Benihana Japanese Steakhouse

Benihana is pretty much the same no matter where you go. I found this one to be on a par with the one in San Francisco's Japan Town, although I think that one is a bit nicer. The service was good and the food is what you would expect...cooke ... more

Benihana is pretty much the same no matter where you go. I found this one to be on a par with the one in San Francisco's Japan Town, although I think that one is a bit nicer. The service was good and the food is what you would expect...cooked at your table with a lot of "show" from the person preparing it. I was with a party of four and there was another couple sharing the table with us who were having saki shots and getting rather drunk. The tables are large so you do not have initmate dinners of two or four, you usually share with others that you do not know if your party is not large enough to fill a table. Overall though it was a nice place to go...but I am not sure if I'd go there again. less

The Benihana Reno is located in the newly remodeled hotel, formerly the Flamingo and now the "Golden Phoenix" and the whole place has been upgraded. Perhaps the Benihana has been, too, as the above reviews do not come close to describing ... more

The Benihana Reno is located in the newly remodeled hotel, formerly the Flamingo and now the "Golden Phoenix" and the whole place has been upgraded. Perhaps the Benihana has been, too, as the above reviews do not come close to describing my experience. I decided to take my wife out for a romantic get away and we stayed at the Golden Phoenix for their room and show special rate. On Friday evening we went to the Benihana without reservations and after just an eight minute wait, our table was ready. A waiter was there within minutes to take our drink and dinner orders. My wife ordered the Benihana Special ($30.95) and I ordered the Chef's Special ($38.95) with tenderloin, scallops, shrimp and lobster accompanied with the grilled vegetables and steamed rice. <br> Another party of four joined us at our table/grill. In typical Benihana style, the grill chef arrived with the makings for our dinners just a few minutes later. As one of the other party ordered a side of fried rice, the chef began with that. The flying knife, spatula, food and repartee were constant. The chef's banter was funny, his presentation and meals were delicious. During the meal, Patrick Lau the manager, came by to check that our meals were properly served and tasty. The decor was authentic and beautiful. The chef, waitstaff, and manager were truly concerned that our dining experience was memorable. <br> Our experience was obviously different from the previous reviewers. Perhaps the place has improved along with the remodeling of the hotel. Perhaps we just had a better chef (unlikely). More likely, we came with the expectation to pay a little more for an authentic and special meal and evening. We were not disappointed in the least. less