Benihana - Cupertino

Unfortunately, my entire family experienced stomach discomfort after our visit. We found the portion sizes to be insufficient given the price we paid.

We made a reservation but ended up waiting over 20 minutes, and by the time we started eating, it was another 40 minutes. The restaurant was quite dirty, the food was average and overpriced, with the entertainment being more enjoyable than the actual meal. The waitress had a rather unpleasant attitude, and the restrooms were in terrible condition. Overall, this place is definitely not worth a visit.

I had a wonderful dining experience at the restaurant. The food was excellent all around. I highly recommend the Hibachi Supreme—it was a fantastic choice. The Chateaubriand was outstanding and cooked to perfection, just the way I like it: medium rare. The lobster tail was good, and the scallops were exceptional. For dessert, the chocolate ice cream and rainbow sherbet were both delightful. Next time, I’ll be sure to ask for extra dressing on the salad! The Shrimp Tempura was superb and not greasy at all. The cooking show was very entertaining, and the staff was attentive throughout our visit. However, some wines and a tequila were out of stock. We definitely plan to return soon, especially since I noticed they have a happy hour that I want to try next time!

The service was simply lacking; our water wasn’t refilled, and when we asked for additional salad dressing along with other requests, there was no follow-up. Towards the end of the evening, we waited for the waiter to return. We were left sitting until 11:45 PM, still waiting to order our desserts that should have come with the meal. It was a three-hour fiasco. We found it difficult to enjoy our meal with cleaning happening all around us, creating a very unpleasant atmosphere. We finally left at midnight. While the food itself is excellent, the poor service makes it not worth the trouble.

My top picks are the filet mignon steak and the fried chicken rice. The experience of having a chef cook at your table is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. While the food quality isn't the absolute best, the overall atmosphere and vibe of the restaurant are outstanding. Having your own personal chef adds an element of fun to the meal. It’s best to go with a large group so you can fully enjoy the chef's performance. The flaming onions were a highlight!