if we had been to benihana before, and the family at our table said no. They had small children, yet he did not put on any kind of show, he just silently cooked our food. Overall, the experience was very sub par and took much too long. I would suggest going to another location for anyone who wants a dinner show or good service.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    2nd time visiting this location since it was changed to Benihana! 2nd disappointment! Hosting staff - uncertain, unorganized Service - had a birthday certificate to use which has restrictions of course BUT because we didn’t print it off they would not give us the credit (kicker was it was expiring the next day which is Valentine’s Day and a restriction on the certificate). Server was apologetic but never offered to send a manager. Food/Chefs- this time was better but seems like the chefs are not consistent. Looking around to other tables each offered different things (additional sauces, more of a show, etc). The price you pay doesn’t match the quality/quantity of food!

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13. C

    Chelle

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    Was 30 minutes after reservation to get to our table. Forgot the white rice, shrimp appetizer was made after entrees. Other couple at our table was rude.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were celebrating my husband's birthday. It was a surprise. The food was delicious. The chef funny, yet professional. Overall we had a wonderful time.

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15. M

    Midlander

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    The food was okay. I wasn’t blown away. A local Japanese steakhouse closed to become Benihana and while food quality was much better, other things were lacking. We ordered a bottle of wine, that they didn’t have. We ordered a different bottle, they didn’t have that either. We went for a third… shockingly…. They didn’t have it. We gave up after that. Our chefs cart was not prepped correctly and he had to ask three or four times for someone to bring him more of what he needed. Because of this, food was served in extremely slow stages and was very cold when the next thing was served. We’ll try again eventually, but it was underwhelming for a first Benihana experience

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16. RC

    RobertC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The business is a recycled p.f.Chang restaurant, old equipment in poor condition, the food is poor quality and extremely expensive. Two dinners cost well over $100! Had to pay extra for fried rice!? Really?! I’ve eaten at the original Benihana in hawaii, that was a great experience, this was sad to say the least…. My meal was cooked and eaten before my wife was served hers and then it wasn’t what she ordered. The food is very plain, very little flavor and absolutely no imagination. DO NOT EAT THERE! You’ll be sorry!

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17. JM

    JennyM

    Northern MI

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Very good. First time there. I have been to Genji and other Japanese steakhouses, and it seems Benihana gives smaller portions of food. Especially rice and vegetables. I will return, but would be nice if there were more rice and vegetables

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The revive was awful! Same owner & staff as Genji. Server didn’t know menu…kept coming back and asking to repeat order. Chef was funny, but just cooked…no show like other Benihana restaurants I’ve visited. Small portions…soup and green tea were cold. Sad they were able to buy a franchise and are ruining the Benihana respiration!

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Great staff cook. Some long delays between courses but that’s part of the experience. Restaurant freezing.

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20. OW

    OnekaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and the food was delicious. We were seated with great people as well…

    Report
21. SH

    ScottH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Requested private dining for my daughters birthday and we were seated in the front of the bar and the entrance to the restaurant and were told that because of fire codes they couldn’t seat us in the private dining (although nobody was in the private dining area). It was freezing being right by the entrance door. The food was very subpar and overpriced for what it is. Our seared tuna was so over cooked it looked like a well done beef steak when it came out. They charge you $5 extra for fried rice instead of steamed rice and extra if you want sauce on your hibachi chicken. They were all out of the majority of beer and the liquor selection was very limited. I was excited to see Benihana associated with the restaurant and hopeful it would improve on the old Genji’s which seems to have declined in popularity and quality over the years. Unfortunately, that was not the case and I will not be back.

    Report
22. SA

    SAMM

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience5

    Food was tasty, but portions were quite small for the meal prices we paid compared to other Japanese steakhouses in the area. Onion soup, salads and meats/seafoods were delicious, however disappointed that the hibachi vegetables were only onion and zucchini (no carrots or yellow squash). I appreciated the chef did not drown our food in garlic butter which made the food much more enjoyable. I ordered extra veggies, never received them, but was still charged. I'll chalk that up to the newness of the restaurant. Overall, underwhelming due to high prices.

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a really great experience and service was really great really recommend going there again.

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24. E

    Elizabeth

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience3

    We got seated and another couple was seated at our table. They then placed a family with a 1 year old and a 4 year old when other tables had kids and they haven’t ordered yet. Also drinks and food took extremely long and the bill took over 20 minutes to receive. Also portions were very small for price but the food was very good

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall1food2service5ambience1

    We requested the dining room and we were seated in the entryway by the bar where everyone else who is doing hibachi dining waits to be seated. I asked to be seated in the back dining area - away from the cold air - since we were right next to the front door - we were told there were “girls”’in there and they didn’t have enough servers. Our server was great - except for charging $17.50 for a glass of wine - which was an error and corrected. The food was ok - not amazing. I was just floored that we had to sit in the restaurant entryway. The drink prices are insane - we drank water and ate a roll - then went elsewhere to have a drink. It was my daughter’s birthday and that is why we went - I would have left when I was so cold I had my coat over my shoulders but we were there for her. I won’t go back.

    Report
26. L

    Lionsfan95

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service. Our chef was really good. First time at this type of restaurant and would go again.

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4

    I will not be

    Report
28. k

    kimk

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    would be nice if more vegetables were included. especially for the price per plate. i think there are other options in the area that are better for the price.

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29. B

    Brian

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4

    Why in the world would you get rid of Genjis for this place. You're going to spend 3 hours here whether you want to or not (most of it will be aimlessly staring at the strangers across from you). Everything is so horrifically spaced out one minute you're smashing on some undercooked Shrimp, next you're picking at your 4 pieces of zucchini, while waiting for your 10 slivers of onion. Unlike most hibachi places you will finish your plate, not because it is so good, but because it is so litte. Then you get the bill after waiting another 30 minutes and have to resist transforming into Mega-Karen as you come to the realization that you have been swindled. I come to you selflessly bearing my heart on my sleeve in hopes that you may never be hurt the way I was. Thank you.

    Report
30. C

    Candace

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    We ordered the filet mignon, scallops and lobster tail. Our steaks were cooked perfectly- medium. The lobster tail and scallops were cooked very well and were delicious! There are some wrinkles that need to be ironed out but that is to be expected. We went the first week they were open in Saginaw. Our meal took 2.5 hours start to finish likely due to the newer staff and menu. We were surprised to see that the gratuity was added automatically to our bill. I think that people may be expecting the food to be exactly like the former Genji's but understand that this is not Genji's anymore. The soup, salad dressing, fried rice, veggies were all different as was the Yum Yum sauce. We still enjoyed our dinner though!

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Our server was attentive and the chef at our table was fun and skilled. My 8 year old already asked this morning when we can go back!

    Report
32. MR

    MatthewR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    Not worth the price at all! Cost my wife and I $130 and we don't drink alcohol also without any appetizers just the meals and 2 pops. Genjis was a much better value and bigger proportions always left with enough for lunch the next day and didn't leave still hungry.

    Report
33. J

    Justgoingout

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    It was opening night so I am praying it only gets better over time. I did not like the fact that each meal was cooked separately. So by the time the last person got their meal, the first person was done eating and waiting. Hopefully, they figure out how to make it work so all meals are cooked together. The wait staff and chefs were very personable, which made it a better dining experience.

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